It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic James J. Barry Bandshell gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Meriden, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Always Best Care Senior Services have been wonderful to work with, they sent us Michael,”
“Five stars is not enough to recommend the service Always Best Care provides!! Our situation”
“A sincere, heartfelt "thank you" to Sky and Ruth and the team at ABC. ”
“Outstanding organization and staff! I have had the privilege to work with Cynthia Montano”
“I would like to say how wonderful Carol May is with my uncle. She”
“I just wanted to take a moment and tell you that we so much appreciate”
“I’m leaving a five star review for Nellie. She is the most caring caregiver I”
“I would recommend Always Best Care to anyone looking to set up home care for”
“Always Best Care has been wonderful to work with , very prompt and responsive. ”
“We had the most wonderful experience with Always Best Care. Cynthia was an answer to our”
“I am so appreciative for the time, patience, and insight that Cynthia Montano provided to”
“I am a current client of this provider They help me out a lot and things”
“This review is for Bernadette. She is exceptionally competent. You can feel how caring she”
“This review is for Bernadette. She is exceptionally competent. You can feel how caring she is”
“We are very happy with my sister's companion, Anne Sumner, and the services that Always”
“Tosha, There are no words accurately quantify my family’s appreciation for you. You are undoubtedly”
“I am a current client of this provider His caregiver is wonderful. She helps keep him”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped us the most by always calling”
“I am a current client of this provider When my caregiver was sick or going on”
“We are 3 weeks into working with this agency for homecare for my dad. There”
“Our caregiver Anne Sumner is more than a passionate, compassionate, caring, dependable and dedicated professional.”
“I am a current client of this provider He is very difficult, but he is getting”
“Cynthia Montano is the amazing from Always Best Care. Cynthia has helped my parents and”
“I just want to thank ABC agency for allowing us our angel giver which is”
“Always Best Care Senior Services have been wonderful to work with, they sent us Michael, Michael has now been caring for my Dad for a few months now, totally reliable and such a peace of mind for the family that he's there. Dad just loves him. I don't think we could have found a better fit for Dad. Michael cares about Dad as if he was family. Thank you for making this time in Dad's life so much happier and giving his family such peace of mind. Linda Lee”
“Five stars is not enough to recommend the service Always Best Care provides!! Our situation was quite desperate when I contacted them to provide a live in care giver for my mother in law. Denise, more than understood our situation when I called. I contacted ABC earlier in the day and by evening, she was at my mother in law’s home and matched us with a wonderful care giver! Rosina immediately bonded with my mother in law!! The professionalism and compassion Rosina showed was beyond measure. She never left her side and kept us well informed as my mother in law was unfortunately and quickly approaching end of life…..Rosina even stayed with us through the process as my mother in law left her home one last time…….Much Appreciation from The Cotrona Family!!”
“A sincere, heartfelt "thank you" to Sky and Ruth and the team at ABC. Sky and Ruth were amazing, patient, kind, and caring with my father during a very difficult time at the end of his life. I know my dad appreciated it, and the entire family says a big "THANK YOU" for the tremendous care that you provided. Having your help made things so much easier on my mother and the family.”
“Outstanding organization and staff! I have had the privilege to work with Cynthia Montano and to witness the care, attention and professionalism she provides to her clients. Cynthia represents her company with pride and truly provides services to her clients with their needs above all else. Anyone in need of services for their loved one will be fortunate, pleased and grateful to work with Cynthia Montano and Always Best Care.”
“I would like to say how wonderful Carol May is with my uncle. She is very caring and understanding with my 94 year old single uncle. Not an easy job , but she is able to help him in so many ways. Carol is very reliable, trust worthy, and compassionate. We are lucky to have her! I would also like to give Tia in the office a huge compliment! She is really on her game if an issue comes up she is on top of things. It is hard to find good help, she foresee problems and handles things efficiently. Our experience has been very positive!”
