College Access and FAFSA Support Launches for CT Students


The College Access Collaborative of Connecticut 

The College Access Collaborative of Connecticut (CAC) is a community based educational consulting organization focused on improving college access, financial aid completion, and postsecondary readiness for first generation, multilingual, adult, and historically underserved students across Connecticut. CAC partners with high schools, adult education programs, nonprofits, and community organizations to provide hands on support with FAFSA completion, AACTUS guidance for undocumented and mixed status students, college applications, scholarship navigation, and enrollment planning. Services are delivered through workshops, small group sessions, and individualized advising, particularly during peak college and financial aid seasons when schools are often stretched beyond capacity. CAC’s work is designed to strengthen and extend existing counseling and outreach efforts, not replace them. What makes CAC distinct is its relationship centered and culturally responsive approach. Programming is offered in English, Haitian Creole, and Spanish, ensuring families who are often excluded from the college process due to language or system barriers can fully participate and make informed decisions. CAC emphasizes clarity over jargon, follow through over one time events, and outcome driven support that helps organizations track progress in FAFSA completion, college applications, and enrollment. Founded by educator and college access professional Looney Chery; CAC was created after years of working directly with students and families navigating complex college and financial aid systems with limited individualized support. CAC exists to close these gaps by combining professional expertise, lived experience, and strong community relationships. By meeting students and families where they are, The College Access Collaborative helps turn college from a confusing process into a realistic and achievable pathway. Contact: (475)-344-9753 admin@accesscac.com

Fairfield County

Alfred Branch

Hartford Metropolitan Area

Bridgeport

Connecticut

The College Access Collaborative of Connecticut (CAC) is a community based educational consulting organization focused on improving college access,...

Baybrook Remodelers Inc

Our team at Baybrook Remodelers, Inc. is saddened to hear about the negative impact the Wren Kitchens closure has had on so many customers and families. With 84 full-time craftsmen, expert designers, and dedicated project managers, Baybrook Remodelers is fully equipped to step in and assist—no matter what stage your project is in. Backed by over 35 years of consistent, high-quality customer service, we are uniquely positioned to help you move forward with confidence. Whether your project is in the early design phase, partially completed, or in need of finishing touches, our team is ready to deliver the craftsmanship and reliability you deserve. If you’ve been affected and need guidance or support, we’re here to help get your project back on track.

New Haven County

Ellyn Santiago

New Haven

Our team at Baybrook Remodelers, Inc. is saddened to hear about the negative impact the Wren Kitchens closure has had on so many customers and...

Pellegrino Law Partner Appointed to CT Siting Council

The Pellegrino Law Firm

New Haven, CT — Bernard Pellegrino, a partner at the Pellegrino Law Firm in New Haven, has been appointed by Governor Ned Lamont to serve on the Connecticut Siting Council, a state body responsible for overseeing the siting of major energy, telecommunications, and infrastructure facilities. The Connecticut Siting Council plays a key role in balancing the need for reliable public utility services with environmental protection and community interests across the state. As a member of the Council, Attorney Pellegrino will serve as a public official within the Executive Branch of Connecticut state government and will be subject to the State’s Code of Ethics, underscoring his commitment to transparency, integrity, and ethical public service. Pellegrino brings extensive experience in land use law and a deep understanding of Connecticut communities to the Council. Through his legal practice and civic involvement, he has long demonstrated a commitment to public service, advocacy, and responsible decision-making. “I am honored to accept this appointment and grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Connecticut,” Pellegrino said. “I look forward to contributing thoughtfully to the important work of the Connecticut Siting Council.” Bernard Pellegrino is a partner at The Pellegrino Law Firm, based in New Haven. He resides in the City of New Haven with his wife, Karen. He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Boston College Law School. Media Contact: Pellegrino Law Firm New Haven, CT 203-787-2225 BP@pellegrinolawfirm.com

New Haven, CT — Bernard Pellegrino, a partner at the Pellegrino Law Firm in New Haven, has been appointed by Governor Ned Lamont to serve on the...

