Summer

2012

Bright Horizons
Mental Health Month
BHcare celebrated Mental Health Month with a variety of events and activities to raise awareness about mental health issues and the resources available to the one in four Americans that live with a mental health condition. Too many people who are living with a mental health condition never seek or receive help due to stigma, lack of information, cost, or lack of health care insurance coverage, said Marilyn Cormack, President of BHcare. We want to help our families and friends who may be reluctant to ask for help or dont know where to find it. We have incredible amount of knowledge about how to identify and even prevent mental health conditions. Its important that we spread the word about it. One of the highlight events was an enlightened lunch with guest speaker Doreen DelBianco, Legislative Program Manager from DMHAS. DelBianco viewed mental health stigma as discrimination and urged those affected to contact their government representatives. Other mental health activities included a variety of luncheons, art shows, participation in the NAMI walk in Hartford, a poetry contest, and a complimentary services day. The month long activities and events culminated with a Mental Health Awareness Cookout Celebration in Branford.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, as I sit back and think about the years that I struggled with mental health issues, the depression, the anxiety, the hospitalizations and the diagnosis, I realize some very critical facts. These facts have helped me to grow in a positive way and given me a view of mental illness that demands great respect, appreciation and gratitude. I spent many years believing I suffered from mental illness and I used that as an excuse to fuel my substance abuse, living in an extremely depressed state and convincing myself that this was the life the I would live indefinitely. After years of severe active addiction, I sobered up and cleaned up and did well for fourteen months. However, I was not doing much to treat my mental health issues. I was sober but my depression, anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed where slowly beginning to cripple me. I was on anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medication, however, reminding myself of the good person that was within me was a challenge for me. Eventually I relapsed back to substances, back to what I knew best. I was immediately hospitalized. I spent a week and a half in the hospital and learned a great deal. I learned key elements in addressing my mental health issues that I practice everyday. Today I know it is okay to be angry at my mental health and addiction issues and to strike back by living well is the best revenge. I also am aware that in life, pain is inevitable but suffering is an option. I chose not to suffer. I realize that I am not my illness rather my illness is a part of what drives me to be the best man that I can possibly be. Ive learned that not only can my mental health issues benefit me but that I can use them to share my experiences so that it benefits others. I have tremendous respect for my symptoms as I know how powerful and direct they can be. I choose to honor Mental Health Awareness and to continue to learn about what a positive impact it has and to enjoy the opportunities it gives me to grow in a positive manner. ~ Mark

Recovery Story

Inside this Issue:

Page 2 - CEO & President Message/ Upcoming Events Page 3 - Employment Salute/ Quinnipiac Raises 28k Page 4 - Volunteers Honored Page 5 - BHcare Receives N2N Grant/MSP on eBay Page 6 - Girls Night Out Page 7 - Program Updates
Cover Photo by Kasie Scafariello King

435 East Main Street Ansonia CT 06401 (203) 736-2601

www.bhcare.org

14 Sycamore Way Branford CT 06405 (203) 483-2630

A Message from Our President & CEO

Commitment to Our Clients, Community & Constituency
Sometimes there is a feeling of unease that comes with a merger. People are concerned that services will change, that the organization will move, or that their donations will support services in another community. That certainly is not the case with this merger. We would like to assure you that our clients, as always, continue to receive services in their local communities. Our clinics, social clubs, domestic violence services and support programs continue to run in the same locations because it is so important that our clients have access to everything they need, close to home. We understand too, how donors feel about keeping their support close to home. While our cause is global, our services are local and any donations that are designated for a specific program or site will be honored as they are designated. Thanks to our donors, we are able to provide the most up to date, client-centered, community-based services possible for our clients and community. If you have any questions or concerns about the merger, please do not hesitate to contact us. We sincerely appreciate your continued support and dedication to our mission, programs and services.

BHca Anso

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Marilyn Cormack President

Roberta Cook Chief Executive Officer

Upcoming Events
Save the Date! Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Connecting the dots: Integrating health, wellness and tobacco treatment in behavioral health.
Full Day Conference Four Points Sheration, Meriden CT CEUs pending For more information, visit communicare-ct.org.

Employment Salute Honors Employees/Employers

BHcare's 18th Annual Employment Salute was held on April 11, 2012 at John J. Sullivan's Restaurant in Ansonia. More than 70 people attended the event. Michelle Bernier received BHcare's Employee of the Year award and her employer, Antonio's Restaurant, received the award for the Employer of the year. The inspirational achievement award was presented to James McGrath, who has worked at the W.E. Bassett Co. for many years. W. E. Bassett was recently sold to a company in California and will be leaving the Valley. Bill Bassett, retired president, expressed his happiness with the relationship his company has had with BHcare's supported employment group. The keynote speaker was Walter J. Donne, Director of Human Resources at Uretek LLC in New Haven. Donne talked about the importance of giving people a second chance as he has had success in hiring ex-offenders. The Employment Salute is sponsored by the BHcare Business Advisory Council and the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce. If you are interested in joining the Business Advisory Council, please call John Yeager at (203) 736-2601 ext. 412.

