July Recap

The Charlestown Coalition News:

Issue 83

July 2023

Welcome to the Charlestown Coalition's Monthly Newsletter!

We are a community based organization here to support the neighborhood of Charlestown by connecting them to services, building relationships and providing fun and safe spaces for community members to connect.

In our newsletters you'll find event flyers, recaps on what we do on the day to day, resources, information on our youth programming, and more. Thanks for following along!

Upcoming Free Trainings

Please join us for a community overdose prevention training this summer. During these free trainings, you will learn more about substance use, overdose, and how to use Naloxone (Narcan) to reverse an opioid overdose.

IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE ARE STRUGGLING, PLEASE REACH OUT FOR HELP.

STEPS YOU CAN TALE TO STAY SAFE AND BE PREPARED WHEN IT COMES TO FENTANYL.

1.) Educate yourself: Learn about the risks associated with fentanyl, its potency, and its potential to be mixed with other substances.

2.) Do not take drugs that are not prescribed by a doctor or obtained from a licensed pharmacy.

3.) Test your substances: If you must use substances use a fentanyl test kit to detect the presence of fentanyl or other dangerous substances.

4.) Carry naloxone: Naloxone (Narcan) is a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Consider carrying a naloxone kit with you, and learn how to use it properly - you can obtain this at your local pharmacy.

5.) Seek help: If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, seek help from a healthcare professional, addiction specialist, or support group.

6.) Spread awareness: Share information about fentanyl and the risks associated with it with your friends, family, and community.

SIGNS THAT SOMEONE MAY BE EXPERIENCING AN OVERDOSE:

-Breathing problems, including slow or shallow breathing or choking sounds

- Bluish tint to the skin or lips

- Pinpoint pupils or blurry vision

- Cold and clammy skin

- Extreme fatigue or confusion

- Inability to speak or respond

- Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness

It's important to seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms.

The Charlestown Trauma Response Hotline is available for anyone to use at any time for assistance. We can also arrange to get Narcan for anyone calling the hotline.

(617) 726-0058 during business hours (9 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.)
(617) 643-0449 after hours (5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.)

Please allow up to 24-48 hours for a response back. If you are in immediate risk, please call 911 or go to your closest emergency room. If you have questions please contact, Phenice Zawatsky at (617) 726-0058.

Summer Wellness Series Recap

Earlier this year, the Charlestown Coalition obtained grant funding from the City of Boston Office of Community Safety to support engagement in communities that have been impacted by violence. The Coalitoin hosted a series of wellness events and activities in the Boston Housing Development in Charlestown.

For three consecutive Wednesdays this July, we focused on creating fun and exciting spaces for community members to learn, play, connect and participate in self care activities. First, we held an Art Healing Night, in conjunction with Councilor Mejia’s Office, with take home canvas art kits for participants. On July 19^th, we held a physical wellness night, with Yoga offered by Kerri Cianciarulo from the Boston Municipal Specialty Courts, and workouts with Sam Amado of Weigh Better U. Our last event on Wednesday July 26^th was a Healing Drum Circle with artist and scholar Cornell Coley, who led a group of about 20 folks making music from the African diaspora. We are incredibly grateful to all who helped, partnered, and connected with us during this time! Shoutout to the Charlestown Resident Alliance, Boston Housing Authority, Office of Neighborhood Services/Sean Breen, and so many others! We look forward to holding more events just like this in the Charlestown Community.

Summer Youth Programming Highlight

The TURN IT AROUND summer program is off to a great and busy start! From hiking, to camping, to art exploration, to volunteer work and cultural historical studies, our youth have had a busy summer thus far!

To see more of the day to day programming, follow us on Instagram: @turnitaroundctn

Coalition Birthday Celebrations!

This month we celebrated Phenice & Mel's Birthdays back to back. We are so grateful for Phenice's leadership and Mel's unwavering support for anyone who may need it. Here's to many more!

July: BIPOC Mental Health Month

Culture, Community, And Connection

Formally recognized in June 2008 (and currently designated as), Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month was created to bring awareness to the unique struggles that underrepresented groups face in regard to mental illness in the US. Bebe Moore Campbell was an American author, journalist, teacher, and mental health advocate who worked tirelessly to shed light on the mental health needs of the Black community and other underrepresented communities.

To continue the visionary work of Bebe Moore Campbell, each year Mental Health America (MHA) develops resources dedicated to addressing and supporting the mental health needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).

Visit About BIPOC Mental Health Month | Mental Health America (mhanational.org) for more information.

Race Dialogues: July

Our topic for this month's Race Dialogues was interracial relationships, whether romantic or platonic. We talked about common stereotypes, blending of cultures/traditions, and interracial children. We had one of our smallest circles yet, still with about 12 people. We really appreciate the thoughtfulness that our community members show up to this space with, and can't wait to share more moments together.

See you for next month's Dialogues!

Peace Park Updates

As many of you know, the Coalition was given grant funding by the Community Preservation Act through the City of Boston back in 2018/2019 to revitalize and transform the plaza at Prospect St, Lowney Way and Mt. Vernon Street, our beloved Peace Park. Through the pandemic and other unforeseen obstacles, the project was delayed. Our team, the Friends of the Peace Park nonprofit, has been working tirelessly for a year now to move the project forward.

Below is an updated rendering of what the park will look like once completed! Kyle Zick & Associates presented a design to us years ago that went through a community process - but since that design, costs have increased and some things have changed. This is the most recent rendering for the design of the park, and we can't wait to share any progress in the upcoming months with you all.

If you have any questions about the Peace Park, please reach out to Ciara!

Looking Forward: August & September

Stay tuned for upcoming events and resources for International Overdose Awareness Day August 31st, leading into September, which is Recovery Month. Support community organizations including Scars in Heaven, a new nonprofit lead by community leader Shannon Lundin, by donating for Adopt-A-Pole this year.

Charlestown Residents: Boston Harbor Now and the National Parks Service are offering a FREE cruise on Tuesday, August 8th. You have to reserve a ticket to enjoy a night of free food, music and Boston Harbor views.

Get your tickets here!

SAVE THE DATE: The Charlestown Resident Alliance's Annual Family Fun Day will be on August 19th - we hope to see you there!

Community Partner Spotlight:

This month, we want to acknowledge Linda Forsythe MD...fondly known in the community as the "Plant Lady" over the past year and a half. She holds many titles but this may be one of our favorites for her.

There are so many reasons to love and appreciate Linda; for her love of this community, her willingness to show up, her tireless effort in sharing with folks - from trauma healing to plant and veggie knowledge, to her craft with fairy houses. If you see Linda out and about, be sure to let her know how special she is to Charlestown. We couldn't do this work without her!

Have someone to nominate? Reach out to Ciara!