Great Strides - May 2020

#AloneTogether

We at the IC would like to thank ALL essential workers during this challenging time. Consider showing your gratitude by making a heart and putting it in your window, on your door, in your yard, any place our daily heroes will be able to see them and know that you care!

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/

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 Disas-ter Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990, if you feel lonely or need sup-port.

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During this time of social distancing it is becoming even more important for people to stay connected. Remember that social distancing does not mean social isolation! There are many ways to keep in touch with others while still being mindful of social distancing and safety. Studies have shown that even just a brief conversation with another person daily is beneficial to your well-being during this time. Reach out to your friends, family, neighbors, supports, IC staff - give a call and say “Hi.” You will both benefit from the exchange and you will maintain that human connection, which is something we all need right now! One way that the IC is assisting members with isolation during this time is through daily phone calls and emails.

If you haven’t heard from us, we probably don’t have your current information. 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 and important updates. We would like to invite you to take advantage of the resources that are available during this time. There are many support groups, women’s groups, warm lines, AA and NA meetings accessible over the phone or online. If you are unsure how to connect with these resources, the staff at the IC are there to help.

The IC is happy to report that we have been offering weekly workshops to our members. Every Monday at 10:00am, Wednesday at 1:00pm and Friday at 10:00am you can call in and participate in one of our fun and informative workshops. Topics range from mental health tips, inspirational talks, health and safety topics, resource sharing and more! Each staff offers their own unique style of presentation and interaction, so try them all out! If you are interested in attending any of the workshops you will need to call 860-785-0086 and enter an ID code. The topic of the workshop and the ID code can be obtained by calling the main number at the IC (203-756-5772). The message is changed regularly to provide this information and any important updates. We hope that you will join us and your peers as we navigate this new way of staying informed, connected and united!

In the month of May, Mending Art will be hosting weekly workshops every Wednesday at 10:00am. To join please call 860-785-0086 and enter the ID codes as follows: Wednesday, May 6th: ID 531 174 178# Wednesday, May 12th: ID 767 727 816# Wednesday, May 20th: ID 463 463 487# Wednesday, May 27th: ID 824 389 50#

The IC is happy to announce that we have begun food distribution to our members.

IC staff are making weekly deliveries of hot meals, cold meals and food bank bags.

If you are interested in participating in our food distribution program, please reach out to staff and we will get you on our list!

Mondays (6:30-8:30pm) Women’s Group Online: https://zoom.us/ j/808331737 Dial In: 646 876 9923 Meeting ID: 808 331 737 Tuesdays Yoga @10am facebook.com/toivocenter Qi Gong @ 6-7pm facebook.com/toivocenter Wednesdays (3:30-4:30pm) Alternatives to Suicide https://zoom.us/j/793918997 Dial In: 646 876 9923 Meeting ID: 793 918 997

192 meals and 21 food bank bags were delivered on 04/29/20 and 04/30/20

Many of you have probably heard about meditation and about the benefits you can achieve with a regular meditation practice (reduced anxiety, stress and worry, greater self-awareness and improved emotional health to name a few). The problem is that many people find it difficult to do, or aren’t sure if they are doing it right or just don’t have the confidence to try it themselves. During the month of May, the IC will be offering a weekly guided meditation. Guided meditation is a practice where all you have to do is find a comfortable position, listen to the words you hear and go on a journey of relaxation and tranquility. We hope that you will put aside the worries and stress of the day and take part in this healing experience.

Guided meditation will be offered every Tuesday at 2:00pm. To attend please call 860-785-0086 and enter the ID codes as follows: Tuesday, May 5th: ID 877 697 083# Tuesday, May 12th: ID 455 199 529# Tuesday, May 19th: ID 995 337 454# Tuesday, May 26th: ID 828 987 905#

Thursdays (10-11am) Yoga facebook.com/toivocenter/ Fridays (12-1pm) Meditative Coloring facebook.com/toivocenter/ Saturdays (9:30-11:30am) Qi Gong and Tea https://zoom.us/j/735219697 Dial In: 646 876 9923 Meeting ID: 735 219 697 Sundays Men’s Group (6-8pm, biweekly) https://zoom.us/j/809960273 Dial In: 646 876 9923 Meeting ID: 809 960 273

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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.

May is Mental Health Awareness month. The IC will be offering workshops and information throughout the month of May. Additionally, in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, MHC is hosting #31DaysofWellness – a virtual experience with free resources, information, workshops, and more!

This year, MHC is focusing on the power of storytelling in your wellness journey. Each of us has a story to tell. MHC invites you to join us for weekly workshops each #WriteOnWednesday. Hear from MHC’s dedicated donors on #FundraiserFridays. Learn about the work we do each #MHCMonday and check out our full calendar of virtual experiences at www.mhconn.org/May.