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HOLISTIC, PEER LED RECOVERY RESOURCES
DISCOVER YOUR FULL POTENTIAL
| | | | CALL: (860) 505-7581 | EMAIL: INFO@ADVOCACYUNLIMITED.ORG | | |
HIGHLIGHT -
WTIC Saturdays with Steve Radio Interview
CPSRP Updates!
- 2 CEU CPSRP Ethics & Values Training
- Advocacy Unlimited's CPSRP Credentialing Guide
Youth Peer Support - ACCEPTING REFERRALS
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Youth Peer Support available for young people ages 12-17 ♥
Peer Education - October
- Advocacy for People in Recovery & Allies
- Self-Care & Holistic Healing
Peer Support Groups - NEW GROUPS
- CT Alternatives to Suicide
- CT Hearing Voices Network
- Late Night Support Meetings from RIPPLE
Peer Support @AU
- Bridger Program
- CT Alternatives to Suicide
- CT Hearing Voices Network
- Join Rise Be
- Toivo
Legislative Advocacy Update
- Peer Support Facts Page
- Get Involved
- Monday Legislative Peer Advocacy Group
Peer Employment Opportunities
CT Addiction Peer Recovery
Peer Respites
- Gloria House
- Anemoni
- Afiya
National Peer Support Resources
Other Connecticut Recovery Resources
Contact Us
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CREATIVITY PUZZLE
Remote Associates Test
The Remote Associates Test normally takes a linguistic form: given three words, the participant is asked to come up with a fourth word associated with all three of them.
Example: Square | Cardboard | Open - BOX
Cream, Skate, Water | ASSOCIATED WORD
ANSWER AT THE BOTTOM OF NEWSLETTER!
| | WTIC 1080 Saturdays with Steve | | | | Advocacy Unlimited is a peer run organization that uses direct lived experience to help others who are dealing with a wide range of recovery. They also offer educational classes if you're interested in using your story of struggle to help others. Executive Director of Advocacy Unlimited Michaela Fissel joins Steve to go over exactly what they're all about. For more information: | | Advocacy Unlimited, Inc. is a DMHAS-Approved Training Organization for the CPSRP credential. By completing the AU RSS Peer Certification & Training a person becomes qualified to move forward with the CPSRP application through the Connecticut Certification Board. The AU RSS Peer Certification & Training curriculum is aligned with the SAMHSA’s Twelve Core Competencies and DMHAS’ Peer Ethics & Values (2024). | | |
Overview of the CPSRP Credential
The Certified Peer Support & Recovery Professional (CPSRP) credential is an initiative of Connecticut’s Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). The CPSRP credential combines Recovery Support Specialists and Recovery Coaches under one professional credential for people delivering Peer Recovery Services in the state of Connecticut. It may be preferred or required by some employers in the field of Peer Recovery Services. The administrator of the CPSRP Credential is the Connecticut Certification Board (CCB). Advocacy Unlimited, Inc. is a DMHAS-Approved Training Organization for the CPSRP credential.
Key Requirements
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Training: Complete an 80-hour DMHAS-approved training program aligned with national core competencies.
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Examination: Pass the state certification exam to earn a provisional credential.
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Experience: Document 300 supervised work hours, including 25 hours of direct supervision.
To maintain the CPSRP credential, a person must participate in ongoing continuing education and submit documentation directly to the CCB.
The primary requirement is to complete 10 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), annually. However, because the credential can be issued or renewed for different timeline blocks, the total required hours and costs accumulate based on the chosen term.
Renewal Term Requirements:
1 Year 10 CEUs $25.00
2 Years 20 CEUs $40.00
3 Years 30 CEUs $55.00
Required Category Breakdown
For every block of 10 CEUs submitted , the hours must be divided into these specific categories:
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2 CEUs — CPSRP Ethics & Values
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4 CEUs — Peer Support and Coaching: Focused topics that directly relate to peer-based recovery and care strategy.
