The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-12-07
1itions in each family.

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 Because of added responsibilities in other phases of the work of the department, the supervisor of this division has found 1t impossible to visit the homes as frequently as had been the custom, but success has apparently been achieved in the ef- fort to maintain close and friendly contact by as many visits as possi- ble and encouragement to benefit ciaries to "drop in" to the ofiice to discuss problems or changes in con- ditions.
 These informal visits have added to the enjoyment of working with group of women and children most of whom, handicapped though they certainly are by very low inc comes, seem to realize the limitation as well as the benefits of the Wid- ows' Aid Act. It has been hearten- ing to know the fortitude and even cheerfulness with which the large number of these widows manage on low budget to preserve their self respect and to keep their homes in tact as places in which to train their children to be worthwhile members of the community
 Since i935 the old Age Assistance Office has taken i.l22 applications. The function of the local office is to determine the eligibility with refer ence to age, citizenship and resi- dence. Home visits are made on cases where 1t is physically impossi- ble for persons to make personal ap- plication at the office. Intensive work is done to procure verification of vital statistics, not only in this country but In foreign countries. Applications are completed as quick. ly as possible and sent to Hartford. In cases where the local office Is unable to verify age and citizenship they are submitted to the State Worker.
 Sincere effort is made to assist beneficiaries in placing them in con- valescent homes, taking them to clinics. locating boarding homes and rents.
 Throughout this year more cases have required supplementation by the Welfare Department. This had been handled on a case work basis referring the family to Q private agency for service when needed.
 This department also makes the investigations and recommendations for assistance to the blind.
 Number of applications completed and sent to Commissioner of Well fare, Hartford. Connecticut between the period of November 3, 1895 tc August 3l, 1939-i,i22.
 Number of applications completed and sent to Commissioner of Well fare, Hartford. Connecticut between the period of September l, l938 tc August 3l, l939-l75.
 New applications from September 1, 1888 to August 3l, l939-ls7.
 Awards granted from September 1, 1888 to August 3l. 1o3e-i40.
 Applications pending in state of. flee August 3i, 1e3s-Ss.
 Beneiiciaries deceased from Sep tember l, 1888 to August 3i, 1886 --67.
 Applications withdrawn by appli- cantS-23.
 Applications discontinued due tc sufficient means of support-2l.
 Applicants found ineligible-3.
 Applications rejected--unwilling ness to assign insurance-39.
 Beneficiaries receiving modified tions in awards-59.
 Applications suspended-l4.
 Applications re-instated--7.
 Beneficiaries receiving awards moving from outside towns to Wa terbury-22
 Current awards being received by beneficiaries-635.
 Beneficiaries receiving blind as. sistance-6.
 Incompleted applications-4i.
 Static cases-68.
 Receiving supplementation from Welfare Departmert-15i. Letters sent-2,003.
 Telephone calls-2,574.
 Home visits-i,8i5.
 Off1ce calls-2,880.
 The system of selection whicf was instituted at the commissar, last year has worked out very well The assistance of the nutritionist sponsored by the Junior League. hal been generously given to interpre food values to our clients and to in' struct them in the use of govern ment commodities which in man! instances have been foreign t them. The following food commodi ties were received from the Nev Haven Commodity Center during thu year for distribution to people oi relief or in need of relief in addition to the regular food bag supplied D! I