Announcements

Upcoming Events

Healthier Together, CCESR’s Health & Wellness Event, September 29, 9:00am-11:30am

  • Join CCESR for a morning full of health and wellness activities and resources!
    • The New Britain YWCA, Chamber of Commerce, and CCESR have put together a Community Wellness Series throughout the month of September, and the final event will be held on campus on September 29th. Most of the activities will be from 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM, in and around the new CCSU Community Clinic (in Copernicus). Refreshments and giveaways will be provided!
  • Activities will include:
    • A Health and Wellness Walk/Scavenger hunt around campus
    • A pop-up screening clinic
      • BMI, Diabetes, Cholesterol
      • Maternal Health
    • Community Health Resource Fair
      • Klingberg, YWCA, Chamber of Commerce
      • Flu and Covid-19 vaccinations provided by Beacon Pharmacy
    • 9:15 – 9:45 and 10:15 – 10:45: Yoga- on the grass near the CCSU Community Health Clinic
    • 9:30 – 10:00 and 10:15 – 10:45: Virtual Reality Guided meditation sessions in the XR Lab
  • Check out our Flier HERE!

 

New Britain Community Wellness Series, September 8-29, Times and Locations Vary

  • 9/8- Adding More Life to Your Years, Hospital of Central CT
    • Lifestyle Medicine Talk- Learn how the way we live our lives affects not only our day-to-day energy, but also how long we live.
    • Learn more here!
    • Click here to register
  • 9/15 New Britain Museum of American Art
  • 9/22 Klingberg Family Centers
  • 9/29 CCSU Healthier Together Day
    • Join us for a day-long health and wellness event including yoga, a health/wellness walk and scavenger hunt, a pop-up screening clinic, a community health resource fair, guided meditations sessions in the VR lab, snacks, giveaways, and more! Stay tuned for more specific info!
  • See Flyer HERE

  • Join New Life II, Community Mental Health Affiliates, North-Oak NRZ and Tri-Life in New Britain for a Community Clean-up on September 23!
    • 10:00 – 12:00 PM Community Clean Up
    • Willow Street Park, 43 Willow Street, New Britain, CT
    • If you would like to volunteer to help clean-up the community, contact:
    • Click here for flier!

Connecticut Supreme Court Hearings at CCSU, October 19, 10:00am-1:00pm

  • On October 19th, the Connecticut Supreme Court will be hearing two cases at CCSU 
  • The first case will be held at 10:00 a.m. and the second at 11:30 a.m.
  • Case one:  State of Connecticut v. Lawrence Lee Henderson, SC 20688
  • Case two: Vincent G. Benvenuto v. Kevin Brookman, SC 20699
  • Descriptions of the cases and guidelines for attendance can be found here.

Announcements/News

Enjoy Student Discounts in Downtown New Britain!

Community Engagement & Experiential Learning Stipend (CEELS) Program

  • If you would like to do an unpaid internship but can’t afford to, apply for CCESR’s Community Engagement & Experiential Learning Stipend (CEELS) Program that will be offered during the Fall and Spring semesters
  • The CEELS stipend will pay $18/hour with a maximum of $3,000 (this averages 20 hours a week for an 8-week program).
  • Priority will be given to students with proposals that engage with local communities!
  • The deadline to apply for the Fall semester is September 22nd
  • Find more information on our website

Jobs & Internships

Citizenship Ambassador - The Citizenship Ambassador Program of Greater Hartford Area

  • The Citizenship Ambassador Program seeks to recruit and train immigrant youth as Citizenship Ambassadors (CA) in order to promote U.S. Citizenship and civic engagement in the Greater Hartford Area. CA will learn about citizenship, prepare immigrants for naturalization, and encourage the civic, linguistic, and cultural integration of immigrants into the Hartford community.
  • The program offers career and academic development for youth interested in the field of education, social work, international affairs, immigration, or communications. It is a great opportunity for youth enrolled in a Summer Youth Employment and Learning Program (SYELP), seeking a Capstone Project or Community Service hours, College Work Study/Internship, or wanting to volunteer.
  • Visit the website for more: https://tap.hplct.org/immigration/youth-program/citizenship-ambassador/

Sexual Assault Crisis Service for the New Britain YWCA

  • They are looking for a warm-hearted, driven person who has a passion for ending sexual violence and supporting survivors.
  • The LGBTQ+ Advocate provides direct services through counseling and advocacy to LGBTQ+ survivors and their loved ones.
  • They also provide presentations, outreach, and intervention services to underserved populations in targeted communities in the New Britain and Hartford region
  • If you have a passion for working with this community, they would love to have you on our team!
  • To apply, send your resume and cover letter to Alyssa at adamato@ywcanewbritain.org
  • Or check out the posting on Indeed
  • You can also check out their volunteer opportunities here!