Managed IT Services, Disaster Recovery, & Cyber Security

UNAPEN, Inc.

Since 1991, UNAPEN, Inc. has provided IT and Cyber Security Services, Custom Software Solutions, Systems Integration, Software products and Workflow/Process Automation tailored for Investment/Wealth Managers, Non-Profit Organizations, Educational Institutions, Attorneys, and a diverse range of SMBs! The expertise of UNAPEN's seasoned professionals uniquely positions them to advise clients on the value of technology. Our goal is to solidify and protect your IT infrastructure, enhance cyber security, streamline operations and workflow, centralize data, and automate highly complex manual tasks to make your company more successful and competitive. UNAPEN is a long-standing Gold Certified Microsoft Partner. Our solutions fall into these categories: • Strategic Process Consulting • AI Workflow &amp; Process Automation • Custom Client Statements, Meeting Packages &amp; Mgmt Reporting • Custom Software Development - Applications &amp; Interfaces - On-Premise, Web &amp; Mobile • Create/Upgrade Custom Excel, Power Apps, Power BI, MS Access, SQL Server &amp; .NET Applications • Pricing &amp; Reference Data Interfaces for SS&amp;C Advent Axys &amp; APX • CRM for Investment Advisers, Wealth Mgrs, Family Offices, Banking and other industries • Data Warehousing &amp; Data Aggregation • Affinity SQL Data Repository for Advisors • Business Intelligence &amp; Business Mgmt Tools • Digital Transformation &amp; Cloud Migration • IT Services • Cloud Backup, Disaster Recovery &amp; Business Continuity • CyberSecurity - Advanced Network Analysis &amp; Security Threat Reporting, Dark Web Monitoring &amp; Alerts on Compromised Employee Credentials • CyberSecurity - Employee CyberSecurity Awareness Training • CyberSecurity - EndPoint Detection &amp; Response • vCISO CyberSecurity Assessments • Ransomware Protection As a service provider &amp; partner in your success, UNAPEN brings to bear a unique skill set comprised of in-depth business knowledge combined with unparalleled technological expertise &amp; service delivery capability.

Vincent Salzo

Meriden

Since 1991, UNAPEN, Inc. has provided IT and Cyber Security Services, Custom Software Solutions, Systems Integration, Software products and...

Commercial Real Estate & Property Management Services

Levey Miller Maretz

Levey Miller Maretz is recognized as one of the leaders in retail, commercial sales and leasing, and site selection experts in Connecticut. Other commercial and retail services include exclusive tenant representation and market analyses, research, lease negotiation and disposition of excess space. Our team offers the full range of property management services for commercial properties, apartment complexes and condominium associations throughout the state of Connecticut. Our management services maximize revenues through tenant acquisition and support, expense minimization and timely maintenance completion. Our goal is to provide clients excellent yearly returns on their rental properties. Levey Miller Maretz offers a variety of investment property services. Having grown a broad network of investor clients over the past 30 years, we are able to easily connect clients with qualified buyers or sellers.

Levey Miller Maretz is recognized as one of the leaders in retail, commercial sales and leasing, and site selection experts in Connecticut. Other...

NEW HAVEN, CT — Martin Onofre-Mendez, 50, formerly of New Haven, pleaded guilty in federal court to a cocaine trafficking offense, according to David X. Sullivan, U.S. Attorney for Connecticut. Sullivan said that according to court documents and statements made in court, in 2024, the DEA New Haven District Office Task Force learned that Onofre-Mendez was distributing narcotics from a restaurant on Grand Avenue in New Haven. Between May and September 2024, investigators made multiple controlled purchases totaling approximately 600 grams of cocaine from Onofre-Mendez, Sullivan said. Onofre-Mendez was arrested on Oct. 1, 2024. On that date, investigators seized 225 grams of cocaine from Onofre-Mendez and 480 grams of cocaine from a location he used to store drugs. He has been detained since his arrest, the US Attorney said. Onofre-Mendez, a citizen of Mexico, Sullivan pointed out, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 12.