“I just wanted to take a moment and tell you that we so much appreciate Yolanda. She comes to our home weekly for light cleaning and she is a breath of fresh air. Every Friday she brightens our home with her presence. Yolanda also does a wonderful job taking care Of our home. Please let her know how much we appreciate her. Brad Nelson”
“I’m leaving a five star review for Nellie. She is the most caring caregiver I have ever worked with my husband is disabled and she is so kind and treats him and both of us like family. She makes sure he eats properly cleans, and spend special time with my husband. You are very, very lucky to have such a great worker I know because I work with other agencies for my mother and you can’t find someone who cares for someone like Nellie does. She should be recognized and rewarded for her efforts. She is never late never calls and is always positive and friendly. I look forward to seeing her every day and consider her family, thank you Beth and Scott Albertson”
“I would recommend Always Best Care to anyone looking to set up home care for their loved ones. Within 1 hour of initial contact, Denise was at my home to gain an understanding of my needs. The very next day, Sharon began working with me and I couldn't be more pleased. Sharon is friendly and helpful and I will miss her now that I no longer need home care services. If you are looking for a home care agency that assures skilled aides and good communication and oversight, look no further than Always Best Care!”
“Always Best Care has been wonderful to work with , very prompt and responsive. Angela , my mom's home health aid has been so patient and caring - just what we were hoping and looking for! Would highly recommend!!”
“We had the most wonderful experience with Always Best Care. Cynthia was an answer to our prayers ????”
“I am so appreciative for the time, patience, and insight that Cynthia Montano provided to my brother and me in helping us transition our mother from independent to assisted living. Cynthia educated us about the various “models” of assisted living communities in an effort to ascertain the appropriate level of support required for our mom. She was sensitive to finances and lifestyle preference. Cynthia has a network of relationships among assisted living facilities, and always did hands on research before presenting us with options to tour. She is truly a professional. Cynthia has generously made herself available to brainstorm, as we begin to think about eventual next steps. Thank you, Cynthia.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help me out a lot and things I can't do, they help me. I like that they are prompt and always on time.”
“This review is for Bernadette. She is exceptionally competent. You can feel how caring she is for her patient and for the entire family. Self directed.”
“This review is for Bernadette. She is exceptionally competent. You can feel how caring she is for her patient and for the entire family. Self directed.”
“We are very happy with my sister's companion, Anne Sumner, and the services that Always Best Care provides!”
“Tosha, There are no words accurately quantify my family’s appreciation for you. You are undoubtedly the kindest, caring, compassionate competent care giver there is. You’ve treated my father and my whole family with a loving heart. We will forever be grateful for making this difficult time easier. We love having you a part of our family.”
“I am a current client of this provider His caregiver is wonderful. She helps keep him from being depressed and she's always asking if he took his medications. I would like to see more consistent communication.”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped us the most by always calling and checking in on us. I like that they're always able to find someone for us.”
“I am a current client of this provider When my caregiver was sick or going on vacation, they reached out to me. I like their caregivers they send.”
“We are 3 weeks into working with this agency for homecare for my dad. There were a few bumps in the road, but we have hit the jackpot with two of our caregivers. Melissa Pericas and Jordene have been amazing! My mother has been struggling with having strangers in her home and letting someone else take care of her husband, but these two lovely women have melded into the family and put her completely at ease. They are both very experienced and are doing and amazing job. My mom is able to put the caregiving into their capable hands and focus on being his wife and spend valuable time with him. These ladies both deserve 5 stars!! I rated the agency with 4 stars because we had some scheduling issues in the beginning and had one caregiver that was problematic, but he was removed from our schedule as soon as I reported the issue.”
“Our caregiver Anne Sumner is more than a passionate, compassionate, caring, dependable and dedicated professional. She quickly became a family member and friend.”
“I am a current client of this provider He is very difficult, but he is getting better. He is happier than he has ever been. I like that they are very responsive.”
“Cynthia Montano is the amazing from Always Best Care. Cynthia has helped my parents and us with this transition process. She has been wonderful explaining everything. If we had questions or just needed to talk about what is going on with the parents she was there to help. She goes above and beyond. She has help us tremendously. I feel blessed for having Cynthia during this time. Our family would like to say thank you for everything. We couldn't have done it without her.”
“I just want to thank ABC agency for allowing us our angel giver which is what we call her. Shay is a life saver without her I'll be running like a chicken with my head cut off. She has stepped in and saved the day numerous times between changing her schedule to work with ours, to even making sure Steve visits his wife grave. We appreciate her please don't take her from us steve would be devastated. She's amazing”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Hubbard Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Violi's Restaurant or visit Meriden Traffic Control Tower, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Meriden, CT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Meriden, CT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Meriden, CT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Support continues to grow for a high school senior who was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, just days before his graduation.The student missed the ceremony last night, but his classmates aren't letting that stop them from showing their support.Fellow classmates, priests, community members and even teachers from Maloney High School marched two miles on ...
