“My artwork is my best outpouring of my soul; it helps me with my selfesteem, self-confidence and self-image.” Laurie J.
Monday 10:30AM-11:00AM and 1:30PM-3:30PM
“My artwork is my best outpouring of my soul; it helps me with my self-esteem, self-confidence and self-image. I let nature compose me. At first I didn’t want to have a solo pop up show because I thought it would be negative, but I looked at all of my framed art and it was positive. I worked on the process to prepare and it helped me pull together what I needed to be doing. The work in the show was done over the last eleven years. The show helped me let my guard down and work on public speaking. I took what I remembered from other art shows and held an artist talk. The show felt positive, like reaching up for the light. It encouraged me and I started another piece within two days with pen and ink and watercolor. After the show I felt a sense of peace and contentment. I went home and hung every piece of my art!”
Wednesday 10:30AM-11:00AM and 1:30PM-3:30PM Friday 10:30AM-11:00AM and 1:30PM-3:30PM (Food Bank is not available during parties and meetings.
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You are invited to the MHC Mending Art Exhibit featuring IC Artists and Guests. Opening Reception October 18, 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. Hartford ArtSpace Gallery 555 Asylum Ave., Hartford
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Balam Soto creates contemporary, exploratory artworks that fuse low tech with high tech, including interactive art installations, public artworks, and video. He designs innovative works that seamlessly connect the human and digital experience, incorporating intuitive, tactile interfaces that allow individuals to experience physical computing while forgetting they are interacting with an inanimate object. The work comes to life as they begin to explore. Balam works independently on the artistic and technical sides of his pieces, incorporating technologies, including custom software and electronics. An award-winning, new media artist, Balam has exhibited in fine art venues worldwide. Venues include the New Zealand Art Festival; Brooklyn Academy of Music; Creative Tech Week in NY; the AluCine Latin Media Festival in Toronto, Canada; World Maker Faire at the New York Hall of Science Museum in Queens, NY; El Museo del Barrio in Manhattan, NY; Gallery of Oi Futuro in Brazil; Queens Museum of Art in Queens, NY; Everhart Museum of Natural History, Science & Art in Scranton, PA; the Centre Cultural in Brussels, Belgium; the National Library of Cameroon in West Africa; and the Art and Technology Corridor at the Three Rivers Arts Festival in Pittsburgh, PA among numerous others.
Over the past year artist Bridget O. dedicated herself to attending the Mending Art workshops that were held at MHC’s BLOOM house. Bridget had an opportunity to learn about other artists and discover her own art. Bridget now attends the Mending Art workshops at the IC. “I still have a lot of work to do with art. I have been collecting art materials and think that the gel pens are really going to be my thing. It’s fun to see the other artists’ work, they are very talented and creative. I like being able to express myself and show others that people are more than just their mental illness; we are sharing a gift. It’s fun and it makes me happy to be working on art. It is rewarding to finish a piece of art. I can’t believe my art is going to be in the Mending Art exhibit in Hartford; that’s a big thing!” says Bridget.
Participants from the Mending Art program were invited to the Sound Community Services, Oasis Art Social, in New London. Each IC Artist came prepared to stand up, share and speak about their art. They were welcomed with a delicious dinner, conversation and an opportunity to discover and learn about the artists and art at Oasis. They returned with new thoughts, new ideas and new friends!
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/ 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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Infoline CT 211 VEYO 1-855-478-7350 Guiding Path Warmline: 1-860-482-1783 or 1-800-314-2680 5pm-10pm 7 days per week National Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-8255 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
Marion comes to the IC almost every day. She attends workshops, mending art and says she likes Derrick’s groups. Marion reads inspirational books, magazines and likes to cook and listen to the radio. An avid writer, Marion is a past recipient of “The Most Prolific Writer” award. Being part of the IC allows Marion to socialize and visit places downtown that she likes. She was raised in Sharon, CT, speaks French and, growing up, she had cats and dogs. Now she surrounds herself with her collection of dolls and stuffed animals. It’s a pleasure spending time with Marion, as she has a quick wit and a great sense of humor. Keep up the good work, Marion!
In September we talked about the importance of having a healthy relationship with yourself. The first step is to care for your basic needs. This means getting enough sleep and eating healthy meals, along with exercising. Doing things that bring you joy is also very important. Being aware of your feelings and making regular time for yourself were other ways we discussed for having a healthy relationship with yourself. Some people in the group felt that putting yourself first was like feeding your ego. Feeding your ego and nurturing your soul are very different. Taking care of yourself is very beneficial for a healthy mind and your overall general health. So, take a few moments out of the day and a few days out the week for you, and be your own best friend.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point. The good news is that many women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a chance to raise awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Know your risks: Talk to your family to learn about your family history and talk to your doctor about your personal risk of breast cancer. Get screened: Schedule a clinical breast exam now, and have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are average risk. Know what is normal for you: See your health care provider if you notice any changes in the breast. Make healthy lifestyle choices: Maintain a healthy weight and diet, and add exercise into your routine.
