Great Strides, September 2020

And then the sun took a step back, the leaves lulled themselves to sleep and Autumn was awaked. – Artwork by IC Artist, "Zero Hour" Frank R.

Raquel Franco

We would like to wish IC staff Jessica M. all the best as she welcomes her son Elliot Joseph into the world. Jess will be on leave from September 2nd through January 4th. We are so happy for her and this special time in her life!

Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is honored to once again be chosen as an official Silver Charity of the Eversource Hartford Marathon.

The Hartford Marathon Foundation (HMF) has committed to donate 100% of all registration fees to the official charities this year. Not only is the registration fee lowered to $25 for any race, but runners/walkers can still fundraise for their favorite charity to benefit those that need it most. We are excited to be a part of a fantastic group of charities who are doing good in communities across Connecticut and we invite you to join us. “Run or walk knowing you are participating in something much bigger than a typical road race.

Get friends, family, neighbors to join – this is not just about running, this is movement for a purpose.” - HMF Any interested member of the IC or MHC program participant may join MHC for the virtual race at no cost by signing up with an MHC staff member. For all others interested in joining Team MHC, learn more and register at www/mhconn.org/ marathon.Participants can run, jog, or walk their race at a local track, trail, or even stepping in place at home! Join the movement with purpose!

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One of MHC’s programs, GROW (Gardening, Recovery, and Opportunities for Wellness) is a skills building and wellness program that also grows healthy food for our program participants. Participants in this program learn the art of gardening – from planting seeds to caring for the garden or greenhouse at their facility. Culinary classes are also incorporated into this program to show how to utilize crops for healthier eating. Greenhouses are located across the state and the program is run by MHC’s dedicated staff Lori and Mady. During the past several weeks, the GROW program has been providing fresh produce to the IC that we are incorporating into our weekly meal deliveries! We are so thankful to be able to provide locally grown, organic produce to our members. A big thank you to Lori and Mady for all of their hard work and dedication to keeping GROW going during these challenging times and for sharing their harvest with us!

September 15-October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage month. It is a recognition and celebration of the contributions that Hispanic Americans have made to American society and culture. National Hispanic Heritage month has its origins in 1968 and honors five of our Central American neighbors who celebrate their independence in September. In honor of this celebration we will be preparing a delicious homemade meal that embraces Hispanic culture that we will be delivering to our members the last week of September (contact staff if you are interested) and staff will be doing a workshop on Monday, September 21 at 10:00am. We hope that you will join us!

September is National preparedness month. If we have learned anything from 2020 is that now, more than ever, we need to prepare for whatever may come our way. From unprecedented storms and tornados touching down in our area to the current health crisis we are facing, it is of upmost importance to take control and be prepared. Here are some tips to help stay safe:  Make a kit that includes a flashlight with extra batteries, a battery or crank

The earthy odor of ground being turned under, The harvest of crops gathered.

Burning leaves as we gather around a bonfire, baking potatoes at the edges, while making s’mores, laughing while sipping mulled cider or wine.

The tempting aroma of all wafts through the air of all the different pies baking in preparation of celebrations yet to come.

BOO!!!

When Mabon arrives. It’s time to be thankful to Mother Earth for the bounty she provides...

It’s time to focus, & take note of the Goddess Demeter...

It is the season for sweaters, jackets, one shiretta family to another even Mabon cider...

operated radio, bottled water, non-perishable food items, manual can opener, baby wipes or moist towelettes and a first aid kit. Store your kit in an accessible, dry, cool location.

Will you take a sip of Demeters chalice, partake of her oven, & bounty celebration...

 Make a list of emergency numbers i.e. medical doctors, therapist, psychiatrist,

The leaves circle all around me, swirling in a cloud of colors.

landlord, utilities, community supports, local police department etc.  Ensure that you are up to date on all prescriptions and that you don’t wait until

the last minute to get prescriptions filled.  Keep up with all of your medical appointments, even preventative care. Early

detection is your best defense to any issues that may arise.

Time stands still as I breathe in the crisp, cool air and immerse myself in the beautiful foliage.

I smell the firewood burning, adding to the crisp, cool air.

 Get your flu shot. This year more than ever it is important to be protected.

“The times they are a changin’.”

 Take care of yourself! Make some time each day for self-care, whether it be a 5

Fall ends summer

minute meditation, exercise, art, calling a friend, journaling, listening to music anything that helps you build your resilience and well-being. This will help you to be strong in the event you are faced with any type of emergency.

For additional support you can reach to staff at the IC (203)-756-5772, call AU’s phone based peer support at (888) 770-4478 M-F (9am-5pm), call 211 or contact SAMHSA’s free 24-hour Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.

Colored leaves go soon Be mindful of the changes -Poem by: Karen W., Victor B., Jess M., Dave G.

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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.

To all of our members - 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 including meal deliveries, daily workshops and outreach calls.

Remember to call the main number at the IC (203-756-5772) for staff phone numbers, details about workshops and important updates.

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 regularly.

Remember, “this too shall pass.” Hang in there and be well!