Community Resources
Please click the link to learn more about each group, the services they provide, and any costs associated with their services.
Hearing
- American School for the Deaf: Located in West Hartford, CT, the American School for the Deaf is dedicated to serving deaf and hard-of-hearing infants, youth, and their families by utilizing specially designed instruction through a Bilingual Approach.
Neurodivergent
Birth to Three: The Birth to Three System contracts with early intervention programs across the state of Connecticut that support families with children who have delays or disabilities. They specifically support families with children who are under age 3 and have either a significant developmental delay based on a standardized test or a medical condition (diagnosed by a doctor) that’s likely to result in a developmental delay.
InBloom: InBloom learning centers offer safe, fun, and effective autism therapies and services for young children while ensuring families stay informed and connected every step of the way.
Vision
CT LAB – CT Library for Accessible Books: CT LAB is a network library of the Library of Congress’ National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS). CT LAB lends books and magazines in audio and braille formats, for free, to any Connecticut resident who is unable to read regular print due to a visual, reading, or physical disability. Otis Library is an informational hub for CT LAB and can help you register for their services.
- South East CT Community Center of the Blind:
This nonprofit’s mission is to serve the social, recreational, educational, referral, and advocacy needs of the blind and visually impaired population of southeastern Connecticut and assist them in attaining and maintaining an independent lifestyle.
Please click the link to learn more about each group, the services they provide, and any costs associated with their services.
- Art Reach: This arts & health agency has been supporting mental health and wellness through the creative and performing arts since 1985. They offer theater and music programs, as well as art classes and writing groups. All of their programs and services focus on supporting your mental wellbeing.
- Chestnut Street Playhouse: A 67-seat black box theater in the heart of downtown Norwich, CT, Chestnut Street Playhouse is the place to be for entertainment, education, and live arts.
- Norwich Arts Center: NAC is a nonprofit organization managing a historic building with two galleries on the first floor, offices on the second floor, and the 100-seat Donald L. Oat Theater on the third floor.
- Norwich Events Organization: This volunteer committee organizes community events for the citizens of Norwich and our surrounding community, including monthly “First Friday” arts events in downtown.
- Rose Arts Festival: Rose Arts is an annual festival celebrating community, music, and public art.
- Slater Memorial Museum: Located on the campus of Norwich Free Academy, the Slater Museum awakens visitors to the richness and diversity of the human experience through art.
Please click the link to learn more about each group, the services they provide, and any costs associated with their services.
- Norwich Adult Education: NAE offers a citizenship preparation class that meets at Otis Library in the fall.
- Immigration Advocacy and Support Center: IASC (pronounced “I Ask”) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide low-cost, high-quality immigration-related legal services and to educate communities in Southeast Connecticut on immigration law and policy.
Please click the link to learn more about each group, the services they provide, and any costs associated with their services.
Youth
Birth to Three: The Birth to Three System contracts with early intervention programs across the state of Connecticut that support families with children who have delays or disabilities. They specifically support families with children who are under age 3 and have either a significant developmental delay based on a standardized test or medical condition (diagnosed by a doctor) that’s likely to result in a developmental delay.
InBloom: InBloom learning centers offer safe, fun, and effective autism therapies and services for young children while ensuring families stay informed and connected every step of the way.
- Integrated Day Charter School: The Integrated Day Charter School provides a safe, flexible and academically challenging learning environment for PreK – 8th grade.
- Montessori Discovery School: A school for children ages 18 months – 12 years old. They utilize the Montessori method for teaching and encourage you to schedule a tour to learn more about their classrooms.
- Norwich Free Academy: NFA is the public high school for Norwich residents, while also accepting students from other communities.
- Norwich Public Schools: NPS offers seven elementary schools, two magnet middle schools, and a 9-12 transition academy, and a Regional Adult Education program.
- Norwich Technical High School: Norwich Tech offers 12 technology training programs, as well as traditional educational topics.
- Sacred Heart School: Sacred Heart is a faith-based school that offers programs for PreK – 8th grade.
