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A HOLISTIC, PEER-LED APPROACH
DISCOVER YOUR FULL POTENTIAL
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Karuna means compassion in action. Karuna changes the way we perceive and respond.
Karuna creates space. Within the space, suffering becomes an opportunity to cultivate resilience and purpose. For people living with a psychiatric diagnosis, Karuna becomes hope. The Karuna Conference is designed for people seeking to learn new approaches for exploring the human experience.
It is a space of personal transformation and possibilities.
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APRIL 20-21, 2023
FREE ADMISSION
1) Critically explore the dominant narrative of "mental illness" held up by our society, including psychiatric oppression.
2) Explore alternative narratives that are central to the work of offering effective, and holistic, resources to support a person in their experience navigating voices, visions, and unique beliefs.
3) Co-create a shared understanding to guide our collective approach to offering education, advocacy, and support in the areas of voices, visions, and unique beliefs associated with mental health, addiction, and trauma.
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As part of our commitment, we are making this conference available at no cost. If you are able to donate - we will have the resources to continue to offer the Karuna Conference in the future. Every dollar counts! | |
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You are invited to nominate community members who you believe represent the attributes and qualities associated with advocacy, young adult voice, and holistic wellness. We’ve given these awards out in the past, and would like to bring them back. It’s always been such an honor to celebrate the contribution of community members.
We are accepting nominations for the 2023 AU Community Awards to celebrate the contributions of AU community members living here in Connecticut. See attached flyers.
Nominations will be received from now through next Friday. Please share broadly. AU employees can nominate community members; however, employees are not eligible to receive these awards.
AWARD CATEGORIES
Dr. Karen Kangas Award | Excellence in Advocacy
Award winners have dedicated their lives to the health and welfare of persons with psychiatric disabilities; they have worked tirelessly to ensure that all people have equal access to the rights and opportunities of this State; they have demonstrated extreme courage in fighting the fight without worry of their own reputation or fortune; and, they have asked little in return for the kindness and compassion they have shown to everyone they meet.
Young Adult Voice Award
Award recipients will demonstrate the values of recovery, peer support, and advocacy within the young adult mental health community of Connecticut; including, sharing their experience to inspire the possibility of creating a life beyond a psychiatric diagnosis.
Excellence in Holistic Wellness Award
Award winners embody the commitment to caring for the whole person - mind, body, and spirit - advancing alternative approaches to wellness within the mental health and addiction community of Connecticut.
GENERAL NOMINATION CRITERIA
1) Living in Connecticut
2) 18 years or older
3) Self nominations are acceptable
4) A complete nomination form received by 4pm on 4/7/2023
5) AU Employees are not eligible to receive an award
The awards will be presented at the AU Community Appreciation Dinner on April 20, 2023.
NOMINATION FORM: https://form.jotform.com/AdvocacyUnlimitedCT/2023_CommAward
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Advocacy Unlimited, Inc.
114 West Main St. Suite 201
New Britain, CT
9am-5pm
(860) 505-7581
advocacyunlimited.org
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Join Rise Be
114 West Main St.
Suite 310
New Britain, CT
HOURS VARY
(855) 646-7366
joinrisebe.org
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Toivo Center
1477 Park St.
Suite 102
Hartford, CT
9am-5pm
(860) 296-2338
toivocenter.org
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THIS EDITION
Featured Article: Not Always Black or White by Luz Feliz
We are Hiring!
- Community Education Coordinator
Free Community Education
- Breathwork For Recovery
- Working with Emerging Adults
AU Spaces to Connect
- Conscious Studies Think Tank
- Community Meet Up
- Young Adult Warmline - Phone Based Peer Support
Peer Support Groups
- CT Hearing Voices Network - Groups!
- Alternatives to Suicide - Groups!
Connect with a Community Bridger
Maastricht Approach Project - Voices and Paranoia
- Save the Date October Virtual Training
Join Rise Be
- Statewide Young Adult Advisory Board
Toivo: Holistic Stress Management Initiative
Employment Opportunities
Advocacy Connections
- Individual Advocacy Network
Community Spotlight
Peer Community Resources
CT Community Resources
Contact Us
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MARCH CREATIVITY PUZZLE
Remote Association 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
Swiss, Board, Cream | ASSOCIATED WORD
FIND ANSWER AT BOTTOM OF NEWSLETTER
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APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS BY Luz Feliz | | |
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When I was a child, I would complain about the constant rainy weather, especially in certain months like April and October. In response to this, the adults around me always said “April showers bring May flowers” but I always ignored them, thinking they were corny adults trying to rhyme. Nevertheless, now that I am that “corny” adult, I look back at what that saying meant, and how it can apply to so much more than weather. There are times in life where we are constantly running around, when we are exhausted, burnt out, and cannot see the end in sight. We may lose sleep, become overwhelmed, and may question the reasons why we are working so hard with what seems like no reward. | |
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COMMUNITY EDUCATION COORDINATOR
- Full-Time
- $47,500 Annual Salary
- Onsite
- Benefits & Paid Time Off
Full Position Description: CLICK HERE
Application Deadline: April 30, 2023
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This free community education is hosted by Advocacy Unlimited, Inc. Registration is strongly encouraged.
