In photo L to R: Dr. Galo Rodriguez, Village President, Melissa White, EDT Director, Chris Donovan, Speaker of the House, and Meriden Mayor Michael Rohde.

HARTFORD, CT, May 17, 2012 – The Village’s official ribbon cutting took place today marking the opening of the new Extended Day Treatment (EDT) program for children in Meriden.  Galo Rodriguez, President & CEO and Village staff welcomed guests to tour the new facility and learn more about the program.

The Village EDT program provides after-school and summer clinical treatment services for children aged 5 to 14 who exhibit emotional and behavioral problems.  Children in EDT receive group treatment and therapeutic activities designed to improve behavior and increase social skills.  The program aims to help these children remain in the community and avoid the need for residential placement; in some cases, the program assists children returning from an out-of-home placement with successful reintegration into the community; family involvement in therapy is essential to a child's treatment, the program requires active participation from parents. 

Meriden’s Mayor, Michael Rohde expressed his excitement for the Village’s new program in his city. Mayor Rohde’s impressive career in human and social services prior to holding the seat of City Mayor reinforced his support of the EDT program; he clearly understands the need within his community for these services for children.  He enthusiastically performed the countdown for the ribbon cutting. 

Also on hand to cut the ribbon, a Meriden native and the Connecticut Speaker of the House, Chris Donovan, said “I am excited to be part of this opening, knowing more children will be better served in the Meriden community.”  Speaker Donovan is also no stranger to the issues that our children and families face daily.  He holds many seats on various committees such as the CT Early Childhood Alliance; the Connecticut Family Resource Center Alliance; the Connecticut Voices for Children; the Connecticut Public Health Association; and the CT Council of Family Service Agencies.

Village President, Galo Rodriguez, said “We are grateful to be recognized as the agency to implement this program within the community. Our long history of success with the EDT model has prepared us to expand our services and provide more support to children and families in need.” Dr. Rodriguez also recognized the importance of the partnerships with local schools and the Department of Children and Family. 

 As seen in the Meriden Patch