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A HOLISTIC, PEER-LED APPROACH
DISCOVER YOUR FULL POTENTIAL
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CALL (860) 505-7581
EMAIL INFO@ADVOCACYUNLIMITED.ORG
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Advocacy Unlimited, Inc.
2075
Silas Deane Hwy
Rocky Hill, CT
06067
9am-5pm
(860) 505-7581
advocacyunlimited.org
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Join Rise Be
2075
Silas Deane Hwy
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
HOURS VARY
(855) 646-7366
joinrisebe.org
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Toivo Center
1477 Park St.
Suite 102
Hartford, CT
9am-5pm
(860) 296-2338
toivocenter.org
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Featured Article: "How Does Your Story Support Your Personal Recovery?" By Barbara McClane
Free Community Education
- Breathwork Classes
- Breathwork For Recovery
- Wellness Recovery Action Planning
- Diversity & Advocacy Workshop
- CTHVN Facilitator Basics
- Problem Gambling Hybrid Workshop
Fee Based Community Education
- eCPR Workshop - $20 Fee
- Reset & Refresh - $75 Fee
AU Spaces to Connect
- Bridger Program Community Meet Up
- Young Adult Warmline - Phone Based Peer Support
Peer Support Groups
- Alternatives to Suicide - Group Times
- Connecticut Hearing Voices Network - Group Times
Maastricht Approach Project
- Participate in a MAP Interview
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Potential Benefits
Connect with a Community Bridger
Join Rise Be
- Statewide Young Adult Advisory Board
- Young Adult Warmline - Phone Based Peer Support
Toivo: Holistic Stress Management Initiative
- May Offerings
- Calendar
- Connect With Toivo's Instagram
Individual Advocacy Network
Employment Opportunities
Community Spotlight
Peer Community Resources
CT Community Resources
Contact Us
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CREATIVITY PUZZLE
Remote Associates Test
The Remote Associates Test normally takes a linguistic form: given three words, the participant is asked to come up with a fourth word associated with all three of them.
Example: Square | Cardboard | Open - BOX
dress / dial / flower
Dress, Dial, Flower| ASSOCIATED WORD
ANSWER AT THE BOTTOM OF NEWSLETTER!
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How Does Your Story Support Your Personal Recovery?
by Barbara McClane
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Personal recovery is supported by having the ability to be vulnerable, transparent, and inclusive. Taking chances by being honest about my lived experiences opened my mind to explore my recovery journey at a wider angle. As it widened, more connections were made. I learned through others in a 12-step program that personal recovery depends on unity.
My addiction wanted me to be separated from others and live in isolation, so I did that for many years. Living in the present, I yearn for stories that connect, align, and support my recovery. My life story has had bitter moments. During my addiction, my life consisted of stealing from family and friends and spending time in institutions. My younger years were spent running away, dropping out of high school, and in teenage prostitution. I experienced a lot of emotional and behavioral problems, and I carried that baggage for a long time. As part of my story, seeking outside help was necessary if I was going to move away from surviving life and towards living life.
Sharing my lived experiences helped me find like-minded people in recovery. Meeting others along life's journey aligned our human connection spiritually and gave us the ability to share sacred stories. As people lent me their knowledge and acceptance, I learned that being transparent was a vital element on my part. Telling the truth to others allowed me to get the help and guidance I needed. Adapting to this new mindset was essential to my overall well-being in recovery. Freedom of speech is anchored in one's story, and allowing oneself to tell the full, truthful story makes a difference.
I am grounded in my spiritual life by having a supportive system with my spiritual leaders. It is my story's cornerstone. My higher power has been there for me. Lifting with skilled hands, watching, shifting, and moving me out of harmful situations. All those unsettling roads, misguided situations, and battling from within led me on my recovery journey. My highest support comes from above. I am comforted and strengthened by a higher presence. Recovery is a process, and with this support, I was able to rebuild my life in its entirety.
I believe my story can be beneficial to support others in recovery, as it is a story of restoration, revival, and renewal. I am blessed beyond measure through compassion and connection, which assisted me with changing my life. As my spirit grew, so did my story by having meaning, hope, and purpose.