Quinnipiac University Raises 28k for CDVS

The Alpha Chi Omega Sorority at Quinnipiac University presented a $28,500 check to the Center for Domestic Violence Services this past April. The money was raised during their annual Frisbee Fest which raises awareness and funding for area domestic violence services. The event takes place in October during domestic violence awareness month. Last year, over 450 people participated in the event which included a frisbee tournament, cookout, raffles, dunk tank, and Pie an Alpha Chi where members of the sorority get pied in the face with cool whip. This years Frisbee Fest, which will be in its 15th year, will take place on October 6 at noon at the quad at Quinnipiac University. The chapter is looking to break last years record for attendance and amount raised. To learn more about the event, visit their website at alphachiqu.org. Thank you to the REAL STRONG WOMEN of Alpha Chi Omega!

Volunteers Honored
BHcare honored its volunteers at various celebrations this past April and May. We have over 250 active volunteers at BHcare logging thousands of hours in support of our mental health, addiction, prevention and domestic violence services. My Sisters Place has 23 regular volunteers that donate 530 hours a month to the store, thats over 6000 hours per year, the equivalent of 265 twenty-four hour days! Four of the MSP volunteers have been with the store for over 12 years. Our Bowl-2-Benefit would not have been possible without the tremendous support of the volunteers. The event is 14 hours long and takes a great group of volunteers to keep it running smoothly. This years group helped to raise more than $93,000 for our Center for Domestic Violence Services. The Holiday Gala is made possible thanks to an amazing group of volunteers who serve on the Gala committee. The 2011 Gala sold out for the first time in its 10 year history and was the most successful Gala to date, grossing over $79,000. Since this event has grown so much, we are currently seeking to expand the committee. If you are interested in being part of this wonderful holiday event, please contact Debbie Soulsby at BHcare (dsoulsby@bhcare.org). The BHcare Clothing Bank is volunteer run and relies on the dedication of 15 volunteers who donate more than 100 hours of service each week. The Clothing Bank provides clothing, personal care items and linens to more than 3,000 individuals and families each year. Volunteers sort, help customers, and pick up donations six days per week! Dottie Lynch, 98, pictured below, recently retired from her volunteer position at the BHcare Clothing Bank after 15 years of dedicated service. The support and dedication of the BHcare Board of Directors and Birmingham Foundation Board helps to keep our mission, programs and services up and running. We have more than 50 dedicated volunteers serving on our boards and for that we are truly grateful.

BH

Dottie Lynch

B2B - Top Fundraising Youth Group Oxford Center School

B2B - Top Fundraising Organization New Haven Family Relations

B2B - 2nd Place Fundraising Organization Shelton Intermediate School

MSP is Now on eBay

Retail business at My Sister's Place (MSP) is thriving, but we are always looking for ways to raise more funds to support Center for Domestic Violence Services (CDVS) programs. Our latest initiative is developing a vibrant and successful eBay business. eBay allows us to sell valuable donations at a higher price than in our storefront. In the past, many of the higher value donations were sold on the showroom floor for a fraction of their true market value. Now, with new online analytic tools, we are able to properly assess donations and sell them through eBay and other online channels where we can get the best possible price, and in so provide more services through CDVS. The sales are quickly growing and the feedback from our eBay customers has been extremely positive. Nancy Cahoon says, We are selling items faster than we can list them. Be sure to visit MSP on eBay. Happy bidding! 4 For more information, visit http://bit.ly/ebayMSP.

BHcare Receives $27K from Neighbor-to-Neighbor LifeLine

BHcare was awarded $23,000 for emergency housing in New Haven and on the Shoreline, and $4,000 for the Denis Olsen Lifeline Fund by the United Way of Greater New Haven and the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven Neighbor-to-Neighbor Lifeline Fund. The grant funding will provide support for BHcares emergency housing services. The emergency services provide assistance to individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. BHcare clients struggle with mental illness and/or substance addiction issues and research shows that a stable living environment has a significant positive impact on recovery rates. BHcare is the largest housing provider for adults with serious mental illness and substance abuse addition issues on the Shoreline. The Denis Olsen Lifeline Fund (DOLF) provides emergency relief for adults who struggle with mental illness and/or substance addition who are in a crisis situation. This relief includes assistance to avoid utility shut off, personal care items, shelter and other emergency needs. DOLF dollars help to alleviate financial stress and allow clients to focus on their recovery. The Neighbor-to-Neighbor LifeLine is an emergency fundraising program led by United Way of Greater New Haven and the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven. Their goal is to raise awareness and funds to address critical housing and hunger needs in Greater New Haven. Visit www.n2nlifeline.org for more information.

