Great Strides - July 2020

Space Space is between your ears.

Good positive space, uncluttered by thoughts.

Be aware of the space around you.

Same good space.

Extend this space to the sky, how spacious.

Feeling good and connected.

A space to be and breathe.

Poem Written by Mending Art Artist, David G., excerpt from Mending Art activities

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/ get-help/connecticut-foodbanks-mobile-pantryschedule/

As we stated in last month’s newsletter, we know that this has been 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.

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 Remember that you can also 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. Please be mindful that while the state is loosening restrictions it does not mean that things are going to back to exactly how they used to be or that COVID-19 is still not a threat to our health. Let’s all do our part to be well and keep our community safe!

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 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 sup-port.

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Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury, CT, shared a piece of art history!

In their archives they discovered a photograph that was taken around 1890 in Waterbury. The photograph captured the beautiful architecture of the building which is now MHC’s Independence The IC, pictured left at 21 Church Street ,Circa 1890 Center. This historic photograph is a piece of art. The IC is happy to celebrate our 10 year anniversary at 21 Church Street.

We are so grateful to have this wonderful building to call our home!

At MHC, prioritizing the health and safety of individuals is at the core of what we do. Each of us – no matter our race, ethnicity, disability, gender, sexual identity, or religion – deserve respect, the opportunity to thrive, and allies willing to join us in the fight against oppression. While someone's “status” may be seen as minority or marginalized, we are first a human being with unique experiences, perspectives, and traits who should be celebrated and supported. At this time in history, we must recognize the need to listen to the black community and support the Black Lives Matter movement.

MHC was founded in 1908 by Clifford Beers, a young professional from Connecticut whose life experiences and trauma in state psychiatric institutions started global change in mental health. His fearless commitment to combat discrimination and fight stigma led him to later establish Mental Health America and was the inspiration for the Clifford Beers Clinic in New Haven, the first outpatient mental health clinic in the United States. This is our legacy and it furthers our resolve. Like Clifford Beers, youth protesters and organizers across this nation and the world remind us that it’s the younger generations who need our attention and support if change is going to take root.

Today, advocacy at MHC has two parts. First, we inform and educate leaders and policy makers to understand when and how human rights are violated and how they can improve the system to support change. Second, we understand that human beings are not helpless and do not need “saving.” We do not lead the fight, but are an ally to the black community and other marginalized groups to aid in their right to be seen and heard. This belief allows us to keep ourselves squarely where we are needed the most, as a partner for individuals who become selfadvocates in their journey to health and wellbeing.

Our commitment to deepen our fight against oppression will start with advocacy where, at this point in time, we believe we can have the greatest impact. We have the ability to address the injustices that are ingrained in our culture and go beyond the mental health conversation. This strategy will include broadening self-advocacy and supporting our communities across Connecticut in their efforts to turn ideas into action.

A society that is not just in everything it does, invites injustice. Please join us in the fight for equity, equality, and permanent change to a system in dire need of transformation. Together, we can achieve true progress in Connecticut and across our nation for every human being.

Follow us on social media @MentalHealthCT where we will continue to share updates, information, and resources.

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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.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to all of the staff and members of the Independence Center during this unprecedented time. The staff at the IC have been working tirelessly to provide services that best meet the needs of our members. Staff contact 70 individuals weekly to set up meal deliveries. They plan for, prepare and deliver meals for approximately 60 different individuals each week as well as obtain items from food bank and distribute food bags at least monthly. Staff also make outreach calls daily and are available to speak to members when they call. Workshops are available daily and staff meet twice a day to discuss members’ needs and update each other on the plans for the week.

I am beyond grateful for the dedication of the IC team to make this happen and make a difference in our members’ lives every day. I would also like to thank our members, who have adjusted to this new way of doing things, who have provided us with feedback and suggestions and who have continued to stay positive, hopeful and connected, even when it is not easy. I am proud to be part of a group of such exceptional individuals. Thank you!

-Trista G.