Family Mailbag
Recovery in Motion
Resident Profile
From the Family
Alumni Life
Employee Spotlight
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"Thank you for the excellent services provided in Phase I. The atmosphere, the learning, the patience, and the structure are all critical steps toward what we all hope will be the healing of our son. Equally important is the communication, which is the primary reason for this letter. Steve Stone is excellent. Donna and I can not say enough about his communication with us. He is direct, experienced, knowledgeable, and most importantly always accessible." |
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RECOVERY IN MOTION
YOUNG WOMEN'S PROGRAM
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CrossFit Strength Training was part of this month’s Recovery In Motion curriculum for Turnbridge Women’s Program clients. CrossFit is a strength, conditioning, and overall fitness program combining aerobic exercise and weightlifting.
“This activity provided a safe and effective outlet for clients who are struggling with the uncomfortability of early recovery. Clients were coached on emotional mindfulness and educated on proper and safe work out technique and form. After the class, they felt accomplished, capable, and confident,” said Turnbridge Women’s Program Wellness Coordinator, Brooke Hadfield. “The clients loved the group, and the energy was uplifting.”
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RECOVERY IN MOTION
YOUNG MEN'S PROGRAM
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Rock climbing at City Climb, in New Haven was part of this month’s Recovery In Motion curriculum for Turnbridge Men’s Program clients. Rock climbing is a test of endurance, focus, and strength. The simulated rock walls allow participants to attempt climbs at various skill levels in a safe and controlled environment.
“Rock climbing pushes the clients to problem solve while exerting maximum physical effort. The guys were really cheering each other on, and those that participated felt a great sense of accomplishment at the end,” said Turnbridge Wellness Coordinator, Eric Davidson. Activities like rock climbing allow clients to develop new hobbies and learn new forms of exercise that benefit overall health and support lasting recovery. The camaraderie experienced while participating in Recovery In Motion activities boosts mood, enhance senses of belonging and wellbeing, and contributes to the forging of life-long friendships.
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RESIDENT PROFILE
Madison
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Turnbridge Young Women's Program |
“I want to continue to be of service in the recovery community and continue working ‘the program’. I want to go to college, pursue a career, and I really just hope to stay sober because it has given me the best chance to have a life that is worth living.” |
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Madison, a Turnbridge Women’s Program client, shares her journey.
Recovering from substance use and mental health disorders is one of the most arduous yet rewarding experiences in a person’s life. The pathways that lead to recovery are seldom linear. It is normal for people engaged in treatment to experience setbacks before successfully managing their conditions and maintaining recovery. When people leave treatment prematurely or require additional care, it is vital to remove any barriers that stand in the way of returning to their recovery journey.
“I came to Turnbridge the first time and was here for a few months and then left the program. I was on my own for almost three months when I made the decision to come back.” Madison describes an experience common to people who leave treatment prematurely. “My mental health and addiction just got really bad, and I had some near-death experiences, and I was in the lowest low that I have been at.” When Madison expressed a desire to return to treatment, her family’s support and open arms made a crucial difference. “There was this moment where I had this recognition that I couldn’t go on like that. I reached back out to my family and let them know I was ready to come back. At first, I was afraid to come back; I felt that I had burned bridges and was afraid that people were going to be upset with me. But everyone was so welcoming. They didn’t hold anything against me, and they really gave me a second chance.”
“The word that comes to mind is gratitude,” says Madison when describing her Turnbridge experience. “I definitely think Turnbridge gave me a 360 approach in terms of recovery, making connections, and building a sober network. The accountability factor has changed the way I go about everyday life, and I have been able to start adding tools to my toolbox in terms of getting a job and getting organized with my life.” Madison also believes that one of the most important lessons of treatment is learning to build and sustain a healthy lifestyle conducive to recovery and improved mental and physical health. “I am super grateful for the women and staff here that have been there for me. They truly care and want to see me succeed.”
Madison shares her hopes and goals for the future after completing treatment. “The amount of time we have spent on discharge planning and what's next has made me feel that this will be totally achievable. I want to continue to be of service in the recovery community and continue working ‘the program.’ I want to go to college, pursue a career, and I really just hope to stay sober because it has given me the best chance to have a life that is worth living.”
Madison offers some final advice to other Turnbridge clients, “Come in and make your own opinions on what's important to you. Give everyone a chance and be patient, recovery can’t be rushed and there is no fast forward button, but the main thing you can do is advocate for yourself with grace.”