New Britain Parks and Recreation

  • The New Britain Parks and Rec offers two after school programs for New Britain students, “Every Kid Counts” ( 3rd-5th grade) and “Exercise the Right Choice” (6th-8th grade).
  • They are looking for program staff to join their team. Open positions include:
    • Site Supervisor
    • Wellness Manager
    • Group Leader
  • The application process opened on July 1, 2023
  • Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so get yours in early!
  • More information and the application can be found HERE!

The Friendship Center – Multiple Positions Available

  • The Friendship Center provides a continuum of services for individuals who are at risk or experiencing homelessness in Central CT
  • Services range from basic outreach to those living on the streets, to emergency shelter for families and individuals, and transitional living and permanent supportive housing options for those who are transitioning out of homelessness.
  • They have a number of full-time positions available- Shelter Manager, Intake Specialist, Lead Chef/Kitchen manager, Fundraising Operations Associate, SOAR Specialist
  • Click here for the listings

CCSU Dining Services

  • Sodexo is hiring student workers on campus
  • Positions typically start when the semester does, and they hire about 90-100 students
  • They offer flexible schedules and a free meal per shift
  • For more information, click here! Or visit Indeed directly

Connecticut State Division of Public Defender Services

  • The Division of Public Defender Services is made up of three separate components: a Commission responsible for policy-making, appointments of all personnel and compensation matters; an Office of Chief Public Defender charged with statewide administration of the public defender system and the provision of specialized legal representation; and the individual public defender offices providing legal services throughout the State to indigent persons accused of crimes as required by both the United States and Connecticut Constitutions.
  • They offer summer, fall, and spring internships for students in a variety of majors (including but not limited to, social work and political science)
  • Complete an application found at https://portal.ct.gov/OCPD/Training/CT-Public-Defender-Internship-Information and a resume
  • They also may be able to accommodate social work students in need of 70 hour placements

The Connecticut Office of the Secretary of the State

  • The Office of the Secretary of the State continuously solicits applicants for internship opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students seeking an internship in the fall or spring semesters, as well as during the summer months.  Our mission is to provide students interested in the areas of law, government, communications, and business with a rewarding educational experience.  The Secretary of the State of Connecticut is one of six elected constitutional officers in Connecticut and is responsible for overseeing a number of government functions through several divisions.
  • Placement Opportunities:  Executive Offices (undergraduate interns of any major, graduate interns studying public policy or survey research); Legislation & Election Administration Division (undergraduate interns of any major, law students).
  • Internship placements are available for the summer as well as during the school year.  Please email your résumé with a cover letter including your availability to tina.prakash@ct.gov or fax to 860.509.6131.
  • More information can be found here: https://portal.ct.gov/SOTS/Education/Internships/Internship-Opportunities

New Britain Progressive

  • The New Britain Progressive is a publication of the New Britain Independent Newspaper and has been around since 2016

  • They are looking for students willing to contribute new perspectives and opinions on a range of topics from local and state issues to sports coverage and so on
  • This is a great experience for anyone looking to gain some real-world news/writing experience.
  • For more information, contact: or visit https://newbritainindependent.com/

New Life II Job Opportunity – Recovery Community Center Facilitator

  • POSITION SUMMARY - $17-$18 hour, 20 hours per week, 52 weeks 9-1 pm or 11 – 3 pm M- F
  • New Life II’s (NLII) mission is to transform neighborhoods disenfranchised by racism and discrimination by empowering individuals caught in cycles of hopelessness, dependency on substances (drugs and/or alcohol), or mental health struggles to build self-reliance, sustainable development, and continued upward mobility.
  • The RCC Facilitator will help individuals by providing judgement free Peer Recovery Support, including butnot limited to ongoing education, mentoring, critical life skills training, and linkage to Basic Needs Assistance and Harm Reduction by engaging with people who walk into the RCC. Successful Candidate will be passionate about Harm Reduction, guided by authentic Peer Support Values, and support multiple pathways to recovery. All candidates must have completed or will complete (within 2 months of hire) a Peer Support, Recovery Coach, or Recovery-Oriented training program. Must provide documentation if completed within 2 years.
  • Full Position Description
  • Application (Fillable)
  • Application (Print)
  • Please send all inquiries and applications to Sou Thammavong, Operations Manager

Year-long Executive Internship for CT Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas

  • The Secretary of State is also looking for a Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 Executive Intern who would work directly with Connecticut Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas and her executive team
  • The unpaid position is for the full school year- both the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters
  • Duties include conducting policy research, making phone calls and managing databases
  • For more information, click HERE!

