Area Agencies on Aging in Connecticut

Complete Guide to Area Agencies on Aging in Connecticut (2026)

Last updated: January 21, 2026

If You Need Emergency Help

Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know is in immediate danger, experiencing a medical emergency, or being abused or neglected.

For urgent aging or disability assistance:

• 2-1-1 Connecticut – Dial 2-1-1 for comprehensive resources and crisis support (24/7)
• Protective Services for the Elderly: 1-888-385-4225 – Report elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation
• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 – Mental health crisis support
• Mobile Crisis Services: 2-1-1, Press 1 – Immediate crisis response for all ages

For immediate food assistance:

• Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for emergency food programs
• 2-1-1 Connecticut – Dial 2-1-1 for food pantries and emergency assistance

Key Takeaways

• Connecticut has 5 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) serving all 169 towns across the state
• All services are free or sliding scale for seniors 60+ and people with disabilities of any age
• Call 2-1-1 to connect with your local AAA and access comprehensive resources statewide
• All AAAs operate as Aging & Disability Resource Centers through the AgingCT network
• No income requirements for information and assistance services
• All AAAs provide care management, legal help, and Medicare counseling
• Community First Choice and Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders can help you stay at home instead of moving to a nursing facility
• Connecticut’s compact size allows coordinated statewide services and specialized urban/suburban programs

What Are Area Agencies on Aging?

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are regional nonprofit organizations that coordinate and provide essential services for older adults and people with disabilities throughout Connecticut. Created under the federal Older Americans Act, these agencies serve as the foundation of the Constitution State’s aging services network.

Your local AAA functions as a comprehensive resource center designed for Connecticut’s unique characteristics. They coordinate services across densely populated urban areas like Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport, wealthy suburban communities in Fairfield County, rural farming towns, and historic coastal communities. Each AAA works with local nonprofits, government agencies, healthcare systems, and community organizations to deliver services in your town.

Connecticut’s five AAAs have joined forces to create AgingCT, a statewide coordinated network that eliminates the “dead ends” residents often encounter when seeking help. This innovative approach ensures seamless service delivery across the state’s compact geography.

The Connecticut Department of Social Services and Department of Aging and Disability Services oversee all AAAs and provide funding through federal, state, and local sources. Each AAA develops comprehensive area plans addressing unique regional needs, from urban poverty in Hartford and New Haven to the high cost of living in Fairfield County.

Connecticut’s 5 Area Agencies on Aging: Complete Directory

Note: Director names and some contact information may change. Always verify current details by calling 2-1-1 or the toll-free number 800-994-9422.

Core Services Provided by Connecticut AAAs

Information and Assistance

Every Connecticut AAA provides comprehensive information and assistance through the AgingCT network to help you understand your options and connect with appropriate services. Staff members are specially trained to address Connecticut-specific issues including:

• Hurricane and severe weather preparedness for coastal communities
• Insurance industry employment benefits and transitions
• High cost of living assistance programs in Fairfield County
• Urban transportation options in Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport
• Rural service delivery in Eastern Connecticut’s agricultural areas
• Casino industry worker support and gaming addiction resources

You don’t need to qualify for any specific programs to receive information and assistance – this service is available to anyone who calls an AAA or dials 2-1-1.

Nutrition Programs

Connecticut AAAs operate comprehensive nutrition programs designed to address the state’s diverse economic and cultural needs.

Congregate Meals: Nutritious meals served at senior centers, community centers, churches, and town halls throughout Connecticut’s 169 towns. These programs provide social interaction opportunities crucial in both urban and rural settings. Meals typically have suggested donations of $3-6, though no one is refused service for inability to contribute. Many sites serve as cooling centers during summer heat waves and warming centers during winter storms.

Home-Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels): For seniors unable to shop or prepare meals, Connecticut AAAs coordinate extensive home delivery programs that operate year-round, including during blizzards and hurricanes. Volunteers navigate Connecticut’s winding rural roads, dense urban neighborhoods, and gated suburban communities. Priority goes to homebound seniors, those without family support, and individuals at nutritional risk.

