Human Services

The Human Services Department provides a wide variety of services, including supportive counseling, assessment for benefits and program eligibility, as well as case management for any Darien resident.  In addition, the staff provides crisis intervention, assistance with mental health, substance abuse and domestic violence issues.  We also provide emergency financial assistance.  All client information is strictly confidential.

July 2023 Human Services Quarterly Report (PDF)

Holiday Programs

Adopt-a-Family

Celebrate the holidays by bringing joy to a struggling family. Adopt a family on your own or with friends, book clubs, or church groups. Families range in size from 2-6 people. We are asking for donations of gift cards, family-specific guidance will be provided by Human Services.

Adopt-a-Senior

The Human Services Department will choose a Darien senior who could use a little extra cheese this holiday season. You will receive gift ideas to make things easier and more personal. Thank you for helping to make a neighbor's holiday a little brighter!

Please call the office at 203-656-7328 with any questions or to participate or Email Ali Ramsteck.

The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program

This program helps eligible Darien households pay for primary heating bills, even if included in your monthly rent. Applications are being accepted for homes with oil heat and homes with electric, gas or propane heat. Residents will need to meet certain income restrictions, provide proof of income and proof of assets.  Please call the office to schedule your appointment.

Donations

We gladly accept donations of gift cards, household products, and medical equipment.

Gift Cards

Gift Cards for Shop-Rite, Stop and Shop, gas stations, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and AMEX, MasterCard or Visa are all needed throughout the year and are much appreciated by families and seniors in need.

Monetary Donations

If you prefer to make a monetary donation, you can do so by mailing a check directly to Human Services, 2 Renshaw Road (checks payable to Darien Human Services)

Household Products

New (unopened) full-size cleaning supplies, paper goods, and personal grooming and hygiene products are used to help stock our Home Goods Closet.  (No trial sizes, please).

All donations can be dropped off at Room 109 of Town Hall.  You can also donate through Amazon Wish!

Emergency Call List

We maintain an Emergency Call List with the names of vulnerable seniors and disabled individuals to be contacted prior to a storm or other emergency for re-assurance and peace of mind.  Staff will also provide information on resources available in the community such as Emergency Shelters or Cooling Centers.  If you or someone you know would like to be added to the Emergency Call List, please call 203-656-7328 or email Ali Ramsteck, Director, LCSW. 

Household Supply Closet

The Household Supply Closet is designed to meet the needs of low income Darien residents by providing much-needed household items such as paper goods, cleaning supplies, and personal grooming and hygiene products.  The closet is partially funded by private donations. To see the List of Needed Items (PDF).  Donations can be dropped off in Room 109.

Loan Closet

The Loan Closet provides free, short term loans of durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs, transport chairs, knee-scooters, walkers, canes and crutches.  A refundable deposit of $50 (check payable to "Town of Darien") is required for wheelchairs, transport chairs and walkers with a seat.

Municipal Veteran's Representative

Ali Ramsteck, LCSW, Director, is a Municipal Veteran's Representative for the town of Darien and is available to meet with veterans and their families to provide support, information and referral to local, state, and federal agencies that serve veterans and their dependents.
Please see below for important links:

Veteran's Property Tax Exemption

Veterans, who have ninety (90) days of wartime service, including Merchant marines, who served during WWII, are eligible for a $1,500 exemption for property tax purposes.  You have the option to apply this exemption to your real estate or automobile tax.  For more information, please visit the Darien Tax Assessor's site.