Dear John,

Welcome to your Weekly Wrap, a recap of the week in Congress and highlights of my work.

Last week, I joined local leaders in Watertown to discuss the ways community project funding (CPF) will support law enforcement and promote public safety. I also visited Ball & Socket Arts of Cheshire, where community project funding will support a new sprinkler system at the largest industrial building on-site.  I rounded out the week with several colleagues in New Britain at the YWCA and Klingberg Family Centers. 

More from the week: On Tuesday, we held the first Casework on Your Corner of the 118th Congress. This program brings my casework team directly to you at public libraries, farmers markets, small businesses, and community events to help answer questions about navigating federal agencies. Lastly, I am sharing an update on internship opportunities in my Waterbury office.

For the full recap, please read below.

Hayes Wins for Watertown

On Wednesday, I toured Watertown’s Main Street area and the Watertown Police Department, where I met with local leaders and law enforcement officials. We discussed how federal resources I secured through community project funding will boost the local economy and keep residents safe.

The first project includes $3,000,000 for Watertown to conduct a safety audit of the Main Street area. The scope of work is to include additional sidewalks, raised bump outs, streetscapes, lighting, and street plantings. This area has been a safety hazard for years and the site of multiple fatalities. This funding will increase pedestrian and vehicular safety, while promoting economic development and stimulating many small businesses.

The second project includes $3,375,000 for emergency communications upgrades at the Watertown Police Department. The funds will be used to transition the existing radio communication system to a radio system that operates on a digital platform. This upgrade will help the department respond to emergencies and communicate with other first responders, keeping officers and the community safe.

Arts Expansion in Cheshire

Ball & Socket Arts aims to restore the historic Ball & Socket Manufacturing Company site and transform it into a vibrant arts center and community gathering place. Five buildings on a three-acre former industrial complex will house art galleries, live music venues, retail shops, casual and fine dining, and outdoor spaces. 

The former Ball & Socket Manufacturing Company site dates back to 1850, when it began as the Cheshire Manufacturing Company  and produced buttons used on military clothing during the Civil War.

$625,000 in community project funding will allow Ball & Socket Arts to build out a new sprinkler system at the largest industrial building on the site.

This project will help expand the number of local gathering spaces attractive to children and families as the town of Cheshire continues to develop a walkable, accessible downtown district. 

New Business Support in New Britain

On Friday, I joined community members for a tour of YWCA New Britain. Accredited by the NAEYC Academy of Early Childhood Program, YWCA New Britain has over 35 years of experience providing year-round childcare and nutritional meals. Through $50,000 in community project funding, YWCA New Britain will develop a Childcare Business Incubator at the New Britain Housing Authority facility.

The incubator will train individuals to open and operate their own family childcare businesses, while also providing support to the business for a period of 2-5 years in the shared site. Finally, the program will prepare new businesses to successfully move to an independent location once their tenure in the incubator is complete.

Klingberg Family Centers

The Klingberg Family Centers is a private, nonprofit multi-service agency which provides services to children and families whose lives have been traumatized by abuse and/or neglect, severe family problems and mental health issues.

I was pleased to join Commissioner Vanessa Dorantes of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF), Klingberg CEO Steve Girelli, members of the Klingberg Board of Trustees and several esteemed colleagues for a tour of the outpatient clinic at Klingberg Family Centers’ New Britain location.

The $1,000,000 in community project funding I secured for Klingberg will enable the organization to complete long overdue facility repairs and upgrades – including HVAC systems, roofing, stairwell safety screens, and handicap accessibility for two group homes.

Casework on Your Corner (CYOC)

Throughout my time in Congress, I have been adamant in my pursuit to make resources and services more accessible for all who call the Fifth District home. In 2022, my office successfully closed more than 750 cases and returned over $9.9 million to constituents through casework. I am pleased to share my signature Casework on Your Corner (CYOC) program is now available once a month at Meriden City Hall and Danbury City Hall. 

The CYOC program brings caseworkers directly to my constituents at public libraries, farmers markets, small businesses, and community events. My casework staff can answer questions, provide guidance, and open new cases in real-time with federal agencies such as the  Social Security Administration (SSA), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).

By launching this monthly program, I hope to connect more people to my office and provide a consistent presence in these communities.

 The full CYOC schedule is available here.

Internship applications are open

Are you a college, graduate student, or recent graduate interested in public service? My Waterbury Office is still accepting applications for Spring internships. Interns will have the opportunity to connect directly with constituents, assist with constituent casework, and develop community outreach.

The Spring 2023 internship application can be found here.

Thank you for taking the time to read this update. As always, please continue to share your thoughts and priorities with me.

Jahana Hayes

Member of Congress