Great Strides, September 2017

The Gathering is a citywide ethnic festival celebrating music, food and dance from about the world. The event is held in downtown Waterbury at Library Park. The Gathering begins with a massive cultural parade through downtown Waterbury.

The Gathering has been described as the most diverse and inclusive cultural festival in New England, and last year elements of 108 different cultures were celebrated in downtown Waterbury.

“Staying positive will give you positive outcomes.”

-Rich C.

Monday 10:30AM-11AM and 1:30PM-3:30PM Tuesday closed Wednesday 10:30AM-11AM and 1:30PM-3:30PM Thursday closed Friday 10:30AM-11AM and 1:30PM-3:30PM (Food Bank is not available during parties and meetings.)

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The IC would like to announce that this month’s faces in recovery is Rich C. Rich has been a member of the IC since 2002! Rich recently successfully completed our reception area training and will be that friendly face you see when visiting the IC or the voice you hear when you call the IC. When speaking about his recovery Rich informed us that what helps him are his friends and family. “They give me hope and hope is my driving point that lets me know I am going to be ok.” Rich’s advice to his peers is that they stay consistent with the programs and groups they attend because it helps stay on that recovery path. “as long as you stay positive, the negative mind set will fade away.” “When your thinking about the past just leave it in the past, leave it behind you, look forward to the future. Staying positive will give you positive outcomes.” We asked Rich what helps him stay positive and in recovery, “I love art, reading classic comic books, I also research classic cars, because one day I want to help fix those classic cars.”

Last month in current events we talked about the ongoing budget issues that the state is going through. This conversation led members to think about their own budget and habits with money spending. The question that arose was what can you do to save money within your own house? It is easy to say how someone else can save money but when it comes to saving our own money standards will change. Members agree that we all need to walk that same thin line for saving and spending money that we think the state should do. Members discussed that they can start saving small from daily, weekly to monthly. You can itemize the things that are a necessity and narrow it down to things you really do and don’t need. It is never too late to start a budget. A penny saved is a penny earned.

The Mending Art group and guests stopped in for a visit at Five Points Gallery during their visit to Torrington. The gallery is currently holding their Biennial juried Exhibition which was juried by Joe Fig. One of the artists whose work was on display, Ben Dworski-Riggs, came to visit the I.C. Artists and share a bit about his art.

Following the visit to Five Points Gallery, the Mending Art group had the opportunity to see “Project: Fish Tales.” This installation was created by Danielle Mailer and community helpers. It brings awareness to the Naugatuck River. I.C. Artists shared with one another about their experience with these visits. “I love art, this makes me want to make more!” said Doug N. “The different styles were very impressive and educational. We need things like this in Waterbury,” said David G. “I liked seeing the different art scene and displays in a different city,” said Rich A. “New faces and new arts inspire me,” said Vanessa M. “I loved all the art, the instillation was exciting to see!” said Terrex C. “Awe inspiring! Very good, lots of talent to do those art pieces!” said Shawn M. “It gave me a feeling of security and assurance. I was able to look at the art and realize that I can make art too!” said Carol G.

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/

Photograph Five Points -Gallery Executive Director Judith McElhone, Artist Ben Dworski-Riggs, Mending Art participants and guests

Here is the acts of kindness ‘rocks’ project IC members participated in.

These rocks represent peace and calm that are put in different parts of the building. This way other members and staff can see and find that inner peace or calm if they need it.

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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Get your walking shoes ready!!

Each October, members and staff of Mental Health Connecticut’s (MHC) rehabilitation resource center, the Independence Center (IC), gather together to promote health and wellness while raising awareness around mental health in the Greater Waterbury community. For over 20 years, these individuals have held the Annual IC Walk during the first week in October in conjunction with Mental Illness Awareness Week. The event brings together MHC staff and clients for a walk around Waterbury’s downtown district and shows the community that with the support from staff and peers as well as active participation in program offerings, members can achieve recovery and better engage with their communities.

Join us Thursday, October 5th, at 10:30 a.m. (rain date October 6).

To learn more about the IC Walk, call the IC or visit https:// mhconn.networkforgood.com/projects/35095-2017-ic-walk.

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“I could say so much about my art. When I’m painting I’m relaxed and stress free. I believe painting inspires people to be the best that they can be. It gives me hope and lets me know that I can accomplish my goals even when I think I can’t. The paintbrush helps me let go. It brings out the inner beauty in me and I see the beauty of others when I look at their art. I enjoy putting rainbows in my art because all of the different colors offer hope for the future. I think about other artists and where they started and how they grow. My favorite artist is my mom. She once painted beautiful roses. I was able to keep a painting she did of a dog; it looks so real! She loved cats and dogs. When I look at my mom’s paintings, I think of her.”

- Jeannette S.

September Birthday Bash September 27 3:00 p.m.

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Peter S.

09-01

Julie S.

09-01

Shawn F.

09-01

Terrex C.

09-02

Susan S.

09-04

Ming R.

09-06

Rene H.

09-07

Frank R.

09-09

Lawrence R.

09-09

Michael C.

09-11

Victor F.

09-12

Veronica H.

09-13

Ana M.

09-14

Jayvone G.

09-15

Jeremiah P.

09-16

Marian C.

09-18

Keren B.

09-19

GustaAvo U.

09-19

Bryan S.

09-20

Brian L.

09-20

Aaron H.

09-20

Alberto T.

09-21

Adriano T.

09- 21

Vanessa M

09- 22

Cynthia A.

09-23

Susan M.

09-24

Ljuljeta E.

09-25

Thomas E.

09-30

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Several I.C. Artists took a walk over to the Mattatuck Museum one Friday afternoon. They enjoyed seeing the art of Winslow Homer and Charles Schulz!

Join us for our next visit to the museum!

We are currently collecting art for our upcoming Mending Art show at Hartford ArtSpace!

Congratulations to Jose M. for having his art piece, “Waterbury” accepted into the juried show #IBELIEVEINWATERBURY at the Mattatuck Museum.

Opening reception for the exhibit will take place Sunday, September 10th from 1:00—3:00 p.m.

If you are interested in participating please contact Mending Art Coordinator, Amy Smith.

Photograph of Jose M. delivering his accepted piece to Jennifer at the MATT

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Have you ever thought about cooking? Do you have experience of working in the food industry and would love to show the talent you developed? Ever wondered what meal planning actually was? Do you want to know more or anything about the food industry?

As an IC member all these questions can be answered or more can be asked and answered if you become involved in our culinary unit! If you are interested please call the IC and speak to Jess.

Infoline CT 211 Logisticare 1-888-248-9895 Guiding Path Warmline: 1-860-482-1783 or 1-800-314-2680 5pm-10pm 7 days per week National Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-8522 Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline 1-888-999-5545 En EspaĂąol 1-888-999-8332 Crisis 1-866-794-0021 Dentists in Waterbury Who take Husky Health

Members attended a rally in Hartford to urge state leaders to work on a budget that works for all of us!

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.

Solo Exhibits at Terryville Public Library during the month of September: 

Doug N. “My New World” September 2nd- September 15th

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Carol G. “Seasons” - September 15th-September 31st

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John B. “Results of Encouragement” -September (Glass Cabinet Display)

Join us on Friday September 15th for a visit of the exhibits!

PLEASE PLACE STAMP HERE

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