Take Action for Your Wellness | |
Congratulations, Dr. Corbett!
We are proud to recognize Dr. Lasha Corbett, Psy.D., for earning Board Certification in Clinical Neuropsychology from the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP)—a distinguished achievement that reflects the highest level of expertise in the field. This certification signals her advanced skill in neuropsychological assessment and her commitment to delivering evidence-based, patient-centered care.
Dr. Corbett is a key member of the Easterseals Capital Region & Eastern Connecticut team, serving as an adult neuropsychologist and Director of the Neuropsychology Training Program. She plays a vital role in both clinical service delivery and professional training, helping to shape the next generation of neuropsychologists.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Corbett on this significant accomplishment and her continued contributions to our mission and community.
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Congratulations, Thena!
We’re proud to celebrate Thena Cranfill, Easterseals Veterans Rally Point Front Desk Associate, on earning her Peer Support Specialist Certification from Middlesex Community College! This accomplishment strengthens Thena’s ability to support fellow veterans with empathy and insight, drawing from lived experience to foster trust and healing.
Peer Support Specialists play a vital role in addressing the unique mental health needs of military personnel—during Mental Health Awareness Month and every other day of the year, as we highlight the power of connection in recovery. Congratulations, Thena—we’re grateful for your passion and commitment!
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Spring is a season of renewal and growth—a time when hope blossoms. At Easterseals Veterans Rally Point, we see this transformation every day.
After serving in the Navy and retiring from a 32-year career with the Department of Transportation, Michael felt lost—separated, later divorced, and struggling with anxiety. Then he found Easterseals Veterans Rally Point (VRP).
Through volunteering, woodworking, and quilting, he rediscovered purpose. And through one of our quilting classes, he found healing—stitching together a special quilt to reconnect with his daughter. Michael also found something he never expected—companionship. First with Enzo, his therapy dog, and then with Colette, his now fiancée.
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"Much like the connecting of squares in a quilt, the Easterseals Veterans Rally Point staff spent time with me- deep conversations, tears of joy, tears of healing, connecting me to services I needed.”
-Michael Lynch, US Navy Veteran
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Because of the generosity of donors like you, Michael was able to regain his confidence and find a supportive community that embraced him. And today, you can help more individuals like Michael find the support they need to heal and thrive. | | | | | | |
Donate Now to Make your Donation go further!
This year Easterseals is participating in Travelers Birdies for Charity where we will receive an additional 15% bonus on every dollar raised, thanks to the support of Webster Bank. Your donation will support all our Easterseals life changing programs and services, ensuring people like Michael find their place, their people, and their path forward.
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Easterseals Veterans Rally Point is proud to work with the VA to prevent suicide in our community. As a Staff Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SPGP) recipient, we use evidence-informed approaches to suicide prevention to meet the needs of veterans and their families. Many services are available at no cost to participants through the SSG Fox grant, and you do not have to be enrolled in the VA to get help. Learn More
As part of this grant, we've launched a targeted digital advertising campaign to reach individuals in need of these services.
Click to View Ads
SSG Fox SPGP honors Veteran Parker Gordon Fox, who joined the Army in 2014 and was a sniper instructor at the U.S. Army Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia. Known for a life of generosity and kindness to others in need, Fox died by suicide on July 21, 2020, at the age of 25.
| | Fresh Picks: New & Ongoing Services for Spring | | |
Revolutionary Autism Diagnostics Tool: EarliPoint
A tool for early diagnosis of Autism, EarliPoint is an FDA-Authorized evaluation tool designed for children aged 16 to 30 months. Advanced screening enables timely intervention, helping children grow, connect, and succeed.
Our Easterseals is currently the ONLY CT provider of this cutting-edge diagnostic tool.
See flyer for more details HERE
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Clear Out, Shred Safe:
Spring Cleaning Starts Here!
EnviroShred offers secure document destruction at competitive prices, ensuring your information stays safe.
As a social enterprise, EnviroShred creates jobs for individuals with and without disabilities, including veterans, while providing a valuable service to the community.
See flyer for more details HERE
Click HERE for pricing.
