Pat Andriole, executive director of the Branford Counseling Center, confirms current perceptions about the economy: that a whole segment of people who thought they were “safe” are being affected by the recession. The center is seeing people who believed they would never be in the position of needing its help.
“Lots of people are out of work and are frightened,” says Andriole. “And people become so frightened they become paralyzed.”
Andriole, who has been at the Counseling Center (pictured above) since its inception almost 40 years ago, the last 17 years as director, said in recent months a new demographic has emerged.
People at higher income levels are seeking help because their circumstances and higher expenses are causing financial strains. And while the center hasn’t seen a lot of foreclosures yet, people are getting behind and they’re getting frightened
According to the Connecticut Department of Labor, unemployment in Branford is at 6.6 percent as of March 2009, up from 3.9 percent in 2007.
Children seem to be the biggest group affected by the downturn. Parents who are new to the economic downturn are more likely to hide their concerns from their kids.
“But kids sop up the energy of their parents,” says Andriole. “They know something is going on.”
Andriole told of seeing a first grader-with anxiety. All three members of his family were sleeping in one bed and she worked with Sleepy’s to get an additional bed for them at a deep discount.
Andriole said more elderly people are also contacting the Counseling Center and many are going back to work, if they can get a job. And while there’s not an “official” homeless population, Andriole said a lot of people are living in motels, and school buses drop off kids there. Andriole added that some refuse to “come inside by choice.”
Andriole (pictured) wants residents to know that they shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help. She says that regardless of their situation some kind of help may be available, even if it’s a gift card for food.
As far as the general population is concerned, the Counseling Center sees a lot of anxiety, depression, and arguments. In domestic cases, verbal abuse may escalate into physical abuse.
“People are so stressed, so worried, they can’t handle it,” says Andriole.
She says there are 464 open cases; previously, there were not more than 410. She fields 10 to 12 new calls per day.
For those already in treatment, counselors are seeing fewer people with insurance or those who have high deductibles and co-pays. The center offers a sliding scale for residents, and even at that, people are asking for fee reductions. Andriole encourages clients to pay something, even $1, as a sign of commitment.
Andriole works with Mike Randi, social services coordinator, to determine the best way to offer aid. Randi receives 25 to 30 calls per day. He and Andriole meet two or three times a day to discuss how to mete out their resources.
Funding for the Counseling Center is from a line item totaling $45,500 in the town budget, the “homeless account,” which covers basic needs. Additional funding comes from the Branford Community Foundation, Salvation Army (one day’s contributions during their bell-ringing campaign, United Way-Jewish Federation Neighbor to Neighbor program and the generosity of local supporters and retailers, bringing the budget total to $59,250, which, Andriole says, will just about cover expenses to the end of the June 30 fiscal year.
Those funds are distributed to people who might not qualify for the energy assistance programs administered at the Canoe Brook Center, which are primarily state funded.
Andriole said that the utilities will usually work with consumers and encourage customers to get on a plan. However, people can’t always meet the financial demands of the plan. Randi said they see people with $2,000 to $3,000 CL&P balances and they expect a spike when the utilities’ winter forgiveness programs end May 1.
“We try to help everyone in some way,” said Randi, a CPA who formerly worked for New Haven’s welfare department. He has been with the Branford Counseling Center for 12 years.
In addition to utility payments, help is offered for expenses such as food, condo fees, and camp scholarships. Stores such as A&P, Stop & Shop, Kohl’s and Wal-mart generously offer gift cards. A local laundromat owner even contributed $250 worth of $10 cards, which can means a lot to people whose access to clean clothes is limited.
Keeping food in the house, of course, is a priority, and the Branford Food Council, which operates on a 100 percent volunteer basis and distributes more than 200,000 pounds of food per year, has seen a big increase in families seeking its help. According to Wendy Coles, president of the Food Council, an additional 60 families have sought help since Jan. 9; 26 of those families have three or more members (and as many as 12 people), the balance consists of one or two people. Approximately 140 people are serviced by the Food Council, which maintains the Food Pantry at the Volunteer Services Center on Harrison Avenue.
Food is obtained at a deep discount from the Connecticut Food Bank, private collections and with direct retail purchases with funds donated by the community.
“We’re holding our own,” said Coles, referring to pantry donations. “Winter is notorious slow, but there have been two food drives already this spring.”
She said she expects donations to pick up with the spring since sports teams often hold drives, and organizations seek collections in front of supermarkets. The post office is also expected to conduct a drive in the near future.
“The word is going around,” Coles said. “Branford is super generous.”
Whether it’s food or support, taking care of Branford’s children is at the top of the list.
Andriole had high praise for Youth Outreach Worker Jeff Kikosicki, who mentors kids through referrals from schools and churches.
“Kids like him,” said Andriole.
Alcohol rather than drugs is seen as the greater challenge among teenagers. Andriole said kids generally obtain liquor from home or from older kids using false IDs.
The Counseling Center focuses on prevention programs such as the Branford Coalition to Prevent Underage Drinking. They’re three years into a four-year $65,000 grant to fund the program. Coalition members include representatives from the Counseling Center, Branford Police Department, local government, the Recreation Department, faith-based groups, schools, local business owners, MADD CT, parents, youth and other concerned citizens.
With prom season coming up, the push is for safety. “Be Safe” cards are being placed in flower shops and nail salons.
“Branford is an outstanding community with outstanding volunteers and civic organizations,” she said. Those volunteers will be honored Saturday at a celebration on the Green.
“Branford is staffed by people who care about the town and the town in turn cares about its people,” said Andriole. “People are so thankful.” She cited a letter of appreciation written by a veteran after he received fuel early in the season, before the state-funded programs were in effect.
Located at 342 North Harbor St., the center is staffed by 13 counselors at the Masters level, plus one part-time psychiatrist for adults and three for children. For more information, call 481-4248. A booklet detailing local services can be picked up at the Counseling Center or viewed at the town website.
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