December 14, 2021

Reps. Klarides-Ditria, Welander, Rochelle, Sen. Cabrera Praise Inclusion of Funding for TEAM’S Century Plaza on State Bond Commission Agenda

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State Representatives Nicole Klarides-Ditria (D – Beacon Falls, Derby, Seymour), Mary Welander (D – Orange, Woodbridge, Derby), Kara Rochelle (D – Ansonia/Derby), and State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D – Hamden) applaud the inclusion of $200,000 on the Connecticut State Bond Commission’s December 21 meeting agenda. The funding will be used to replace an elevator and windows at Century Plaza, 30 Elizabeth St., Derby. Century Plaza is TEAM, Inc.’s headquarters and houses several other nonprofit organizations for the Naugatuck Valley and surrounding region.

“Smart, long term investments like these that increase accessibility while also improving physical infrastructure will bring substantial dividends back to our community through a safer, more welcoming environment for all of our citizens. I’m pleased these funds are being used to bolster such a wonderful community resource and I want to thank my colleagues on the delegation for working tirelessly to get this money on the Commission’s agenda,” Rep. Klarides-Ditria said.

“At a time when being able to connect residents to resources is more important than ever, I am incredibly grateful for the allocation of these funds that will make necessary improvements to create a safer, more accessible space,” Rep. Welander said. “This will help residents and families throughout the area lead more successful lives, leading to more successful communities. I would like to sincerely thank the Governor and the Bond Commission for their support of the district in this effort.”

“These funds, if approved, will help to ensure that thousands of residents in our community can more easily access a building that provides vital support and services to the children, families, and seniors of our community. I am proud to advance this project and am grateful to Sen. Cabrera, and Representatives Welander and Klarides-Ditria for being strong partners in this effort that will have a lasting impact,” said Rep. Rochelle. “I want to thank the governor and members of the State Bond Commission for including this project on the commission’s next meeting agenda. This important project will help enhance the building’s safety, ensuring residents can access the nonprofits that touch so many lives in our community.”

“I am elated to see the hard work put forth by my colleagues in the delegation and I to secure these funds for TEAM move forward,” said Sen. Cabrera. “This investment not only serves a practical purpose, but also shows our commitment to prioritizing the well-being of both young people and the elderly through support of this amazing non-for-profit organization. We know, as we continue to recover from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, support for TEAM and the human services they provide are essential to the prosperity and health of our community.”

“This regional project further improves and protects State and local investments in the overall wellbeing of our Valley region – these bond-funded structural improvements is a lifeline to our facility and its robust presence of work that is addressing health & wellness, social, economic, and environmental wellbeing throughout our local communities. Thank you to our local delegation for leveraging critical resources to our Valley region that will make a meaningful difference for thousands of individuals turning to TEAM and many other supportive human services at 30 Elizabeth Street, Derby,” said David Morgan, CEO of TEAM, Inc.

The elevator at the 4-story Century Plaza, co-owned and operated by TEAM, Inc. and BHCare’s Parent Child Resource Center, is over 40 years old and is in critical need of replacement. Additionally, the building’s second-floor windows have deteriorated, resulting in significant heat loss. Replacing the elevator and windows will help make the building more energy efficient and more accessible for visitors. The Derby Housing Authority and outreach workers for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program also have offices in Century Plaza.

TEAM, Inc. is the regional Community Action Agency serving the Lower Naugatuck Valley. It provides support services to over 11,000 individuals throughout its region of coverage, which includes Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Naugatuck, Orange, Oxford, Seymour, Shelton, Waterbury, and Woodbridge. TEAM provides services such as home heating assistance, a diaper bank, meals on wheels, job training assistance, helps residents secure SNAP and childcare benefits, and more.