“Reach out for support don’t be alone, there will always be someone there to listen to you.” - David S.
Monday 10:30AM-11:00AM and 1:30PM-3:30PM
This months faces in recovery is David S. David has been a member at the IC for many years, he continues to come in to the IC and help the center wherever help is needed. David is certified to be our IC greeter and is well known to be an excellent friend to his peers. When asked about any advice he’d give to his peers if they are having a bad day, he replied with, “Reach out for support don’t be alone, there will always be someone there to listen to you.” We all want to congratulate him on receiving employment with the salvation army this season! Good luck David!
Wednesday 10:30AM-11:00AM and 1:30PM-3:30PM Friday 10:30AM-11:00AM and 1:30PM-3:30PM (Food Bank is not available during parties and meetings.
If you would like to share your art with someone as a gift this holiday season please see Mending Art Coordinator, Amy Smith. We have some extra frames, ribbons, and wrapping paper available! Surprise someone special with a unique gift from the heart!
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Last month in current events the topics where on the recent storms that have hit some states and devastated Puerto Rico. This brought us to the discussion on how tragedy and dealing with a particular situation, circumstance or condition can bring strangers together. In the time of need our instinct to help can be compelling. The donations of food, water and other supplies being sent or that have been sent to these states from residents and communities has been amazing. This same coming together can be seen with the members of the IC. There is always someone at the IC besides staff that is willing to give you a helping hand and a listening ear. Sometimes we have to see the good that the bad brought out. When all members of the community pull together for a united cause, the power becomes unlimited. The change, or transformation, that occurs from the entire community is something greater than just what a small group of the community or an individual can achieve. Communities are diverse. We have people of all ages and backgrounds who are skilled in different areas. By working together, having old mentor young, young inspiring old, and strong helping weak, we all give fully. Only together, as a community, can we give beyond our individual means. Participation is essential. We all have something to contribute. Come down to the IC and join our current events workshop where we can discuss and see how a community can peacefully work together.
Art makes Annette’s heart feel good! She makes art to reflect how she feels emotionally. “Art is a reflection of an individual’s own creativity. It doesn’t have to be professional or have a theme, it just has to be something you enjoy doing.” says Annette. Her favorite artist is Monet because his bright colors catch her attention.
For people who hear voices: www.facebook.com/cthearin gvoicesnetwork or http://www.hearingvoicesus a.org/
Annette enjoys working with color pencils and pastels, she says that she loves creating with crazy colors and wacky designs using her own unique style. “It makes me happy when I share my art and when people like what I’ve created! This year I’m not going to worry about money for gifts. I’m going to try to create my gifts!” says Annette.
Alternatives to Suicide Support Group 399 Franklin Avenue Hartford Wednesdays 4-5pm http://toivocenter.org/ OCD support group http://psychiatry.yale.edu/o cd/patients/support.aspx Alcoholics Anonymous http://www.aa.org/
Let’s Send Some Holiday Cheer! We are looking for your help! Last year I.C. members created over one hundred cards and sent them to the shelter, the nursing home and the veterans! Your thoughtfulness and kindness to others during this holiday season will be greatly appreciated and bring a lot of smiles! Materials will be available at the club to make unique handmade cards. Please see Alisa for more information.
Narcotics Anonymous http://www.na.org/ Overeaters Anonymous https://oa.org/ Gamblers Anonymous http://www.gamblersanony mous.org/ga/ For additional information on Support Groups in Connecticut, visit http://www.mhconn.org/ed ucation/information%20and %20referral/ or call: 1-800-842-1510, ext. 10
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Infoline CT 211 Logisticare 1-888-248-9895 Guiding Path Warmline: 1-860-482-1783 or 1-800-314-2680 5pm-10pm 7 days per week National Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-8522
One of the first things we notice about someone is their cloths. If there is a shirt with words on it we would usually read it. Welcome to Alisa’s “Tee” Party. Members had a chance to be creative, express themselves and use their imaginations. Members chose a colored t-shirt, thought of a kind phrase or picture to paint on the t-shirt to catch the eye of someone and pass on the kind thought. While painting, members had a pleasant conversation and said the craft kept them in the moment.
Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline 1-888-999-5545 En Español 1-888-999-8332 Crisis 1-866-794-0021
Dentists in Waterbury Who take Husky Health Staywell Health Center 203-597-9044 South Main Street 203-756-8021 Phoenix Avenue Community Health Center 203-574-4000 Columbia Dental 1-866-645-0111 Statewide # for Opioid (Opiate) Dependence 1-800-563-4086 You will be linked with walk-in assessment centers
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Here at the IC we had a discussion on the upcoming holidays and while images of love and joy fill TV screens and magazine pages, for many people, the reality of the holidays isn’t so cheerful. Between stressful end-of-year deadlines, family dysfunction and loss, poor eating and drinking habits, and increasingly cold and dark winter days, it’s easy for the holiday season to feel not-so-merry and bright. Fortunately, there is plenty you can do to minimize social anxiety during the holidays (Social Anxiety Treatment). Here are some tips to help you better enjoy the holiday season.