NEW HAVEN, CT — Martin Onofre-Mendez, 50, formerly of New Haven, pleaded guilty in federal court to a cocaine trafficking offense, according to David X. Sullivan, U.S. Attorney for Connecticut.

Sullivan said that according to court documents and statements made in court, in 2024, the DEA New Haven District Office Task Force learned that Onofre-Mendez was distributing narcotics from a restaurant on Grand Avenue in New Haven. Between May and September 2024, investigators made multiple controlled purchases totaling approximately 600 grams of cocaine from Onofre-Mendez, Sullivan said.

Onofre-Mendez was arrested on Oct. 1, 2024. On that date, investigators seized 225 grams of cocaine from Onofre-Mendez and 480 grams of cocaine from a location he used to store drugs. He has been detained since his arrest, the US Attorney said. Onofre-Mendez, a citizen of Mexico, Sullivan pointed out, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 12.

Former New Haven Man, 50, Pleaded Guilty To...

Martin Onofre-Mendez, who pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, will be sentenced Dec. 12.: US Attorney

Former New Haven Man, 50, Pleaded Guilty To Selling Cocaine From Grand Avenue Restaurant: Feds

Crime & Safety

West Haven

East Haven

Orange

Hamden

North Haven

Branford

Bethwood

RJ Scofield

Shelton-Derby

North Branford

Chris Rhatigan 

Milford

Middletown House Concert Series

Created by James Martin, the Tyre Isle Band plays traditional dance tunes and ballads from Ireland, Scotland, and the Hebrides. With Tatyana Gorbunova on flute, Will Holshouser on accordion, and Martin on mandolin, guitar, mandocello, banjo, and vocals, the band reimagines the music and Irish Sean-nós traditions of the British Isles. Delving deeply into the original melodies and rhythms, and adding newly conceived compositions to this living repertoire, the Tyre Isle Band continues the work of James Martin from when the toured the US and Canada with the critically acclaimed British Isles band How to Change a Flat Tire. For this concert, Maggie Holtzberg from the original HTCAFT band will be joining on fiddle. James Martin is an accomplished musician, dancer, choreographer and filmmaker. He was Associate Arts Professor at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts Dance Department and taught there from 1989-2023. In 2020 he won the New York University Tisch School of the Arts David Payne Carter Award for Teaching Excellence. He has danced with Donald Byrd/The Group, Gus Solomons jr, Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane and Company, Claire Porter, Jamie Cunningham and Tina Croll, Heidi Latsky, The New York Baroque Dance Company and The Connecticut Ballet Company among others. As co-founder of the band How to Change a Flat Tire, he appears on “A Point of Departure” and “The Traditional Music of Shetland and Ireland” (Front Hall Records). Tatyana Gorbunova is a musician &amp; interdisciplinary artist. Recent work includes playing in the band for a stage adaptation of Rime of the Ancient Mariner and multiple roles in Story Winks - modern adaptations of fairy tales (Ophelia Theater Group). When not playing the flute or acting on stage, she teaches Culinary Arts at a Montessori school and curates the vinyl collection at her record shop, Pancakes Records, in Astoria, NY. Will Holshouser is an accordionist, composer and improviser whose music draws on a wide variety of inspirations, from traditional accordion folk styles to jazz, hymns, classical and experimental music. Will’s music explores these eclectic influences through the accordion’s expressiveness and sense of fun. Originally from Cambridge, MA and active on the New York music scene since the 1990s, Will has toured and recorded with violinist Regina Carter, trumpeter Eric Vloeimans, and clarinetist David Krakauer, as well as with his own groups. Will's trio has released three albums on the Portuguese label Clean Feed and he has made collaborative albums with Musette Explosion and with Han Bennink &amp; Michael Moore. Will has also performed with Michael Winograd, Guy Klucevsek, Andy Statman, Mark Morris Dance, Antony &amp; the Johnsons, Suzanne Vega, Loudon Wainwright III, Martha Wainwright, New York City Ballet, New York City Opera, Brooklyn Philharmonic Orchestra, and many others. maggie_holtzberg.jpg Folklorist and musician Maggie Holtzberg works closely with artists, culture bearers, and their communities to help carry traditional knowledge forward. Serving as state folklorist in Georgia (1992-1998) and Massachusetts (1999-2023) has been her calling and privilege, allowing her to come to know, learn from, document, and help support people practicing cultural traditions of local significance. She has curated exhibitions, authored books, co-directed documentary films, produced concerts, programmed folk festivals, and successfully nominated seven National Heritage Fellows. Holtzberg was awarded the Benjamin A. Botkin Prize in 2018 for lifetime achievement in Public Folklore and was named a Fellow of the American Folklore Society in 2021. She holds a Ph.D. in Folklore and Folklife from the University of Pennsylvania (1987) and B.A. in Ethnomusicology from Wesleyan University (1979). During her time at Wesleyan, having just returned from the Shetland Islands and fiddle tutelage under the great Tom Anderson, she joined the band How To Change A Flat Tire.$25 suggested donation
Please contact Jody Cormack for reservations and directions
jcormack@wesleyan.edu, or 860-983-7963

