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🕯️ What We Now Know: The Truth About Mimi’s Case | Connecticut Child Protection Reform

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The story of Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres-Garcia has shaken Connecticut to its core. It is a tragedy that no one with a heart can ignore — a story of a child who slipped through every net designed to protect her. According to search warrants obtained by WFSB’s I-Team (Smink, 2025) , Mimi died in September 2024 — long before her body was discovered behind an abandoned property in New Britain nearly a year later. Investigators found that her mother and her mother’s boyfriend admitted to restraining and starving her. Despite multiple red flags, no one checked on Mimi after she was withdrawn from school under the guise of “homeschooling.” This devastating failure mirrors what many child advocates have warned about for years — a system too slow, too fragmented, and too trusting of paperwork over people. When a child is removed from public education, there must be follow-up, home visits, and accountability. There must be a real human safeguard between a vulnerable child and potential dange...
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💔 Mimi’s Law: When the System Fails a Child, We Must Not Stay Silent

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Twelve-year-old Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres-Garcia of New Britain, Connecticut , should still be here. Instead, her life was stolen after months of abuse — while the very systems designed to protect her looked away.   Her mother gained custody by default, even after prior DCF involvement. When Mimi was withdrawn from school and marked as “homeschooled,” no one verified her safety. There were no welfare checks, no alarms raised — and for more than a year, her voice was lost to silence.   I created the “Mimi’s Law” petition because silence has consequences. Connecticut must close the deadly loopholes that allow children to disappear from the system’s view.   🕯️ What Mimi’s Law Calls For Mandatory in-person welfare checks for homeschooled children or those withdrawn from public schools. Custody order verification before any parent with a DCF record gains or resumes custody. Cross-agency alerts and data sharing between schools, law ...
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Location: Vernon, CT 06066, USA
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Breaking the Silence: Why Talking About Suicide Matters

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September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to come together as a community to acknowledge a difficult topic that touches countless lives. For many, conversations about suicide feel uncomfortable or even taboo. Yet, silence can reinforce stigma and leave people struggling in isolation. By talking openly and compassionately, we create space for hope and healing. The Power of Conversation Myths often surround suicide—for example, that talking about it might “plant the idea.” Research consistently shows the opposite: open, supportive conversations can reduce risk and help people feel less alone. Asking direct but caring questions shows that you’re listening and willing to help. Why Stigma Persists Mental health conditions are common, but stigma continues to keep people from seeking help. Fear of judgment, cultural misunderstandings, and lack of awareness all play a role. Breaking that silence helps normalize the fact that it’s okay to struggle—and it’s okay to ask for support....
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Location: VERNON ROCKVL, CT 06066, USA
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The Hidden Impact of Evictions on Families: Why Housing Is About More Than Shelter

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When most people hear the word eviction , they think of losing a place to live. But the reality is far deeper than just four walls and a roof—it’s about stability, dignity, and opportunity. For single mothers and their children, especially in low-income neighborhoods, eviction isn’t just an event—it’s a ripple effect that touches every part of life. Families who experience eviction are more likely to face long-term housing insecurity, job instability, and declines in both physical and mental health (Desmond & Kimbro, 2015). Children often suffer academically, struggling with disrupted schooling and the loss of community connections (Johnson, 2022). What’s more troubling is the disproportionate impact . Research has shown that women, particularly single mothers, are disproportionately affected by eviction due to systemic inequalities in income, access to housing, and discriminatory rental practices (Hepburn et al., 2020). Without strong legal protections or affordable housing op...
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From the Broker’s Desk: Why Small Real Estate Decisions Have Big Consequences

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They say real estate is all about location — but I’ll let you in on a secret: it’s also about timing, details, and the choices you make when nobody’s watching. That quick decision to repaint before listing? It can be the difference between “meh” offers and a bidding war. The lender you choose? That can save (or cost) you thousands over the life of a loan. Even something as simple as the way you stage a living room can create an emotional hook that keeps buyers thinking about your property instead of the dozen others they toured that day. I’ve seen homes sit for months because of one overlooked repair — and I’ve seen deals close in days because the seller nailed the presentation. In real estate, small decisions aren’t small. They’re leverage. So, whether you’re buying your first home or selling your fifth, treat every choice like it matters — because it does. And if you’re not sure which way to go? That’s what I’m here for. Let’s make your next move your best move. Looking for ex...
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From Home to Heart: How Real Estate Shapes Our Everyday Lives

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  When most people think about real estate, they picture square footage, price tags, and the rush of signing closing papers. But the truth is, buying or selling a home is rarely just a transaction — it’s a life chapter. Every front porch tells a story. Every kitchen has witnessed conversations, laughter, and maybe even a few tears. And every backyard has hosted both quiet moments and milestone celebrations. That’s why I approach my work as more than finding a house — it’s about matching people with spaces that reflect who they are and where they’re going. Whether you’re upsizing for a growing family, downsizing for a simpler lifestyle, or relocating for a fresh start, the process should feel personal. My role is to help you navigate not only the logistics, but also the emotions, with honesty and clarity. And in between listings and closings? I love sharing the behind-the-scenes moments — like discovering a home with an unexpectedly perfect reading nook, or hearing the sto...
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Location: Vernon, CT 06066, USA
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Vernon Housing Market: Mid-Summer 2025 Snapshot

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  Vernon friends, neighbors, and future clients — let’s talk real estate reality. The latest InfoSparks data tells us exactly where our market stands. Looking at the median sales price —the point where half the homes sold for more and half sold for less—we get a true read on Vernon’s housing heartbeat. Each data point is a 12-month rolling average. Data from SmartMLS, August 8, 2025. Vernon’s Price Story Upward Momentum – Vernon’s median sales price has climbed steadily since early 2024, closing in on the $350K mark. Outpacing the MLS – Vernon’s prices are tracking closely with overall MLS trends, showing healthy local demand. Why Median Matters – It filters out extreme highs and lows, giving a balanced picture of what most homes are really selling for here. What This Means for You For Sellers: If you’ve been waiting to list, you’re in a sweet spot—buyers are active, and values are strong. Pricing your home r...
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