(HARTFORD, CT) - Today, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, State Representative Michelle Cook, and State Representative Maria Horn highlighted the recently announced $1,421,250 Community Investment Fund grant awarded for the “Family Wellness Center of the McCall Behavioral Health Network.”
“When we invest in our communities, we invest in better outcomes for everyone. The Wellness Center will allow for three current lines of service – prevention services, adolescent services, and family services – to be housed in a single location, reducing barriers of access for families seeking behavioral health support,” said Lt. Governor Bysiewicz. “Congratulations to the City of Torrington, the Torrington legislative delegation and everyone who played a part in this important project.”
“It’s not only offering health services, but this facility is offering a wraparound home. No one should feel ostracized because of the care they need,” said State Representative Michelle Cook.“I’m grateful for all the work McCall does not only for our community, but for folks that come from all over to get services in our community.”
“This project is literally what we meant by ‘Community Investment Fund.’ McCall is creating a community, in a space that is a home and brings to it that atmosphere,” said State Representative Maria Horn. “This is about creating that community that will embrace kids, and their families, struggling with mental health or behavioral health challenges, and addiction challenges.”
“We have a crisis on our hands when it comes to children’s mental health,” said Maria Coutant Skinner, President & CEO of McCall Behavioral Health Network. “We have ways on the prevention side and on early intervention – with whole communities, whole families – to be able to care for children with diagnosable conditions. This is a hopeful day, and we’re really excited to get to work and do the renovation so that we can open and welcome our community.”
The Community Investment Fund was established by the State Legislature in 2021 to support economic development in distressed communities by providing grants for capital projects to municipalities and non-profit entities operating in those cities and towns. The proposals must advance the state’s Economic Action Plan by promoting jobs, fostering vibrant neighborhoods, and addressing climate resilience as well as the specific needs of underserved or marginalized groups.