Greater New Britain Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Inc. (Pathways/Senderos Center)

  • Pathways/Senderos is a youth development program that runs after school programs for children ages 11-18. The program offers tutoring, career and college exploration, wellness, recreation, and other enrichment activities.
  • They are currently hiring a Program Manager
    • Oversee and implement a comprehensive youth development program for at-risk youth and their families in New Britain.
    • The Program Manager will ensure that GNBTPP, Inc. provides high-quality, student-centered programming.
    • Check out the full description here!
  • They are also seeking a Graduate Intern!
    • The graduate intern needs to hold a Master’s Degree in the Counseling and Counselor in Education Program
    • Click HERE for more info!
  • They may have other internship opportunities as well!
  • Contact:  Heather Mills

Internship Opportunities at New Britain Housing Authority

The New Britain Housing Authority has internship opportunities for students in different areas of study, including:

Social Work:  Students will work alongside resident service staff to engage families, elderly and disabled households living in low-income housing.  Students will have the opportunity to do resident assessments, create and implement surveys, plan and carry out special projects such as the Thanksgiving distribution and holiday toy program, facilitate groups for adults and/or children, network with local providers to establish community supports to benefit residents, write case notes and participate in special projects.  Students may organize resident meetings, listening sessions or focus groups. A special project that will be launching is the establishment of a resident council, which will involve community organizing and empowering residents to engage in a process that will allow their voices and thoughts about their community to be heard.

Psychology: Students will work alongside resident service staff to engage families, elderly and disabled households living in low-income housing.  Students will have the opportunity to do resident assessments, provide crisis intervention to households facing eviction, food insecurity, etc., create and implement surveys of residents’ interests, barriers to self-sufficiency, education and employment, network with local providers to establish community supports to benefit residents, write case notes, and participate in special projects. Students may organize resident meetings, listening sessions or focus groups.

Gerontology:  Students will work alongside our Resident Service Coordinator to engage elderly and disabled residents living in public housing. Our work with residents is focused on assessing their needs and providing services or linkages to programs that allow them to age in place;  students will have the opportunity to do assessments, prepare, plan, and execute group activities and educational or health related workshops, create opportunities for residents to engage socially with one another and participate in special projects.  One special project we would like to implement is a legacy club in which students could interview residents, photograph them, write their “story”, and create a legacy board in one of five community rooms celebrating the life and experiences of our senior population.  A bilingual (Spanish speaking) student is preferred.

Communications/Media/Graphic Design:  Students will be tasked with assessing and evaluating the messaging and branding of the New Britain Housing Authority, through its social media, web presence, etc.  Students will have the opportunity to create a communication strategy, content calendar, design resident centered communication and collateral materials, etc.

Finance/Mathematics: Students will be trained by one of our partner agencies to use a financial literacy curriculum.  Students will then work with families enrolled in the Housing Authority’s Family Self Sufficiency or Resident Opportunities and Self Sufficiency Programs. Students will have the opportunity to help households establish a budget, identify monetary escapes, learn about their credit score and establish a plan to maintain a balanced household budget.

Contact: Lisa Cretella, Director of Community Affairs & Programs

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities at CAHS (including VITA Tax Preparation Volunteers)

The Connecticut Association for Human Services (CAHS) has several different opportunities for CCSU students to volunteer:

SCHEDULER - Assist in collecting data, verifying information, and making appointments for taxpayers accessing VITA services. Provide administrative support and technical assistance as required. 

GREETER - Screen all customers requesting tax assistance, identifying the type of return and tax schedules each taxpayer will need assistance with, and ensure they have all necessary information/documentation required to complete the return.

TAX PREPARER – Provide (**in-person and/or virtual) free tax return preparation for eligible taxpayers. Provide high quality service and uphold the highest ethical standards to establish and ensure the greatest degree of accuracy and public trust. 

SITE COORDINATOR - Coordinate, organize and supervise all aspects of the VITA program, which includes management of the VITA site during the tax filing season. 

TAX SAVINGS SPECIALIST – Support Volunteer Tax Preparers by promoting options to clients to consider saving, financial education, and financial coaching. 

Contacts:

  • For VITA Tax Preparation Volunteers, contact Nick Brundage, VITA Program Coordinator, at Nbrundage@cahs.org or 860-951-2212 ext. 238
  • For other opportunities, contact Bradley Alagna, Volunteer Recruiter at balagna@cahs.org.

