The Quiet Power of Authenticity!

August 2025| Issue 56

The TriCircle Connection

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From the Desk of

Ana Gopoian

The Quiet Power of Authenticity

In a world that often rewards performance over presence, it takes courage to be real. Authenticity isn’t flashy. It doesn’t demand attention or chase applause. It is a quiet, steady presence—an unwavering truth we carry within ourselves.

To be authentic is to be rooted in who you truly are. Not who others expect you to be, not who you perform to be, but the version of yourself that exists when no one else is watching. And yet, it’s one of the hardest things to hold onto.

We live in a culture that is constantly pulling us away from ourselves—asking us to filter, to edit, to brand, to impress. From social media personas to workplace masks, it’s easy to lose sight of what is real. We become curators of our image rather than caretakers of our soul.

But here’s the truth: authenticity isn’t about perfection. It’s about honesty. It’s about owning our stories—both the shining moments and the shadowed ones. It’s about having the courage to say, “This is me. Unpolished, but whole.”

There’s something profoundly human about connecting with someone who is unapologetically themselves. It gives others permission to exhale, to show up more fully, to let go of the act. Authenticity creates space for real connection, because it’s only when we are truly seen that we can truly feel loved.

All of this rings true in the complex context of recovery because being authentic doesn't mean you never change. Growth is part of the journey. But as we grow, we must ask: Am I changing to become more of who I am—or more of who the world wants me to be? Am I willing to embrace discomfort and reckon with the difference between my inner being and my projected persona?

Authenticity requires intention. It asks us to check in with ourselves. To pause. To ask: Am I speaking from my heart? Am I living in alignment with my values? Am I honoring what matters most to me—even when it’s inconvenient, even when it’s not popular, even when it seems isolating, even when it causes us to "sit" for a while in our discomfort?

The path to authenticity isn’t always easy. But it is freeing. When we drop the mask, we gain peace. When we tell the truth, we reclaim our power. And when we embrace our imperfections, we find a depth of self-love that no external approval can match.

So let us be brave enough to be real. Let us trade performance for presence, applause for alignment. Let us remember that authenticity is not just something we practice—it’s something we are.

And in that truth, there is beauty. There is belonging. And there is freedom.

Together WE are Stronger!

August's Spotlight

John Johnson

Director, Open DOHR Program

Women and Families Center

A Champion for Community

Empowerment and Recovery

John Johnson serves as the Director of the Open DOHR (Developing Opportunities in Human Resources) Program at the Women & Families Center (WFC) in Meriden, Connecticut. Under his leadership, the program delivers comprehensive occupational training, employability workshops, holistic case management, and follow-up services to help individuals secure employment, retain jobs, and advance in their careers. Open DOHR supports high school students in the Meriden School District, out-of-school youth (ages 18 to 24), and adults learning English.

John first connected with TriCircle when the organization became a tenant at the Women & Families Center. Their initial hallway conversations quickly evolved into discussions about potential collaborations to serve the community. As Ana shared more about TriCircle’s mission and vision, John was deeply moved by the impact the organization was making. He recognized its vital importance and was eager to support its growth.

Soon after, Open DOHR began assisting TriCircle in promoting community events and partnering on future initiatives. One of their major joint efforts was the creation of The Collaborative - a training track pilot offered in Wallingford and Meriden. The Collaborative provides a connection to 126 hours of certifications and trainings which lead to enhanced employment opportunities. John also helped to build up SMART Recovery and SMART Friends & Family groups, expanding access to these programs within the community.

Recognizing the need for inclusivity, John played a key role in facilitating the translation of SMART facilitator training materials into Spanish. This initiative led to the formation of the first Spanish-speaking SMART Recovery and SMART Friends & Family groups in Connecticut—an important milestone in culturally responsive recovery support.

John has continually championed TriCircle’s mission, showing his support at events such as Overdose Awareness Day and the CT Barber Expo at Mohegan Sun. His commitment to substance use awareness and recovery is unwavering, even though he has not personally struggled with addiction.

John’s connection to the issue stems from a family member’s experience with alcohol misuse. While her drinking did not impact her professional life, it strained her health and personal relationships. The growing isolation she experienced eventually prompted her to reflect on how alcohol was limiting her personal growth.

With the encouragement of family, friends, and community resources, she began attending monthly support meetings. Over time, these gatherings became a source of strength and purpose for her, helping her not only reduce her alcohol intake but also inspire others by sharing her journey. Her greatest breakthrough came when she was able to recognize her behavior as addiction and commit to meaningful change.

John observed this transformation firsthand and was inspired by her courage and determination. It reinforced his belief in the power of community support, consistent engagement, and open communication in the recovery process.

Through his work, John remains deeply committed to empowering individuals and helping them reach their potential. As he continues to expand his knowledge through training and emerging best practices in behavioral health and addiction recovery, he strengthens his ability to build authentic, supportive relationships with those seeking change. His unwavering dedication makes him a true advocate for individual progress and community wellness.

