“Vote” by Mending Art Artist, Jose M.
As the months go by and we still face all of the challenges associated with Covid-19, we want you to remember that there are resources that are available. Below is a list of programs that can help. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) 1-888-628-9454 (Español) www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
We would like to give a special thanks to all of the IC members who participated in the Hartford marathon. This year the event was virtual and our members had a great time getting moving and helping to raise money for MHC! We had 18 members who signed up for the marathon and we’d like to recognize them for their participation: Sue M., Matt R., Cindie A,. Doug N., Darryl H., Paul C., Harold W., Nick S., Gus U., Shawn McK., Julie C., April H., Terrex C., Clarie M., Juan P., Annette B. and Karen W. Thank you for helping to make this event a success!
Alcohol and Drug Recovery/ Substance Abuse Treatment Access Line for Referrals & Detoxification 860-714-3700 and 800-563-4086 Sexual Assault Crisis Services English 888-999-5545 Spanish 888-568-8332 CT 211 call 2-1-1, www.211ct.org CT Quitline (Tobacco) 1-800-QUIT-NOW www.quitnow.net/connecticut CT Council on Problem Gambling 1-888-789-7777 (Helpline) www.ccpg.org Mobile Crisis 1-866-794-0021 Regional Hotline: 1-888-447-3339 NAMI CT 860-882-0236 Helpline: 1-800-950-6264 www.namict.org
November is know for several Holidays, but did you know that it is also National Gratitude month? We also know that having an attitude of gratitude improves our mood and helps to deal with stress. We asked some of our members to share what they are thankful for and here is what they had to say: Chris B. “I am thankful for being alive, having 3 meals a day and a nice place to live”. John P. “I am thankful for dictionaries, book work, the good Lord, the IC and having a roof over my head”. Shawn McK. “ I am thankful for the IC continuing to do activities and having counselors to talk to”.
Darryl H. “I’m thankful for the fact that I’ve been living in my apartment for 14 years and that I pay for it with my own social security”.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) CT 1-866-783-7712 Anywhere USA 1-800-344-2666 www.ct-aa.org
Jayvonne G. “I’m thankful that I’m still alive, still healthy and that people care still and that I’ve got my right mind”.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) CT 1-800-627-3543 National Information 1-800-447-6291 www.ctna.org
Edwin T. “I’m thankful for my health and well-being”.
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Terrex C. “I’m thankful I’m alive and I have a job”.
Alex K. “I am thankful for family and friends”. David G. “I am thankful to be conscious of myself and aware of what is going on with me”. Karen W. “I am thankful for the people who loved me before I loved myself, that I am still alive to tell my story and live in my truth”.
The Great American Smokeout is an annual event sponsored by the American Cancer Society (ACS). It is held on the third Thursday of November. This social engineering event focuses on encouraging Americans to quit tobacco smoking. People are challenged to stop smoking for at least 24 hours assuming that their decision not to smoke will last longer, hopefully forever. Today, more than 43 million people in the United States smoke cigarettes, that is about 1 in 5 adults. The Great American Smokeout evolved from a number of smaller-scale events that took place in the 1970s. The first Great American Smokeout occurred in California on November 18, 1976. According to the California division of the ACS, nearly 1 million people stopped smoking cigarettes that day. In 1977, the event was taken nationwide. Different people quit smoking in different ways. There are those who quit abruptly and completely and those who cut back gradually. Some people need substitutions and distractions to suppress cravings and others need special medicines. No matter which approach you choose, the Great American Smokeout is the perfect occasion to make the first step. Of course, if you have already decided to quite smoking, you don’t have to wait until November 21! The IC will be holding workshops on Monday, September 16 and Thursday, September 19 to discuss ways to quit smoking and supports to become nicotine free. Each workshop will begin at 10:00. We hope that you can join us!
Vaping has been marketed to be a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes, however recent events have indicated that there is still much to learn about both the short-term and long-term affects of using e-cigarettes. With products not being regulated and there not being enough pre-market studies done, the risks of vaping are still coming to light. If you are thinking of switching to ecigarettes to help quit smoking, here are some risks documented by Harvard Health to consider:
Nicotine is highly addictive and can affect the developing brain, potentially harming teens and young adults. Even some “nicotinefree” e-cigarettes have been found to contain nicotine.
Some substances found in ecigarette vapor have been linked to an increased risk of cancer.
Teens who vape are more likely to begin smoking cigarettes.
Accidental exposure to liquid from e-cigarettes has caused acute nicotine poisoning in children and adults.
--Awarenessdays.com
On November 11 we celebrate Veteran’s Day, a way to remember and honor all of those individuals who have served our country and protected our freedom. We would like to invite you to the time to thank a Veteran. If you are unsure of how to go about doing this and would like to express your gratitude, a great website to visit is Operation We Are Here at operationwearehere.com. To all of the veterans out there - the IC thanks you for your service!
We think we need to add a little more fun into the mix. The IC would like to invite you to join us for a virtual game of Bingo on Friday, November 20th at 1:00pm. Join by calling 860-785-0086 and entering the ID 970 092 162#. Bingo cards will either be distributed during our weekly meal delivery or mailed. Please contact Debbie Holcomb at 203-864-1940 if you are interested in attending. Prizes will be delivered to winners. Mark your calendars! The IC will also be trying out Zoom meetings every Thursday at 10:00am in November. If you are interested in attending, reach out to staff and we will help you to connect!
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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.
We at the IC would like to wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving. While we won’t be able to have our traditional Thanksgiving Feast at the IC, we will be preparing a very special Thanksgiving meal delivery along with all of the fixings including dessert! If you are not already on the meal delivery list and would like a special Thanksgiving meal delivered right to your door, please reach out to staff. Staff numbers can be obtained by calling the IC at 203-756-5772. Happy Thanksgiving - we are thankful for YOU!