Social Services

. . . Neighbors helping Neighbors

Our office is open during normal business hours to assist you.
Please contact us at 203-775-7312 for an appointment. There is a drop box outside the Senior Center where you can leave paperwork.                                                                                                

Mission Statement

The Brookfield Social Services Department provides assistance to individuals and families of all ages who live in Brookfield. The department offers services and referrals as well as assistance in applying for local, state and federal social services programs. Our mission is to help residents meet basic human needs while providing support and services to maximize independence.  

Brookfield Social Services and Brookfield Food Pantry are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination on any basis including, but not limited to, race, creed, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, or physical defects.

Current Newsletter

Energy Assistance

Energy Assistance for heating is available through CEAP (Connecticut Energy Assistance Program), a federally funded program. Eligibility is based on gross income plus assets for all household members. We take applications from residents annually, beginning in September. Other forms of energy assistance, such as Operation Fuel, the Salvation Army Fund and the Brookfield Emergency Fund, may be available to eligible residents.

 

Contributions to the Emergency Fund are used to assist town clients in times of need to avert possible crisis situations. Most of the residents we help are facing temporary challenges due to job loss, ill health, divorce or ever-increasing energy costs. Our limited assistance is often enough to help a family regain its self-sufficiency. To donate, mail a check (payable to the Brookfield Social Services Emergency Fund) to: 

Brookfield Social Services
100 Pocono Road
Brookfield, CT 06804                     

Brookfield Food Pantry   

The pantry, located in Town Hall, serves residents in need by offering a variety of food, household and personal hygiene items. Contributions from individuals and families, local churches, organizations, clubs and businesses make this possible. Social Services staff screen prospective clients for eligibility to document their need for assistance. We ask residents to verify income, assets, residency and their financial situation. By saving money on groceries, clients can focus on other essential financial needs, such as an electric bill or car repair.

Volunteers are available at the pantry to accept donations on Monday and Friday mornings from 10:00 a.m. - noon. However, donations can be accepted at any time by calling the Senior Center at 203-775-5308.

Please call if you want to plan a food drive.

Pantry Shopping List - we always need the following items:
· Canned vegetables/beans
· Paper products
· Cleaning and laundry supplies
· Toiletries
· Canned soup, ravioli, chili, stews, tuna fish
· Cereal/oatmeal
· All types of pasta and sauces
· Coffee
· Condiments

You can find the current requested items on Facebook listed under Brookfield, CT Food Pantry.

The pantry is a member of the Connecticut Food Bank. By shopping at the food bank, our purchasing power increases exponentially. The pantry is located in Town Hall and is managed and operated by dedicated volunteers.

If you are interested in volunteering or in learning more about our programs, please call 203-775-7312 or email the pantry manager at:
brookfieldfoodpantry@gmail.com.

Holiday Programs

We believe the holidays should be a special time for everyone. The focus of our Holiday Program is to make every effort that all of our neighbors share in the joy of the season. Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas Giving Programs highlight our town’s strong community involvement. Generous doors supply items necessary for a joyous Thanksgiving for all our Food Pantry clients. For Christmas and Hanukkah, families are matched with donors to ensure that each family member receives something special. If you would like more information on supporting our Holiday Programs, please call 203-775-7312.

Back-to-School Program

Donations to the Brookfield Social Services Emergency Fund from individuals, families, neighborhoods, the Salvation Army, the Brookfield Lions Club and local churches and organizations make the Back-to-School Program possible. The goal is to help local children have a good start to the school year.

Free and Reduced Lunch Program 2023-2024

Free and Reduced Lunch Application forms can be downloaded from the forms below or can be obtained at the main office in your child's school.


If you would like to have your information shared with the specific other programs listed on Addendum A, please fill out that form and return it with the Family Application.
Husky Insurance information can be found on, Addendum B.For more information regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP),  please follow the instructions on Addendum C.

Free and Reduced priced Lunch Application 2023/2024 - English 

Free and Reduced priced Lunch Application 2023/2024 - Spanish

Completed Free and Reduced Lunch Program Application, should be returned to:

Brookfield Board of Education
Attn: Joan Reynolds
P.O. Box 5194
Brookfield, CT 06804
 

If you have any questions, please contact: Joan Reynolds at (203) 775-7627.

Support for Seniors

We assist seniors with a number of important programs, including Social Security, Medicare, housing and long-term care. We also help seniors review their annual enrollment in Medicare Supplemental Insurance, Advantage Plans and Part D prescription plans.

There also is a Municipal Agent for the Elderly who can answer many questions seniors have and provide information for acquiring needed services. The Municipal Agent can be reached at 203-775-7312.

Behavioral and Community Support Services:

The Behavioral Health Liaison serves as the bridge to financial, behavioral, and physical health programs that are available to members of the Brookfield community. This position provides short-term case management, wellness visits, program information, and help with finding and obtaining necessary resources. If you, or someone you know may benefit from these services, please contact Benjamin Ferrie at 203-775-5237.

Nondiscrimination Statement:

Nondiscrimination Statement In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Compla... 508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Staff Contacts

Name Title Phone
Ellen Melville Director 203-775-5308
Amy Diezemann Program Coordinator 203-775-5308
Kathy Creighton Administrator 203-775-5308
Ryan Soto Social Services Coordinator 203-775-7312
Ben Ferrie Behavioral Health Liaison 203-775-5237