 

Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC)

  • OIC runs after school and summer youth employment programming for local New Britain youth and is dedicated to helping youth develop career and workforce readiness skills.
  • Volunteers are needed for after school programs that run throughout the semester. Summer positions may also be available.  
  • Contact: Paulette Fox (Executive Director)
    Email: pfox_oic@yahoo.com
    Phone: 860.224.7151
  • Website

Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Opportunities:

Habitat for Humanity offers a number of ways you can volunteer through direct service, including:

  • Construction Build Site Support- Habitat for Humanity North Central CT builds on average 10 homes in Greater Hartford every year. Throughout the fall semester, they will have volunteer opportunities at their build sites. Stay tuned for dates!
  • ReStore Service: ReStore is a home improvement and donation center that sells new and gently used furniture, home accessories, building materials and appliances to the public at a fraction of the retail price. Throughout the fall semester, they will have a handful of dates where they need volunteers within a 3-hr time frame. Stay tuned for the dates!
  • Family Services Support
  • Office Support
  • Youth Advocacy & Engagement
  • Specialized Volunteer Positions
    • Habitat Ambassador
    • Habitat Site Host
    • Construction Crew Leader
    • Playhouse Ambassador
    • AND MORE!
  • Contact volunteer@hfhncc.org for more information on how to get involved!

UR Community Cares

  • UR Community Cares is a network of volunteers providing services to older and disabled adults to try to improve their quality of life
  • Community members submit deed requests on Ur Community Cares’ website, and volunteers can look through and choose which requests they would like to fulfill
  • Examples of requests include, housework, yardwork, transportation, picking up groceries, etc.
  • For more information, visit https://urcommunitycares.org/home/about

Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps listings (paid volunteer positions with benefits):

For one year, get paid to build sustainable solutions in a community, gain valuable hands-on experience and prepare for your future. These full-time AmeriCorps service positions offer a great opportunity to make an impact in the lives of others while building your own knowledge and skillset. 

ReStore Development VISTA 2023-24

  • AmeriCorps VISTA members are Volunteers in Service to America who perform indirect service to build capacity and sustainable solutions.
  • Habitat ReStores are independently owned reuse stores operated by local Habitat organizations that accept donations and sell home improvement items to the public at a fraction of the retail price. Proceeds are used to help build strength, stability, self-reliance and shelter in local communities and around the world.
  • The ReStore development VISTA member researches and implements best practices for standard ReStore operating policies. This could look like marketing the store to community members and donors, developing or enhancing a volunteer program, evaluating the impact of the store within the community or developing ReStore business processes. Each project development is created in a sustainable manner to continue beyond your service.
  • Minimum Requirements:
    • Applicants must hold one of the following citizenship statuses: US citizen, US National, Lawful Permanent Resident Aliens or is a person residing in a state that have the following legal residency classifications: refugee, asylum or asylee, temporary protected status, or deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status. Applicants must be at least 18 or older and have a high school diploma or GED.
    • Pursuant to current Habitat for Humanity policy, this position requires full vaccination against COVID-19, except to the extent such requirement is prohibited by applicable law.
  • Benefits:
    • Annual living allowance of $22,881.85 for one year of service.
    • Segal Education Award of $6,895, upon successful completion of service.
    • Forbearance for most federally-guaranteed student loans.
    • Health care benefits and enrollment in Employee Assistance Plan.
    • 10 personal and 10 medical leave days.
    • Personal and professional development opportunities.
    • Childcare benefits, if you qualify.
    • Noncompetitive eligibility status for federal employment for one year after successful completion of service.
    • Relocation assistance: Mileage and a $750 settling in allowance for members relocating more than 50 miles to serve.
  • For more information, visit: 2023-2024 ReStore Development VISTA

Join Team Special Care- Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon

  • The Hospital for Special Care is a premier charity for the Eversource Hartford marathon and Half Marathon on Saturday, October 14th.
  • They are looking for volunteers, runners, and racers of all abilities to join Team Special Care
  • Click here!

Greater New Britain Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Inc. (Pathways/Senderos Center)

  • Pathways/Senderos is a youth development program that runs after school programs for children ages 11-18. The program offers tutoring, career and college exploration, wellness, recreation, and other enrichment activities.
  • Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the school year. Volunteers are needed for tutoring, arts, and recreation programs.
  • Contact:  Heather Mills

Center for Community Engagement and Social Research

Join Our Mailing List

Executive Director

Beth Merenstein
Interim Associate Vice President
Center for Community Engagement and Social Research
Lawrence J. Davidson Hall
(860) 832-3174