Charter Oak Community Giving Grant Awarded to TVCCA

Thames Valley Council for Community Action (TVCCA) is honored to receive a $3,000 Community Giving grant from Charter Oak Federal Credit Union to augment its Emergency Assistance Fund, a resource that provides agency case managers the means to quickly resolve an array of financial setbacks faced by low-income households. The grant assist approximately 12 struggling households (45-50 individuals) over the next 12 months. 

“For struggling households, a single unexpected expense – car repair, medical bill, utility surcharge, rent penalty – has the potential to set off a chain reaction that could quickly destroy whatever tenuous financial stability that may have been achieved,” notes Jason Martin, TVCCA’s Director of Community Services. “Charter Oak’s partnership is especially important because it’s extremely aware of what’s going on in our communities, what the actual needs are, and what happens to families—and the entire community-- when those needs aren’t addressed.” 

The Emergency Assistance Fund complements TVCCA’s basic programs by providing “just enough helpat just the right time,” to assist clients in overcoming setbacks, regain financial equilibrium, and ensure their ability to achieve ever greater levels of self-reliance and independence.TVCCA remits emergency assistance payments directly to verified landlords, utility companies, auto repair shops, healthcare providers, etc. on behalf of struggling clients. Clients are expected to contribute a percentage toward the total owed. “We find that most people are eager to share in settling their debts,” notes Mr. Martin, “possibly because it provides a way to regain a sense of agency and self-reliance in a time of great difficulty.”