News

While Connecticut’s community colleges are not free to attend, qualifying students can graduate without tuition-related debt through the state’s Pledge to Advance Connecticut initiative. The program will cover all tuition and mandatory fees for some of the state’s poorest students.

But when officials increase tuition as they have in recent years, that not only increases direct costs for roughly two-thirds of all community college students — those outside of the PACT — but also could force those in the program to cover a greater share of related costs, involving books, computers and transportation.

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We are excited to introduce you to the Greater Bridgeport Latino Network Pa'Lante Speaker Series! This virtual series will serve as a vehicle to highlight topics affecting the Latino community in the Greater Bridgeport Region and beyond, allowing viewers to easily engage and interact with the conversation.

This month's topic is Estate Planning 101: Getting Down to Basics and Beyond

DATE / TIME: Tuesday, March 19th at 7PM

Most Latinos(as) don't realize the assets they leave behind to their heirs have the potential to be a significant issue due to lack of planning.

Join Attorney Ann L. Fowler-Cruz and GBLN President Eddie Martinez for an informative Estate Planning conversation, where strategic planning meets peace of mind. We will discuss asset distribution, incapacity planning, how to avoid probate court, and more!

Our conversation will also include a testimonial by Jamaira Quiles and a Q & A session to answer personalized questions you may have about Estate Planning.

We look forward to connecting with you!

Registration Link

Its that time of the year, the income eligibility guidelines have changed for the Medicare Savings Program (MSP). Accordingly, below are two new flyers (in English and Spanish) that include the new income guidelines for 2024 as well as an MSP flowchart outlining the three Medicare Savings Programs. More than 50% of individuals who are eligible for MSP assistance are not aware that they may qualify.

If a Medicare beneficiary would like to be screened and apply for MSP, the beneficiary may contact the CHOICES program at 1(800)994-9422.

Below are also printable versions of the Center for Medicare Advocacy’s 2024 Medicare Summary, in English and Spanish.

Medicare Summary

Resumen de Medicare

Flowchart English

Flowchart Spanish

MSP Flyer with Graphic

MSP Flyer with Graphic Spanish

We are thrilled to share the exciting news that the City of Bridgeport is embarking on its third year of captivating Public Art projects. Over the initial two years, our projects graced the heart of Downtown, thanks to a fruitful collaboration with the Downtown Special Services District (DSSD). Now, as we enter a new chapter, we are delighted to announce broader partnerships to extend the canvas of artistic vibrancy to every corner of our City!

To all the passionate artists out there, we extend a warm invitation to participate in this creative journey by engaging with the Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) provided below. If you have any questions please reach out to John O'Grodnick.

Your enthusiastic responses are eagerly anticipated, and we are excited to welcome you to join our remarkable lineup of artists who have significantly contributed to the rich cultural tapestry of our city over the past two years!

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Homeownership Programs Webinar
Join us for this complementary webinar that will provide you with an overview of CHFA's Homeownership Programs including the Time To Own (TTO) Program. The State of CT's TTO Program is a forgivable down payment assistance loan program that provides up to $50,000 of down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers.

When:
Thursday, February 29, 2024 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM EST

Where:
This is an online event.

Contact:
Valeria Alfano
CHFA
860-736-6138
marketing@chfa.org

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AARP CT is NOW HIRING: Advocacy & Community Outreach Manager, based in Hartford, CT.
The Advocacy and Community Engagement Manager develops and executes state, federal, and local advocacy activities. Leads state-level advocacy activities and represents the organization and its interests to elected officials, local and state government agencies, and partner organizations. Leads state-level implementation of national campaign efforts. Recruits, develops, and manages volunteer teams to advance advocacy community outreach campaign goals and objectives. Establishes strategic community partnerships and leverages internal and external resources to achieve the organization’s community engagement goals at the state and local levels. Integrates advocacy and community engagement work with internal and external teams and partners. Develops and executes advocacy and community engagement campaigns that include grassroots mobilization and leadership. Collaborates with management to identify opportunities to streamline processes and to develop new procedures that support the business unit/department. This position focuses on livable communities, health care issues, and long-term services and supports.

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Saturday February 10, 2024
Doors open at 6pm
Inauguration Ceremony at 7pm
Party begins at 8pm
Members - Free / Guests - $10 per person

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The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) is excited to announce the next round of our Ignite Grant Program, which will open February 1, 2024! The deadline to apply is March 14, 2024. The application will also be offered in Spanish.   Please help us spread the word about the grant opportunity to women-owned businesses.

Formerly known as the Equity Match Grant, Ignite is designed to help women-owned businesses grow. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in the state of Connecticut who have been in business for 2 or more years and have revenues between $25K and $2 million.  Since the start of the program, we have distributed 276 grants of over $2.5 million to women-owned businesses in Connecticut.  For additional information and more details on the program, please visit our website.

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