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4 CEUs — Electives: Any behavioral health topics that enhance your professional knowledge (e.g., Harm Reduction, CBT, or DBT). Peer support topics can also fulfill this category.
| | ** 2 CEU - CPSRP ETHICS & VALUES TRAINING ** | | |
Dates Available
10/26/26 9-11am
1/13/27 2-4pm
4/9/27 1-3pm
6/7/27 9-11am
As required for Connecticut (CT) Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS)'s peer certification, this training provides a comprehensive overview of the updated Ethics and Values for Certified Peer Support & Recovery Professionals (CPSRP). Participants will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the principles that guide ethical practice in recovery peer support work. The session is designed to build competency and confidence of peer professionals working in recover support services and other fields of practice. This training meets the recertification requirement of 2 Continue Educational Units in the CPSRP Ethics and Values.
Learning Objectives
1) Define the updated CT DMHAS Code of Ethical Conduct and core values for CPSRP.
2) Identify personal values and professional biases that influence ethical decision-making in everyday peer support practice.
3) Examine ethical gray areas and real-world dilemmas unique to the peer support worker.
4) Apply practical, values-based problem-solving strategies to maintain healthy professional boundaries and integrity.
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Advocacy Unlimited
2075 Silas Deane Highway
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
2 CEUs for CPSRP & RSS
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Who is a Youth Peer Bridger?
Offers guidance to young people ages 12-17 with substance use concerns, and who may experience mental health and/or physical health challenges.
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Who is this Program for?
No cost for participation
1:1 peer support
For young people ages 12-17
Mobile and phone-based support available
No diagnosis or previous treatment required
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Mission:
Our mission is to empower youth to navigate life transitions with confidence by providing strength-based peer support grounded in lived experience, hope, and self- determination.
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Who can Make a Referral?
Schools
Community
Self-referral
Parents
Anyone
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Are Services Available Statewide?
Yes - services are available statewide, with AU serving regions 3, 4, and 6 and our partner organization, CCAR, serving regions 1, 2, and 5 &
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What is Peer Support?
Through one-on-one support, connection to community resources, goal setting, and encouragement, we help youth feel heard, supported, and empowered to take the next step on their personal wellness journey.
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Benefits of Peer Support?
Research shows that peer support improves outcomes, increases engagement, and helps young people move forward in their lives with hope and purpose.
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AU Service Area
Hartford, Manchester, Middletown, Norwich, Willimantic, New Britain, Meriden, and surrounding towns!
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Advocacy Unlimited
2075 Silas Deane Highway
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
10 RSS CEUs
CPSRP Peer Support and Coaching
| | Advocacy Training for People in Recovery & Allies | |
October 14th & 16th
10:00 to 5:00PM
A two-day training supporting multiple pathways to mental health and addiction recovery through trauma-informed advocacy and integrative approaches.
Learning Objectives:
1) Communication: Strengthen your communication skills for effectively speaking up and informing change
2) Holistic Stress Management: Identify holistic stress management practices for supporting our advocacy efforts and daily life
3) Clarifying Areas of Growth: Review the multi-layered systems of oppression within social and human services to clarify areas of necessary growth
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Self-Care &
Holistic Healing
October 27th
10:00 to 1:00PM
Self-care is essential for peer professionals, but with so many options it can be hard to know what truly helps. This educational and experiential workshop introduces a variety of practices, including yoga, qigong, Reiki, Emotional Freedom Technique, and sound healing, that can calm the nervous system and help you reconnect with yourself. We’ll begin with a brief overview of each practice’s origins and benefits, then move into guided experiences so participants can try each modality and reflect on how it affects their body, mind, and overall sense of wellbeing. Each modality will be offered in a way that emphasizes accessibility, inclusivity, and choice. No prior experience is required.
