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 Old Town Hall 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 Old Greenwich, 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.
“I’ve booked back-up care for my two young children multiple times with ABC, and will”
“I booked Always Best Care through my Company's "Back Up Care" benefit. My Company's "Back”
“Alan is always there for us at all times with amazing care givers. He manages”
“Alan’s responsiveness in arranging home care far exceeded expectations. The home health aide”
“We had a lovely experience with Celenis! The company quickly swooped in to support us”
“In what was a tremendously difficult last few years caring for my mom with dementia,”
“This is a 5 star company. Their name is perfect. Always Best Care. The care”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. We needed someone to help mom get back on”
“Amy Crowley at ABC Senior Services did a terrific job helping me find a suitable”
“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers”
“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers.”
“Please welcome the newest Connecticut office of Always Best Care to Norwalk and Lower Fairfield”
“Excellent!”
“I’ve booked back-up care for my two young children multiple times with ABC, and will continue to reach out to them first any time I have care needs. Not only was my caregiver great, but the service and care I got from Alan was above and beyond. He is so responsive, invested and attentive - feel like I’m working with a friend/family. They really care about their care recipients and make you feel like a VIP. The caregiver we were assigned was not only sweet and warm, but she wouldn’t sit still and made sure she was always doing something helpful. Couldn’t be happier with the company or caregiver, and will work with them anytime the need arises.”
“I booked Always Best Care through my Company's "Back Up Care" benefit. My Company's "Back Up Care" can be a little tricky to use and sometimes difficult to get the care properly confirmed. I reached out to Alan the day before my booking and he did a tremendous job at making sure that I had appropriate care for my 5 month old and that I wouldn't have to stress. Our actual caregiver, Chyna was great. She arrived on time, was knowledgable, respectful, and friendly. We had no worries leaving our 5 month old in her care. I'd book with Always Best Care again.”
“Alan is always there for us at all times with amazing care givers. He manages changes and last minute needs as though our family member is his family. He is also there in person to make sure everything is going smoothly.”
“Alan’s responsiveness in arranging home care far exceeded expectations. The home health aide is amazing as well. Thank you ABC for providing exceptional service!!”
“We had a lovely experience with Celenis! The company quickly swooped in to support us with childcare and she went above and beyond caring for our son permitting us to focus at work!”
“In what was a tremendously difficult last few years caring for my mom with dementia, we burned through multiple agencies and aides. Only at the end did we find unmatched compassion and competence with Alan and his team of aides at Always Best Care. A lot of times the whole experience felt overwhelming, disjointed and end of life care system just plain broken. They were the one shining bright spot. Our family would recommend them in the highest order.”
“This is a 5 star company. Their name is perfect. Always Best Care. The care givers for my mom in her final months were gracious, considerate, compassionate and professional. I spoke with Alan many times telling him how thankful i was to have him and the outstanding service his company provided to my mother. My highest recommendation to Alan and his staff at Always Best Care.”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. We needed someone to help mom get back on her feet again after hip surgery and to be her companion for three weeks during Covid quarantine as she moved from rehab center back to her senior living apartment. All services were provided with the highest level of kindness, compassion and dignity and we are truly grateful for the help.”
“Amy Crowley at ABC Senior Services did a terrific job helping me find a suitable assisted living place for my Mom. She presented an array of good choices, gave me some very good advice about things to look for when I checked them out, responded quickly and completely to every question I had, and did all of this in the hurry done urgent circumstances required. No hard sell, just good knowledgeable work.”
“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers”
“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers.”
“Please welcome the newest Connecticut office of Always Best Care to Norwalk and Lower Fairfield County. If you know a loved one in need of care, please visit our website or call us anytime for a free no-obligation expert consultation.”
“Excellent!”
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 Greenwich Point 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 Le Fat Poodle or visit Putnam Cottage, 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.
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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 Old Greenwich, 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 Old Greenwich, 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 Old Greenwich, 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.
Memorial Day weekend events in Greenwich:Saturday, May 24. The Cos Cob VFW’s annual Memorial Day ceremony at 11:00am at Veterans Park on Strickland Road near Cos Cob Marina.Saturday, May 24, lucky residents who were able to get tickets will attend the Greenwich Town Party that takes place in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park.Note: The Island Beach parking lot will be closed to the public until Monday, May 26 to accommodate the Greenwich Town Party.All permit holders have been notif...
Memorial Day weekend events in Greenwich:
Saturday, May 24. The Cos Cob VFW’s annual Memorial Day ceremony at 11:00am at Veterans Park on Strickland Road near Cos Cob Marina.
Saturday, May 24, lucky residents who were able to get tickets will attend the Greenwich Town Party that takes place in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park.
