AFSCME Local 196 Supports Prudence Crandall Center

New Britain, CT, Dec. 13, 2019 – Members of AFSCME Local 196, a labor union representing 400 state administrative-clerical workers, are stepping up to help victims of domestic violence who rely on the life-saving services provided by the Prudence Crandall Center in New Britain.

Local 196 President Ruby Blackmon delivered boxloads of critically needed items – including socks, underwear, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, paper towels, toilet paper, baby wipes and kids pajamas – to PCC as part of the union’s community engagement program.

“Prudence Crandall Center is a true leader in helping women, men and children who have been devastated by domestic violence,” said Blackmon, who is employed as a technician at Central Connecticut State University. “As a union of public service workers, we are honored and humbled to be able to help in some meaningful way.”

Prudence Crandall Center Development Director Carolyn Jasper welcomed the union’s contribution to victims and families in need.

“We are grateful to the members of AFSCME Local 196 for their generous donation of household essentials,” Jasper said. “The holiday season is a particularly stressful time of year.  Donations like this let our families know that the surrounding community supports them as they move toward a safe and brighter future free from violence.”

Based in New Britain, Prudence Crandall Center, Inc is the oldest domestic violence program in Connecticut. PCC offers comprehensive services to women, men, and children who are victims of domestic violence and is the only domestic violence program serving these nine Connecticut towns: Berlin, Bristol, Burlington, Kensington, New Britain, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington, and Terryville.

PCC is one of only a few programs in the country offering the full spectrum of shelter, housing and support services needed to offer practical, long-term solutions to the challenges faced by victims, helping them heal and move forward to safe, self-sufficient lives, free of violence. PCC’s programs and service touch the lives of 8,000 adults and children each year throughout the region and state.

 Local 196 of Council 4 AFSCME represents 400 state administrative-clerical employees. Local 196 members work in a variety state agencies, including Central Connecticut State University, Tunxis Community College, UCONN Health Center, the Medical Examiner’s Office, Department of of Motor Vehicles, Department of Transportation, State Department of Education, Goodwin Technical and Bristol Technical High Schools, Department of Children & Families, Department of Social Services and Department of Energy & Environmental Protection.