Virtual trainings are offered via Zoom. No recording will be available. Once you register, you will receive an email about 72 hours before the training begins that includes the link to join the training
Click here to read our community informed consent statement: INFORMED CONSENT
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WEBINAR: WORKING WITH EMERGING ADULTS | |
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DATE: April 28, 2023
TIME: 9:30am-4pm
LOCATION: Virtual
DESCRIPTION
This training will describe the following concepts related to emerging adulthood:
1) Generational Trends of Emerging Adulthood
2) Process of Recovery
3) Cognitive & Neural Development
4) Supporting Growth
CREDITS
6 CEUs NASW-CT and RSS
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HYBRID (IN PERSON & VIRTUAL): BREATHWORK | | |
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Breathwork 4 Recovery
DATE: Last Wednesday
TIME: 12pm-1pm
LOCATION: In person @Toivo
1477 Park Street, Suite 102
Hartford, CT
and Virtually via Zoom
DESCRIPTION
Breathwork is an evidence-based practice that supports recovery after trauma. We will practice two basic breathwork techniques, and learn how breathwork supports a healthy nervous system.
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CREATIVE BRAINSTORMING
Think Tank | CONSCIOUS STUDIES
April 7, 2023
May 5, 2023
June 2, 2023
12-1:30PM
Advocacy Unlimited
114 W. Main Street, Suite 2012
New Britain, CT 06051
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Are you looking to connect with your community?
Every Wednesday
3-4PM
All are welcomed.
Meet-up is an opportunity to come together with Bridgers and peers in a safe space for conversation and creative exploration.
Refreshments, crafts, music, and more!
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YOUNG ADULT WARMLINE | PHONE-BASED PEER SUPPORT
1-855-646-3669 | 7 Days a week | 12pm-9pm
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Alternatives to Suicide (or Alt2Su) is a network of support groups where people can talk openly about suicidal thoughts, experiences and attempts without fear of being judged or hospitalized. Facilitators of these groups know what it's like and promote a culture of mutual support. | | |
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IN PERSON
Every Wednesday
5-6PM
@ Toivo, 1477 Park Str
Hartford, CT
Every Tuesday
6:30PM
@Free Center, 52 N. Main St
Middletown, CT
Every Tuesday
7PM
@ Positive Directions
Westport, CT
VIRTUAL
Every Monday
3:30PM
Zoom link available
please email [email protected]
YOUNG ADULT
Every Thursday
7PM
Zoom link available
please email
[email protected]
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CT HEARING VOICES NETWORK | | |
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The CT Hearing Voices Network provides statewide support for people who hear voices or have other alternative experiences. www.cthvn.org | |
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VIRTUAL GROUPS
NEW TIME! Mondays from 6-7pm
Contact facilitator Linda (she/her)
[email protected]
NEW TIME! Tuesdays from 2:30-3:45pm
Contact facilitator Claire (she/her)
[email protected] or (203) 804-5507
NEW Friends and Family Support Group! Tuesdays from 6-7pm
Click here to learn more.
Tuesdays from 7:30-8:30pm
Contact facilitator Skye (they/them)
[email protected] or (860) 952-4050
Thursdays from 3:30-4:30pm
Contact facilitator Denise (she/her)
(959) 333-7017
NEW LINK! (Contact facilitator for details) Thursdays from 6:30-7:30p
Contact facilitator Skye (they/them)
[email protected] or (860) 952-4050
NEW TIME! Fridays from 8:30-9:30pm
Contact facilitator Denise (she/her)
(959) 333-7017
IN PERSON
New Britain Wednesday HVN Group
Location:
114 West Main St
Suite 201
New Britain, CT
Meets:
Wednesdays, 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Contact:
Tina (She/her) - [email protected]
New Britain Friday HVN Group
114 West Main St
Suite 201
New Britain, CT
Meets:
Fridays, 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Contact:
Skye Collins (They/them) - [email protected] or 860-952-4050
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CONNECT WITH A COMMUNITY BRIDGER | |
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The Bridger Program at Advocacy Unlimited Inc. provides non-clinical, person-centered support to adults statewide whose lives have been affected by psychiatry, trauma and/or addiction.