Note: The Island Beach parking lot will be closed to the public until Monday, May 26 to accommodate the Greenwich Town Party.
All permit holders have been notified via email with detailed parking instructions, including designated spaces at the Horse Neck Lot, the lower level of the Plaza Lot, and various train station parking areas.
For individuals without permits who require parking in the area, paid parking is available on Museum Drive and Steamboat Road. Additionally, “Day Parking” is offered at the Sound View Lot.
Sunday, May 25, the Byram Veterans Association paradesteps off from Delavan Avenue at 1:00pm. A ceremony will then be held outside of the Byram Shubert Library.
Sunday, May 25, The Glenville Volunteer Fire Co. and the 9th District Veterans parade at 5:00pm starts at Glenville Street and Walker Court and ends at the Glenville Fire House.
Beach Season
Got your beach pass yet? Greenwich’s beach season commences this weekend too!
The official opening of both Tod’s Point and Byram Beach is set for Saturday, May 24. The season runs through Sept 1.
The pool area at Byram Park opens on Friday, May 23.
Ferries to Island Beach and Great Captain’s Island start to run on June 14.
All the information, including how to get tickets for the ferry is online here.
2025 Ferry Schedule
Residents will need to have a resident seasonal pass or a single-entry ticket to access Greenwich Point or Byram Park. Click here to get started.
This is a two-step process which starts with getting verified. From there, you can purchase your park “one pass.”
Monday, May 26, the Byram Veterans Association’s memorial service will be held in Eugene Morlot Memorial Park at 10:00am.
The annual Old Greenwich Memorial Day Parade is set for Monday, May 26. The parade steps off at 10:00am.
The parade route runs up Sound Beach Ave all the way to Binney Park where there will be a ceremony at the conclusion of the parade to honor the women and men who gave their lives in service to our country.
Seasonal gas-power leaf blower restriction will go into effect May 23 at 6:00pm. The restrictions continue until September 30. (Properties over 2 acres may resume use after September 1.)
Holly Hill Hours
Holly Hill has regular hours on Saturday – 7:00am to 12:00 noon, but residents are advised to arrive early because traffic downtown is expected to be heavy due to the Greenwich TownParty.
Holly Hill is closed Monday, May, 26.
The retired firefighter, who is also a former 9/11 first responder, recently won the grand prize from a CT Lottery scratch-off game.Updated Tue, May 6, 2025 at 5:43 pm ETGREENWICH, CT — For one retired Greenwich firefighter, "V" marked the spot.The Connecticut Lottery announced this week that Patrick Gordiski, a retired Greenwich firefighter and former 9/11 first responder, revealed a "V" and won $500,000 after playing the "500,000 CA$HWORD" crossword-style scratch-off game.Th...
Updated Tue, May 6, 2025 at 5:43 pm ET
GREENWICH, CT — For one retired Greenwich firefighter, "V" marked the spot.
The Connecticut Lottery announced this week that Patrick Gordiski, a retired Greenwich firefighter and former 9/11 first responder, revealed a "V" and won $500,000 after playing the "500,000 CA$HWORD" crossword-style scratch-off game.
The winning ticket was purchased at Byram Smoke Shop on Mill Street in Greenwich, the CT Lottery said in a news release, noting Gordiski and his wife decided to buy a few tickets for fun as they were planning a much-needed vacation.
For selling the winning ticket, Byram Smoke Shop will receive a $5,000 bonus since the business is a CT Lottery retail partner.
The CT Lottery says Gordiski is a regular CT Lottery player who recently retired from the Greenwich Fire Department after 50 years of service. He also helped in the recovery efforts at Ground Zero in Manhattan after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.
Gordiski's son is currently a firefighter with the GFD, according to the CT Lottery.
"Congratulations to the entire Gordiski family and thank you for your service to our community!" the CT Lottery said in a news release.
Overall odds of "$500,000 CA$HWORD" are 1 in 2.78. Purchasers must be 18 or older.
In fiscal year 2024, lottery players won more than $1.1 billion in prizes, and retailers earned more than $85 million in commissions, the CT Lottery said.
The Connecticut Lottery Corporation also contributed $387 million to the state’s General Fund, supporting vital services including public health, libraries, public safety, and education.
Since its inception in 1972, CLC has contributed more than $11 billion to the General Fund.
GREENWICH — Traffic safety improvements are being proposed around Binney Park in Old Greenwich, and some local residents are lamenting the planned placement of a flashing yellow beacon in the middle of the scenic park.The town Department of Public Works gave a preliminary presentation to the Planning & Zoning Commission on new signage and road markings around the sce...