Cultural and Dietary Accommodations: Programs accommodate Connecticut’s diverse populations with kosher meal options, Italian-American traditional foods, Caribbean cuisine, and other culturally appropriate meals reflecting the state’s ethnic diversity.

Transportation Services

Transportation across Connecticut’s mix of urban centers, wealthy suburbs, and rural areas presents unique challenges that AAAs address through innovative programs:

Medical Transportation: Priority service for getting to major medical centers like Yale-New Haven Hospital, Hartford Hospital, and UConn Health. Many programs coordinate trips to Boston and New York City specialists, requiring complex scheduling and interstate coordination.

Urban Transportation: Services that complement Connecticut’s public transit systems (CTtransit, Metro-North) with door-to-door assistance for seniors who cannot use regular public transportation.

Suburban and Rural Transportation: Specialized services for Connecticut’s car-dependent communities, including coordination with volunteer driver programs and ride-sharing services adapted for senior needs.

Reality Check: Transportation in Connecticut faces unique challenges. Traffic congestion around major cities can significantly delay trips, parking costs in urban areas are prohibitive for many seniors, and some rural areas have limited public transit options. Winter weather can disrupt services throughout the state.

Legal Assistance

Connecticut AAAs provide free legal help for seniors 60+ in civil matters, with special emphasis on issues common in the state:

• Property tax appeals and elderly/disabled tax exemptions
• Condominium and homeowner association disputes
• Insurance industry employment benefits and pensions
• Estate planning including Connecticut-specific tax considerations
• Elder financial abuse and consumer protection
• Healthcare directives and HIPAA authorizations
• Social Security and Medicare benefit appeals
• Housing discrimination and fair housing issues

Legal assistance is provided by staff attorneys or volunteer lawyers familiar with Connecticut law. Services include advice, document preparation, and representation in appropriate cases.

Medicare and Insurance Counseling

Trained counselors help seniors understand Medicare options while addressing Connecticut-specific insurance challenges through the CHOICES program:

• Coordination between Medicare and Connecticut state employee health benefits
• Medigap insurance options from Connecticut-based insurers
• Medicare Advantage plans specific to Connecticut provider networks
• Prescription drug coverage with emphasis on Connecticut pharmacy networks
• Insurance industry retiree benefit coordination
• Long-term care insurance claims and benefit coordination

This counseling is completely unbiased – counselors don’t sell insurance and have no financial interest in your decisions.

Case Management and Care Coordination

For seniors with complex needs, Connecticut AAAs provide case management services that coordinate multiple services across the state’s compact geography. Case managers work with you to:

• Assess needs considering Connecticut’s high cost of living
• Connect with specialists at major medical centers statewide
• Coordinate with family members in neighboring states
• Navigate Connecticut’s complex healthcare and social service systems
• Plan for hurricane evacuations for coastal residents
• Coordinate with Connecticut’s extensive nonprofit service network

Family Caregiver Support

Connecticut AAAs operate robust Family Caregiver Support Programs recognizing the challenges of caregiving in a high-cost, high-stress environment:

Information and Education: Training on caregiving in urban environments, managing stress in high-cost communities, coordinating care across multiple healthcare systems, and understanding Connecticut’s complex benefit programs.

Counseling and Support Groups: Individual counseling and peer support groups available throughout the state, including virtual options for caregivers in rural areas and culturally specific support for Connecticut’s diverse communities.

Respite Care: Temporary care services including in-home companions, adult day programs, and emergency respite during family work schedules or medical appointments in distant cities.

Emergency Caregiver Support: Backup caregiving during hurricanes, blizzards, or other emergencies when family members cannot reach care recipients.

Connecticut Medicaid Waiver Programs Through AAAs

Connecticut offers several Medicaid waiver programs designed to help eligible seniors and people with disabilities receive care at home instead of institutional settings, with special considerations for the state’s geography and high cost of living.

Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE)

CHCPE is Connecticut’s primary home and community-based services program, serving people who would otherwise need nursing home care. The program has both Medicaid-funded and state-funded components.

