On Monday, “06880” posted a story about a woman hoping to donate school supplies for Westport youngsters.
There’s a simple way to do that. A Department of Human Services program called “Back to School” solicits donations of supplies and gift cards (or cash), then distributes it to families in need. (Click here, then scroll to the end for details.)
It was a heartwarming story, highlighting one direct result of town government on one group of residents.
But that’s just one example of Human Services’ impact.
Human Services director Elaine Daignault oversees a wide array of programs.
They help children with financial hardships all year long, with funds for sports, extracurricular activities and camps; holiday gifts, and clothes for graduations and other ceremonies.
Entire families are helped through emergency financial assistance for food, shelter, utilities and medical expenses. There’s a “Warm Up Fund” for energy bills too.
Older residents are a huge part of Human Services’ portfolio. In addition to overseeing the Senior Center, the department maintains a database for checking in during emergencies like hurricanes.
Another list matches older and disabled residents with young volunteers, who shovel driveways after storms.
Of course, Human Services is more than a “department.” It’s human beings, working with and for other humans.
Mark Mathias thanks the Human Services staff, while nominating them for Unsung Heroes of the Week.
“They are heroes that very few people know about,” he says.
“They see a part of people here in Westport that most residents don’t know even exist. And they treat them with dignity and respect. Hats off to them.”
(To donate to any Human Services program, click here.)
(Unsung Hero is a weekly “06880” feature. To nominate a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)