I have built solid relationships over several decades as a direct result of staying in recovery. Strong hope becomes the balm as we gather and relate to one another. My friendships are deeply rooted, connecting every fiber of our hearts. My family and friends inspire me with their love. By being vulnerable and transparent and allowing others to see me and care for me, I have rebuilt my life through personal recovery. I am alive and well-centered on my journey.
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This free community education is hosted by Advocacy Unlimited, Inc. Registration is strongly encouraged.
Virtual trainings are offered via Zoom. No recording will be available. Once you register, you will receive an email about 72 hours before the training begins that includes the link to join the training
Click here to read our community informed consent statement: INFORMED CONSENT
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BREATHWORK CLASSES:
(IN PERSON & VIRTUAL)
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Wellness Recovery Action Planning | | |
Diversity & Advocacy Workshop | | |
Problem Gambling Hybrid Workshop | | |
Core Competencies of a Professional Peer | | |
FEE BASED COMMUNITY EDUCATION | |
Meet Up With the Bridger Program | | |
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YOUNG ADULT WARMLINE | PHONE-BASED PEER SUPPORT
855-646-7366 | 7 Days a week | 12pm-9pm
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Thoughts of suicide and attempts are among the most marginalized human experiences. The experience itself is isolating, and many people with suicidal urges carry shame about their feelings. At Alt2Su our aim is not only to provide support, but to take the shame and stigma off of these experiences. Alt2su takes a different perspective than traditional Suicide Prevention. There is no referral or assessment process. There is no formal attendance taken at any group. This is a safe space for people to share their experiences without fear of shame, stigma, or hospitalization. To learn more about our group values click the link above to view our website. | |
IN PERSON GROUPS
Middletown Group
Meets: Tuesdays from 6:30-8:00pm
Location: Free Center Middletown
52 North Main Street, Middletown
Contact Claudia- weizbackup@gmail.com
Hartford Group
Meets: Wednesdays from 5:00-6:30pm
Location: Toivo
1477 Park St, Suite 102, Hartford
Contact: Toivo- connect@toivocenter.org
Danbury Group
Meets: Wednesdays from 6:00-7:30pm
Location: UU Congregation of Danbury
24 Clapboard Ridge Road, Danbury
Contact Linda- seayalt2su@gmail.com
VIRTUAL GROUPS
Zoom Sunday Group - NEW GROUP!
Meets: Sunday from 6:00-7:30pm
For Zoom link contact Toivo- connect@toivocenter.org
Zoom Monday Group
Meets: Mondays from 3:30-5:00pm
For Zoom link contact Heidi Veiner- hviener@toivocenter.org
Zoom Thursday Group
Meets: Thursdays from 6:30-8:00pm
For Zoom link contact Tina- tinacuriousrecovery@gmail.com
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CT HEARING VOICES NETWORK | | | |
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The CT Hearing Voices Network provides statewide support for people who hear voices or have other alternative experiences. CTHVN group times can be subject to change throughout the month. Updated times and dates can be found on the CTHVN webpages linked below. | |
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VIRTUAL GROUPS
To find the virtual group that will work best for you and your schedule please visit cthvn.org/virtual.
FRIENDS AND FAMILY GROUP
This group's purpose is to support friends and family of voice-hearers. To learn more please visit cthvn.org/friends-and-family.
IN PERSON GROUPS
CTHVN is excited to announce several new in person groups beginning soon! View more information below or visit cthvn.org/find-a-group to find the nearest in person group to you.
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MAASTRICHT APPROACH PROJECT | | |
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The Maastricht Approach Project (MAP) is a community of informed supporters working together to normalize and embrace the full spectrum of human experiences | |
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Learn skills to cope and negotiate with voices to build a more positive relationship with the voices.
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Research shows that control over voices is possible and benefits clinical outcomes.[i]
- Voice hearers can learn to have pride in their experience and to give their voices personal and positive meaning.
- Learn to no longer be dominated by ones voices, and make their own choices.
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PARTICIPATE IN A MAP INTERVIEW | |
The Maastricht Interview is a questionnaire that includes questions related to the experience of voice hearing and paranoia.
The interview is a 1:1 approach, and conducted between 6-8 sessions.