- School Readiness Council (Preschool): The School Readiness Council provides local management and oversight of the five approved programs with state funding. This supports 429 children and families to gain access to a high-quality preschool education!
- St. Patrick Cathedral School: St. Patrick’s is faith-based school that offers programs for PreK – 8th grade.
- Three Rivers Middle College Magnet High School: A dual enrollment high school for students in grades 11-12, located inside the campus of Three Rivers Community College. Students work towards both a high school diploma and associate’s degree.
- TVCCA – Thames Valley Council for Community Action: TVCCA operates multiple childhood development programs to ensure the education and well being of families and children from birth through age 5.
- Wildwood Christian School: Wildwood is a faith-based school offering programs for Kindergarten – 8th grade.
Adult
- Norwich Regional Adult Education: NRAE is a cooperative adult education program that provides academic programs, family education, job training, workplace education, enrichment classes, language, counseling and assessment services.
- CT State Community College (Three Rivers Campus): This branch location offers affordable access to academically rigorous and innovative education, career training, and lifelong learning.
Please click the link to learn more about each group, the services they provide, and any costs associated with their services.
Job Training
- Norwich Tech – Adult Apprenticeship Program: Norwich Technical High School Apprenticeship Program is a formal training program fully approved by the State of Connecticut Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship Training. Apprentice and extension courses are offered in the evening. Students learn on the job while working under the supervision of an experienced journeyperson and will be registered with an approved sponsor.
- Norwich Works (Norwich Human Services): This program helps Norwich Residents achieve their career goals through individualized support. Limited funding is available for training and education.
- Opportunities Industrialization Center of New London County: OIC provides supplemental support and referrals for clothing, food insecurities, transportation, and accessibility to social service programs. They also offer career-specific certification training programs for:
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Culinary Arts
- Business Office/Computer Skills
- Basic Construction/OSHA-10
- Childhood Development Associate Certification
- Second Chance Citizens employment training programs for individuals that have some involvement with the criminal justice system.
Job Searching
- American Job Center: American Job Centers help workers find jobs – for free! Their experienced team can help you learn which jobs and careers are right for you, write great cover letters, create a powerful resume that gets you interviews, and conduct effective job searches.
- City of Norwich Employment Opportunities: Work for the City of Norwich! This link will take you to their employment portal with a list of current openings.
- EasterSeals Veterans Rally Point: Easterseals is committed to the successful reintegration of Active Military, National Guard, Reserve, Veterans, and their families into all aspects of civilian life. Most services are free of charge for our members or offered on an affordable sliding fee scale.
- Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce: GNACC manages a job bank with positions posted by local employers.
- Seniors Helping Seniors: This organization matches seniors with mature, active caregivers who have a passion for serving others and building lasting friendships. Caregivers have flexible scheduling and competitive pay.
Please click the link to learn more about each group, the services they provide, and any costs associated with their services.
- 211: The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) helps low-income households pay their primary heat source bills. Information about the 2024-2025 service year is currently available.
Norwich Human Services (860-823-3778): Norwich Human Services plays a critical role addressing the needs of Norwich’s low-income residents and the City’s homeless population.
- Norwich Public Utilities: NPU provides information on their website with resources for energy efficiency and cost saving measures.
- Operation Fuel: CT households that are facing financial crisis can apply for emergency energy and utility assistance.
- TVCCA – Thames Valley Council for Community Action (860-425-6681): TVCCA administers a federally funded program for energy assistance.
Please click the link to learn more about each group, the services they provide, and any costs associated with their services.
- Literacy Volunteers of Eastern CT: Literacy Volunteers offer conversation groups at Otis Library. Their tutors are passionate about helping new learners develop their English skills.
- Norwich Adult Education: NEA offers English classes for students whose primary language is not English. All proficiency levels are welcome, as class levels range from beginning to advanced levels. Courses are designed to improve reading, writing, listening, and speaking while developing skills for jobs, education, and cross-cultural adjustment for life in the United States. Classes are also offered offsite at Latinos for Educational Advocacy and Diversity (LEAD).
