July 2025| Issue 55

The TriCircle Connection

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July's Inspirational Quote

"The time for healing of the wounds has come. The moment to bridge the chasm that divides us has come. The time to build is upon us."

- Nelson Mandela

From the Desk of

Ana Gopoian

Bridging Divides!

So many people have something to say about the disease of addiction. Many of those opinions, rightly so, are firmly rooted in the lived experience of those affected. Below is the result of a simple AI search. Many of these same points could be made about political, cultural or interpersonal divides. TriCircle is a champion of bridging divides especially when it comes to unifying individuals, families and communities behind long term solutions!

"Bridging divides requires a conscious effort to understand and connect with those who hold different perspectives. Key strategies include actively listening, seeking common ground, fostering empathy, and promoting respectful dialogue. Building bridges also necessitates self-reflection and a willingness to challenge one's own biases.

Here's a more detailed look at effective strategies:

1. Active Listening and Understanding:

Prioritize understanding over persuasion:
Focus on truly hearing and comprehending the other person's viewpoint, even if you disagree with it.
Ask open-ended questions:
Encourage the other person to share their thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Practice reflective listening:
Summarize what you hear to ensure understanding and show that you are actively engaged.
Be curious:
Seek to understand the reasoning and experiences behind different perspectives. (see more)

Together WE are Stronger!

July's Spotlight

Jonathan Beazley, LMFT, LADC

Interventionist, Educator, Author, Speaker

Close to 10 years ago, as his family was trying to cope with a loved one who was struggling with addiction, Jonathan and his wife began attending Hope & Support meetings regularly. Jonathan was introduced to the meetings and to Ana Gopoian, TriCircle's Founder & Executive Director, through two people, almost simultaneously. He attended TriCircle's inaugural opening where Ana learned that Jonathan had over three decades of experience in the field of substance use/mental health. Without hesitation, she set about recruiting him to be on her committee and he accepted the challenge of establishing Clinical Services Advisory Board for TriCircle, a major component of its strategic plan.

Jonathan said, "Even though I had been in the business for so long, nothing had prepared me for the emotional turmoil of having a family member battling addiction." He shared that working with the committee and his interactions with other parents and family members who were dealing with the same kind of challenges lessened the feelings of helplessness and isolation inherent in substance addiction within the family. He added, "Seeing the incredible courage and resilience of some of the people I encountered gave me hope, despite the painful losses some of them had endured."

Jonathan aptly describes the challenges associated with loving someone who is using drugs. "Anyone who has been in a close relationship with someone who is addicted actually becomes 'addicted' to that person’s addiction. It occupies your mind relentlessly. No one can prepare you for the “gaslighting”- the questioning of your own perceptions because you want to believe that person, even though all the evidence points to their lies, and other symptoms of the disease. Being able to set appropriate boundaries: when to help and when to allow them to go through their process are all important milestones on the road to recovery."

Being part of TriCircle's growth and evolution has helped Jonathan interact with people who possess incredible resilience and commitment and who do not allow themselves to wallow in despair but try to do SOMETHING to make a difference, even when the rest of the world turns a blind eye or gives only an obligatory nod to this monstrous problem.

In his role as a clinician in the field, Jonathan helps his patients access appropriate, effective treatment. When asked what barriers exist, he reports that, "Sadly, it all comes down to money. Few families can afford good treatment for their loved ones, and insurance will generally pay only for a small part of it."

While it is vitally important to constantly looking for newer, cutting-edge treatments to help those with this disease, Jonathan says, "There remains much wisdom still to be gained from what was done in years past. Those reaching out for help don’t just want the newest medication or app, they also want deep connection with others who care, who are willing to help them in a long but wondrous journey back to health. We are called to provide a safe place people can rely on, always filled with compassionate faces there to greet them."

Jonathan has been in the field since 1979, he not only knows the history of substance use treatment, but he's also part of its history! He is also a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist.

Currently Jonathan co-facilitates the Rocky Hill Hope After Loss Groups, and starting this month the newly released the Hope & Support and Hope After Loss Groups in Coventry. We are proud and honored to have Jonathan in our TriCircle family!

Together WE are Stronger!

Visit Jonathan's Facebook Page

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!

June 30th was the revised deadline for the

2025 TriCircle Memorial Scholarship.

Stay tuned for the announcement of our 2025 recipients!

New Date and Time, Same Location.

Join Us for Family & Friends Fun!

All SMART Meetings are in person with a virtual option and Alternative Peer Groups

are also up and running and their schedules and flyers

are available by clicking here.

What's Happening?

Drop In Setback Middlefield at 1741 Pub & Grill - First and Third Wednesday of each month, July 2 and 16 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, July 9, located at 950 Yale Avenue, Wallingford. Registration at 5:00 pm, first game 6:00 pm. (click here)

TriCircle's Hope & Support Groups - Thursdays, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and every Thursday throughout the year. (click here for full schedule with locations)

TriCircle's Hope After Loss Support Groups - Mondays, July 7, 14, 21, 28 and every Monday throughout the year. (click here for full schedule with locations)

SMART Family & Friends Fun APG Wallingford - Third Tuesday of each month, July 15, 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, July 29, 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 July 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, 7:00 - 8:30 pm Master's Manna 428 S Cherry St Wallingford. (click here)

SMART Recovery Family & Friends Meriden - Every Tuesday June 3, 10, 17, and 24 (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 julio 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (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 julio 16 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 julio 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 (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 julio 16 antes de la reunión, 3:30 - 4:30, 169 Colony St,1st Floor, Meriden. (haga clic aquí)

Mixtape Match - Wednesday, July 23, Doors open at 5:00 pm. Slider's in Wallingford, 950 Yale Ave. See flyer below.

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

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