Local Event: The Tyre Island Band with Maggie Holtzberg on fiddle

Middlesex County

Middletown

The Tyre Island Band with Maggie Holtzberg on...

Created by James Martin, the Tyre Isle Band plays traditional dance tunes and ballads from Ireland, Scotland, and the Hebrides....

The Tyre Island Band with Maggie Holtzberg on fiddle

Temple Beth Sholom

Document Shredding Event at Temple Beth Sholom Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026 Time: 9am-12pm Location: Temple Beth Sholom, 1809 Whitney Avenue, Hamden (in the parking lot) Cost: Small Copy Boxes - $15 per box Large Banker Boxes - $20 per box
Also Available: Hard Drive Destruction &amp; Computer Recycling - $20 each CRT Computer Monitors - $20 each Hard Drive Only - $10 each
All items should be in a box that can easily be picked up. Paper items only. No trash or non-paper items. No CDs, X-Rays, etc. On-site shredding truck provided by Affordable Solutions, LLC.
Questions? Email fundraising@tbshamden.com
Common Questions: Will the documents be shredded at the drop-off location or are they transported to another facility? All documents will be shredded on-site. Workers will remove documents from vehicles and put them in the truck for shredding. 
Is there a certain way to prepare my documents? Place all paper documents into a box or paper bag for easy removal. Please look through the box/bag, before you bring it for shredding. Make sure the items in the box/bag are what you want shredded.
No Trash.
What happens to the shredded paper? The shredded documents are transported to a recycling facility and baled before being recycled into new paper.

Local Event: Document Shredding Event

Document Shredding Event

Document Shredding Event at Temple Beth Sholom Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026 Time: 9am-12pm Location: Temple Beth Sholom, 1809...

Blackstone Memorial Library

Experience an exquisite afternoon of classical music as the Connecticut State Music Teachers Association and the Branford Musical Arts Society present acclaimed pianist and Juilliard Professor Lisa Yui. The program will feature masterworks by Grieg, Liszt, and Qigang Chen in a special performance that is free and open to the public.

Local Event: Lisa Yui, Pianist

Lisa Yui, Pianist

Experience an exquisite afternoon of classical music as the Connecticut State Music Teachers Association and the Branford...

Guilford High School

Come for an evening of great jazz music with the Guilford High School Jazz Ensemble, along with special guests, the Javier Arau New Jazz Quintet, featuring GHS alum Gaston Kaisin on the trumpet.&nbsp;In addition to Gaston Kaisin, the quintet also features: Javier Arau on saxophone, Shu Odamura on guitar, Mark Wade on bass, and Jonathan Mele on the drums.&nbsp;
The concert will be held on May 22, 2026 at 7:00 PM at the Guilford High School Performing Arts Center. Admission is free and open to the public.&nbsp;&nbsp;This event is made possible through generous support from the T. Thomas Boates III Guest Artist Fund.