A BIG THANK YOU to all the artists who shared their art in the WCMHN Creative Arts Show! The opening reception was a wonderful event! Visitors had an opportunity to see the artwork, meet the artists, enjoy refreshments, create and listen to music, and add to our collage art project! The Creative Arts Show will be on display until December 13th.
Melody T.
12-3
Lucas H.
12-6
Laura D.
12-9
Victor B.
12-11
Kara P.
12-12
Ricardo R.
12-13
Frank G.
12-14
Louise L.
12-17
Donna L.
12-18
Linda C.
12-18
Juan P.
12-23
For more information, please contact Mending Art Coordinator, Amy Smith.
Join us for a birthday bash on December 27th at 3:00 p.m. Meditative practices are found in almost all religious and spiritual traditions. The Buddha didn't invent meditation. He did, however, devise the practice of mindful awareness—what we call mindfulness. Mindfulness is the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something . Mindfulness can be practiced inside or outside of formal meditation. Meditation is a technique for practicing mindfulness in a structured setting; it can improve your mindfulness skills outside of meditation. Join your peers and staff for a mindfulness workshop on Mondays at 11:00 a.m. see Derrick for any questions.
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Once a month the IC has the pleasure of hosting a pet therapy session with Lyne Stokes and Jackie Joy! Interacting with a friendly pet can help many physical and mental issues. It can help reduce blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health. It can also release endorphins that produce a calming effect. This can help alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve your overall psychological state.
Winter storms and cold temperatures can be hazardous. Stay safe and healthy by planning ahead. Prepare your home and cars. Prepare for power outages and outdoor activity. Although winter comes as no surprise, many of us are not ready for its arrival. If you are prepared for the hazards of winter, you will be more likely to stay safe and healthy when temperatures start to fall. Many people prefer to remain indoors in the winter, but staying inside is no guarantee of safety. Take these steps to keep your home safe and warm during the winter months. Winterize your home. Install weather stripping, insulation, and storm windows. Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls. Clean out gutters and repair roof leaks.
Check your heating systems. Have your heating system serviced professionally to make sure that it is
The goals of a pet therapy program can include:
improving motor skills and joint movement improving assisted or independent movement increasing self-esteem increasing verbal communication developing social skills increasing willingness to join in activities improving interactions with others motivating willingness to exercise
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clean, working properly, and ventilated to the outside. Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys. Install a smoke detector. Test batteries monthly and replace them twice a year. Have a safe alternate heating source and alternate fuels available. Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) emergencies. Install a CO detector to alert you of the presence of the deadly, odorless, colorless gas. Check batteries when you change your clocks in the fall and spring. Learn symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.
Many people spend time outdoors in the winter working, traveling, or enjoying winter sports. Outdoor activities can expose you to several safety hazards, but you can take these steps to prepare for them: Wear appropriate outdoor clothing: wear a tightly woven, preferably windresistant coat or jacket; inner layers of light, warm clothing; mittens; hats; scarves; and waterproof boots. Sprinkle cat litter or sand on icy patches. Learn safety precautions to follow when outdoors. Work slowly when doing outside chores. Take a buddy and an emergency kit when you are participating in outdoor recreation. Carry a cell phone. This article was reported by the CDC.
IC Artist took a trip to see their latest art show at the Prospect Public Library! During their visit they had the opportunity to listen to IC Artist, Robin L., share the book she recently wrote, illustrated, and published! This was the first time the author read her book, Lucy and Ben, out loud in the community! “Three-year-old Lucy and eight-year-old Ben live with their mother, who has bipolar depression. The book, which is semiautobiographical, shows how the children cope with their mother’s illness.” wrote Robin L.. She shared with the group that her book can be found online at Trafford Publishing, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble. Robin welcomed a discussion about her story from the group that visited.
Keep the Promise Coalition (KTP) is a Connecticut Coalition of advocates (people living with mental illness, family members, mental health professionals and interested community members) dedicated to ensuring that a comprehensive, community mental health system is created and sustained for children, adults and families in Connecticut. IC members were happy to attend the KTP award ceremony this year on November 1st.
Slow down
There is much to see that the physical eyes often miss when they’re looking with haste into the future, or searching for lost treasures in the past. Pause for this moment, and enjoy being alive. Seek to perceive more–live in this experience. Pay attention to what is happening, and feel the stillness underneath everything which is changeless. Come to appreciate the little things like
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Disclaimer: Articles which show “submitted by” are not written by an IC member. They are articles that our members came across, were inspired by, and brought in to the Center to inspire and encourage other members. Often the authors of these articles are unknown. The opinions expressed in the newsletter are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Independence Center’s members, the staff, or the Editor.
Living Expressions - I express what I feel and what I see. The art just comes out of me. As I invited people to see my art display they said that they were excited to see all of my work together, some even said that they want my art! It made me feel grateful and loved to have friends that support me. My kids are cheering me on too! It makes me feel important to see all the work that I have done displayed all together. I started working on my art resume and seeing everything that I’ve done over the last year I counted all my blessings and gave God the praise. This is amazing showing all of my art together, it’s like fireworks going off in my head! A great opportunity! I am so inspired to continue painting and see where it takes me. -Cynthia W.
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Independence Center 21 Church Street Waterbury, CT 0672 Phone: 203-756-5772 Fax: 203-756-9744