Learning Objectives:
1) Explain the importance of self-care within the peer profession
2) Identify the benefits and origins of five holistic healing practices
3) Recognize personally beneficial practices for improving well-being
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Advocacy Unlimited
2075 Silas Deane Highway
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
3 RSS CEUs
CPSRP Peer Support and Coaching
| | ALTERNATIVES TO SUICIDE SUPPORT GROUPS | | An Alt2Su group is a 1-hour peer-support group for people living with thoughts of suicide. Groups are facilitated by trained people and are a judgement-free space where participants can talk about suicidal thoughts, and develop strategies for learning to live with these experiences. Check out group details below. | | |
Rocky Hill
Every Monday
3:00 - 4:30 PM
Advocacy Unlimited
Hartford
Every Tuesday
3:00 - 4:30 PM
Toivo Center
VIRUAL
Wednesdays @6pm
Sundays @4pm
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CT HEARING VOICES NETWORK
SUPPORT GROUPS
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The CT Hearing Voices Network provides statewide support for people who hear voices or have other alternative experiences. CTHVN group times can be subject to change throughout the month.
Updated times and dates can be found on the CTHVN website, including:
VIRTUAL GROUPS
Mon @6pm
Tues @5pm and 6pm* for friends & family
Wed @5pm and 7pm
Thur @5pm and 6:30pm
Fri @5pm & 7:30pm
Sat @8:30am
Sun @3pm and 8pm
IN PERSON GROUPS
New Haven - Mondays @4:30pm
Wilson Library
Hartford - Wednesdays @3pm
Toivo
Waterbury - Wednesdays @6pm
Silas Bronson Library
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YOUNG ADULT WARMLINE
PHONE-BASED
PEER SUPPORT
855-646-7366
7 Days a week | 12pm-9pm
Our Warmline offers statewide phone-based peer support for young adults.
Similar to hotlines, staff connect callers to community resources, hold space, and inspire callers to step forward and towards a life of self-defined purpose.
All are welcome to call to connect with a peer today!
| | | | | Reach Out to the Bridger Program | |
Bridgers offer 1:1 peer support to adults living in CT who are 18+ and who find themselves living in difficult circumstances and moving through big transitions.
This program is offered at no cost to participants, and is grant funded.
For more information contact us at:
call: 860-505-7581
email: info@advocacyunlimited.org
| | YOUNG ADULTS | JOIN RISE BE | | | | AN EMERGING ADULT RECOVERY INITIATIVE | We are a grant funded peer-led initiative built by young people for young people. We are based in New Britain, Connecticut and travel statewide to create space through presentations, workshops, and peer-groups. We our shared lived experience so others feel comfortable to do the same. We are here to influence positive change across our current mental health system and within our communities. Through our effort we cultivate the belief that recovery is possible and we all have the capacity to achieve self-defined success. | | |
UPCOMING MEETINGS
October 1
November 5
December 3
Rocky Hill, CT
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YOUNG ADULT ADVISORY BOARD
EVERY FIRST THURSDAY | 11AM-1PM
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A space for young adults from across Connecticut to share, connect and use our collective experiences to improve the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services' young adult programming.
During meetings, we connect, share, and plan statewide recovery and leadership events. We are currently planning the 2023 Young Adult Summer Funfest.
TO REGISTER EMAIL CONNECT@JOINRISEBE.ORG
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HOLISTIC MIND BODY WELLNESS IS OUR INTENTION | | | |
Toivo was established by Advocacy Unlimited, Inc. in 2014 to bring holistic mind body wellness to folks living with a psychiatric diagnosis. Operating as a peer-led initiative, Toivo offers statewide classes, workshops and a center for holistic healing and stress management located in Hartford, Connecticut.