Support continues to grow for a high school senior who was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, just days before his graduation.
The student missed the ceremony last night, but his classmates aren't letting that stop them from showing their support.
Fellow classmates, priests, community members and even teachers from Maloney High School marched two miles on Meriden’s East Main Street in support of the student.
"We're all human. We all have the same blood,” Maloney High School alum Malcolm Villegas said.
"America is a melting pot. This is what we've been taught since we've been in elementary school,” Dallon Maloney, who graduated from Maloney High School Tuesday, said.
Former Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a social media post earlier this week that the student, who is a minor, and his father were detained by ICE during a standard immigration hearing last week and are now in a detention facility in another state.
He would have graduated with the Maloney High School class of 2025.
"It was devastating to not see him there yesterday,” Maloney said.
Students wore stickers and bracelets in a show of support during the ceremony and took to the streets with signs and chants the next morning.
Some educators from Maloney High School joined in, too.
"All of us teachers, we recognize the fact that they put in the work, they deserve to be able to be part of that,” Chad Cardillo, a social studies teacher and a Meriden city councilor, said.
Many told us the student is known as someone well respected by his teachers and peers.
"He was an awesome classmate, he worked really hard, he was an honor roll student,” Cardillo, sharing what he’s heard about the student, said.
The city has said they're working to bring the student back to Connecticut, and say they plan to host a private graduation ceremony for him upon his arrival.
Meriden’s delegation is speaking out, too.
In a statement Wednesday evening, Sen. Jan Hochadel, Rep. Hilda E. Santiago, Rep. Michael D. Quinn and Rep. Jonathan W. Fazzino said they are outraged for the student and his family.
“An honor roll student, competitive athlete, and an active member of the school community, he exemplifies the very mission of our school system...Earlier this week, we met with local, state and federal officials, as well as immigration advocates and other community leaders. We are ready, willing, and able to assist in a manner that is most helpful to him, the family, and the Meriden community at large.”
NBC Connecticut is not sharing the name of the student at the request of the mayor, to protect the legal case and because he's a minor.
NBC Connecticut still hasn’t heard back from ICE despite multiple attempts of reaching out to seek comment on this case, and to find out why he was detained in the first place.
MERIDEN, CT — City officials say they are working hard to get a Meriden high school student taken into custody last week by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement back to Connecticut.A senior at Maloney High School was taken into custody along with his father while at a regularly scheduled check-in at the ICE office in Hartford.The student and his father are being ...
MERIDEN, CT — City officials say they are working hard to get a Meriden high school student taken into custody last week by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement back to Connecticut.
A senior at Maloney High School was taken into custody along with his father while at a regularly scheduled check-in at the ICE office in Hartford.
The student and his father are being detained in a facility in Texas, according to the New Haven Register.
Meriden Mayor Kevin Scarpati and City Council Majority Leader Sonya R. Jelks released the following statement on Monday, with the permission of the family of the Maloney High School senior.
“On behalf of the family of the detained Meriden student, our community is outraged and working hard to get our Maloney student back to Connecticut. City officials have engaged the State Delegation, Congressional leaders and the Governor’s Office, and are actively working with immigration advocates and faith leaders to help the family with legal and emotional support.
“The student’s attorney has asked that we help protect his privacy by keeping all personal information off of social media and out of the news, both because he is a minor and it might jeopardize his legal case.
“The Meriden community thanks the advocates, organizations and elected leaders for helping to support this family.
“Students impacted by this devastating ‘disappearance’ can contact [email protected] or www.ct4dream.org for confidential support and advocacy.
“Maloney High School is also offering counseling support for students and families.”
Despite graduation being a big night, morale has been low for the graduating class at Maloney High School.MERIDEN, Conn. — The Maloney High School class of 2025 received their diplomas Tuesday evening in Meriden, but they're missing one of their classmates.Graduates expressed their happiness at finally graduating from high school, but morale had been low for the graduating class since last week.On June 6, Immigratio...
Despite graduation being a big night, morale has been low for the graduating class at Maloney High School.
MERIDEN, Conn. — The Maloney High School class of 2025 received their diplomas Tuesday evening in Meriden, but they're missing one of their classmates.
Graduates expressed their happiness at finally graduating from high school, but morale had been low for the graduating class since last week.
On June 6, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained the senior student. City officials said ICE did not contact the district or any Meriden Public School official.
After the student was taken, it was determined he would not be allowed to walk at graduation.
