Community Catalyst: Town Manager Robert Lee and the Town of Plainville
“It’s Really An Ideal Relationship.”
While Wheeler serves 30,000 Connecticut residents from 90% of the state’s cities and towns every year, its roots go back to a field in Plainville, Connecticut in 1968 and the vision and generosity of prominent Plainville citizen, Bertha Wheeler.
Robert Lee has worked closely with Wheeler in his 14 years as Plainville town manager, and the town has been a partner for much of the organization’s growth in that time.
“What I’m most impressed by is that Wheeler is an embodiment of Plainville,” he says. “You started here, you’ve grown here, bought property here, hired so many Plainville residents, helped the local economy. Wheeler is part of the community. As Wheeler’s become a leader across the state, I think that reflects well on our town.”
Lee says there are countless formal and informal ways the town and organization have collaborated.
“We have used Wheeler’s Employee Assistance Program for many years and they’ve always been very responsive and there in times of need. This has meant grief counseling and support for our police and fire departments, helping staff decrease conflict, health, wellness and community events, trainings, and much more. These are very valuable services, and they are not easy to find. I think it means more when you can access them locally.
“As an employer, Wheeler is always present. I regularly meet people in town who either work at Wheeler or know someone who has. Many of Wheeler’s leaders and volunteers, like the late Ray Corsini, are residents and have worked closely with us on a host of other issues.”
Recently, Wheeler and the Plainville Public Schools have partnered to expand access to health services for students and their families. New school-based behavioral health clinics at Linden Street School and the Middle School of Plainville help students address trauma-related issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and behavioral health issues, and provide other evidence-based interventions to address an array of problems, including anxiety, depression, academic and peer challenges, and more. Linkage to other services in the community also are provided. A Wheeler clinician supports each school location.
“I think Wheeler’s a good neighbor. We understand that sometimes, when you’re providing health care, people come to see you in difficult situations,” he adds. “Our interactions with Wheeler staff are always professional. It’s really an ideal relationship to have.”
