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Message from Roberta J. Cook, President/CEO
 Domestic violence is in the spotlight on the national stage and now is the time to bring this epidemic to an end here at home. Each year with your support, The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services helps more than 7,000 victims and their children. It's a staggering statistic, especially considering The Umbrella covers only 19 Connecticut towns. I am asking you to help the Umbrella change that statistic, to put an end to the cycle of violence in our communities, and to bring this epidemic to a halt once and for all. October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and there are a number of ways you can help The Umbrella raise awareness, instigate social change, and eliminate domestic violence. You can write a letter to the editor of your local or regional paper; wear a purple ribbon to commemorate the month; volunteer with The Umbrella, My Sister's Place, or another local organization; or join us on October 1 in Shelton for our Candlelight Vigil or on October 8 in New Haven for our Sound of Hope. Learn more about BHcare and The Umbrella Activities National Coalition Against Domestic Violence Activities Sincerely,  Roberta J. Cook President/CEO |
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Rosa DeLauro Talks about Domestic Violence
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BHcare Granted $510,025 in State Bond Funds
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Pictured: Emily Granelli, State Rep Lonnie Reed, Governor Malloy, Roberta Cook & Liz Robinson
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On July 25, the State Bond Commission unanimously approved bond funds for two important BHcare projects. We received $310,025 for plumbing renovations and reconstruction of the kitchens and bathrooms for our supportive housing facility in Branford. We also received $190,000 for the purchase of a facility in the Greater New Haven area that will function as a domestic violence safe house.
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September is Recovery Month
This September marks the 25th anniversary of Recovery Month. Mental and substance use disorders affect all communities nationwide, but with commitment and support, people with these disorders can achieve healthy lifestyles and lead rewarding lives in recovery.
Read more here.
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Trudy Higgins Appointed
BHcare is proud to announce Trudy Higgins, Vice President of Community Services, has been appointed to the Connecticut Commission on Community Service by Governor Dannel Malloy.
Read more here.
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OPTIONS Legislative Breakfast
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Young Adult Services Expand to Shoreline
BHcare is happy to announce that DMHAS has approved funding to expand its Young Adult Services (YAS) program to the Shoreline.
YAS provides case management, skill building, and assistance with educational/vocational goals for individuals ages 18 to 25 who are working toward recovery from mental illness.
To learn more about YAS, please visit BHcare.org.
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Grant Award: Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority
BHcare was recently awarded $50,000 from the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority (CHEFA) to support outpatient behavioral health services in our Shoreline and Valley clinics. CHEFA funds will help to provide individual counseling, group counseling, and medication management for an additional 80 adults.
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 Sponsorships available at all levels. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.BHcare.org.For information contact Debbie Soulsby at (203) 736-2601, ext. 1321 or [email protected].
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VSAAC Awarded $35K from the Matthies Foundation
The Greater Valley Substance Abuse Action Council (VSAAC) was recently awarded $35,000 from the Katharine Matthies Foundation to support its prevention programs in the Valley communities. The funding will be used to continue and enhance programs such as the Valley Drug Endangered Children's Alliance, marijuana education, opioid education, Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainings and suicide prevention trainings. VSAAC's programming aims to reduce substance use and risky behaviors among the area youth, peers and other community members.
Read full article here.
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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
One in four women is the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner while one in seven men experiences severe physical violence by an intimate partner at some point in their lifetime. On average, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States. Over the course of a year, that equals more than 12 million women and men.
Despite its prevalence, the patterns of domestic violence are not fully understood by many bystanders. Americans want to help, but don't know what to do. More than half of Americans say they may have been in situations where they believed domestic violence had occurred, but they didn't act because they were not sure what to do.
Learn how you can help.
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National Disability Employment Awareness Month
 Each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month aims to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities.
Learn more about BHcare's Employment Services at |
Mental Illness Awareness Week: Oct. 5-11, 2014
Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. One in four adults experiences a mental health disorder and one in 17 lives with a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, depression or bipolar disorder.
Mental illnesses can affect persons of any age, race, religion or income. Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character or poor upbringing. Mental illnesses are treatable and recovery is possible. Between 70 and 90 percent of the individuals who are treated for their illness have a reduction in symptoms and improved quality of life.
Read more here.Learn about our clinical services.
BHcare will recognize Mental Illness Awareness Week with a luncheon on October 8 at OPTIONS in Branford. |
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Mark Your Calendars!
The Umbrella Valley Vigil
October 1, 2014
6:30 pm
Gazebo at Shelton Center Green, Shelton, CT
A Piece of the Prevention Puzzle Conference
October 1, 2014
8:30 am to 3:00 pm
Grassy Hill Lodge, Derby, CT
The Umbrella Sound of Hope
October 8, 2014
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Long Wharf, New Haven, CT
BHcare Annual Meeting
October 29, 2014
5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Race Brook Country Club, Orange, CT
Holiday Gala
November 22, 2014
7:00 pm to 12:00 am
Grassy Hill Country Club, Orange, CT
Bowl-2-Benefit
March 14, 2015
9:00 am, 11:30 am, 2:00 pm, 5:00 pm, & 8:00 pm
AMF Lanes, Milford, CT
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How I'm Helping
Chico's Outlet in Clinton and Chico's of Milford donated several large boxes of jeans to The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services. The jeans were collected at the stores in exchange for a 20% off shopping coupon as a part their campaign supporting the National Network to End Domestic Violence.  If you'd like to learn more about how you can help, visit our website at www.BHcare.org or call (203) 736-2601 x1327.
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