Clients served to date: Greater New Haven Housed 2 with with security deposit assistance Prevented evicition for 3 with rental asssitance Prevented foreclosure for 1 family with mortgage assistance Shoreline Secured housing for 2 families with sevuirty deopisit assistance Prevented eviction for 5 with rent assistance Preventy utility shut-off for 8 with emergency funds

VSAAC Hosts Gambling Workshop

VSAAC hosted a free gambling awareness training for community providers on June 6, 2012 at the town hall in West Haven. Lori Rugle, Ph. D., Director and Susan D. McLaughlin, M.P.A., CPP Prevention Services Coordinator, both of DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, lead the three-hour workshop. The focus of the training included an update on awareness about problem gambling across all ages with a concentration on the impact of youth gambling, current brain development research and the connection with youth risky behavior, gambling as a co-occurring disorder, how to infuse gambling-related information into existing prevention work with youth and families and to enable participants to start the conversation with constituents. Gambling behaviors have become so normative that often certain activities are not even considered gambling. Americans spend more money on gambling than on food. The average current debt of gamblers who call the CT Problem Gambling Helpline is $34,000. Gambling is simliar to alcohol use in the following ways: it is a legal recreational activity enjoyed by many people, there is an age restrcition limiting use by minors, and the opportunities to gamble are numerous and widely promoted. Some ways to help prevent gambling is to elevate concern of gambling to level of substance abuse, raise awareness and infuse gambling education into prevention programs. Funding for the program was provided by Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Problem Gambling Services.

ation

Girls Night Out

BHcares 3rd annual Girls Night Out Fashion Show was held on June 8, 2012 at Woodwinds in Branford. Over 120 women attended the event that raised $13,000. All proceeds benefit BHcare programs and services that help more than 12,000 men, women, children and families. Our Hollywood Glam night featured fashions by Ella where She shops, Carols Creations and Asiyes Boutique, music by Dancin Dawg Productions, red carpet entrance with paparazzi, photo booth, boutique shopping, silent auction and signature drinks. The fashion show was emceed by Erin Logan and Rebecca Bainer of WTNH News 8. Our models included Victoria Geddes: Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, Tianna Hill: BHcare, Gina Ragusa: Napoli Nissan, JoAnn Begley: VNA Community Healthcare, Amanda Brown: CTrides, Marilyn Cormack: BHcare, State Representative Lonnie Reed, Barbara Colley, Chef Betty Ann Donegan and Heather Mahoney: BHcare. Thank you to Robyn Dostie-Sudock and the Bravada Hair Lounge team who did a fabulous job on hair and makeup for our models. A big thank you to all our wonderful sponsors and donors. Presenting Sponsor: Guilford Savings Bank Media Sponsor: The Sound Show Stopper Sponsors: Rose and Kiernan, Inc., Sparrow Visuals, VNA Community Healthcare Diva Sponsors: Mr. & Mrs. Richard Bell, The Community Foundation of Greater New Haven, Sir Speedy, Webster Bank Girlfriend Sponsors: Branford Counseling, Tammy Burrell, CPA, Letizia, Ambrose & Falls, P.C., Royal Printing, TNT Cocktail Sponsors: Ms. Patricia Andriole, Mr. & Mrs. Nelson Bernabucci, Serra & DelVecchio Insurance GNO donors include Cafe Allegre/WoodWinds, Jeff Evans Photography, Michael Sheehan Photography, Moon Wolf Creations and Van Wilgens Garden Center. The event would not be possible without the help and support of our volunteers. Many thanks to Erica Azarigian, Kerry Boughton-Haynes, Bobbi Jo Evans, Carol Hines, Asiye Kay, Marsha Maldonado, Lesley Marcus, Charlotte Mattei and Tara Sullivan-Colon.

Doctors Corner

CDVS News

Social Club News

Using Facebook to Raise Awareness

BHcare is supported by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the Guilford Community Fund, the Guilford Human Services Council, the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, The Valley United Way, United Way of Milford, The Valley Community Foundation and the Towns of Bethany, Branford, Derby, East Haven, Guilford, Hamden, Madison, North Branford, North Haven, Orange, Oxford, Seymour, Shelton and Woodbridge. BHcare is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities and is licensed by the Department of Public Health. BHcare is a partner agency of CommuniCare, Inc. An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer
We apologize for any omissions or oversights, if your department, foundation or municipality has been overlooked, please bring it to our attention.

BHcare Board of Directors

Executive Board William C. Bassett, Co- chair Margaret Livingston, Co-chair William C. Nimons, Treasurer Sean Thomas, Secretary Directors Joyce M. Barcley Richard Bell, Esq. Tammy L. Burrell Lauren M. Casalveri Anne C. Cribbons David Crompton Laura J. Donahue, Esq. D. Cyril DSouza, MD Karen S. Dufour, MD Natalie Feingold V. Craig Finney Stephen C. Guarrera Michael J. Gulish Mark S. Holden Alice Hummel Nancy D. Lapera Nicholas P. Luise Bernard F. Lynch Catriona MacAuslan Charlotte Mattei John Monico Joseph A. Pagliaro, Jr. Lynne Perry Janet Poss Patricia A. Reynolds Mary Ellen Samatulski Anthony P. San Angelo Janice A. Sheehy Madeleine M. Sobin Phyllis L. Sochrin Dominick J. Thomas, Esq. Mark A. Tilki Joseph A. Verrilli Ronald L. Villani John Wisniewski

435 East Main Street Ansonia CT 06401 14 Sycamore Way Branford CT 06405