The Bridger Team is made up of individuals who draw from their own diverse lived experiences, coupled with the principles of Intentional Peer Support and their training as Recovery Support Specialist to build authentic, safe relationships defined by mutual trust, respect and personal agency. Engagement in the Bridger Program is 100% voluntary.
For more information contact the Bridger Program Manager:
Char'Dornne Bussue (860) 882-9980 | [email protected]
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MAASTRICHT APPROACH PROJECT | | |
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The Maastricht Approach Project (MAP) is a community of informed supporters working together to normalize and embrace the full spectrum of human experiences | |
CT PROVIDER NEEDS ASSESSMENT
VOICE HEARING & PARANOIA
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This assessment is for Connecticut-based providers of mental health and addiction services. "Providers" is a broad term, and if you believe and feel you are a provider, please complete this survey.
PLEASE SHARE WITH OTHERS YOU MAY KNOW WHO IDENTIFY AS MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICE PROVIDERS.
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ATTEND A PROVIDER TRAINING IN OCTOBER
DATES: October , 2023
LOCATION: V
The Maastricht Approach Project includes a network of providers or “Maastricht Guides” who are trained to offer the Maastricht Interview.
The Interview is a tool for working with people who hear voices and experience paranoia, and can be offered as part of the therapeutic intervention.
| JOIN THE PROVIDER NETWORK | The Maastricht Approach Project is building a community network of providers, called "Maastricht Guides,” who are trained in both offering the Maastricht Interview, as well as the skills and philosophies of providing an integrative approach to therapy. MAP will connect participant/client with providers. | |
PARTICIPATE IN A MAP INTERVIEW | |
The Maastricht Interview is a questionnaire that includes questions related to the experience of voice hearing and paranoia.
The interview is a 1:1 approach, and conducted between 6-8 sessions.
The interview encourages the participant to explore the experience of voice hearing, built trust, openness, and understanding in their own experience. This occurs in a structured and supportive environment, led by trained Maastricht’s Guides.
The outcome is a document written fully in the words of the participant, outlines their unique lived experience, as well as identified points of interest to work towards personal recovery.
The act of documenting ones experience can be validating to the Voice Hearer. With continued conversation, ultimately reducing internalized stigma, and promoting social engagement.
For More Information:
Email [email protected]
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Learn skills to cope and negotiate with voices to build a more positive relationship with the voices.
- Research shows that control over voices is possible and benefits clinical outcomes.[i]
- Voice hearers can learn to have pride in their experience and to give their voices personal and positive meaning.
- Learn to no longer be dominated by ones voices, and make their own choices.
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[i] Mourgues, et. al. (2022). Measuring Voluntary Control Over Hallucinations: The Yale Control Over Perceptual Experiences (COPE) Scales. Schizophrenia bulletin, 48(3), 673–683. https://doi.org/10.1093/schbul/sbab144
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JOIN RISE BE | YOUNG ADULTS | | |
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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. |
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UPCOMING MEETINGS
April 6th
May 4th
June 1st
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YOUNG ADULT ADVISORY BOARD 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 [email protected]
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CT YOUNG ADULT LEADERSHIP SUMMIT | | |
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HOLISTIC STRESS MANAGEMENT | Toivo is a peer-led initiative that includes statewide classes, workshops and a center for holistic healing and stress management located in Hartford, Connecticut. | | |
Donation-based offerings include yoga, meditation, qigong, sound healing, laughter yoga, drumming, creative expression, healing arts, support groups and more.
Toivo activities are offered regularly at the center in Hartford as well as in psychiatric hospitals, addiction rehab facilities, club houses, shelters, prisons, schools, senior centers, corporations, community events and conferences. Most importantly, Toivo is a community, a safe space to find support and understanding. We believe that human connection is essential to healing. It is at the heart of everything we do.
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ONE STEP AT A TIME
A Recovery Support Group
DATE: March 11, 2023
TIME: 12-2pm
DESCRIPTION
Learn how to trust the process of recovery by taking one step at a time
Second Saturday of each month
LOCATION
1477 Park Street, Toivo
Hartford, CT
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Yoga, Qigong, Meditation, and more, all from home! Join the Toivo team in a variety of exercises for the mind, body and spirit. | | | |
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Job openings at The Village |
The Village has a wide variety of job opportunities available in a database which is regularly updated.