To Learn more visit the Toivo website HERE
| | Featured October Offering at Toivo | | |
Yoga & Tea
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
10:00-11:30AM
Toivo Center
1477 Park Street, Suite 102
Hartford, CT 06106
Join us in welcoming Toivo’s new Healing from Within Coordinator, Sara, for Yoga & Tea! Expect to find yourself Steeped in Stillness during this hour-long gentle yoga practice, followed by tea & the opportunity to connect with others. Classes are accessible for all levels, regardless of prior experience. Sara will start by leading a brief guided centering, followed by slow movements to bring energy back to the body and steadiness to the breath.
Mats and props provided.
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Self-Care Movement & Massage
Saturday, October 17, 2026
2:00-4:00PM
Toivo Center
1477 Park Street, Suite 102
Hartford, CT 06106
Join Jennifer for an afternoon of blending a beautiful oil and learning techniques for self-massage. We will enjoy some gentle yoga and then use our oils to massage our feet, hands and face. You will leave with an experience that you can use at home for a moment of calm and relaxation.
Dress in loose comfortable clothing so you can easily access your feet and legs and shoulders and arms for self-massage.
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*NEW* Advocacy Page
In response to a growing need to stay informed and organize to advance the interests of the peer recovery workforce, and community at large, we created a new advocacy page on our website, here:
| You can also join us on Mondays virtually at 12noon for the Legislative Peer Workforce Group Meeting | | PEER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES | | |
Advocacy Unlimited, Inc. offers holistic, peer-led, education, advocacy, and support in the areas of mental health, addiction, and trauma recovery. For more than 30 years, AU has maintained the belief that all people have the innate capacity to create a life of self-defined purpose beyond a psychiatric diagnosis and addiction histories. All members of the team champion recovery resources as part of the continuum of care and model recovery with collective care, accountability, and ethics.
AU Collective Ethics Statement
We are intentionally co-creating an organizational culture that is upheld by the 3 pillars of choice, personal agency, and informed consent. Our approach is guided by the 5 principles of cultural humility, recovery oriented, gender affirming, trauma responsive, and person centered.
- We facilitate transformational spaces where individuals have the opportunity to feel valued, heard, and supported.
- We foster an environment where clear communication, active listening, honoring of boundaries, and openness are embraced.
- We embody the values of consistency, vulnerability, accountability, acceptance, compassion, transparency, and curiosity.
- We invite all to show up as their true selves and grow together in solidarity.
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ARE YOU AN EMPLOYER WITH AN OPEN POSITION?
Know of a job opportunity available? Please let us know, and we'll get the word out to our network of qualified applicants.
EMAIL: info@advocacyunlimited.org
| | | CT ADDICTION PEER RECOVERY | | | | Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery | A community non-profit dedicated to organizing the addiction recovery community (people in recovery, family members, friends and allies) to put a face on recovery and provide recovery support services, we also promote recovery from alcohol and other drug addiction through advocacy, education and services. CCAR meets people where they are. We don’t push any one form of recovery on anyone. | | | | Afiya is the first peer-run respite in Massachusetts and one of only a few dozen in the country. Afiya strives to provide a space in which each person can find the balance and support needed to turn a difficult time into a learning and growth opportunity. We prioritize offering an alternative to/supporting people to avoid psychiatric hospitalization and other more invasive/disruptive interventions. | | Anemoni Peer Respite is Wildflower Alliance’s second peer respite and the first trans and queer peer respite in the world. Located in Holykoe, Massachusetts, Anemoni offers both a place to stay and Mobile Supports in the community | | | | | The Gloria House Peer Respite | The Gloria House is a 4 Bedroom residential peer respite home located in New Britain, CT. The house is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year – by peers who identify as having direct lived experience with mental health, addiction and/ or trauma. The Gloria House offers voluntarily, short-term respite services as an alternative to traditional psychiatric stays. | | | | Late-Night Support Meetings | |
Are you a night owl?
Join RIPPLE for their late-night support groups on zoom, from 10pm-12am on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
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Can psychotherapy work against the mainstream system? What does it take to be truly compassionate as a professional? And what are the downsides of promising alternatives such as Open Dialogue?