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Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. However, mental illness affects everyone directly or indirectly through family, friends or coworkers. Despite mental illnesses’ reach and prevalence, stigma and misunderstanding are also, unfortunately, widespread. That is why each year, during the first week of October, NAMI and program participants across the country raise awareness of mental illness. Each year, we educate the public, fight stigma and provide support. And each year, our movement grows stronger. Mental health conditions are important to discuss year-round, but highlighting them during Mental Illness Awareness Week provides a dedicated time for mental health advocates across the country to come together as one unified voice. Since 1990, when Congress officially established the first full week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW), advocates have worked together to sponsor activities, large or small, to educate the public about mental illness. Why this cause is important: One in 5 Americans is affected by mental health conditions. Stigma is toxic to their mental health because it creates an environment of shame, fear and silence that prevents many people from seeking help and treatment. The perception of mental illness won’t change unless we act to change it. Source: *NAMI Each year Program Participants and staff from MHC’s Independence Center meet at the IC, don their “We All Walk Together” t-shirts, and march around the downtown area of Waterbury to raise mental health awareness. Local companies have come out to greet walker’s, and drivers honk their horns and wave in a show of support. Art projects are conducted and a free, outreach luncheon is served. Everyone is welcome, so please come join us on October 11th. This year we will have an open house prior to the walk, from 8:30-10 am., with refreshments. The walk begins at 10 am. All walk participants will receive a free t-shirt! (while supplies last).
For more information on the Annual IC Walk for Mental Health, on October 11th (rain date October 12th), please go to www.mhconn.org/IC. #WeAllWalkTogether! *Artwork by Program Participant, J. Fraser
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CHOICES Participant of the Month About Frank:
The Art of Wellbeing: A Time to Dance, will be held on November 10th, from 6pm to 9:30 p.m., at The Cabaret Theatre of Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT.
Who inspires you? John McCain, The Obama Family and Jimmy Carter What is your dream job? To be an electrician and a truck driver. Favorite Song: “My Way”, by Frank Sinatra (also someone I admire).
Visit www.mhconn.org/AWB for tickets and more info.
The Waterbury American Job Center proudly sponsors
2nd Annual
Participant of the month Maria D.
Frank is working toward getting his G.E.D. with LLSE and going back to work with the help of CHOICES. Frank is a smart and intelligent person that always is ready to do his best. CHOICES and LLSE are proud of you. Keep up the good work, Frank!
“Fall Into A Suit” Are you unemployed and need to look your best for an interview? Receive a free suit and job searching tips to help you land that new job! Thursday, October 4, 2018 Waterbury City Hall, 2nd Floor Veteran Memorial Hall 235 Grand Street Waterbury, CT
Honor Roll Choices is happy to announce that in the month of August, we had 7 referrals to the program, 7 participants had an interview, 1 participant started a new job, 1 graduated from Choices, and 6 participants started their journey towards employment. LLSE is celebrating 2 new school starts and 2 new referrals!
Congratulations! Have you been trying to find employment or start school? Need assistance with a resume, interview prep, applications, financial aid and more? Choices and Lifelong Learning Supported Education can help! Contact an Independence Center staff member, your clinician, or Choices at 203-757-5431.
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Choices Tip #3 Before the interview, learn everything you can about the company. This includes reading current news, releases and, most importantly, their mission. By doing this you’ll get a better understanding of the company and this shows the employer that you are serious about working for them because you are invested.
There was a candidate forum at Chrysalis Center in Hartford as part of the KTP (Keep the Promise) meeting that IC Members attended. Reps. Ritter and Hall from Hartford attended as well as Rep. Petit from the Plainville/ New Britain area. All of the representatives stressed the importance of folks telling their personal stories as well as emailing legislators in order to keep a "paper trail" and document any issues that may need their assistance. They also were adamant about registering and getting out to vote this November! If you are not yet registered to vote, the IC can help. See Debbie for details.
The knitting club continues to grow. Welcome to our newest knitters, Mike P. and Bridget O. Mike used to knit with his Mom and needed a little refresher, but once he got started he was able to pick it up again, and Bridget is going to sit in and watch for a while before she commits to a project. Janet G. is working on her 10th scarf! Her goal is to knit 12 scarves by December. Angelica T. is doing well on her project and is experimenting with some new stitches. Laurie J. stopped by to show her latest project to everyone. Laurie is knitting hats for infants at Waterbury Hospital. Check the IC Calendar for the next meeting of the club and please feel free to join us. Anyone interested in learning more, please see Alisa.
Congratulations to Karen W. for presenting the Mending Art Program to the StateWide Integrative Medicine Committee at CT Valley Hospital and achieving a personal goal of public speaking!
Carlos Joseph Mark Donna Patrick Larry Nazmi Raymond Gerald David Scott Chris Maria Thomas Francis Christian Nicholas Lucien Valerie Tom Richard Janet Bill Jennifer William Eugene
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Join us for a birthday bash on the 24th at 3:00 p.m.!
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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.
The annual IC Halloween Party will be held on October 31st, from 10 a.m. —3:00 p.m. The IC will have a free outreach luncheon, costume contest, with prizes, spooky treats and souvenirs. Come join in the fun!