Services Include:

• Personal care assistance with experienced, trained caregivers
• Homemaker services including light housekeeping and meal preparation
• Home-delivered meals with cultural and dietary accommodations
• Adult day health programs with transportation
• Respite care including emergency overnight services
• Emergency response systems with backup communication
• Home modifications for accessibility and safety
• Adult Family Living (structured family caregiving)

Eligibility Requirements:

• Age: Must be age 65 or older (Note: A separate pilot program exists for adults 18–64 with degenerative neurological conditions).
• Care Needs: Must need nursing facility level of care (assistance with 3+ critical activities of daily living) or be at risk of hospitalization (1–2 critical needs).
• Financial Limits (2026):
  • State-funded: No income limit (subject to copays). Asset limits are approximately $47,376 for an individual and $63,168 for a couple (adjusted annually).
  • Medicaid-funded (Waiver): Income limit is $2,982/month (300% of the SSI Federal Benefit Rate for 2026). Applicants with higher income may still qualify via a “pooled trust.”
  • Asset Limit (Medicaid): Strict limit of $1,600 for a single applicant (spouse assets are assessed separately with spousal protections).

Connecticut Reality:CHCPE services are critical for navigating Connecticut’s high cost of living. The program serves thousands of residents annually. While the Medicaid-funded waiver (Category 3) generally remains open to eligible applicants, the State-funded tiers (Category 1 & 2) are subject to funding availability and may experience closures or waiting lists managed on a priority basis.

Community First Choice (CFC)

Connecticut’s newest program eliminates waiting lists for personal care services by providing them through the regular Medicaid program rather than limited waiver slots.

How It Works:

• Available to all Medicaid members who meet institutional level of care
• Participants receive individual budgets for self-directed services
• Family members (except spouses) can be hired as paid caregivers
• Services can be self-directed or agency-provided
• No geographic restrictions within Connecticut

Money Follows the Person (MFP)

This federal program helps Connecticut residents transition from nursing homes and other institutions back to community living.

Connecticut-Specific Features:

• Coordination with Connecticut’s extensive affordable housing programs
• Integration with Connecticut’s robust nonprofit service network
• Assistance with high housing costs through specialized funding
• Connection to Connecticut’s public transportation systems

Personal Care Assistance (PCA) Waiver

Serves adults with physical disabilities who need hands-on assistance with daily living activities.

Connecticut Adaptations:

• Services designed for urban, suburban, and rural environments
• Coordination with Connecticut’s Centers for Independent Living
• Integration with Connecticut’s vocational rehabilitation services
• Assistance with employment-related transportation and support

Special Population Services

Italian-American Seniors

Connecticut has a significant Italian-American population, particularly in New Haven, Hartford, and Waterbury areas:

Cultural Adaptations:

• Traditional Italian meal options in nutrition programs
• Partnership with Italian-American social clubs and organizations
• Cultural programming including Italian heritage events
• Faith-based programming through Catholic parishes
• Intergenerational programming preserving Italian traditions

Irish-American Seniors

Concentrated in areas like Waterbury, New Haven, and eastern Connecticut:

Community-Specific Services:

• Partnership with Ancient Order of Hibernians and Irish cultural organizations
• Traditional Irish music and cultural programming
• Faith-based services through Catholic and Protestant congregations
• Irish heritage celebration and genealogy assistance

Jewish Seniors

Significant populations in Fairfield County, greater Hartford, and New Haven:

Cultural and Religious Accommodations:

• Kosher meal programs and dietary observance support
• Partnership with Jewish Community Centers and synagogues
• Holocaust survivor support services and programming
• Sabbath-observant transportation and service scheduling
• Jewish holiday programming and cultural celebrations

Polish-American Seniors

Concentrated in New Britain, Waterbury, and Hartford areas:

Heritage-Specific Services:

• Traditional Polish food options and cultural programming
• Partnership with Polish-American organizations and churches
• Polish language interpretation services
• Cultural heritage preservation programming

Puerto Rican and Latino Seniors

Growing populations in Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, and Waterbury:

Culturally Appropriate Services:

• Bilingual staff and materials in Spanish
• Traditional Latino/Caribbean meal options
• Partnership with Latino community organizations and churches
• Immigration and citizenship assistance
• Intergenerational programming preserving Latino culture

Casino Industry Seniors

Connecticut’s casino industry employs many residents who need specialized support:

Industry-Specific Services:

• Gaming addiction resources and counseling
• Shift work schedule accommodation for family caregivers
• Workers’ compensation navigation for repetitive stress injuries
• Union benefit coordination and pension counseling
• Transportation to medical appointments during non-traditional hours

Insurance Industry Retirees

Connecticut’s major insurance companies create unique retiree populations:

Industry-Specific Support:

• Insurance benefit coordination and appeals assistance
• Pension plan navigation and beneficiary services
• Healthcare transition support from group to individual coverage
• Financial planning assistance for high-asset retirees
• Corporate volunteer program coordination

Coastal Community Seniors

Connecticut’s Long Island Sound coastline creates unique needs:

Coastal-Specific Services:

• Hurricane evacuation planning and transportation
• Flood insurance and disaster recovery assistance
• Seasonal resident coordination for “summer people”
• Marine industry retiree support and benefits
• Coastal environmental health concerns and resources

Veteran Seniors

Connecticut has approximately 250,000 veterans, many in rural and suburban areas.

Veteran-Specific Services:

• Transportation to VA facilities in West Haven, Newington, and Rocky Hill
• Coordination with Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs
• Veterans service officer collaboration in all 169 towns
• Military funeral honors coordination
• PTSD support groups adapted for Connecticut communities

Key Resources:

• Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs: 860-616-3603
• VA Connecticut Healthcare System: 203-932-5711
• Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)
• Connecticut Veterans Legal Center: 860-721-0311

Native American Seniors

Connecticut is home to several tribal communities:

Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation:

• Tribal elder services through the Social & Family Services Department
• Cultural preservation and traditional healing programs
• Contact: 860-396-6620

Mohegan Tribe:

• Elder support services through tribal social services
• Traditional cultural activities and language preservation
• Contact: 860-862-6100

Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation and Schaghticoke Tribal Nation:

• Community-based elder support and cultural programming
• Connection through local AAAs for comprehensive services

How to Access Services

Step 1: Call the Statewide Number

Dial 2-1-1 from anywhere in Connecticut. This connects you to trained information specialists who can connect you with your local AAA based on your town of residence. The line operates 24/7 with multilingual services available.

Alternative: Call 800-994-9422 to reach the AgingCT network directly during business hours.

Step 2: Initial Screening

Connecticut AAA staff will ask basic questions about:

• Your town of residence and specific service area
• Type of assistance you’re seeking
• Current living situation and family support
• Transportation needs and accessibility requirements
• Insurance coverage including Medicare and Medicaid status
• Emergency needs including weather-related concerns
• Language preferences and cultural considerations

This initial conversation typically takes 10-15 minutes and helps staff understand how to best assist you within Connecticut’s diverse service environment.

Step 3: Assessment (If Needed)

For ongoing services, you may need a detailed assessment that considers Connecticut-specific factors:

• Over the phone for information and referral services
• In person at AAA offices (all are accessible and have parking)
• In your home with staff who understand Connecticut’s diverse communities
• Via video conference for technology-comfortable seniors

Assessments evaluate your:

• Physical abilities and health status
• Cognitive abilities and safety concerns
• Social support including family and community connections
• Financial resources and benefit coordination
• Cultural preferences and language needs
• Transportation capabilities and community mobility

Step 4: Service Planning

Based on your assessment, Connecticut AAA staff will:

• Explain available services with consideration for your specific community
• Help apply for relevant benefits including Connecticut state programs
• Develop service plans including emergency preparedness
• Make referrals considering Connecticut’s healthcare and service networks
• Schedule ongoing services with coordination across providers

Step 5: Follow-Up

Connecticut AAAs provide ongoing support through:

• Regular check-ins with case managers familiar with your community
• Seasonal service adjustments for winter and hurricane seasons
• Annual reassessments for waiver programs
• Emergency response coordination during severe weather
• Advocacy when service problems arise