LISTEN HERE
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National Paranoia Network | |
The Paranoia Network was originally launched in 2004. Run by Peter Bullimore, Kate Crawford and Shaun Hunt, the organization aims to raise awareness of how disabling paranoia can be, and to breakdown social taboos.
Read A tribute to Peter Bullimore
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The Wildflower Alliance supports healing and empowerment for our broader communities and people who have been impacted by psychiatric diagnosis, trauma, extreme states, homelessness, problems with substances and other life-interrupting challenges.
Wildflower Alliance Website: wildfloweralliance.org
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MADNESS NETWORK NEWS
Madness Network News is dedicated to the interchange of energy and support of mad people and psychiatric survivors. Our work is rooted in psychiatric abolition and mad liberation movements, and we are committed to fighting against psychiatric oppression and violence everywhere.
ARCHIVE: Winter 1979 Vol. 5 No. 3
Fighting Psychiatric Oppression Worldwide
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Open everyday 11:00 am - 11:00 pm PT.
The Psychedelic Peer Support Line is staffed by rigorously trained, compassionate, supportive volunteers from diverse backgrounds who listen deeply and from a place of non-judgment.
| | Alcoholics Anonymous is a worldwide fellowship of people who help each other to stay sober. They offer the same help to anyone who has a drinking problem and wants to do something about it. Since they are all alcoholics themselves, they have a special understanding of each other. They know what the illness feels like – and they have learned how to recover from it in AA. | | The CT Cross Disability Lifespan Alliance is a statewide coalition of individuals and organizations that advocate for the full inclusion and participation of all people with disabilities in their communities. The CCDLA meets every other month to share resources, promote issues of importance and to advocate for solutions that improve the quality of lives for people with disabilities. In addition, the Alliance hosts Policy calls every other week to address policy issues at the local, state, and national levels. | |
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RIPPLE is a small collective of people who have lived experience with mental health and/or addiction challenges. Their mission is to empower their peers and use their voices to educate, inform, and inspire new leaders in the community. They aim to bring new and innovative ideas to the recovery process for the benefit of all.
RIPPLE has a comprehensive list of resources in Connecticut, organized by need and county.
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Learn About:
-The opioid epidemic
-How to prevent an overdose
-How to recognize warning signs & symptoms
-How to administer Narcan (Naloxone)
-Current protective legislation in CT
-Local resources & services
| | Inner Compass Initiative helps people make more informed choices about psychiatric diagnoses and drugs and build community with like-minded others thinking critically about today's mental health industry. We work to support individuals to engage in curious, critical, independent self-education and inner exploration, and collectively, to help develop more interconnected, empowered and resilient grassroots communities. | | Helping Hands: A Resource Guide for Families With Loved Ones In Prison | Prison Families Alliance (PFA) is committed to improving the lives of families and children who have loved ones in the criminal justice system. | | DMHAS Mental Health Bed Website | A new project listing open beds, including 45 state-operated and private non-profit agencies, covering six types of programs and more than 1700 beds. Programs will be updating this site when there is a change in availability and at least weekly. | | |
VETERAN PEER SUPPORT SERVICES
Peer support services help Veterans who are using mental health treatment services in VHA. Any Veteran can have mental health problems, trouble with addictions, or other related problems. These can all negatively affect their daily living and personal wellness. Peer Specialists are employees who are Veterans. They have personally experienced similar life challenges to the Veterans who are using mental health services in VHA.
| | Eating Disorder Support Lines | | | | |
Looking for Shelter? Call 2-1-1 Press 3, then 1 to speak with a housing specialist.
As of 11/17/2014 all requests for shelter beds must be made through 2-1-1
Safelink users call 1-800-203-1234
| | Thanks for reading, and see you next month! | | |
2075 Silas Deane Highway
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
Office Hours: 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday
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CREATIVITY PUZZLE Remote Association Test
Cream, Skate, Water | ICE
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