Students and community members were floored when they heard the news.
"We stand together," said student Ashley Diakepy. "He's not here with us today because he was deported and brought to Texas. I'm praying for him and his family to come back safely, and get his diploma because he deserved to walk today."
Sign up for the FOX61 newsletters: Morning Forecast, Morning Headlines, Evening Headlines
Tabitha Sookdeo, executive director of CT Students for a Dream, expressed her frustration at the situation, saying that detaining a student on the honor roll doesn't "fit with the larger national narrative."
“I was honestly enraged and shocked that this would happen right here in Connecticut,” Sookdeo said.
Robert Kosienski Jr., the president of the Meriden Board of Education, said they plan to honor the student when he is released from federal custody.
Sen. Jan Hochadel, Rep. Hilda Santiago, Rep. Michael Quinn and Rep. Jonathan Fazzino said in a statement Wednesday that they are "outraged for him and his family."
"An honor roll student, competitive athlete, and an active member of the school community, he exemplifies the very mission of our school system. Earlier this week, we met with local, state, and federal officials, as well as immigration advocates and other community leaders. We are ready, willing, and able to assist in a manner that is most helpful to him, the family, and the Meriden community at large," they said.
The mayor and the city council majority leader released a joint statement Monday, saying the community is "working hard to get our Maloney student back to Connecticut."
---
MORE NEWS
Video captures apparent ICE raid at Connecticut car wash with 4 employees detained
Lawyers for Kilmar Abrego Garcia say Trump administration's actions left 'stain' on Constitution
---
Kaye Paddyfote is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on X and Instagram.
Jennifer Glatz is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at [email protected].
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iOS: Click here to download
Android: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.
During rehearsal for graduation at Francis T. Maloney High School, Ella Rossi didn’t know why there was an empty seat next to her. A day later, she learned that federal immigration officials had detained the student that was supposed to be sitting there.“I was super duper bummed about it,” Rossi said. “It's a terrible situation.”The student, identified as Kevin, and his father were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement last week after a scheduled check-in with ICE in Hartford, officials s...
During rehearsal for graduation at Francis T. Maloney High School, Ella Rossi didn’t know why there was an empty seat next to her. A day later, she learned that federal immigration officials had detained the student that was supposed to be sitting there.
“I was super duper bummed about it,” Rossi said. “It's a terrible situation.”
The student, identified as Kevin, and his father were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement last week after a scheduled check-in with ICE in Hartford, officials said. They're being detained in Texas.
Although he wasn’t there to walk the stage with his peers, 16-year-old Kevin’s name was read aloud at graduation, where he was also listed as an honor roll student.
“To try to kind of bring his spirit here with us, we have our necklaces that we made,” Rossi said of a friendship-style beaded necklace with Kevin’s name. On her wrist was a matching bracelet.
She also had a couple of white flowers with a hand-written note.
“I was hoping his aunt was gonna come so I could give her the flowers,” Rossi said.
The outpouring of support for Kevin surprised Rossi.
“I actually told my mom … I was like, ‘I don't think people are going to care, like, it's really unfortunate, but I don't think they will.’ And they did,” Rossi said. “The amount of camaraderie and support I've seen is more than I have in all four years.”
Justice for Kevin
The student's detainment is drawing fierce blowback from advocates and Meriden community members.
"We feel incredibly enraged by what's happened to the student, and to his father and to his family generally," said Tabitha Sookdeo, director of Connecticut Students for a Dream, a group that advocates for undocumented immigrants. "It's concerning, it's shocking, and we didn't think this would happen here in Connecticut."
Supporters of the student, identified as Kevin, say he played soccer on his high school team. He has plans to attend community college.
Sookdeo’s group has been in touch with the student's family.
“Students who are in high school, they should not be having to worry about whether they are going to get deported,” Sookdeo said. “They should be worrying about growing up, what it means to be a teenager and then worrying about where they want to go to school if they want to go to college. It's just heartbreaking, truly heartbreaking.”
At the ceremony on Tuesday, Emily Morel Garcia graduated with a sticker on her gown that read, “Estamos unidos,” or “We stand together.”
She immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic 10 years ago and is now a legal resident. She said she wore the sticker for Kevin and his family.
“I have family like him that are in hiding,” Morel Garcia said, “I just know that his family is probably suffering.”
Morel Garcia said a community that shares one voice in these kinds of incidents can make a difference.
