Dear Supporter,

As this year comes to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on what it truly means to be there for children and families, not just when it’s easy, but when it matters most.

Across our communities, families are facing growing uncertainty. Upcoming cuts and changes to Medicaid services threaten to reduce access to mental health care for children and families who already face the greatest barriers.

Despite these growing challenges, our commitment remains unchanged: no child or family is turned away because of their ability to pay. But we cannot do it alone. 

One of the clearest examples of this commitment is seen in the work of our incredible Mobile Crisis Intervention Services (MCIS) team.

Our MCIS team goes where families need them most, 24 hours a day/365 days a year, to provide immediate support when a child is in crisis and every moment matters. Families are supported through compassionate, clinically informed care that prioritizes stability and connection. The MCIS team works collaboratively with hospitals and law enforcement partners, engaging them only when truly necessary to ensure safety. This approach promotes safer outcomes, strengthens family relationships, and ensures children receive the support they need early before challenges escalate.

This year, the MCIS team responded to 1,398 calls with a median response time of just 30 minutes and achieved a 98.6% mobility rate, the highest among providers in Connecticut. This performance significantly exceeded the State’s established benchmark of 90%, reflecting the team’s responsiveness, effectiveness, and commitment to timely, community-based care.

As Medicaid changes loom and more families find themselves navigating gaps in care, the role of MCIS, and of CFGC as a whole, will only grow. The need is urgent. The impact is real. And the solution starts with you.

As we close out the year, we ask you to be part of 100 for 100 by making a year-end gift of $100 — or any amount meaningful to you. Your support ensures that when a child is in crisis, when a parent is overwhelmed, or when access to care feels out of reach, CFGC is still there.

With gratitude,

Michael Patota

President and CEO

The Child & Family Guidance Center