The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-12-07

authorities in New Haven and of the resident engineer and other project supervisors.
 No precise figures are available but, insofar as possible, we are att tempting in the following table to estimate those which we feel give the best picture of the constantly changing w. P. A. lease load" It will be noted that there were three mass lay-of7s"; in December be- cause of project limitations and de- crease in quota, in March of those who had not obtained full citizen- ship status Gall had first papers and, beginning in July, of all (ex- cept veterans) who had worked on the w. P. A. for eighteen months or longer.
 In March when the New Haven office reinvestigated the circunl- stances of all those on w. P. A. we were glad to comply with any re. quest for the use of the facilities of our ofiice or assistance of members of our staff.
 W.P. A. projects which have been directly under the Department of Public Welfare include the fol- lowing:
 Sewing Projects - This project employs some 90 women who would otherwise be on direct relief. During the year they have completed 3l ,06o sewed and knitted garments which were distributed among families on relief on W. P. A. These garments included dresses, blouses, trousers pajamas, underwear, bath robes and layettes. :.
 Toy Lending Project-This project employs some 20 people eligible for relief unless so employed. This Is one of the most fascinating projects operating. Used and broken toys which are donated by the public are repaired, repainted, and loaned to children from bases located In vari. ous sections of the cty. By means of this project, not only are 20 people employed but countless underprivi- legged children are made happy with toys which they may borrow for a time and return only to borrow something else equally as interest. ing. It is hoped that this project may be enlarged somewhat during the coming year go that more people may be gainfully employed and more children benefited.
 The Handicraft Project employed abo,it IS women, who were engaged in making hooked rugs which were used for distribution in public buildings. Several of these rugs have been given to St. Marys Hospital, Waterbury Hospital, Lincoln House Associa ton, Corner House Associa- ton, Girls Club, Diocesan Bureau of Social Service and Brookside Home. This Project has been dis. continued by the W. P. A. officials but most of these women employed were transferred to other projects.
 Housekeeping Aide-This project has been most enthusiastically re-. ceived during the past year. The lo women employed have gone Into the home of relief clients where the homemaker Is totally or partially incapacitated or in case of tempor- ary emergency which makes this assistance necessary. They have rendered valuable assistance in car- ing for children or in raising stand. ards of living in the homes where they have been employed.
 Cleaning and Renovating Of vari.. ous public buildings-This project has accomplished much during the past year in cleaning the public buildings throughout the city. Sev- erai of the school buildings, fire houses and the city hall have been cleaned. The work done on this pro- feet has certainly put the buildings in much better condition and has also provided employment for some twenty men and women.
 N. Y. A. has done for the younger group from IS to 2S what W. P. A. has done for the older group. 6ev- eral projects have been sponsored for boys and girls which not only provide work and training for the youth but also render . service to the community. Several of the business trained high school grad uates have been placed in the vari- ous local welfare agencies and have aided considerably with office rou- tine. Other girls who are specially adapted to sewing have been placed in c sewing center and have made innumerable garments for both local hospitals. Thes- girls are also assist ed by others doing routine tasks of rolling bandages, etc. There is 6 project for boys under the educa. tiena. department which is engaged ir the task of refinishing the surs face of school furniture. The N. Y. A. Educational Camp at Nepaug has been most enthusiastically received by the boys and great service has been rendered to those who have registered therein. This entire pro- gram has accomplished a great deal l. giving employment to a group of youngsters who would otherwise be greatly discouraged and at the same time has given Q service to the city of Waterbury. Tn July of 1889 this program was removed from the need of relief basis although pref erence is still given to the youth whose family is on relief or in need of relief.
 During the past year these boys and girls have been declared to be eligible for N. Y. A. placement after applica ton at the Welfare Depart msnt and investigation which in- | dk.ateu their families to be in need of relief. Many who were so investi- gated and certified obtained em- ployment before suitable placement could be made by the N. Y. A. Dur ing the year from 9-l-38 to 8-3l-39 fifty-three boys and fifty-five girls were hired. Of these, twenty-two boys and fifteen girls have been rec leased. many of them to pEivate employment.
 As has been customary the dc- | pertinent has been the local select- ' ing agency for the Civilian Conser-