Human Resources Agency of New
Britain, Inc. (HRA) is a community-based organization that aims to increase
economic self-sufficiency among individuals and families residing in New Britain, CT.
The mission of the organization (from website) is: "to improve the quality
of life by helping people achieve economic and social potential; responding to
the causes and conditions of poverty; and building stronger individuals,
families and communities in the greater New Britain area." HRA is
governed by a Board of Directors, composed of individuals representing the
public sector (elected officials), the private sector (community and business
organizations), and neighborhoods (residents served by HRA's programs).
HRA works in five different areas, under the following program divisions:
- Children & Family (day
care education programs such as Head Start and family programs such as a
Special Education Parents Council that works with children with special
needs and their families, creating community awareness of disability
issues);
- Community & Neighborhood
(assistance and resources to help with housing, health, child care,
general assistance, transportation, as well as services for
Polish-speaking residents and Spanish elders. Connects residents to
resources at HRA or other social service agencies. Includes East Side Community Action, Perlas Hispañas and
Senior Recreation, Polish Outreach, and Polish Victim Advocacy );
- Employment & Training
(job search assistance, job training, referrals to adult and higher
education classes, and employer recruitment assistance, through the
One-Stop Career Centers);
- Energy & Housing (home
heating assistance program, Lead Abatement program, eviction and
foreclosure mediation, and case management aimed toward lowering utility
bills); and
- Health & Wellness
(a collection of HIV Prevention Programs that
provide culturally appropriate education including risk reduction
information about HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C and sexually transmitted diseases
for the community to assist individuals in lowering their risk for these
diseases and to maintain and improve their health. Includes
Drug Treatment Advocacy, Latinos Act and Talk Awareness (LATA), Community
Promise, the Wellness Resource Center,
a Supportive Housing Program, Ryan White Case Management, and the
Coalition Against Substance Abuse (CASA), a community
action group that has as its goal the reduction and prevention of
substance abuse, primarily among youth in New Britain)
