Community action agency for Hartford County, Middlesex County, and towns of Branford, Guilford, Madison and North Branford provides community-based services for people who are economically disadvantaged in order to promote self-sufficiency and economic independence. Services are provided to Hartford’s neighborhoods through Family Service Centers and to the region’s residents through Outreach Offices in area towns. Services for individuals and families with limited income include food pantries and homeless shelters in Hartford and East Hartford. Children’s programs include Early Care and Education (full-day, full year child day care and school readiness options), with holistic services for children and families. Programs for youth include Summer Youth Employment Program, and Middlesex Services. Services for veterans include Veterans Crossing and Supportive Services for Veteran Families. Programs for seniors include congregate meals (community cafes) in area senior centers, Meals on Wheels, low income assisted living (The Retreat), low income senior housing, and Generations, a campus for grandparents with legal custody of their grandchildren. SNAP outreach assists with enrolling in SNAP and outreach to inform the community about these services. Behavioral health and respite care services are offered to individuals living with AIDS/HIV. Also administers federal and state energy assistance programs. (See separate listing for energy assistance application sites.)