GREENWICH — Traffic safety improvements are being proposed around Binney Park in Old Greenwich, and some local residents are lamenting the planned placement of a flashing yellow beacon in the middle of the scenic park.
The town Department of Public Works gave a preliminary presentation to the Planning & Zoning Commission on new signage and road markings around the scenic Binney Park loop. A formal public hearing will be held on the proposal at a later date.
The plan by the DPW would install what are known as Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons near the Wesskum Wood Road Bridge pedestrian crossing. The bridge and the pedestrian trail there, which was replaced in the summer of 2024, attract numerous pedestrians, dog walkers and people pushing strollers with infants. The roadway also carried some 2,500 cars a day, often travelling at a high rate of speed.
Finton Sweeney, a civil engineer in the DPW, told the Planning & Zoning Commission that the department received a high volume of complaints from park users about the crossing, which connects the upper and lower portions of the park.
"These proposed improvements are a result of requests made by frequent users of the park and roadway," Sweeney said.
The plan is to place two flashing yellow beacons on both sides of the bridge, which would be activated by pedestrians, letting motorists know that a pedestrian was preparing to cross, improving safety there.
Rita Baker, a local resident and a member of the Eastern Greenwich Preservation Association, said she understood the need for safety improvements but wondered if an alternative plan could be implemented without the need for flashing lights.
"I would very much like to see some other alternatives that are more in line with the scenic road," she said. "These big, flashing lights, in my opinion, it really takes away from the beauty of the park."
Baker described another feature that she believed was intrusive. When the flashing beacons are turned on, also activated is a loud audio recording with a mechanical voice stating that the flashing lights had been activated. Baker was told by DPW staff that the audio recording was mandatory for pedestrians who are visually impaired.
Another local resident, Candace Gaithwaite, asked, "Are there ways to be more creative and really blend the scenic road character and the safety of the of the pedestrians?"
Bill Rutherford, president of the Friends of Binney Park, said pedestrian safety should be a priority.
Chairwoman Margarita Alban acknowledged the difficulty of a trade-off between safety and the preservation of the scenic character.
"It's a tough one," she said.
The DPW was asked to come in with more data on accidents in the area and additional information on the potential safety upgrades for an upcoming public hearing. A look at what other communities were doing on scenic roads was also suggested.
The DPW is also looking to add signage on Arch Street between Wesskum Wood Road and Sound Beach Avenue. More visible pavement markings and signs at crosswalks across Sound Beach Avenue and the crosswalk at the Wesskum Wood Road Bridge are planned.
Rabin, the CEO of the Greenwich United Way, said many people believe that everyone in Greenwich is wealthy, so some are surprised to learn there are thousands of people in town living under the federal poverty level.“(It) makes people's eyes bug out every time I tell them,” he said, while in his office last week. “I've spoken to hundreds of people sitting in that chair, or that chair right there.”Rabin knows just how many people in Greenwich are struggling to get by because of the needs assessment the Gr...
Rabin, the CEO of the Greenwich United Way, said many people believe that everyone in Greenwich is wealthy, so some are surprised to learn there are thousands of people in town living under the federal poverty level.
“(It) makes people's eyes bug out every time I tell them,” he said, while in his office last week. “I've spoken to hundreds of people sitting in that chair, or that chair right there.”
Rabin knows just how many people in Greenwich are struggling to get by because of the needs assessment the Greenwich United Way conducts every five years. The current assessment is happening now and Greenwich residents can participate by filling out an online survey until the end of the month.
The last survey, conducted in 2020, found that 22% of the people in town are Asset Limited, Income Constrained Employed, or “ALICE,” with an additional 7% of the population below the federal poverty level.
In a town of roughly 63,000 people, that means there are some 18,000 people struggling to make ends meet in Greenwich.
“Almost one-third of our residents are just one family illness or missed paycheck away from financial catastrophe,” the 2020 report reads.
The GUW exists to serve these people and families on the brink in Greenwich, specifically by identifying human services gaps and working to close them.
The latest needs assessment survey will update these poverty figures. In addition to demographic information, the assessment asks people about needs that are not being met in town, housing costs, childcare costs and more.
The information uncovered in the assessment ends up acting like a guide for the GUW and others in town, Rabin said, including the town government.
“Everybody in Town Hall, every single nonprofit in town uses it for data, to write grants, to cite statistics about Greenwich, all that,” he said. “When I say everybody uses it, everybody uses it.”
The first version of this survey was run in 1981, but the process has since been formalized. GUW is working with Fairfield University’s Center for Social Impact to get more participants involved and deliver more comprehensive results. The university partnership started with the 2020 assessment.
