Connecticut Food Bank is committed to providing nutritious food to people in need. The current situation with COVID-19 is challenging for many organizations and the Food Bank is working to keep their food distribution safe and active.
Mobile Pantry Schedule: http:// www.ctfoodbank.org/gethelp/connecticut-foodbanks-mobile-pantryschedule/
The Mobile Pantry Hotline is updated daily. Call (203) 741-9751 for info.
As we stated in last month’s newsletter, we know that this continues to be a difficult and challenging time for everyone. All of us at the IC want you to know that we miss you and that we can’t wait until we can see each other face to face. While the state continues the process of re-opening, it is vital that we continue to practice every possible measure to keep you safe. This means that it will be a bit longer before we can open our doors to have in-house services. Staying the course will allow us to monitor cases of COVID-19 and ensure that when we see each other again, we are able to provide you with the safest environment possible. In the meantime we will continue with remote services and daily calls. We’d also like to invite you to our daily workshops. Below is our schedule for August. We hope that you can join us - mark your calendars!
Mondays at 10:00 a.m.: August 3 - Member Choice August 10 - Open Discussion August 17 - Utilizing Community Supports August 24 - Working Through Anxiety August 31 - Time Management Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m.: Guided Meditation Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. August 5 - Recovery is Possible August 12 - Keeping Your Cool August 19 - Faith, Hope, Love August 26 - Forgiveness Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.: Writing Workshop Fridays at 10:00 a.m.: August 7 - Think Big August 14 - Be Stronger Than Your Strongest Excuse August 21 - Mental Wellness - Discover Who You Are August 28 - Personal/Positive Mantras Please call the main number at the IC (203-756-5772) for staff phone numbers, details about workshops and important updates. Until we can see each other again, we want to remind everyone to do your best to stay safe. Wear a mask when you go out, stay at least 6 feet apart from others and wash your hands frequently. Let’s all do our part to be well and keep our community safe!
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The Independence Center is always looking for ways to help improve the quality of life for our members. One area that we believe to be very important is health and wellness. Our well-being is at the core of all we do and who we are, therefore It is incorporated in every piece of what we offer - from the workshops and meals to the wellness checks and the social connections. In an effort to keep whole health a top priority, staff work closely with our members to help provide linkage to resources, education and instruction on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, reminders about what types of annual appointments are necessary for good health, coaching and encouragement to stay on track with goals and everything in between. Take a look at what some of our members have said about the help they receive from the IC:
August 16 is “National Tell a Joke Day.” We all know that laugher is good for the soul, so in honor of this silly day, we’d like to share a few of our favorite jokes. We hope they brighten your day!
I don’t trust stairs, they’re always up to something.
Why couldn’t the bicycle stand up by itself? It was two tired.
Why did the math book look so sad? Because of all its problems!
Why can’t a nose be 12 inches long? Because then it would be a foot!
I made a pencil with two erasers. It was pointless
I’m reading a book about antigravity. It’s impossible to put down.
“I really want to change and the IC helps me with that change.”
If staff have not already approached you about setting a health and wellness goal and you are interested in taking that next step, then please reach out to us. We are here to help you achieve your goals and to support you along every step of the way!
I used to hate facial hair, but then it grew on me.
I’m so good at sleeping. I can do it with my eyes closed
“Staff listen and check up on me and call me and that helps remind me that I have a goal that I would like to achieve.” “I cut down on smoking.” “Staff help me by supporting me and shows concerns about my health and give me advice about eating healthier.” “By attending groups and workshops I learn a great deal about staying healthy.” “Staff help by empowering me to be more self-reliant.”
“Staff made me feel like I can change and make goals for myself and keep myself calm by helping provide me with coping skills.” “Staff are always there for me when I need encouragement and they are compassionate and caring.” “Staff help by giving me advice on how to better my health and activate more positive thoughts.” “I am able to stay on the path of my goal and stay focused and take charge of my health.” “IC staff have helped me tremendously and has helped me focus on not giving up.”
If you would like to reach IC staff, phone numbers are as follows: Deborah Holcomb: 203-814-1840 / Derrick White: 203-814-1919 Jessica McDermott: 203-864-4878 / Trista Genova: 203-864-9552
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Call a Friend! Call a warm line: https:// portal.ct.gov/DMHAS/ Programs-and-Services/ Advocacy/Warm-Lines
JoinRiseBe Statewide Young Adult Warmline Initiative: 1-855-6HOPENOW 12-9pm daily
The song goes, “People who like people are the luckiest people in the world.” Practice being kind to yourself and to others The world was coping with a situation confronting it at one time Situation was very reasonable to confront and face Suddenly new and profound and very difficult circumstances arise and is presenting society with profound challenges. These new profound difficulties are attempting to be met and place under control and resolved. Some progress has been made in attempting to address the difficult circumstances and significant challenges remain. Out, out breathe candle. LIFE is but a walking shadow, a poor player THAT struts and frets his hour upon the stage and is heard no more. It is a tale by an Idiot, full of sound & fury, signifying nothing Be kind to one another People love a warm heart Smile and let kindness shine through Love, compassion, patience; holding hands is what we need the most. Everyone is very special as long as you get along with each other. We need the best friendship in the world. Everyone is special no matter who you are. We need to be friends forever. Spread love, not hate We all bleed the same; human beings in our created form Show empathy and compassion One planet, one life, one chance at love; not hate.
Advocacy Unlimited Phone Based Peer Support: (888) 770-4478 M-F 9am-5pm
Call SAMHSA’s free 24-hour Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990, if you feel lonely or need support.
Collective poem by: Dave G., Rich A., Victor B., Jeanette S., Shawn M. and Jess M.
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Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is honored to once again be chosen as an official Silver Charity of the Eversource Hartford Marathon. We whole-heartily agree with our friends at the Marathon Foundation (HMF) that, “In these unprecedented times, it’s more important than ever to provide a remarkable, positive experience that builds community connections and lifts participants up in a shared mission to do good for each other.” The HMF has committed to donate 100% of all registration fees to the official charities this year. Not only is the registration fee lowered to $25 for any race, but runners/walkers can still fundraise for their favorite charity to benefit those that need it most. We are excited to be a part of a fantastic group of charities who are doing good in communities across Connecticut and we invite you to join us. “Run or walk knowing you are participating in something much bigger than a typical road race. Get friends, family, neighbors to join – this is not just about running, this is movement for a purpose.” - HMF
Any interested member of the IC or MHC program participant may join MHC for the virtual race at no cost by signing up with an MHC staff member. For all others interested in joining Team MHC, learn more and register at www/mhconn.org/ marathon. Participants can run, jog, or walk their race at a local track, trail, or even stepping in place at home! Join the movement with purpose!
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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.
As we continue to stay the course, know that while we are practicing safe physical distancing, you are not alone. We are alone together! For online resources, videos, and activities you can utilize from home, visit. www.mhconn.org/alonetogether.