A SMALL amount of your time

can make A BIG difference!

Lend a Hand With Events!

Shape the future with a

purpose driven,

fun and fulfilling opportunity

to give back!

TriCircle is looking for people who are action oriented and

passionate about our cause to work with us.

Please consider leading or joining the Fundraising Committee!

Contact ana@tricircle.org to sign up.

Community Service Hours Are Available for All of the Above.

Together WE are Stronger!

New locations and updated calendars

for Hope After Loss and Hope & Support

are now available on our website!

What's Happening?

Drop In Setback Middlefield at 1741 Pub & Grill - First and Third Wednesday of each month, August 6 and 20 at 72 Lyman Road, Middlefield. Registration at 5:00 pm, first game 6:00 pm. (click here)

New Location for Drop In Setback! Sliders in Wallingford - Second Wednesday of each month, August 13, located at 950 Yale Avenue, Wallingford. Registration at 5:00 pm, first game 6:00 pm. (click here)

TriCircle's Hope & Support Groups - Thursdays, August 7, 14, 21, 28 and every Thursday throughout the year. (click here for full schedule with locations)

TriCircle's Hope After Loss Support Groups - Mondays, August 4, 11, 18, 25 and every Monday throughout the year. (click here for full schedule with locations)

SMART Family & Friends Fun APG Wallingford - Third Tuesday of each month, August 19, 5:30 - 6:30 pm, Master's Manna 428 S Cherry St, Wallingford, before the SMART Recovery Meeting. (see flyer above or click here)

Harmony Within SMART APG Wallingford - Last Tuesday of each month, August 26, 5:30 - 6:30 pm, Master's Manna 428 S Cherry St, Wallingford, before the SMART Recovery Meeting. (see flyer above or click here)

SMART Recovery Wallingford - Every Tuesday August 5, 12, 19, 26 7:00 - 8:30 pm Master's Manna 428 S Cherry St Wallingford. (click here)

SMART Recovery Family & Friends Meriden - Every Tuesday August 5, 12, 19, 26 (click here) 6:00 - 7:30 pm 169 Colony St, 2nd Floor, Meriden.

Reuniones de SMART Recovery en Espanol Meriden - Todos los miércoles en el mes de agosto 6, 13, 20, 27 (haga clic aquí) 6:00 - 7:30 pm 169 Colony St, 2nd Floor, Meriden.

SMART Recovery la APG Meriden - Al tercer miércoles de cada mes de agosto 20 antes de la reunión, 4:30 - 5:30 pm, 169 Colony St, 1st Floor, Meriden. (haga clic aquí)

SMART Recovery Amigos y familiares en español Meriden - Todos los jueves en el mes de agosto 7, 14, 21, 28 (haga clic aquí) 6:00 - 7:30 pm, 169 Colony St ,1st Floor, Meriden.

SMART la APG Amigos Y familiares en español Meriden - Al tercer miércoles de cada mes de agosto 20 antes de la reunión, 3:30 - 4:30, 169 Colony St,1st Floor, Meriden. (haga clic aquí)

Mark Your Calendars for TriCircle's 4th Annual Self Care Retreats:

Hope After Loss Retreat - Saturday, September 6 (Rain Date Sat Sept 13), at Story Barn in Somers. RSVP by August 22.

Hope & Support Retreat - Sunday, September 7 (Rain Date Sun Sept 14) at Story Barn in Somers. RSVP by August 22.

Raianna's 4th Annual Memorial Poker Run at Freedom Road Harley-Davidson, 557 West Main Street, Branford, CT, Saturday, September 20, Kickstands up at 10:30 am with a Bike Blessing (proceeds benefit TriCircle, see flyer below for details).

Australian Pink Floyd Show - Mohegan Sun Skybox Suite, Thursday, September 18, $160 per person, dinner included, proceeds benefit TriCircle. See flyer below.

Outrun Addiction 5K - Save the Date! Saturday, September 20, 2025, stay tuned for more information. (proceeds benefit TriCircle)

SAVE THE DATE for TriCircle's 7th Annual Gala Brunch at The Farms Country Club, Sunday, November 2, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

TriCircle's 4th Annual Self Care Retreats!

2025 Hope & Support

Self-Care Retreat

2025 Hope After Loss

Self-Care Retreat

It's Concert Time!

For additional concert details and sponsorship opportunities click here.

Don't Miss It This Year!

Raianna's 4th Annual Memorial Poker Run!

All Proceeds Benefit TriCircle.

TriCircle is located at:

169 Colony Street

Second Floor, Room 28

Meriden, CT 06451

We are pleased to be located inside the WFC. This allows for wonderful opportunities to expand the reach of our support services and resources as we cultivate this collaborative partnership. This location also provides increased accessibility on the bus line and nearby train station.

Alternative Address:

Master's Manna, 428 S Cherry St, Wallingford, CT 06492