The interview encourages the participant to explore the experience of voice hearing, built trust, openness, and understanding in their own experience. This occurs in a structured and supportive environment, led by trained Maastricht’s Guides.
The outcome is a document written fully in the words of the participant, outlines their unique lived experience, as well as identified points of interest to work towards personal recovery.
The act of documenting ones experience can be validating to the Voice Hearer. With continued conversation, ultimately reducing internalized stigma, and promoting social engagement.
For More Information:
Email info@advocacyunlimited.org
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[i] Mourgues, et. al. (2022). Measuring Voluntary Control Over Hallucinations: The Yale Control Over Perceptual Experiences (COPE) Scales. Schizophrenia bulletin, 48(3), 673–683. https://doi.org/10.1093/schbul/sbab144
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CONNECT WITH A COMMUNITY BRIDGER | | |
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The Bridger Program at Advocacy Unlimited Inc. provides non-clinical, person-centered support to adults statewide whose lives have been affected by psychiatry, trauma and/or addiction.
The Bridger Team is made up of individuals who draw from their own diverse lived experiences, coupled with the principles of Intentional Peer Support and their training as Recovery Support Specialist to build authentic, safe relationships defined by mutual trust, respect and personal agency. Engagement in the Bridger Program is 100% voluntary.
For more information contact us at:
860-505-7581 | bridger@advocacyunlimited.org
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YOUNG ADULTS | JOIN RISE BE | | |
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AN EMERGING ADULT RECOVERY INITIATIVE | We are a grant funded peer-led initiative built by young people for young people. We are based in New Britain, Connecticut and travel statewide to create space through presentations, workshops, and peer-groups. We our shared lived experience so others feel comfortable to do the same. We are here to influence positive change across our current mental health system and within our communities. Through our effort we cultivate the belief that recovery is possible and we all have the capacity to achieve self-defined success. |
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UPCOMING MEETINGS
May 2
June 6
July 11*
*Rescheduled from July 4th due to the holiday.
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YOUNG ADULT ADVISORY BOARD EVERY FIRST THURSDAY | 11AM-1PM | |
A space for young adults from across Connecticut to share, connect and use our collective experiences to improve the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services' young adult programming.
During meetings, we connect, share, and plan statewide recovery and leadership events. We are currently planning the 2023 Young Adult Summer Funfest.
TO REGISTER EMAIL CONNECT@JOINRISEBE.ORG
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Our Warmline offers statewide phone-based peer support for young adults.
Similar to hotlines, staff connect callers to community resources, hold space, and inspire callers to step forward and towards a life of self-defined purpose.
Callers may be feeling burnout or overwhelmed, recovering from trauma, or seeking a friend - all are welcome to call to connect with a peer today!
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OPERATORS
ARE AVAILABLE
EVERYDAY
12PM-9PM
1-855-6-467-3669
or 1-855-6-HOPENOW
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HOLISTIC STRESS MANAGEMENT | Toivo is a peer-led initiative that includes statewide classes, workshops and a center for holistic healing and stress management located in Hartford, Connecticut. To Learn more visit the Toivo website HERE | | |
Check out a few of the things coming up at the Toivo center. View the full calendar by clicking the link below to see all of Toivo's offerings! | |
Keep up to date with the latest offerings from Toivo, and get a peak into the center itself by following the Toivo Instagram page @toivo_center or click the icon above. |
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AU Individual Advocacy Network | |
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The shared purpose of IAN
We are a group of people whose lives have been devastated by the mental health and addiction service system of Connecticut. People are suffering. People are seeking help from an expensive, broken system that is not meeting their needs. We must do better. Our intention is to promote approaches that support people to move through emotional distress. Our hope is that you will join us and take action.