Costs and Financial Assistance

Free Services

These services are available at no cost to eligible participants:

• Information and assistance through the AgingCT network
• Benefits counseling for Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and veterans benefits
• Legal consultations and document preparation
• Case management and care coordination
• Family caregiver support and emergency assistance

Sliding Scale Services

These services operate on sliding fee scales based on ability to pay:

• Congregate meals ($3-6 suggested donation)
• Transportation ($2-8 suggested donation depending on distance)
• Home-delivered meals ($3-7 suggested donation per meal)

Income-Based Services

Some services use income eligibility or sliding fees:

• Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (various income limits)
• Community First Choice (Medicaid eligibility required)
• Adult day programs with extended services
• Home modifications and safety equipment

Insurance and Medicaid Coverage

Many services can be covered by:

• Connecticut Medicaid (HUSKY Health) including waiver programs
• Medicare for medically necessary services
• Connecticut state employee health benefits
• Private insurance including employer retiree benefits
• Veterans benefits through Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs

Financial Reality: Connecticut’s high cost of living affects even subsidized services. This means:

• Transportation costs may be higher in wealthy communities
• Service delivery costs are higher than the national average
• Donations help programs serve more people in expensive areas
• Coordination with other state programs helps stretch limited funding

Quality and Accountability

Program Standards

All Connecticut AAAs must meet federal and state standards including:

• Coordination through the AgingCT network for seamless service delivery
• Emergency preparedness for hurricanes, blizzards, and other disasters
• Cultural competency training for Connecticut’s diverse populations
• Service delivery standards adapted to urban, suburban, and rural environments
• Quality assurance monitoring and consumer feedback systems

Oversight and Monitoring

Connecticut AAAs are monitored by:

• The Connecticut Department of Social Services
• Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services
• Federal Administration for Community Living
• Independent auditors with Connecticut-specific expertise
• Consumer advisory councils representing diverse communities
• Local boards of directors with community representation

Complaint Process

If you have concerns about services in Connecticut:

1. Contact your service provider first – Many issues can be resolved quickly with direct communication
2. Call the AAA director – Each AAA has complaint procedures adapted to Connecticut service delivery
3. Contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services – 860-424-5000 for state-level review
4. Call the Long-Term Care Ombudsman – Available through your local AAA for nursing home and assisted living concerns

Your Rights

As a service recipient in Connecticut, you have the right to:

• Receive services regardless of your ability to pay
• Have cultural and language preferences respected when possible
• Receive emergency services during natural disasters
• Participate in decisions about your care and service delivery
• File complaints without fear of service reduction or retaliation
• Receive services that meet professional standards adapted to Connecticut conditions

Resources by Region

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do Connecticut’s AAAs coordinate services across the state’s small geographic area?

Connecticut’s five AAAs work together through the AgingCT network to provide seamless services. If you move from one region to another, your case can be transferred easily. The AAAs also coordinate for specialized services – for example, if your AAA doesn’t offer a specific program, they can connect you with another AAA that does. The 2-1-1 system ensures you always reach the right resources regardless of which AAA territory you’re in.

What help is available for dealing with Connecticut’s high cost of living as a senior?

Connecticut AAAs provide specialized assistance including property tax relief applications, utility assistance programs, housing counseling, Medicare Savings Programs, and connections to state-specific programs like the Elderly Renters Rebate Program. Many services are designed specifically for Connecticut’s high cost of living, including higher income limits for some programs and sliding fee scales that account for regional cost differences.

How do services work for seniors who split time between Connecticut and Florida or other states?

Connecticut AAAs can coordinate with AAAs in other states for seasonal residents. While ongoing case management requires Connecticut residency, information, assistance, and emergency services are available to anyone physically present in Connecticut. Many AAAs have experience coordinating care for “snowbirds” and can help with Medicare coordination across states and emergency planning for extended absences.

What transportation options exist for seniors who can no longer drive in Connecticut’s traffic?

Connecticut AAAs coordinate with CTtransit bus systems, Metro-North Railroad, and local senior transportation programs. Services include door-to-door medical transportation, group trips to shopping centers, and coordination with ride-sharing services. In urban areas, AAAs help seniors learn to use public transit safely. In rural areas, volunteer driver programs and medical taxi services provide essential transportation.

