Gilead to Receive State Funding For Emergency Generators For Adolescent Group Home in Middletown

From the office of Matt Lesser
-----------------
State Representative Matt Lesser, who represents Durham, Middlefield and Middletown in the Connecticut General Assembly, announced $19,000 in state aid for two facilities owned by Middletown-based Gilead Community Services.

The state grants, to be formally approved in a meeting of the State Bonding Commission on January 27, will provide emergency backup generators for two adolescent group homes, one in Middletown and the other in Old Saybrook.

“We are thrilled to receive this funding; the timing couldn’t be better with the weather we have been having,” said Barry Simon, Gilead’s Executive Director. “Power outages for these homes require emergency planning to maintain the health and safety for the children we serve. To maintain a safe environment and avoid emergency relocation is a wonderful thing. Things like this really make a difference and allow us to improve lives and build futures.”

State law requires that the homes be evacuated after four hours in the event of a power outage.

"This funding will provide critical continuity of care for adolescents and young adults receiving psychiatric services," Rep. Lesser said. "I am proud of the work Gilead and other non-profit providers do throughout Middlesex County."

The two homes receiving grants are the Baldwin Home in Middletown and the Anchorage House in Old Saybrook, both funded by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF). The two homes provide community based programs to provide psychiatric services to youth age 14 through 21. The youth attend school or work programs and are taught skills to assist them in the transition to young adulthood.