History
The work of our local coalition began many years ago — in 1987 — as the Brookfield Substance Abuse Coalition. This was primarily an effort of the Brookfield Public Schools. The Coalition’s efforts were focused on drug use in the schools, and making parents aware of the issues. Over time, it was determined that our primary concerns were the health and welfare of the community as a whole, and work proceeded to expand the group’s efforts as the issue of substance abuse impacts the entire community
BROOKFIELD CARES (Brookfield Cares, Inc.) was formed in 2012 when the Brookfield Substance Abuse Coalition merged with Brookfield ACTS Inc., a coalition for suicide awareness that was formed in 2009. The goals and efforts of the two organizations meshed well and becoming a united community effort rather than a school program widened the reach of the group which now had the goal of educating the public about mental health and at-risk issues.
As BROOKFIELD CARES work expanded it was decided to apply for 501(c)(3) status. The Brookfield CT First Selectman insured that the group was officially sanctioned as a town entity and authorized the Town Attorney to pursue Charity Exemption status. All pertinent documents were sent to the IRS for approval.
A certificate of incorporation was filed on October 28, 2013, and Brookfield Cares, Inc. was officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) in September, 2014.
Over the years, BROOKFIELD CARES work has been funded through donations from the town of Brookfield, CT, by individuals, and by grants for specific projects from organizations including SAMHSA (the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration — an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), DMHAS (The Connecticut Department of Mental Health), and the Western Connecticut Coalition (WCTC). Brookfield CARES is one of more 43 LPC’s (Local Prevention Councils) that works with WCTC to build local capacity to plan and implement substance use/misuse prevention strategies to reduce problem behaviors and associated negative outcomes for all ages.
Over the years, BROOKFIELD CARES has received positive coverage by local press.
Brookfield groups merge to fight social woes
Danbury News Times 4/6/2013
Free pasta night to bring families together
Danbury News Times 9/19/2013
Brookfield grads share stories of drug addiction to spare others
Danbury News Times 10/6/2014
Comedian coming to Brookfield Wednesday night
Danbury News TImes 2/3/2016
Brookfield Cares, parents who lost daughter to suicide bring mental health film to high school
Danbury News Times 11/9/2017