We inspire families and individuals to overcome the disease of
addiction by creating real, long-term solutions!
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From the Desk of Ana Gopoian
Giving Back, Selfless Service and the Joy of Sharing!
Recently, while I was preparing to write “The Gratitude List” for the day, I looked at the glossary from one of the many daily meditation books I have, and this month’s newsletter topic became apparent. The meditation is written as follows: “I have been given much in my recovery, and I am deeply grateful for it. I will take joy in being able to share it with others as freely as it was shared with me.” (JFT Dec.15 p365)
No words could have truer meaning for me and also be so supportive of one of the greatest values behind TriCircle’s name. Gratitude is not only a feeling; it is an action word, and both the action and feeling can be shared. I want to leave this world better than I found it. Since I do not have children of my own, I have a bit more flexibility to help other people with their children and loved ones. I have more opportunity to dream big and to create what I see as a lasting footprint to leave etched in the sand after I am gone.
I learn something new every day. I continue to see that there are so many cyclical components to life, and, as I continue to move forward on my recovery path, so many more are revealed. From where I stand now, I see one person helping another; I see that connection is the opposite of addiction; I see that we can’t keep what we have unless we give it away; I see the helper and the one being helped…there are two sides to everything. Humility is necessary, not only when asking for help, but it is also needed to remain a true helper. Unity is imperative in order to accept one’s position when creating win-win outcomes. When we allow the ties that bind us together to be stronger than those that may tear us apart…then all is well, yet, another beautiful tenet I learned in recovery.
For evidence of cycles, we need only to turn to nature. Plants expel the oxygen we breathe in, and we give back the carbon dioxide they need to survive. Birth, life, death and the seasons are all cyclical. The three circles pictured in the TriCircle logo represent the three phases of our plan, and the third phase also has three cycles, all of which are full of the parts and pieces needed to build a strong foundation. This foundation will support the creation of a long-term residential program, a safe environment, and the uninterrupted continuum of care individuals need to thrive in life.
If I have learned anything in my 26 years in recovery, it is that I am not alone. Giving back by sharing my lived experience is healing and inspiring and helps me maintain a healthy sense of self while serving those who are placed on my path. I remember and cherish, with great appreciation and respect, every single person who has challenged me and shared their experiences, their love and their life with me along the way. I honor all of them as I look forward with great anticipation and excitement to the many who are yet to come.
We are all co-creators on this journey, and, as our dreams continue to take shape, so many are working diligently and selflessly toward full implementation of our three-phase plan. TriCircle is lining up the collective components that will support and transform the lives of individuals and families affected by the disease of addiction. We are a force to be reckoned with; we are not going away!
Yes, I have been given so much in my recovery, and I am deeply grateful for it all! I know for sure, what we do makes a difference and, most certainly,
Together WE are Stronger!
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TriCircle 2022 Memorial Scholarship Released |
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TriCircle seeks to identify people who reside in Connecticut and have demonstrated a commitment to further their collegiate or vocational studies. We recognize that the epidemic of substance use disorder exists here in our state and that tragically thousands of wonderful people have died due to the disease of addiction. We have come together to continue this scholarship opportunity, originally created in honor of Michael F. Gagnon II. The TriCircle Memorial Scholarship will be awarding two $2,500 scholarships in 2022. Scholarship applications and eligibility information are available on our website www.tricircleinc.com/scholarship, email [email protected], or at the front desk where our office is located: Executive Offices 6 Way Road, Middlefield, CT 06455. The signed, completed scholarship application with all supporting documentation must be received in one packet and postmarked no later than April 28th, 2022.
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Do you enjoy reading our newsletter?
Do you know someone who might also like to
receive The TriCircle Connection each month?
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Together WE are Stronger!
TriCircle is looking for people who are action oriented and passionate about our cause to work with the Fundraising & Events Advisory Board. Our 2022 calendar is being filled with exciting opportunities and we need all hands-on deck! This month, on April 27, at 6:30pm, this committee will meet in the upstairs conference room at 6 Way Road, Middlefield. We welcome you to join us! Please use the rear entrance. Light refreshments will be made available. Take a look at our events calendar to see what is in store and to take a look back at some of the amazing activities and events we have hosted over the years.
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Our April Spotlight
A Video Interview With
MaKayla Barstow
An Outstanding Young Marine from Plainfield who is dedicated to selfless service and giving back to her community!