- Rose City Learning Center: This nonprofit organization provides foundational English classes for beginners. They also offer English for Special Purposes tailored to specific needs. Their Community ESOL class practices conversational English and listening skills by intereacting with guest speakers from the surrounding Norwich area.
Please click the link to learn more about each group and to see current distribution schedules. All locations are in Norwich unless otherwise noted.
- Bette’s Bounty at UCP of Eastern CT (860-968-3663): Located in Montville, this food pantry serves individuals with disabilities and their families.
- Catholic Charities (860-889-8346): Please call to make an appointment to visit this food pantry.
- Easterseals Veterans Rally Point (860-859-4148): This food pantry is open to members of Veterans Rally Point. Active military and veterans are eligible for membership.
- Eglise Evangelique Ps 23 (860-574-0682): Please call to make an appointment to visit this food pantry.
- El Shaddai Worship Center, Inc. (860-710-4026): Please call to schedule an appointment for food delivery.
- Lee Memorial Church (860-822-6595): This church offers a weekly food distribution.
- Madonna Place (860) 886-6600): Madonna Place is an inviting and safe place for families to receive support, resources, and services.
- Montville Union Baptist Church (860-705-8578): This church provides a drive-through food pantry with no residency restrictions. Please call to register.
- Rosalyn Allen Food Pantry (860-822-4147): This mobile pantry is available weekly for everyone, with no restrictions.
- Salvation Army (860) 559- 2245: The Salvation Army offers a food pantry. They can be contacted at norwichfoodpantry@use.salvationarmy.org
- St. Vincent de Paul (860-889-7374): Offers a food pantry and community meals.
- TVCCA/Meals on Wheels (860) 934-1010: This senior nutrition program supports people over 60 years old and their spouses.
- United Way Mobile at Three Rivers Community College (860-464-3327): This monthly mobile food pantry provides drive-through service to everyone, with no restrictions.
- Uplifting Grace (860-574-0455): This monthly food pantry is open to all, regardless of residency.
Please click the link to learn more about each group, the services they provide, and any costs associated with their services.
Addiction & Recovery
- AA – Alcoholics Anonymous: Alcoholics Anonymous is a worldwide fellowship of people who help each other to stay sober. They have regular meetings throughout the state, including multiple times and locations in Norwich.
- NA – Narcotics Anonymous: NA is a nonprofit that supports people who struggle with addiction. Members are recovering from addiction and meet regularly to help each other stay clean. The program encourages total abstinence from all drugs. The only requirement for membership is the desire to stop using.
- Norwich Prevention Council: A coalition of community members and organizations dedicated to substance abuse recovery and prevention. They offer educational training and intervention programs for all ages with a focus on youth.
- SCADD: Provide quality, affordable treatment services centered around hope, connection, and empowerment for every person who is seeking recovery. Visit their website for a list of current services.
- UCFS – United Community and Family Services: Provides medical, gynecological, dental, and behavioral services. Telehealth options are available.
General Wellness
- Hispanic Health Council: Provide behavioral and mental health, family wellness, migrant health clinics, and more.
- UCFS – United Community and Family Services: Provides medical, gynecological, dental, and behavioral services. Telehealth options are available.
Mental Health
- Art Reach: This arts & health agency has been supporting mental health and wellness through the creative and performing arts since 1985. They offer theater and music programs, as well as art classes and writing groups. All of their programs and services focus on supporting your mental well-being.
- NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Illness: NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots, nonprofit organization aimed at improving quality of life for people living with mental health challenges and their families. They provide various support groups, education, and advocacy.
SMHA – Southeastern Mental Health Authority: A community mental health agency whose primary goal is to provide high-quality behavioral health services to adults, 18 years or older, with mental health and substance use disorders. Services, which include case management, outpatient behavioral health, crisis intervention, respite care, and forensic services, are recovery-oriented and offered in a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive manner.