How do AAAs help seniors navigate Connecticut’s complex healthcare system?

Connecticut AAAs employ benefits counselors and case managers who understand the state’s major healthcare systems including Yale-New Haven, Hartford HealthCare, and Trinity Health. They help coordinate care between multiple specialists, assist with insurance navigation, provide Medicare counseling, and help seniors understand their options for everything from routine care to complex medical needs requiring Boston or New York City specialists.

What assistance is available for seniors dealing with property taxes in expensive Connecticut communities?

AAAs help seniors apply for Connecticut’s Elderly and Disabled Tax Relief programs, which vary by municipality. They provide assistance with applications for property tax deferrals, elderly exemptions, and the State Elderly Homeowners Program. Case managers understand which communities have the most generous tax relief programs and can help seniors understand their options.

Do Connecticut AAAs provide services in languages other than English?

Yes, Connecticut AAAs provide interpretation services and have bilingual staff in areas with significant non-English speaking populations. Spanish-language services are widely available, and Italian, Polish, and other language services are available in communities with significant ethnic populations. The 2-1-1 system also provides interpretation services in multiple languages.

How do Connecticut’s casino communities receive specialized senior services?

AAAs serving casino areas (primarily Eastern Connecticut) provide specialized programming including problem gambling counseling referrals, shift work family support, workers’ compensation assistance, and coordination with tribal elder services for Native American community members. Services are adapted to the 24/7 nature of casino work and the unique benefits and challenges of gaming industry employment.

What happens if I need services that cross AAA boundaries within Connecticut?

Connecticut’s AgingCT network eliminates service boundaries. If you need a service offered by a different AAA, your local AAA will coordinate the referral and ensure continuity of care. The state’s small size makes it practical for AAAs to share resources and coordinate specialized services across regional boundaries.

How do Connecticut AAAs help seniors prepare for and recover from severe weather events?

Connecticut AAAs maintain emergency protocols for hurricanes, blizzards, and severe storms. Services include evacuation planning and transportation, emergency shelter coordination, emergency food and medication delivery, backup power assistance for medical equipment, and post-storm recovery assistance including insurance claim support and temporary housing coordination. Coastal AAAs have specialized hurricane preparedness programs, while all AAAs maintain winter storm protocols.

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Disclaimer

Program details, contact information, and services can change without advance notice due to state budget changes, federal policy modifications, and emergency situations. While this guide uses the most current available information as of January 2026, we strongly recommend verifying all details directly with the relevant Area Agency on Aging before making decisions or applying for services.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation, particularly regarding Connecticut-specific regulations, tax considerations, and estate planning.

For the most current information, contact:

• 2-1-1 Connecticut: Dial 2-1-1
• AgingCT Network: 800-994-9422
• Your local Area Agency on Aging

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About This Guide

Researched and Compiled by Grants for Seniors

This guide has been carefully researched using publicly available government resources and official program websites. We systematically review federal and state program information to create comprehensive, accurate guides for older Americans seeking grant opportunities.

Our Sources: All information comes from official sources including federal agency websites (HHS, USDA, SSA, CMS), Connecticut state government departments, official program documentation, and verified nonprofit organization resources.

Verification Process: Each program listing undergoes thorough online verification by cross-referencing information across multiple official sources, checking current program status, verifying contact information, and confirming eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Information Currency:

• Last Updated: January 2026
• Sources Verified: January 2026
• Next Review: May 2026

Important Note: Government programs can change without advance notice, particularly during legislative sessions and budget cycles. While this guide uses the most current available information, we strongly recommend verifying all details directly with program administrators before applying.

Found an Error? If you discover outdated information or additional programs that should be included, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always confirm program details with official sources before applying, and consider Connecticut’s unique regulatory environment and high cost of living when planning service access.

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This resource is independently researched to help seniors access available financial assistance programs across Connecticut’s diverse communities from Fairfield County’s affluent suburbs to Eastern Connecticut’s rural towns.