HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) – Funding has consistently been an issue for nonprofits.
These grants will help improve services and help people live better lives.
Czes Dzierlatka works at Community Mental Health Affiliates in New Britain as a recovery coach.
“People come in at their rock bottom, they say I don’t trust this person, this person is not going to help me,” he said.
Dzierlatka connects those with mental health issues and addiction with needed counseling and affordable housing.
7,300 people a year benefit from services at CMHA, which has 40 different programs.
“We have made the biggest investment for not for profits in mental health in the history of the state – I hope that’s making a difference,” said Governor Ned Lamont.
These nonprofits provide services to some of the state’s most vulnerable. Lamont is pledging $35.5 million in state grants.
CMHA will get more than $1 million for affordable housing. 15-to-18-year-old adults with mental and physical disabilities live at the New Britain facility.
The building will now be able to be bought and needed repairs will be made.
“Long term underfunding has made it difficult to impossible for community nonprofits to make capital improvements. These grants will make many much-needed projects a reality,” says The Alliance, a statewide advocacy group for community nonprofits.
For Dzierlatka, this is more than a job. He was once at rock bottom from alcohol abuse.
Two years into his recovery at CMHA, he chose a new path and now helps others.
“My job is very rewarding. Me knowing that out of say five people one person that want they help they need and the services they need is very rewarding,” he said.
Over the past four years, the state has provided more than $1 billion in funding for nonprofits. The new funding will be distributed to dozens of organizations around the state.
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