Previous assessments identified issues that the GUW worked to address, in part by standing up other agencies in town. The Transportation Association of Greenwich, known widely as TAG, was created in the 1980s after the first needs assessment, for example.
The 2020 assessment found that youth mental health was a major issue in town, Rabin said, which led to the creation of the Adolescent Behavioral Health Outpatient Program, an operation run by Yale New Haven Health and Greenwich Hospital. The outpatient operation opened last year.
“That facility is scheduled to handle 400 children a year. That's groundbreaking for the town,” Rabin said. “That's the kind of impact our organization and the needs assessment can have on the town.”
Rabin said GUW had sent out emails to about 30,000 people soliciting their participation, but the survey can also be completed online in just a few minutes. Results will be published by the end of the year.
Greenwich will celebrate Juneteenth this week with a pair of events.Juneteenth honors the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were freed — two years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.First, officials will raise the Juneteenth flag at Town Hall on Thursday at 12 p.m., 101 Field Point Road. All are welcome to attend.Then, the Greenwich Historical Society will celebrate the holiday on Saturday, from 12 to 3 p.m., at its campus at 47 Strickland Road.This will be the His...
Greenwich will celebrate Juneteenth this week with a pair of events.
Juneteenth honors the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were freed — two years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
First, officials will raise the Juneteenth flag at Town Hall on Thursday at 12 p.m., 101 Field Point Road. All are welcome to attend.
Then, the Greenwich Historical Society will celebrate the holiday on Saturday, from 12 to 3 p.m., at its campus at 47 Strickland Road.
This will be the Historical Society's second annual Juneteenth celebration, which will feature music, food, arts and crafts for kids, lawn games and a scavenger hunt. The Library and Archives and the Permanent Collections Gallery will be open for viewing historic documents and educational videos.
“It is a tremendous honor for the Historical Society to once again celebrate the rich cultural heritage and contributions of African Americans to our nation and the greater Greenwich area where many lived since our founding in the 17th century,” Lauren Ackerley, director of public programs and exhibitions, said in a statement.
If there is increment weather, the celebration will be moved to Sunday.
Local history fans installed a historical marker to commemorate the Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to Greenwich in 1824. The marker is in Putnam Hill Park at the corner of Old Church Road and East Putnam Avenue.
The marker was acquired by the Horseneck Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, which hosted a ceremony on June 8 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Marquis's visit to town. All three members of the Board of Selectmen were present, as was Debra Mecky, executive director & CEO of the Greenwich Historical Society, Gail Covney from the Alliance Francaise and other community members.
Lafayette, a French nobleman, fought alongside and even commanded Continental soldiers during the American Revolution, but he returned stateside for a "victory lap," to see what his fighting helped accomplish 40 years after the war.
In August, on the actual date of his visit to Greenwich in 1824, there was a celebration at the Greenwich Historical Society that included ancestors of Lafayette visiting from France and a French-themed lunch at L’Escale restaurant.
The new marker is part of a network, with others across Connecticut and the other original 13 colonies. Based on historical records, when Lafayette visited Greenwich, he came to Putnam Hill Park to pay his respects to General Israel Putnam. Greenwich was his first stop in Connecticut and he was greeted with great fanfare.
The Representative Town Meeting formally accepted a $500,000 donation from L. Scott and Icy Frantz during its meeting on June 11. The donation goes to the Greenwich Parks and Recreation Foundation and it comes with naming rights, specifically for the gymnasium at the new Cohen Eastern Greenwich Civic Center, which will now be called the "Frantz Gym."
Scott Frantz previously represented Greenwich in the state senate. He served in the 36th District from 2009 to 2019.
The Frantz donation was accepted with 169 votes in favor, two opposed and 11 abstentions.
The RTM also accepted two other donations to the foundation, each worth $10,000. One donation, from the Greenwich Old Timers Athletic Association, will be used to purchase sports equipment and the second, from the Red Men's Home Association, will pay for the cost of a flagpole at the civic center.
The Old Greenwich Sidewalk Sale is coming up soon, with bargain offerings from many shops on Sound Beach Avenue.
The sale, organized by the Old Greenwich Merchants Association, is from Thursday to Sunday.
Visitors can expect live entertainment, giveaways, refreshments and more from stores on Sound Beach Avenue and surrounding streets during their regular business hours.
The Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich will soon participate in "the world's biggest swimming lesson" at Camp Simmons to educate people about water safety.
The Camp Simmons session on June 26 is part of a larger World's Largest Swimming Lesson, a global effort now in its 16th year. This is the first time the Greenwich Boys and Girls Club will participate in the event and staff expects more than 300 campers and adults to be on hand.
The event is not open to the public.
Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children and research has shown that formal swimming lessons drastically reduce drowning risk for young children.
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