Local Event: Javier Arau Jazz Quintet & Guilford High School Jazz Ensemble

Guilford

Javier Arau Jazz Quintet & Guilford High School...

Come for an evening of great jazz music with the Guilford High School Jazz Ensemble, along with special guests, the Javier Arau...

Javier Arau Jazz Quintet & Guilford High School Jazz Ensemble

Beautiful 2nd floor apartment at 454 Fountain St is available for rent now! Great location in the Westville section of New Haven, very convenient to SCSU, Yale and the hospitals, downtown, Rts 15 and 34, shopping and more!
some details... lovely 2nd floor apartment has hardwood floors, new windows living room with decorative fireplacesunroom off of living room formal dining roomkitchen with pretty white cabinets, stove and refrigerator, plenty of counter space.&nbsp; 2 bedrooms 1 full bathroom washer/dryer hookup in the basement includes a garage 1 cat ok , no dogs, no smoking please available now, $2200/month includes electricity minimum credit score 650 is required
please call one of us to view, thanks! nancy nishball 203-606-4580 judy nishball 203-606-4582 ivy realty licensed in cT
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Beautiful 2 BR Apt in Westville is available now! 

Beautiful 2nd floor apartment at 454 Fountain St is available for rent now! Great location in the Westville section of New Haven, very convenient...

Jury Awards Police Detainee $522K

A jury has awarded a 29-year-old man $522,000 after finding that two city police officers negligently inflicted “emotional distress” on him.

Politics & Government

Embattled Crown Club To Close

The club plans to close — four days before a state hearing about whether or not it should lose its liquor license.

Business

New Haven Police Charge Man, 34, In Connection...

The victim, 32, who lives in Pennsylvania, was stabbed repeatedly by a man with whom he had "prior altercations" in early March.

New Haven Police Charge Man, 34, In Connection With March Bus Stop Stabbing

Judge Silences City Hall

A federal judge has issued a gag order to Mayor Justin Elicker and his administration regarding an ongoing wrongful-conviction trial.

Firefighters' Make Quick Work Of a Smoky ...

Fire authorities are investigating a "rubbish fire" in the basement of Yale University's Saybrook College at 242 Elm St.: Fire Chief

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Crime & Safety

Former New Haven Man, 50, Pleaded Guilty To Selling Cocaine From Grand Avenue Restaurant: Feds

Martin Onofre-Mendez, who pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, will be sentenced Dec. 12.: US Attorney

Ellyn Santiago, Patch Staff

Find out what's happening in New Havenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Find out what's happening in New Havenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

More from New Haven

New Haven Police Charge Man, 34, In Connection With March Bus Stop Stabbing

Firefighters' Make Quick Work Of a Smoky 'Rubbish Fire' in Yale University College Basement Thursday Morning

Southern Commencement Set, Speakers Include NHPS Superintendent, Boxing Champ, Anti-Bullying Advocate

The Tyre Island Band with Maggie Holtzberg on fiddle

Document Shredding Event

Lisa Yui, Pianist

Javier Arau Jazz Quintet & Guilford High School Jazz Ensemble

Beautiful 2 BR Apt in Westville is available now!

Baybrook Remodelers Inc

The Pellegrino Law Firm

The College Access Collaborative of Connecticut

UNAPEN, Inc.

Levey Miller Maretz

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Former New Haven Man, 50, Pleaded Guilty To Selling Cocaine From Grand Avenue Restaurant: Feds

Martin Onofre-Mendez, who pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, will be sentenced Dec. 12.: US Attorney

Ellyn Santiago, Patch Staff<img alt="Verified Patch Staff Badge" class="styles_Badge__np_hU" src="https://patch.com/img/cdn/assets/layout/badges/verified-patch-staff.svg"/>

Find out what's happening in New Havenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Find out what's happening in New Havenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Ellyn Santiago, Patch Staff