State Lawmakers Applaud $250K Family Resource Center Expansion​ Grant

EAST HAVEN, CT — State Rep. Joe Zullo, House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora, State Sen. Paul Cicarella and state Sen. Christine Cohen applauded the 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 2030, was approved by the CIF board. Board member Candelora said the project "aligns with the program’s mission to support economic and community development in underserved areas."

The East Haven Family Resource Center currently serves approximately 200 children through early childhood programming and supports nearly 900 families across multiple locations in East Haven, according to Marissa Mollica Velazquez, Program Facilitator of Overbrook Early Center & East Haven Family Resource Center.

Velazquez said the grant will fund the planning phase for expanding the Gerrish Avenue facility, with the goal of consolidating services into a single community hub.

"The CIF funding is a game-changer for our community," Velazquez said. "These funds will allow us to enhance our programming, provide families with more resources, and strengthen the critical support systems that help children thrive. Investing in early childhood education and family engagement is essential for building a strong foundation for lifelong learning, and we are grateful for this opportunity to make an even greater impact in East Haven."

Candelora credited Zullo as a strong advocate for the Family Resource Center, according to a news release from the House Republican Office.

"I am excited to see this investment support our local families and children," Zullo was quoted as saying, noting the "Family Resource Center is critical to bringing East Haven residents essential services that include daycare, reading programs, our diaper bank, and a mobile food bank."

Cohen, who represents a portion of East Haven in the state Senate, said she was grateful a staple for the East Haven community will be receiving these much-needed funds.

"The Family Resource Center offers childcare, food assistance, educational opportunities and more. Thank you to legislative leadership for approving these funds, and to Governor Lamont for continuing to use state dollars to increase economic and community development across the state."

Cicarella echoed the importance of the investment.

"Thank you to the CIF Board for approving this investment in East Haven’s families," Cicarella was quoted as saying. "This grant will enable the Resource Center to expand and allow for more access to essential programs for families, especially early childhood education. These are programs that are vital to quality of life in the town."

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.