East Haven GOP Lawmakers Applaud State Investment in Family Resource Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2025

East Haven GOP Lawmakers Applaud State Investment in Family Resource Center

HARTFORD— State Sen. Paul Cicarella, State Rep. Joe Zullo, and House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora today applauded the state bond commission’s approval of a $250,000 state grant to initiate planning for the expansion of the East Haven Family Resource Center.

The funding, awarded through the state’s Community Investment Fund (CIF) 2030, was also approved by the CIF board in March. Candelora (R-86), a board member, said the project aligns with the program’s mission to support economic and community development in underserved areas.

“I am grateful to the work of our state bond commission, especially after receiving so much local positive feedback following its approval last month. As we navigate high energy bills and grocery prices, we have expanded access to childcare support with the funding approved for East Haven’s Family Resource Center,” said State Rep. Joe Zullo (R-99). “Thank you to the collaborative efforts of our elected officials for standing with our families who deserve this immediate relief.”

State Sen. Paul Cicarella (R-34) echoed the importance of the investment. “Thank you to the bond commission for approving this investment in East Haven’s families. This grant will enable the Resource Center to expand and provide more access to essential programs, especially early childhood education. These programs address quality-of-life issues that make East Haven a great place to live, work, and raise a family,” he said.

According to Marissa Mollica Velazquez, Program Facilitator of Overbrook Early Learning Center & East Haven Family Resource Center, the organization currently serves approximately 200 children through early childhood programming and supports nearly 900 families across multiple locations in town through its varied offerings, which include their collaboration with adult education. The grant will fund the planning phase for expanding the Gerrish Avenue facility, with the goal of consolidating services into a single community hub.

Eligible applicants for CIF grants include municipalities designated as Public Investment Communities or Alliance Districts, community development corporations serving eligible municipalities, and not-for-profit organizations supporting these communities. CIF funding can be used for capital improvement projects such as brownfield remediation, affordable housing, and infrastructure, as well as planning activities like community engagement, feasibility studies, and project development. Learn more about CIF here.