Stratford Community Services is a municipal agency committed to the positive, healthy development and well-being of Stratford residents, with a special emphasis on children, youth, and families. Stratford Community Services was first funded in 1972 as a community response to the problem of substance abuse. Today, it is both a planning and a coordinating agency along with providing direct services.

Stratford Community Services is the local Youth Service Bureau and works closely with the Stratford Youth and Family Advisory Board, the Stratford Social Service Network and the School Readiness and Child Care Advisory Council to assess community needs, develop plans to meet those needs, and implement programs directly or in cooperation with other organizations

Stratford Community Services receives additional funding from:

• Connecticut Department of Education
• Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
• Connecticut Department of Social Services

Stratford Community Services is a member of:

• Connecticut Association For Human Services
• Connecticut Youth Services Association

 Announcements    

In The Spotlight 2012 auditions are coming up! Stratford Youth in Grades 6th - 12th wishing to participate can Click here for the schedule.

HYPE (How Youth Positively Entertain) has important information to share following the successful Town Hall presentation "The Great Brain Drain" on March 26, 2010.  Click here to read more about their efforts to provide Stratford youth with prevention and wellness options. 

WATCH the "What's In Your Cup?" webisode debut!

Please click here for  Stratford Prevention News You  Can Use. A newsletter offering parents information on prevention efforts to keep kids safe, successful and alcohol-free.

The Town of Stratford was awarded a grant for a youth-adult project to build positive relationships between youth and police.  Stratford Police Officers and ALPHA high school leaders participated in four-week dialogue series.  Click here to see the mini-documentary about the project.  The ALPHA Leaders are organizing a Youth-Police Community Day on October 23, 2010 from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the South End Community Center, 19 Bates Street, Stratford.  Please click here  for more information.

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Department hours & contact information

Stratford Community Services is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Evening hours are available by appointment.

Any individual with a disability who needs special assistance to participate in agency programs should contact Stratford Community Services at 385-4095 or the ADA Coordinator at 385-4022 (TDD).

Stratford Community Services
468 Birdseye Street
Stratford, Connecticut 06615

(203) 385-4095
FAX (203) 381-2064
Email: communityservices@townofstratford.com

Click for Directions

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Counseling & Social Services

There are times in our lives when stresses create difficulties that feel overwhelming. It is not always easy to cope. All counseling and social services are strictly confidential. Counseling fees are based on a sliding scale and no one is refused services for inability to pay.

• Adolescent and Family Counseling
• Psycho-educational Groups
• Information and Referral to Community Resources
• Emergency Resources for Eligible Residents * Low Income Energy Assistance Application Site * Job Search Assistance and Support for Adults Who Meet Guidelines

24-hour emergency coverage is provided in cooperation with:

Council of Churches
YOUTH IN CRISIS PROGRAM 203. 374-9473
INFOLINE 211
CARELINE 1-800-842-2288
for child abuse and family crisis situations.

Connecticut Energy Assistance Program
Stratford Community Services accepts applications from Stratford residents meeting income guidelines for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program. Applicants are required to provide proof of residency, income, entitlements, assets, bank statements and heating bills. Stratford Community Services sends the applications to Action for Bridgeport Community Development (ABCD) for approval.

These benefits are available to help offset the heating costs for the 20011-12 winter. The amount of the benefit depends on income, assets, the number of people in the household, and whether a household member is under six years, over 60 years, or disabled. Benefits are paid directly to the fuel company or utility.  Please  click  this link http://www.ct.gov/dss/cwp/view.asp?a=2353&Q=305194 for more information about eligibility for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program, Contingency Heating Assistance Program, Crisis Heating Assistance and Safety Net Services.

Calls from Stratford residents who heat their homes with OIL can call beginning September 26, 2011 for an appointment.  For those who heat with GAS or ELECTRICITY can call beginning November 1, 2011 for an appointment.  

To find out more about the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program or to schedule an appointment to complete an application, call 203.385.4095. Senior citizens (age 60 and over) may contact Stratford Senior Services, 203.385.4050, for an Energy Assistance appointment.

For Stratord residents applying at Stratford Community Services, missed appointment cannot be rescheduled.  For those missing appointments, they will need to apply directly with ABCD, Inc.  by calling 203.384.6904.