MaKayla Barstow is a seventeen year old junior at Plainfield High School and has been involved in the Young Marines Program since 2013. She has obtained the rank of Young Marine Sergeant Major and earned the title of Division One Young Marine of the Year in 2021. The Young Marines is a non-profit youth organization for children ages eight to the completion of high school. The program's three core values are teamwork, leadership, and discipline. They focus on community service, veterans appreciation, and living a healthy,
drug-free lifestyle. MaKayla has had the opportunity to travel around the country, attending many different events the organization hosts every year. Outside of the Young Marines, MaKayla is the Assistant Drum Major for her school's marching band, is a member of her school's chamber choir and varsity cheerleading team, and is involved in the theater department. After graduation, she plans on attending college to pursue a degree in music education.
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April
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Wed., April 6, and Wed., April 20 - Doors open at 5:00 pm, first game begins at 6:00 pm - Drop In Setback, 1741 Pub & Grill, Middlefield
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Sat., April 2, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm - Memorial Quilt Project Lighthouse Church, 33 Plainfield Pike, Plainfield
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Fri., April 22 - Sat., April 23 - TriCircle will have a resource table at the Berlin Social and Family Services Conference
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Thur., April 28 - Scholarship Application Deadline
May
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Thur., May 5 - TriCircle will have a resource table at the Hebron Community Forum
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Sat., May 14 - Sun., May 15 - The CT Barber Expo at Mohegan Sun
Got connections? Our Annual Recovery Festival is looking for a really cool venue and date for the Springtime!
June
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Sunday, June 26 - 8:00 am - 2:00 pm - Twisted Trails 5K Color Run, Tamarack Lodge, Voluntown, CT (VOLUNTEERS NEEDED)
August
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TBD - "With A Rose" by The Phillip Foundation
September
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TBD - TheCharityChallenge Poker Run & Music Fest
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Sat., Sept. 24 - The 4th Annual Outrun Addiction 5K in Enfield
October
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Sun., Oct. 23 - 4th Annual TriCircle Gala Brunch, Wallingford Elks Lodge 1365
December
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Sun., Dec. 4 - TriCircle Annual Holiday Meeting
If any of our readers know of an organization, group or idea that will add strength, availability and reach to our collaborations and services, please reach out to us at [email protected].
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Click here for an event link to our Setback games.
Join us for a 50/50 raffle, cash prizes, food and FUN!
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GOOD READS
“We read to know
we are not alone.”
-- William Nicholson
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April's Suggested Title and Book Review
The Parent's 20 Minute Guide
A guide for parents about how to help their children change their substance use
from cmc: center for motivation & change
Parenting** is hard. How often do we lose our cool when trying to communicate with our affected loved one? Do you often regret your words as soon as they leave your lips? Are you looking for guidance about your child or loved one who is using substances or engaging in other risky behaviors? Do you have concerns about your loved one's focus at school, choice of friends, new "minimalist" communication style with you, or maybe you are facing sudden and terrifying changes. The Parent's 20 Minute Guide helps parents/caregivers change their loved one's substance use. Developed by psychologists at the Center for Motivation and Change, The Parent's 20 Minute Guide pulls from Motivational Interviewing (MI), CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training), Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to give family members the best tools to help loved ones change their substance use while staying connected and using the power of science and kindness. This guide will help you with such tools as: How to react when your loved one has been using substances and when he has NOT been using; How to co-parent and collaborate as effectively and smoothly as possible; Getting more of what you want to see from your loved one and less of what you don't; How to talk to your loved one so that you are both more likely to be heard; How to take care of yourself all along the way.
**A note from the authors to grandparents, aunts, uncles, and foster and adoptive parents and other caregivers: please understand that the word "parent" is used as shorthand for all caregivers, and we hope you feel no less welcome to open this amazing resource!
Thinking of ordering this book? Here is a great opportunity to sign up on Amazon Smile and register TriCircle, Inc. as your charity of choice. See below for details!! Every time you make a purchase on the Smile Amazon site, a donation is made to us! It doesn't cost you a thing!
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WANT TO HELP?
DO ALL YOUR SHOPPING ON
AMAZON SMILE!
It is so easy! First, be sure to sign up on Amazon Smile and choose
TriCircle, Inc. as your recipient organization. Do all your shopping online! Then, every single time you make a purchase from the Smile.Amazon site, a percentage will be donated to us! It doesn’t cost you a thing!
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CLINICAL SERVICES
Are Now Available
TriCircle strives to offer Clinical Services that meet the individual needs of those who choose to take advantage of these opportunities to enhance their journey toward healing. We are accepting new clients. Our master’s level clinicians offer a range of evidence-based programs, giving clients and their families the opportunity to grow, change and maintain long-term recovery.
Our Clinical Team of Licensed Professionals
Shannon Talbot, LMFT
Michael Black, MA, LADC, LPC-A
Sheila Owen, LCSW, LADC
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Click here to learn more about our Clinical Services or call
(860) 349-7074 to set up an intake.
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TriCircle and consider a donation today!
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Click the images below or scan the QR code to find out how!
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