I thought you would like to know-
As many of you know, the executive director of First Step began the search for a new building more than 10 years ago. That search has taken many twists and turns including a federal lawsuit filed on behalf of the agency and our clients by the ACLU (www.aclu.org/affiliate/connecticut) when the New London Planning and Zoning refused give to Sound Community Services a zoning variance for the Truman Street Building. That lawsuit resulted in a federal court order requiring the City to issue the zoning permit for Truman Street. Unfortunately the Truman Street building proved to be totally unsuitable due to serious environmental concerns and that building was sold in 2005. Since then we have continued to look for a building that would be a suitable home for all of our programs. In 2009, we signed a purchase and sale agreement for 21 Montauk but once again the City of New London refused to issue a zoning permit and the purchase and sale agreement expired. I did believe that the P & Z refusal was the result of their continuing prejudice against those we serve and solicited the assistance the ACLU once again. Unfortunately the ACLU, due to a shortage of attorneys, was unable to assist us and we proceeded on our own and filed a lawsuit in Superior Court. Last week, after months of negotiation with the City, a zoning variance was granted as a quid pro quo for our dropping the Superior Court lawsuit. I am sure it was due to the City finally realizing that they we would continue in our advocacy of those we serve and that the City of New London would for the 2nd time in 10 years be subject to an adverse judgment and monetary damages.
So I am so very pleased to tell you that Sound Community Services, this time with the assistance of the Corporation for Independent Living, is moving forward with the purchase of 21 Montauk. We once again have a signed purchase and sale agreement to buy 21 Montauk and will be moving forward as quickly as possible. Over the next several weeks all of the work needed to be done prior to closing will be ongoing including environmental, structural engineering and architectural studies as well as an appraisal will be completed. And while it is not a “fait accompli” we are moving forward very quickly. If all goes well, some of our State Street programs and offices will begin to move into our new permanent home by the summer. I will continue to keep you updated!
This is Sound’s 35the Anniversary year and our Board of Directors with the assistance of Sue Smith, Sue Himes and Claudia Olson have been busy planning celebratory activities to mark this occasion. During March we celebrated with the art exhibit opening at the TseTse Gallery- and event that we hope will be repeated annually. In April, the Board hosted a “restaurant night out” fundraiser at the Black Sheep Restaurant in Niantic with agency staff, friends and Board members attending. In May the Board is collaborating with the Waterford Rotary and hosting wine and beer tasting. This event, Make Mine Wine, will be held on Friday May 13 at the beautiful Eugene O’Neill Theatre on the Sound. In May staff and Oasis Club members will join in the NAMI Walk (NAMI 2011 Hartford Walk) in Hartford. In June, we will “officially” open the new Oasis Center with an Open House and reception. More events are planned for summer and the fall- stay tuned for more information about these activities! Thirty five years of providing services to those with behavioral health needs is a remarkable accomplishment. I hope you will join with me in celebrating at some of the wonderful events that have been planned.
The new Oasis Center at 932 Bank has had its “soft” opening. If you have not seen our new site, please make it a point to do so! Don Hazzard, Claudia Olson and Pat Melfi have done an absolutely spectacular job in refurbishing this building for our Social Rehab and Employment programs.
During the 2012 FY we will be improving some of the optional benefits we offer to our employees. One of the most popular benefits we offer is the Prime Pay Flexible Spending Account. Flexible Spending Accounts (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flexible_spending_account) allow Participants to use pre-tax dollars to pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses and dependent care expenses that are not covered by their existing medical insurance. The amounts deducted from the Participants salary to pay for these expenses are called elections. Because these expenses are paid with pre-tax dollars, Participants are taxed on a lower gross salary, thereby saving money that would otherwise be spent on federal, state and FICA taxes. In FY 2012 we will increase the amount from $2500 to $3500 that an employee here at Sound is able to set aside tax free. If you are considering enrolling in the Prime Pay program and you would like to talk to someone who has used this benefit, just give my office a call or send me an email and I will give you the name of someone who is using this benefit and willing to share their experiences. If you have been using Prime Pay and would be willing to share your experience with a fellow employee please also drop me an email.
We have also decided to work with AFLAC (www.aflac.com ) as a provider of supplemental insurance for our agency. They offer a menu of supplemental insurance products at very competitive rates. More importantly AFLAC is known for its outstanding customer services. Informational meetings will be held during May and June to introduce our employees to the AFLAC products. We will be offering the following AFLAC products at our open enrollment for the plan year beginning 7/1/2011:
· Short term disability
· Life Insurance
· Accident Insurance
· Cancer Insurance
· Hospital Indemnity Insurance
Be well!
Gail