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“It was a very positive experience; I feel as though the treatment I received was almost just as important as the treatment my son received. It was like a parallel journey for the both of us.” |
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Kristi’s son graduated from the Turnbridge Adolescent Extended Care program in August of 2021. She shares the challenges that led them to Turnbridge and her impressions of the program.
“My son had been dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues for a few years, and we tried to get him the best care that we could,” Kristi shared. “However, despite the previous short-term treatment he had received, we were still having family conflicts and maladaptive behaviors, which was when we decided he needed treatment that was designed to be more long term.”
Kristi shares her impressions of Turnbridge while her son was enrolled. “It was a very positive experience; I feel as though the treatment I received is almost just as important as the treatment my son received. It was like a parallel journey for the both of us.” Kristi and her son learned new skills and how to put them into practice. “As a parent, I needed to learn how to respond to him differently.” Kristi attended the Turnbridge Parent Support Group meetings hosted by Lauren Springer and utilized some of the resources discussed at the meetings. “These meetings and resources helped me become a better version of myself. I felt more confident with setting boundaries, more empowered and validated. I would recommend Turnbridge alone just for what parents are able to take advantage of if they choose to.”
Kristi describes how life has changed since her child completed the program. “Very different; my son has chosen to stay in New Haven at a sober living facility, and I never would have had the confidence to allow him to choose this path before his treatment. I realize that it's not going to be a straight path but throughout this process we have both gained new skills and I know we are going to be okay. I’m really just trying to be more supportive of him while still holding boundaries but while doing so, I’m letting him pave his way, verses before when I felt I needed to be in control of everything.”
Kristi offers this advice to parents considering Turnbridge. “Use the resources that are available to you, honestly even if it’s just the parent support group, it helps people to feel that they’re not alone, validated for some of the ways they’re feeling, and you always learn something through other people’s stories.” In addition, she explained, “Communication within the Care team is very important. I always got updates on how he was doing and progress he was making when he was struggling. I was really appreciative of that and when he was there it felt as though I could breathe a little easier.”
Kristi shares some closing thoughts, “If my son were to see this, I would want him to know how proud I am of him for sticking with it and taking the opportunity to grow. I know there may be some setbacks along the way, but it's cumulative, and he's not going to lose everything that he's learned.”
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Gincy, a 2020 graduate of the Turnbridge Women’s Program, shares some of her experiences and a glimpse of what life is like now.
Gincy struggled with substance misuse and the results of an arrest. Several detoxification and treatment attempts were unsuccessful at helping Gincy find recovery until her mother found Turnbridge. “My Turnbridge experience was good, difficult, and a long road, but there were a lot of supportive people that helped me get on the right track,” said Gincy.
Gincy describes her life after completing the Turnbridge Women’s Program. “I decided to stay in New Haven after graduating from the program because of the network I had built in the area and if it felt like the safest and best option for me. Also, I had a positive experience with Turnbridge and decided I wanted to work for them.” Outside of work, Gincy continues her involvement in New Haven’s thriving community of young people in recovery and spends time with people in her recovery network. “I have a great relationship with my family, and I have friends around me and am currently living with another Turnbridge alumni.”
Gincy shared some advice for current or incoming clients. “Just stick it out and be honest, make the best of it, and truly give yourself a chance. I have a good life today because I did.”
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"I love that I’m surrounded by strong women who are also in recovery. You have that feeling of camaraderie and we are all working together to help the women in our care." |
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EMPLOYEE PROFILE
Grace Nagle
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Grace Nagle is the Life Skills Coordinator for the Turnbridge Women’s Program. In her three years working for Turnbridge, Grace progressed from a support staff and transportation department member to a support staff manager before earning her current position as Life Skills Coordinator.
Grace is a Turnbridge alumnus who received treatment for mental health and substance use disorders. She shares what led her to Turnbridge, “I was at the bottom point of my life and wasn’t able to keep a stable job or any income. I had the opportunity to come to Turnbridge, and it was a life-changing opportunity for me.” Grace explains why she decided to work for Turnbridge after graduating. “Once going through the program, it really brought me hope, and I wanted to help others in the recovery community. I enjoy being able to work in the recovery and treatment field because it helps my own recovery. I’m also able to show clients the experience of being able to have fun while being sober — that was one of the things I thought I would never be able to appreciate. I love the community of women, and it really brings me joy when working with them.”
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