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Multiple Opportunities: CMHA |
Multiple positions for per diem Residential Monitors at CMHA in locations across the state! Check out their list.
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Multiple Opportunities: Mental Health Connecticut, Inc |
Multiple opportunities with Mental Health Connecticut, Inc in locations across the state! Check out their list.
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Multiple Opportunities: CommuniCare CT |
CommuniCare CT has multiple job opportunities open! Click the link below to see their current listings.
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CCAR Hiring Multiple Positions |
CCAR Is currently hiring for multiple positions. The ideal applicants will be enthusiastic, extremely well-organized, and passionate about supporting people in recovery.
A cover letter is required. Resumes without cover letter will not be considered.
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Looking for a job where you can support others through your own lived experiences?
We regularly update the Job Opportunities page on our website.
Check it out here!
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Got an Peer Opening?
Know of a job opportunity available? Please let us know, and we'll get the word out to our network of qualified applicants.
Email: [email protected]
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AU Individual Advocacy Network | |
Virtual Meetings
Twice a Month
1st and 3rd Fridays
10-11:30AM
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The shared purpose of IAN
We are a group of people whose lives have been devastated by the mental health and addiction service system of Connecticut. People are suffering. People are seeking help from an expensive, broken system that is not meeting their needs. We must do better. Our intention is to promote approaches that support people to move through emotional distress. Our hope is that you will join us and take action.
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SING Music Study at Yale seeks participants. Up to $700 stipend for participants who complete study | |
¿Sabes cómo obtener servicios de apoyo en estos momentos tan difíciles?
Hay programas de ayuda para las necesidades básicas, salud mental y adicción, incluso apoyos a bajo costo y para indocumentados. Si tú o un ser querido necesita ayuda, no tardes en contactarte con una de las opciones a continuación.
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Feb 8, 2023: With Will Hall and Jacks McNamara.
Should we reform – or abolish – psychiatry? Can capitalism provide mental health, or do we need some kind of socialism or anti-capitalism? Vesper Moore is a leader in the youngest wave of the psychiatric survivor movement; he was radicalized against psychiatry as a teen when his mother sought help and met medical violence instead. Vesper joins co-hosts Jacks McNamara and Will Hall, two veterans of 15 years of movement organizing, to envision ending psychiatric harm and achieving real care for people in emotional distress.
LISTEN HERE: https://bit.ly/3mjfG5e
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FEBRUARY
Paranoia Network Newsletter
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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 IT HERE
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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. | |
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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.
BLOG: Anti-psychiatry vs. Psychiatric Abolition
BY: Róisín
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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.
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Seaside, OR
May 8th-11th, 2023!
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September 6 - 9, 2023 | New Orleans
Call For Presentations
Deadline: April 12, 2023
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NARPA’S mission is to support people with psychiatric diagnoses to exercise their legal and human rights, with the goals of abolishing forced treatment and ensuring autonomy, dignity and choice.
NARPA exists to promote social justice for people who experience the world in ways society often calls “mental illness.”
We do this through:
◊ Education
◊ Advocacy
◊ Rights advancement
◊ Promoting alternatives to coercive and harmful practices
So the right to choice can be meaningful.
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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. | | |
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Rocking Recovery Resources |
Rocking recovery 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
Read more
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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.
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Blac Leaders: Anti-Racism Resources |
Blac Leaders and Administrators Consortium has compiled a list of anti-racism resources, including children's books, social media accounts, and videos and other media.
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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.
www.PrisonFamiliesAlliance.org
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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. LEARN MORE
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HUSKY Medicaid Program Updates |
The HUSKY Medicaid Program has made several changes to their programs to ensure better access to services and to best ensure the safety of patients and healthcare providers.
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Amplify has compiled a list of resources available for support in Connecticut, by region.
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THRIVE Support Online Family Recovery Meetings |
Support for families in an online setting. THRIVE uses CRAFT principles along with a faith component.
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Need support? Call to talk to a peer who understands.
CHR Warmline:
1-866-927-6225
(6pm-10pm, 7 days a week)
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Eating Disorder Support Lines | |
Late-Night Support Meetings |
Are you a night owl?
Join Rocking Recovery for their late-night support groups on zoom, from 10pm-12am on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
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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
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Advocacy Unlimited, 114 W. Main Street, Suite 201, New Britain, CT 06051
Office Hours: 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday
T: (860) 505-7581
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Thanks for reading, and see you next month! | |
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MARCH CREATIVITY PUZZLE Remote Association Test
ANSWER: Swiss, Board, Cream| CHEESE
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