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Support Group for Parents of Children with Autism
★ Navigate the emotional and practical challenges of diagnosis
★ Connect with others who truly understand your journey
★ Celebrate victories and share support
★ Gain tools, knowledge, and confidence to support your child's growth
Call (860) 270-0600
Email: medrehab@escrec.org
See flyer for more details HERE
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At our East Hartford Day Support program, every puzzle piece brings a sense of accomplishment! 🧩
Whether working independently or alongside friends, participants are building problem-solving skills, focus, and social connections. It’s all part of creating meaningful, engaging days filled with growth and joy.
Learn more about Adult Day Support HERE
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This dedicated member of Veterans Rally Point generously donated a handcrafted flag disposal box for the main lobby, providing a respectful way to retire worn American flags.
His thoughtful contribution ensures our community can honor the flag with dignity and reverence. Retiring worn American flags is a time-honored tradition that symbolizes respect for the nation and those who have served under its banner.
| | Sergeant First Class Tom LaFreniere, a Korean War Veteran and Bronze Star recipient and VRP member, and Sergeant Ryan Landry, an Afghanistan Combat Veteran and VRP's Associate Director, were honored guests of Zac Brown at the Zac Brown Band concert at Mohegan Sun this past weekend. They were brought on stage during the performance of 'Chicken Fried' for a special salute to Service and later enjoyed a personal meet and greet with Zac Brown. Follow us on Facebook for more mission moments HERE. | |
Rebuilding Minds. Bodies. Lives.
Exclusively for Service Members, Veterans, and their families.
| | Important Dates & Updates | |
May:
National Military Appreciation Month
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Month of the
Military Caregiver
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Mental Health Awareness Month
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May 1st: Silver Star Banner Day (Honor Wounded Veterans)
May 2nd: Pasta Dinner Fundraiser at VRP, 4pm; $10/meal
May 9th: Military Spouse Appreciation Day Event, Hosted by Navy Federal Credit Union @ VRP, 10am-2pm
May 12th: Mother's Day
May 13th: Children of Fallen Patriots Day
May 18th: Armed Forces Day
May 26th: Memorial Day (BUILDING CLOSED)
May 28th: Cooking Class w/ Hazel (see flyer below)
May 31st: Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser, 9am; $10/meal
Reminders:
★ On Friday, June 6th, VRP will be CLOSED for a Professional Development Day for staff. We will post reminders.
★ Be on the lookout for our next Meals for Military: Women Warriors on Thursday, June 12th, 2025!
★ Fitness Center Users- please wipe down equipment after each use.
★ Please Note: Handicap spots are reserved for those with handicap placards only.
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Beyond the Battlefield:
Prioritizing Mental Health After Service
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Peer Support ★ Counseling ★ Case Management ★ Benefit Assistance
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Mental health self-care is especially crucial for veterans, who often face unique challenges such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression stemming from their military experiences. These challenges are magnified during times of stress and worry and can result in veterans feeling alone and unsure of themselves.
Engaging in self-care can include regular physical activity, maintaining social peer connections, practicing mindfulness or meditation, and seeking professional support when needed.
It's important to recognize that prioritizing mental health is not a sign of weakness but a step toward resilience and healing. This is the war no one else might see and it is crucial to face it with pride and humility.
Taking small, steady steps—like joining a support group, making time to rest, or just pausing to reflect—can make a real difference in handling stress and staying strong. For veterans and their families, it’s about building up that everyday resilience so you’re ready for whatever life throws your way.
You are not alone, join us in this fight together.
Connect with Us
Behavioral Health Direct Line: (860) 859-4151
Behavioral Health Email: behavioralhealth@escrec.org
Visit us on the web HERE
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If you or someone you know is having a Mental Health Crisis and needs immediate assistance, please pass along these phone numbers:
National Veterans Crisis Line:
Dial 988, press 1 for Veterans
Text 838255
More Info click HERE
Vets4Warriors: Dial 1-855-838-8255
Someone is available right now to answer your call.
There is no time limit on the duration of your call.
There is no limit on the number of times you can call.
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Veteran & Family Support Group
Thursdays, 10am
Beginning May 1st @ VRP
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Spouse Support Group
Tuesdays, 6pm
Beginning May 6th @ VRP
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New Yoga Classes!
