North Stonington – The town is partnering with the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center to bring a new social services program to residents once a week.

The program runs every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the town hall. A PNC representative is available during these hours to assist residents with questions regarding issues such as food insecurity, rental and mortgage assistance, fuel and energy assistance, SNAP and WIC benefits and senior concerns. The program does not require appointments.

First Selectman Mike Urgo and PNC Director Susan Sedensky collaborated to help residents who may need assistance but are unable to travel to PNC’s headquarters in Pawcatuck.

“We haven’t had the social services here in the town that we would like to have, so we’re excited that (PNC) might be able to help out those residents that are in need,” Urgo said.

Sedensky said residents are able to have a private, confidential meeting with herself or a PNC case worker to address their concerns or direct them to a program that can assist them.

“If we are not able to help them directly to sign up for those programs, we might be able to refer them to the correct program,” Sedensky said. “We listen to someone’s story and hear what their need is.”

The Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center provides resources for people facing financial hardship and seniors in need of socialization or transportation. The center serves residents of Pawcatuck, Mystic, Stonington, North Stonington and Westerly.

“We’re just really thankful that they’re there – especially during these times – for people who may have a need, and we would encourage anyone (to) come have a chat,” Urgo said.