Issue Position: Social & Civil Rights

Issue Position

In 2001, I received my Master of Social Work because I believed then, as I do now, that in order to improve people's lives we need to provide practical tools for individuals, families and communities to succeed. Justice and equality are not only abstract values; they are the vital foundations for strong, healthy communities.
Our social policies must ensure access to health care, family planning, reproductive choice and gender equality. Affordable childcare, early childhood education, services that allow seniors the choice to remain in their homes, and practices that invest in stronger communities are rights and policies that improve individuals' and families' well-being.
My life is guided by these beliefs:
* I volunteer with and support The Center for Family Justice (formerly The Center for Women and Families of Eastern Fairfield County). The Center "provides free and confidential services to victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Violence, and severe child sexual and/or physical abuse."* Prevention education, support groups, court advocacy, individual crisis intervention counseling, emergency shelter and a 24 hours crisis hotline are some of the many services The Center makes available to our greater community, with a satellite office in Fairfield.
* I volunteer for Operation Hope, regularly donating meals, attending fundraising events and supporting collaboration between Operation Hope and Town departments. In the aftermath of Storm Sandy, we worked with Operation Hope to ensure that our friends and neighbors suffering from the storm's wrath, had food and water.
* I serve as co-chair of Fairfield Cares Community Coalition, our local prevention council. The Coalition brings together a diverse group of community stakeholders to direct and guide substance abuse and suicide prevention in our public and private schools as well as the community at large. This year, the Coalition and its partners have trained over 200 members of the community in suicide prevention, provided educational forums on alcohol, marijuana and prescriptions drugs and promoted the use of Fairfield's prescription drug drop box located in the lobby of the police headquarters. Fairfield Cares has connected with the Southwest Regional Mental Health Board, which offers Mental Health and First Aid training to the Town of Fairfield's Human Resources Department.
My parents and grandparents taught me as a young child that as a member of a community, I am responsible for the community's care and well being. My grandmom dedicated her life to serving others. She and many other teachers and family members instilled in me the passion for justice and civil rights that inspires my public service. She taught me never to be complacent; that every generation must fight to maintain and improve the rights we have won. She modeled what it means to stand up for the less fortunate and those without a voice. I will bring these values to Hartford as I represent the needs of the people of Fairfield.
*The Center for Family Justice
Paid for by Cristin McCarthy Vahey 2014. Thomas Drew, Treasurer. Approved by Cristin McCarthy Vahey.

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