“If we stay together,” Morel Garcia said, “I feel like things might change later on in the future.”
A GoFundMe page is now taking donations to help Kevin’s family cover legal fees. More than 3-thousand dollars were raised at the time of the graduation ceremony.
On Wednesday, Maloney High School students are also walking down East Main Street in Meriden from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. to show their support for Kevin.
Still a graduate of Maloney High
Kevin’s cap, gown and diploma are waiting for him when he returns home, said president of the Meriden Board of Education Rob Kosienski.
“We're going to do something for him, [something] special,” Kosienski said. “We'll have him come to the Board of Ed, or we'll do it right here at Maloney, something that he and his family can enjoy.”
According to Kosienski, federal immigration officials did not contact the board nor the school about Kevin and his father’s detainment. ICE also did not respond to requests for comment.
Counseling services have been made available to any student in need of them because of the incident, he said.
“We've had counseling available, not only at Maloney, but at Platt High School and all our middle schools as well,” Kosiensk said.
Miguel Cardona, the former U.S. education secretary for the Biden administration who is from Meriden, posted a video on social media expressing his frustration.
“This is a kid who ... should be experiencing the most important day of his life, his high school graduation, with his family celebrating, but instead he was sent away,” Cardona said.
He told the student: “I’m sorry this is happening to you and your family.”
“No matter where you are on Tuesday, you’re going to be a graduate of our school system,” Cardona said.
Kosienski echoed the sentiment.
“As far as we know, we have a student who just graduated, and he wasn't able to be here tonight,” Kosienski said. “Our hearts are with him and his family as they celebrate his graduation, and eventually we'll do that together as well.”
This story has been updated.
SOMOS CONNECTICUT is an initiative from Connecticut Public, the state’s local NPR and PBS station, to elevate Latino stories and expand programming that uplifts and informs our Latino communities. Visit CTPublic.org/latino for more stories and resources. For updates, sign up for the SOMOS CONNECTICUT newsletter at ctpublic.org/newsletters.
SOMOS CONNECTICUT es una iniciativa de Connecticut Public, la emisora local de NPR y PBS del estado, que busca elevar nuestras historias latinas y expandir programación que alza y informa nuestras comunidades latinas locales. Visita CTPublic.org/latino para más reportajes y recursos. Para noticias, suscríbase a nuestro boletín informativo en ctpublic.org/newsletters.
If you’re reading this, you believe in trusted journalism and in learning without paywalls. You value access to educational content kids love and enriching cultural programming.
Now all of that is at risk.
Federal funding for public media is under threat and if it goes, the impact to our communities will be devastating.
Together, we can defend it. It’s time to protect what matters.
Your voice has protected public media before. Now, it’s needed again. Learn how you can protect the news and programming you depend on.
MERIDEN, Conn — Meriden officials said in a statement Monday that "our community is outraged" after a Maloney High School senior was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.In a letter on June 6, Mark Benigni, superintendent of Meriden Public Schools, said that the student was detained at an immigration hearing in Hartford. He noted that ICE did not contact the district or any Meriden public school....
MERIDEN, Conn — Meriden officials said in a statement Monday that "our community is outraged" after a Maloney High School senior was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.
In a letter on June 6, Mark Benigni, superintendent of Meriden Public Schools, said that the student was detained at an immigration hearing in Hartford. He noted that ICE did not contact the district or any Meriden public school.
Monday's statement from Mayor Kevin Scarpati and City Council Majority Leader Sonya Jelks, on behalf of the detained student's family, said that the community is "working hard to get our Maloney student back to Connecticut."
Sign up for the FOX61 newsletters: Morning Forecast, Morning Headlines, Evening Headlines
"City officials have engaged the State Delegation, Congressional leaders and the Governor's Office, and are actively working with immigration advocates and faith leaders to help the family with legal and emotional support," Scarpati and Jelks said.
Officials are not disclosing the student's personal information to protect his privacy, which Scarpati and Jelks said is because he is a minor and that doing so may endanger his legal case.
The city officials said that students who are impacted by the detained student's situation can contact [email protected] or www.ct4adream.org "for confidential support and advocacy." Maloney High School is additionally offering counseling support for students and families.
Sean Humphrey is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at [email protected].
RELATED:
Connecticut high school senior detained by ICE, Meriden superintendent confirms
Budget airline begins deportation flights for ICE with start of Arizona operations
---
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected].
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Stream Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.
203-269-1522