Beginning the week of April 28th
Unwind and restore with free yoga classes at Veterans Rally Point! Join Sonja for two unique sessions each week, designed to support your well-being and resilience. Yoga Nidra (Mondays, 5–6 PM) is a guided meditation practice that promotes deep relaxation, mindfulness, and stress relief. This class can be done on a mat or from a chair. Vinyasa Yoga (Thursdays, 4–5 PM) is a dynamic flow practice that connects breath with movement, improving flexibility, balance, and strength. Whether you're looking to restore inner peace or energize your body, these classes provide a welcoming space to cultivate mindfulness and healing. No experience necessary—just bring comfortable clothing and an open mind. Join us at Veterans Rally Point and discover the power of yoga for relaxation, resilience, and renewal! Email any questions to tcranfill@escrec.org or call (860) 859-4148.
| | Easterseals VRP Kitchen is Cooking Things UP! | | |
Grab-N-Go meals are $12 each and proceeds support all VRP programming.
Meals are available for purchase every Tuesday from our VRP facility, located at 24 Stott Avenue, Norwich, CT, and are open to the public for purchase. Gluten Free options are available.
See menu HERE and on VRP's Facebook Page HERE
For more info: rlandry@escrec.org
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Pasta dinners are available for purchase the 1st Friday of every month at $10 each, and you can choose to dine-in or take-out these delicious meals.
Proceeds support all VRP programming offered to our members at no cost. Gluten Free options are available.
See Flyer HERE
For more info: rlandry@escrec.org
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Peer Meetup is a weekly opportunity to connect and share personal stories and experiences with the Easterseals VRP community or listen to invited guest speakers on various topics.
No registration required. Hot meal served.
Wednesdays from 5-6:15pm
If you’d like to bring a dessert or drink to share with the group, you are welcome to! Please come, listen and learn, and meet some new friends.
Would you like to share your story? Email Lori Marriott, Director of Military Services, HERE.
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May 7th: Rich Russ, USN Veteran and history enthusiast will be presenting emerging facts you may not know regarding the John F. Kennedy assassination.
May 14th: Nigel Sealy, USN veteran will be speaking about his service and his decision to become a certified Fitness Trainer.
May 21st: Lee Walters, Jr. – Norwich Sea Unicorn General Manager. He will present information regarding the 2025 Baseball season. Go Sea Unicorns!!
May 28th: Dr. C. Hong - Dr. Hong will be sharing information about how to manage your heart health.
| | Honor. Remember. Celebrate. | |
RED Fridays at VRP
It's a simple act that means more than people seem to realize. On Fridays, civilians “back home” wear an article of red clothing — a shirt, a tie, anything — as a reminder to all to Remember Everyone Deployed. These Fridays became known as R.E.D. Friday.
There are two competing stories of how this unofficial trend started. The first says it all began in 2005 with a specific chain email that recipients were supposed to forward to others.
That email had a very polite snippet in it for a good cause:
“If everyone shares this with others, family, fellow workers, friends, and neighbors, I guarantee that it will not be long before the USA will be covered in RED — and make our troops know there are many people thinking of their well-being. You will feel better all day Friday when you wear RED!”
In March, 2006, another more-tangible movement began in Canada that asked subscribers to wear red to support the troops who are deployed. Now, there's no telling if this movement in Canada got its start from the previously mentioned email chain, but they do credit it as being an "American initiative."
RED Fridays seem to come and go in terms of popularity among civilians, but the core of the movement is important: to Remember Everyone Deployed. It's not hard to show your support for the troops: Simply pick something red from your wardrobe and be ready to wear it on Friday. This simple gesture goes a long way.
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Buy a Brick: Leave a Legacy
Be a lasting part of our legacy at Easterseals Veterans Rally Point (VRP) by purchasing a personalized brick for our Brick Honor Circle, proudly located beneath our flag display.
★ Honor a veteran.
★ Celebrate a service member.
★ Remember a loved one.
Whether it's for yourself, a family member, or a friend, each brick is a lasting tribute and supports the vital work we do for our military and veteran community. A custom brick can be purchased for anyone, not just for veterans. We have a memorial brick for a member’s cherished dog who stood by his side during some challenging times after his deployment. His legacy lives on.
★ Proceeds go directly to supporting programs, services, and events for our members.
★ Your brick will be permanently displayed along our commemorative walkway, a place of pride, remembrance, and reflection. Order HERE today.
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