SMHA Main Phone:(860) 859-4500
24-hour Crisis Line: (860) 886-9302
DMHAS Addiction Treatment 24-hour hotline: 1-800-563-4086
- Reliance Health: Reliance Health is a non-profit community mental health center with a mission of enhancing health through mental wellness. Their 30+ programs provide tools and resources for individuals to move forward in their lives.
- UCFS – United Community and Family Services: Provides medical, gynecological, dental, and behavioral services. Telehealth options are available.
Please click the link to learn more about each group, the services they provide, and any costs associated with their services.
- Connecticut Bar Association: The CBA is a nonprofit member service organization dedicated to advancing the legal profession and the principles of law and justice. They partner with Otis Library on the monthly Lawyers in Libraries program. Their website can connect you to lawyers, services, and resources throughout the state.
- Connecticut Legal Services: Provides access to legal assistance for low-income individuals and families through representation, systemic advocacy, and education.
- Immigration Advocacy and Support Center: IASC (pronounced “I Ask”) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide low-cost, high-quality immigration-related legal services and to educate communities in Southeast Connecticut on immigration law and policy.
Please click the link to learn more about each group, the services they provide, and any costs associated with their services.
- 211: If you, or someone you know, is at risk of having to leave home and having nowhere to stay, please dial 2-1-1- and press Option 3 to speak with a 211 Housing Crisis Specialist. The line is open daily 24 hours a day.
- Martin House: Martin House, Inc. provides affordable, single-room occupancy housing, with support. They serve 54 adults, both men and women, 18 years and older. Most residents have experienced mental health, substance use disorder, homelessness, and poverty. Residents pay a program fee that includes room, board, utilities, and 24-hour staff on-site.
- New London Hospitality Center: This shelter is located in New London and can be accessed through a referral from 211. They also provide employment support and related services to maintain housing.
- Norwich Housing Authority (Call (860) 887-1605): Provides housing assistance to low-income families.
- Safe Futures: Victims and families who have experienced domestic violence receive housing assistance and/or in-home support services as they develop the life skills needed to live independently.
- Thames River Community Service: Provides housing and support services. Their main building houses 21 parents, ages 18-24, and their young children. Additionally, they serve area youth who are at risk of homelessness.
- TVCCA – Thames Valley Council for Community Action: TVCCA works with many partners throughout Eastern Connecticut to help end homelessness and provide affordable housing. They also have the Katie Blair house for victims of human trafficking.
Please click the link to learn more about each group, the services they provide, and any costs associated with their services.
- ECTC – Eastern Connecticut Transportation Consortium (860) 848-5910: ECTC provides transportation support and referrals to partner programs. Programs include medical and mobility transportation, transportation to jobs, and more.
- SEAT Bus: The public transportation service for New London County. Visit the website for current routes and pricing.
- DAV Vans: Transportation for Veterans: The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) provides free van rides to and from VA Connecticut Healthcare System facilities to Veterans who don’t have other transportation options.
- Rose City Senior Center Transportation (860) 889-5960: The Senior Center offers transportation services to/from the senior center, for medical appointments, shopping, and more. Space can be limited and fills quickly, so please register in advance.
Please click the link to learn more about each group, the services they provide, and any costs associated with their services.
- DAV Vans: Transportation for Veterans: The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) provides free van rides to and from VA Connecticut Healthcare System facilities to Veterans who don’t have other transportation options.
- EasterSeals Veterans Rally Point: Easterseals is committed to the successful reintegration of Active Military, National Guard, Reserve, Veterans, and their families into all aspects of civilian life. Most services are free of charge for our members or offered on an affordable sliding fee scale.
- Norwich Veterans Center: Offers confidential help for Veterans, service members, and their families at no cost in a non-medical setting. Services include counseling for needs such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST). They can also connect you with more support through the Department of Veterans Affairs and your community.
- Veterans of Foreign Wars Post-594 (860) 892-1400: A non-profit veterans service organization comprised of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard, and reserve forces of the United States of America.