Old Saybrook Launches “Old Saybrook Cares" Grant Program

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MEDIA CONTACT
Carl Fortuna, First Selectman
(860) 395-3133 or (860) 883-1132

OLD SAYBROOK LAUNCHES “OLD SAYBROOK CARES” GRANT PROGRAM

Town Residents Impacted by COVID-19 are Encouraged to Apply for a Grant

OLD SAYBROOK, CT (June 30, 2020) – The Town of Old Saybrook announced today that is has launched an ad-hoc town committee called “Old Saybrook Cares” that was founded to assist town residents affected by COVID-19.  Old Saybrook residents can apply for a grant up to $1,500 to be used for food, housing, utilities, child care or transportation costs related to job layoffs and/or unemployment due to COVID-19.

"We are thrilled to be launching Old Saybrook Cares for the benefit of our residents,” said Carl Fortuna, First Selectman of the Town of Old Saybrook.  “I am proud to say that 100% of the funds raised through the Old Saybrook Cares program will benefit town residents affected by COVID-19. We are a generous town and the time is now to help our fellow citizens. I am also thankful to the Old Saybrook Cares committee for their volunteer efforts in making Old Saybrook's response to this health crisis a model for other communities to follow."

Old Saybrook residents who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply for an Old Saybrook Cares grant and can visit www.middlesexunitedway.org/oldsaybrookcares for more information. Applications will be reviewed and rewarded on a first come-first served basis.  The first round of grants will be distributed by the end of August.

To qualify for an Old Saybrook Cares Grant:

  • Applicant must be a resident of Old Saybrook, CT
  • Funds are to be used for basic needs (food, housing, utilities, childcare or transportation costs) related to job layoffs and/or unemployment due to COVID-19
  • Applicant may request up to $1,500
  • Only one grant will be awarded per household

Applications can be dropped off at the Old Saybrook Town Hall, emailed to oldsaybrookcares@oldsaybrookct.gov or mailed to: OS CARES Committee c/o Town Hall, 302 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475.  All applications will be reviewed and considered.

The Old Saybrook Cares program was born from the town’s Long Term Recovery Committee (LTRC) which brings together our local government, voluntary agencies, community and faith-based organizations, philanthropy and private sector partners to assist with the pandemic response and recovery effort. The LTRC will pull together local resources to meet the needs of town residents, identify gaps and communicate, if necessary, with the State of Connecticut for a response.

The Steering Committee members include town residents, Mark Ricciardelli, Ashley Smelser, Leigh Morant and Kristen Roberts.   The Committee’s goal is to raise $100,000 in order to address the ongoing needs of as many Old Saybrook residents as possible.  The Committee received a matching grant of $30,000 from From You Flowers located in Old Saybrook. 

“We are proud to make this donation to help the residents of Old Saybrook where many of our employees live and work,” said Mike Chapin, President and CEO of From You Flowers.  “We  hope that this matching grant motivates others to donate to this important program to help even more Old Saybrook residents in their time of need.”

For more information or to make a tax deductible donation visit www.middlesexunitedway.org/oldsaybrookcares or checks can be mailed to Old Saybrook Cares Committee, c/o Town Hall, 302 Main St., Old Saybrook, CT 06475.

About From You Flowers

From You Flowers® is owned and operated by partners with over 35 years of combined experience in the floral industry. It is a member of the multiple florist networks and has delivery capabilities worldwide via their affiliation with over 20,000 premier florists from around the world. It currently employs full and part time employees including, Customer Service Representatives, Managers and Supervisors (day, night and weekend).Carl Fortuna, First Selectman
(860) 395-3133 or (860) 883-1132