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October 2022 Internal E-Newsletter | | |
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO
Dear colleagues,
Last week, a team member stopped by my office briefly to drop something off, and while there she asked me how I was doing. It did not feel like the usual obligatory, “How are you?” Instead, it felt more sincere. What I heard was, “How are you handling the stress and pressure and the weight of the role?” I don’t even think I answered her question specifically, but the fact that she checked in on me made me feel supported.
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I am a professional, a licensed behavioral health clinician, and a CEO. But I am also someone with clinical depression and anxiety. I do not know why it feels so strange to share that openly, but it does. This tells me that the stigma around mental health is still a problem. Until we can share openly - without shame – we have work to do. October is Depression and Mental Health Awareness month. These are topics often not discussed in our personal or work lives, and yet mental health disorders affect millions of Americans. In fact, mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the U.S. More than 50% will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime, and 1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness each year. Consider all the people we interact with in a given day - family, friends, social circles, acquaintances, co-workers… 1 in 5.
Whether you are someone like me who manages their mental illness or you know and support someone who does, you are not alone. I want to thank the individual who checked in on me the other day. You made a difference.
Kind regards,
Edith
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FY23-25 STRATEGIC PLAN & FY23 OPERATIONAL PLAN INFO. SESSIONS | |
Zoom in to learn more about LifeBridge's recently approved three-year Strategic Plan, as well as the Operational Plan for our current fiscal year. Participation is optional but encouraged. The same information will be shared at both sessions. Choose a Zoom date/time preferable to your schedule. Active links below:
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LINDA DUNN: NEW HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR | |
Linda joins the agency with over twenty-five years of experience managing employee benefits and compliance, recruitment and onboarding, performance management, compensation, and leadership training. She hit the ground running last week and looks forward to meeting everyone. Linda's office is located on the 2nd floor (room 221) next to the staff cafe (Ext. 5534).
"I have an open door policy and
I love to serve others."
Welcome, Linda!
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Fairfield University features LifeBridge Clinicians | |
Our partner, Fairfield University featured clinician Morgan Rollins and intern Brianna Stewart in a recent promotional video highlighting their behavioral health workforce development program, Fairfield University Collaborates for a Healthier Connecticut (FCHC). LifeBridge welcomes program interns and received training.
Click image to watch the video. Great job, Morgan, Brianna and Cary!
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Transportation has proved essential to attract and retain our Scholars. Complimentary daily bus transportation from local schools is in effect and fall registration continues to grow!
We've started offering yoga to scholars this fall and our Halloween party is scheduled for Friday, October 28th.
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OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS & ACTION, EMOTIONAL WELLNESS, DEPRESSION & MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS, AND BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH | |
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Staff attended the annual Domestic Violence Awareness Vigil hosted by our partner, The Center for Family Justice, to honor lives lost this past year, raise awareness, and distribute program information.
As part of Domestic Violence Awareness and Action Month, Thursday, October 20 is national "Purple Thursday". Wear purple to raise awareness of domestic violence and send pictures to Lori Goertz to share.
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The first quarter staff meeting held at Sacred Heart University's Discovery Science Center and Planetarium was a success. The meeting gave team members an opportunity to connect and learn about each other and how everyone's individual role/contribution supports the overall mission of the agency. Lessons learned from post-meeting surveys:
- Off-site meetings are a welcome change
- Healthier food options are preferred
- The interactive program (despite room acoustics) was a hit.
Click here to view the short meeting kick-off video. The next meeting will be held in December. Details to follow.
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Over 30 people attended and enjoyed socializing, reconnecting, playing Bingo and having lunch together. Success! | |
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We're kicking-off our inaugural Spirit Week next Monday. Participation is optional, but we would like to invite you to partake and enjoy this fun time together. Dress up, take pictures and send to Lori Goertz to share. On October 31st, interested staff can decorate their office door or cubicle entry to win a prize. Forward a picture to Lori and the Celebration Committee will select the winner(s)!
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The annual Jersey Mike's coat drive will take place on November 12th and 13th at locations in Fairfield, Norwalk, Wilton and Danbury. Please spread the word! Coats are donated to The Community Closet for our clients in need. | |
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Cheers for Peers is a great way to recognize and appreciate your peers. Commend or congratulate someone who has gone above and beyond and/or is celebrating something worth sharing! A quick note of appreciation will go a long way! (Anonymous submissions welcome)
Electronic submissions can be made here and/or blank cards can be found in the Bridgeport reception area. Please leave completed cards in the Development Office.
October Cheers!
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Welcome New Team Members!
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Kaliyah Riley, Program Assistant, Urban Scholars
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Linda Williams-Dunn, Director, Human Resources
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New Staff Recruitment: View and Share Career Opportunities | |
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Please follow us to "like" and share posts to help raise visibility of our programs
and the families we serve:
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