Great Strides June 2017

Join the IC and the Discovery Center on June 23rd for our collaborative party at the First Congregational Church from 1pm to 3pm there will be FREE FOOD, GAMES, and PRIZES!!

What is WRAP? WRAP is an acronym for Wellness Action Plan. Some of our topics will be in our Wellness Toolbox, where we will learn what triggers are and how to make a recovery plan.

WRAP Curriculum Workshops will be starting in June on Thursdays @11am.

Jayne will be facilitating these 4 consecutive 45minutes workshops.

It is necessary to attend all the workshops to earn your certificate of completion.

After, completing this course we will be having a small graduation party.

For more information please ask Jayne at the IC.

The IC would like to announce that this month’s faces in recovery is Enrique E. He is one of our newer members and has become an asset for the IC. He enjoys helping out in our culinary unit where Enrique not only learns from us but we have learned some things from him, since he used to work in the food industry for quiet a few years. Enrique has also shown us here at the IC that he is a true artist, he has participated in the Mending Art program and shown the staff and his peers some beautiful artistic pieces he created. When asked how he feels coming to the IC he told us that it makes him feel happy when he comes here and he loves to cook here. “I really like working in the IC kitchen. Everything in there is very nice, clean and good quality.” “I like having Jess by my side. She is a very nice person and we work well together, she treats me very good in here and so do ALL the staff! I feel good when I come here.”

The IC would like to congratulate Christian on passing our greeter certification course. Christian is now officially trained to answer phone calls, take messages, be a friendly face when members walk in, make announcements, and lend a helping hand to anyone that might need it.

Members that successfully complete the training and take on the role as or greeter, is a tremendous help for the IC. The job is very much appreciated.

Christian shared that he is very excited to fulfill his new role! The IC would like to thank Christian!

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More than 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV, and 1 in 8 people don’t know they have it. The good news is you can help change this — spread the word about National HIV Testing Day on June 27.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS. Many people with HIV don’t have any symptoms. The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested.

How can National HIV Testing Day make a difference? We can use National HIV Testing Day to raise awareness about the importance of HIV testing.

For those living in the Waterbury area here is where you can get tested: PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND - WATERBURY Phone: 203-753-2119 Address: 969 West Main Street Waterbury, CT 06706 The agency offers anonymous and confidential rapid and standard HIV testing .

All other locations can easily be found online at: http://connecticut.networkofcare.org/mh/index.aspx or you can call 211.

For people who hear voices: www.facebook.com/cthearin gvoicesnetwork or http://www.hearingvoicesus a.org/ 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/ Narcotics Anonymous http://www.na.org/

Cynthia W. completed a 5 month course on how to be a better advocate for her community and to help people within the community! The IC would like to congratulate Cynthia on the hard work she put into this course where she learned about topics on “Creating a caring community for children,” “Learning how a community works,” “How the State and City works,” “The magic of the unexpected forming new alliances,” etc. Cynthia is planning to take her certificates and work with the City of Waterbury with helping people with disabilities. One of her goals is to have a park safe for children who are paraplegic and or disabled.

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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What is Holistic Healing? What makes us whole?

Go with the flow Roar with excitement

The ultimate goal of holistic healing is wholeness. In achieving wholeness, we must consider all aspects of our lives including:

Let your cares fall away

 Respecting our body

Create your own music

 Healing our relationships

Immerse yourself in nature

 Caring for our

Stay active Make a splash

environment  Showing love for all

humankind  Living our life purpose

The flowers of May Brought on by April showers

For more information visit the IC and join our series on holistic healing every Monday in June at 10am or visit the website: http://www.my-holistichealing.com/what-is-holistic-healing.html

Have faded to the brilliance of June The air is softer and warm It gives your skin a gentle touch Soon people will take to the beach Even though the water still holds onto the chill of winter Children play by the water as their mothers Keep watch and gossip Long days turn into evenings full of fireflies Bedtime comes too soon for children, but not too soon for parents

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Last month in Current Events we discussed whether or not the state should tax sugary drinks? The pros and the cons were compared. The pros were that it could force more people to make healthier choices. It could help fight obesity and tooth decay.

Taxing sugary drinks can also bring in more revenue to the state. The cons are that many people are hooked on sugary drinks and they would have to pay more for something that they enjoy to have. Another con to taxing sugary drinks would be that the makers of these products might go up on the prices causing the stores that buy them to go up on prices which could raise the price even more to the product. Many in the group thought it was unfair to tax something that most of us know how hard it is to give up. This Sugary tax law in CT would resemble The Sugar Act, also known as the American Revenue Act passed in 1764 by Parliament of Great Britain. History does repeat itself sometimes.

“Art makes me feel free, inspired, loving, kind, and gentle.” Michael says. His artwork is inspired by life, time, philosophy, spirituality, and world religions.

