Coalition for Assisted Living Records

The Coalition for Assisted Living grew from a chance meeting at the ribbon cutting event at opening of the Mansfield (CT) Community Center in 2003. Prior to the formal establishment of the CAL, there had been substantial effort expended on developing assisted living in Mansfield. Jane Ann Bobbitt, a former mayor had been a leader in the movement, as had William Rosen and Howard Raphaelson, former members of the town council. These individuals had had a vision of an assisted living facility being part of the Storrs Downtown project and had worked towards that end. Momentum slowed with the departure of Bill Rosen for the west coast.

Sharry Goldman joined the effort in 2003 at the invitation of Eleanor Plank; both women being activists in the local community. Early documents indicate that discussions took place regarding the location of the facility but by 2003 the group agreed to set aside the issue of location and focus on the viability of the facility itself. The organization proceeded to investigate models of assisted living, conducted community conversations and generally explored the interest in and development and support of such a facility in the town of Mansfield.

At the request of CAL, the town hired Brecht Associates to conduct a professional needs study for assisted living in the Mansfield area. The Brecht report (2005) demonstrated a need for the facility and a committee was appointed to seek out a preferred developer. Masonicare was identified but no action has taken place since.