TVCCA History
TVCCA was created on March 22, 1965; seven months after the Economic Opportunity Act was signed into law by President Johnson. This Act created, through its federal legislation, a new entity—community action agencies.
TVCCA has a history of service to the community that now spans almost 50 years.
- In 1965, we started small; one employee and a little over $40,000.
- In 1966, we began operating programs: Head Start, Legal Aid; operation Mainstream Employment, Foster Grandparent programs.
- In 1969, the state department of community affairs (DCA) funded “day care” and we created centers throughout New London County.
- In 1973, TVCCA received federal notice to close all programs. A class action suit was filed and the dismantling of community action agencies was halted.
- In 1974, the elderly nutrition program began, targeting senior citizens and utilizing the town Senior Centers to deliver hot, nutritious meals daily; the energy crisis hit the United States, fuel costs start to rise and availability is limited. TVCCA initiated a “Cold Line” for people needing emergency fuel. In the late 1970’s, federal energy assistance (LIHEAP) began to assist with rising heating costs.
The WIC program began in 1976 as a partnership with Backus Hospital, the Visiting Nurse Associations and UCFS to reach medically at risk women and young children, get them into health clinics and provide them with vouchers for highly nutritious foods along with nutrition counseling.
We have taken the Head Start and early childhood development and education programs from church basements and community centers and constructed and purchased state of the art child development facilities built with young children in mind. Our employment programs today operate as part of a “Consortium” partnership with our employees working side by side and co-located with the Department of Labor in the American Job Centers.
With a staff of 380 dedicated employees, we have worked closely with the towns and cities we serve, with other agencies, and with businesses to partner in the delivery of human services. We have listened to our clients. We have responded to their needs, we have helped them achieve and sustain self-sufficiency.
From then to today, TVCCA has sought programs that meet and serve the needs of our community. What we have learned over the past fifty years is that the most effective way to serve the community is in and through partnerships. We continue to sustain and build those partnerships, and serve those in need in our community. We are proud of our service, our employees and our success in helping make our client's lives better.