State Representative David A. Scribner (R-107) is cheering a $250,000 State Bond for cancer support center Ann’s Place, the Home of I CAN, in Danbury.
Rep. Scribner, along with Rep. Giegler, requested the bond to help pay for the remaining cost of a new, 17,000-square-foot headquarters for Ann’s Place, which will greatly enhance the level of service they provide. The vast majority of the $5 million project has been previously funded by donors, and much of the labor and materials have also been donated.
Ann’s Place has provided comfort and support to people living with cancer and to their families for over 20 years. The organization provides support groups, mentor programs, financial assistance, supply loans, therapeutic counseling, wellness programs and educational resources for patients and their families.
“Ann’s Place is an amazing organization that helps make life easier on cancer patients and their families at a time when assistance is desperately needed and greatly appreciated. The physical and emotional tolls that diagnosis, treatment and recovery takes on them can be devastating. This bond will allow Ann’s Place to finalize what is a unique and priceless facility that helps folks with everything from counseling to wheelchair loans.” Rep. Scribner said.
Currently, Ann’s Place is not collecting any federal or state funding, but has instead only accepted private donations.
Rep. Scribner added “I would like to thank the Bond Commission for validating the great service Ann’s Place provides to our community, and slating this important bond for approval.”
A strong advocate and leader for health issues, Rep. Scribner serves on the Public Health Committee, and also on Finance, Revenue, & Bonding where he serves on General Bonding and as ex-officio member of the State Bond Commission. Locally he also serves on the Board of Directors of the Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut.
Rep. Scribner, along with other members of the delegation, have written many letters of support spanning over three years to lobby the state for this much needed bond. He has also played a major role in working in cooperation with Ann’s Place leadership in order to make sure that their legislative needs are met and to help increase awareness. Rep. Scribner has toured the facility multiple times and has lent his support to many of their community events.
The Greater Danbury Delegation, led by Reps. Giegler and Scribner, has pledged their support for the approval of this bond. The lawmakers that have helped petition for this bond include Reps. Dan Carter, John Frey, Bob Godfrey, DebraLee Hovey, Christopher Lyddy, David Scribner, Richard Smith and Joseph Taborsak.
Ann’s Place, “The Home of I CAN,” was co-founded in 1991 by Pat Bragdon and Mary Burke. The new facility serves 700 people a month from over 14 Connecticut towns, and is located at 80 Saw Mill Road, Danbury. For more information on Ann’s Place, click here.
The State Bond Commission agenda states that the bond is slated to be passed at their next meeting on June 4 at 10:30am in room 1E of the Legislative Office Building. Although the agenda is subject to change, traditionally all items appearing on the agenda will be passed. The function of the Bond Commission is to determine whether it is in the state’s best interest to approve project funding requests and approve the amount and timing of bond sales as requested by the State Treasurer. To view the full Bond Commission agenda, click here.