Michael said he started drawing when he was sixteen years of age. His favorite piece is a drawing of a panther, “It came out so perfect! I couldn’t believe it was I that had done it!” When asked about his artwork Michael said that art helps him clarify some of his own life. Michael would like to get back to his writing. He wants to write poetry and thought about law, time, philosophy and world events. When asked who Michael’s favorite artist is he shares, “Michelangelo is my favorite artist! No question about it! Writing, sculpting, and painting, he’s got it all!”

“Art makes me feel free, inspired, loving, kind, and gentle” -Mike P.

Mending Art is on display at the Harwinton Library through the month of June. Stop by, take a look, and read a book! Friday, June 16th from 2-3PM I.C. artists will be at the library to talk about art with participants of the Saint Vincent de Paul program. All are welcome to stop in, say hello and draw with us!

Show hung by I.C. Artist Juan P.

June Birthdays Patrick L.

03

Jose A.

05

Corey L.

08

Theresa F.

11

Andrew C.

14

Anita B.

14

Betsy F.

15

Timothy P.

20

Patrick B.

20

Edmund R.

22

Walter T.

22

Richard M.

22

Fred B.

25

Robert W.

28

Diana S.

28

Carlos M.

29

Pietro G.

29

Frank P.

30

Join us for a birthday bash on the 28th!

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Written by Richard A. (I.C. Artist)

The IC will be celebrating 7 years at our newest location, join us for our annual picnic!

July 7th from 10-2:00 p.m.

21 Church Street *Food* *Fun* *Games* *Prizes* *Raffles* Rain or Shine!

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Artists have been working with their art coaches and service programs fromWCMHN Waterbury, Danbury and Torrington, and Mental Health Connecticut. which have culminated into a show at Mattatuck Museum.

Artists have been developing methods to visually express what their experiences have been like.

The Western Connecticut Mental Health Network has been sponsoring an artistic event, including the Independence Center titled, “Personal Expressions of Recovery and Wellness”, which has occurred at the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury recently.

There are many people in the general community who state, “I don’t know very much about the topic of mental illness, mental health, and the variety of services offered for people involved in the mental health system.”

Most artists will never reach the level of having their artistic creation being displayed in a venue the caliber, status, and level of a museum such as the Mattatuck Museum.

The artists who have participated in the “Personal Expressions of Recovery and Wellness” exhibit have reached the ultimate heights of how far their work can go when being displayed on a professional level.

By viewing the “Personal Expressions of Wellness and Recovery” exhibit at the Mattatuck Museum individuals from the general community at large were able to view unique artistic representations of mental health clients suffering with mental illness, the process of recovery and the ultimate path to wellness.

It was by this exhibit that those viewing the artworks experienced the reality of the subject of mental health, and what it involves

How can National Safety Month make a difference?

We can all use this month to raise awareness about important safety issues like:

Infoline CT 211



Medication safety and prescription painkiller abuse

Logisticare 1-888-248-9895



Driving, biking, and working safely



First aid and emergency preparedness

Guiding Path Warmline: 1-860-482-1783 or 1-800-314-2680 5pm-10pm 7 days per week



Preventing slips, trips, and falls

Everyone can get involved in reducing the risk of injuries.

Together, we can share information about steps people can take to protect themselves and others.

We are urging members to call their Legislators! The governor has the task of fixing a 700-million-dollar deficit, and unfortunately, this mean cuts for social service programs.

Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Department of Social Services, Department of Rehabilitation Services, and Department of HousingHousing and Homeless Services are just a few that are slated to be cut.

Our Advocates at the IC have been working hard since January- testifying in Hartford, writing letters, calling their local representatives and going to the Legislative Office Building and the State Capitol to advocate for everyone’s services.

You can help too, by calling your local Representative and letting them know how important your services are, and how it would impact you if your services were cut or eliminated. Please show your appreciation by thanking them for their service and support so far.

See Debbie if you would like more information or if you would like to know who your local Representative or Senator is!

National Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-8522 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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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.

Sure, it’s fun to share a good laugh. But did you know it can actually improve your health? It’s true: laughter is strong medicine. It draws people together in ways that trigger healthy physical and emotional changes in the body. Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress. As children, we used to laugh hundreds of times a day, but as adults life tends to be more serious and laughter more infrequent. By seeking out more opportunities for humor and laughter, though, you can improve your emotional health, strengthen your relationships, find greater happiness—and even add years to your life. The IC is happy to announce we will be incorporating laughter activities to our workshops! Come down and attend a workshop for your self!

PLEASE PLACE STAMP HERE

Independence Center 21 Church Street Waterbury, CT 0672 Phone: 203-756-5772 Fax: 203-756-9744