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Look Through A Few Relevant Listings! | |
Advocacy Unlimited is seeking a Director of Peer Recovery Services. The person in this position will lead the operations of AU's Division of Peer Recovery Services, including supervising all program managers within the Peer Recovery Services Branch, ensuring operations and fiscal management comply with regulations, and representing AU's vision, mission, and values within the organization and the community at large. If you are interested in this position follow the link below to view the full job description on our website! Applications must be submitted to HR@AdvocacyUnlimited.org by May 17th, 2024. All questions can be directed to Human Resources. | |
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Job And Volunteer Openings at Fireside Project | Fireside Project provides free, confidential peer-to-peer support by phone and SMS to people during and after their psychedelic experiences. | |
Job openings at The Village | The Village has a wide variety of job opportunities available in a database which is regularly updated. | |
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Multiple Opportunities: CMHA | Multiple positions for per diem Residential Monitors at CMHA in locations across the state! Check out their list. | |
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Multiple Opportunities: Mental Health Connecticut, Inc | Multiple opportunities with Mental Health Connecticut, Inc in locations across the state! Check out their list. | |
Multiple Opportunities: CommuniCare CT | |
CommuniCare CT has multiple job opportunities open! Click the link below to see their current listings.
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CCAR Hiring Multiple Positions | |
CCAR Is currently hiring for multiple positions. The ideal applicants will be enthusiastic, extremely well-organized, and passionate about supporting people in recovery.
A cover letter is required. Resumes without cover letter will not be considered.
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Looking for a job where you can support others through your own lived experiences?
We regularly update the Job Opportunities page on our website.
Check it out here!
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Got an Peer Opening?
Know of a job opportunity available? Please let us know, and we'll get the word out to our network of qualified applicants.
Email: info@advocacyunlimited.org
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The Understanding Control Over Voice-Hearing Experiences Project By The Yale COPE Project | | |
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The COPE II Project at Yale Home | Yale COPE Project
The COPE II Project seeks to understand the methods some voice hearers use to control onset and offset of their voices. Information gathered will be used to develop holistic treatments for voice hearers who currently do not have this control. Stipend of up to $830 for people who complete the subject, with the possibility of travel reimbursement. COPE II is looking for the following people:
- Voice hearer with a psychosis spectrum diagnosis
- Voice hearer without a psychosis spectrum diagnosis
- Person with psychosis spectrum diagnosis who does not hear voices
- Person without a psychosis spectrum diagnosis who does not hear voices
If you are interested in participating, follow the link below to fill out the pre-screening form. For more information on what participating in the study requires read the full explanation below under "what to expect."
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The CONVOKE Study is a clinical research study, actively recruiting participants. The study will look at 2 mobile applications (apps) to see if they can treat people with negative schizophrenia symptoms. Negative symptoms may include feeling no motivation, desire to socialize, or interest in the things that you used to enjoy.
The study will last for about 22 weeks, and will include 4 study center visits for assessments and 3 telephone calls. There is a study center located in Hartford and in Cromwell. After the main study, you may be offered an option to take part in a 20-week extension study.
Some basic requirements to join the study:
● Are located in the U.S. only
● Are 18 years or older
● Are the sole user of a smartphone
● Have a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia
● Have been taking antipsychotic medication for at least 12 weeks
● Are fluent in written and spoken English
To read more information and see if you are eligible, please click HERE. Click the link below to view the full informational brochure for this study.
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National Paranoia Network | |
The Paranoia Network was originally launched in 2004. Run by Peter Bullimore, Kate Crawford and Shaun Hunt, the organization aims to raise awareness of how disabling paranoia can be, and to breakdown social taboos.
Read A tribute to Peter Bullimore
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The Wildflower Alliance supports healing and empowerment for our broader communities and people who have been impacted by psychiatric diagnosis, trauma, extreme states, homelessness, problems with substances and other life-interrupting challenges. | Wildflower Alliance Website: wildfloweralliance.org | |
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MADNESS NETWORK NEWS
Madness Network News is dedicated to the interchange of energy and support of mad people and psychiatric survivors. Our work is rooted in psychiatric abolition and mad liberation movements, and we are committed to fighting against psychiatric oppression and violence everywhere.
BLOG: Anti-psychiatry vs. Psychiatric Abolition
BY: Róisín
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Open everyday 11:00 am - 11:00 pm PT.
The Psychedelic Peer Support Line is staffed by rigorously trained, compassionate, supportive volunteers from diverse backgrounds who listen deeply and from a place of non-judgment.
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Alcoholics Anonymous is a worldwide fellowship of people who help each other to stay sober. They offer the same help to anyone who has a drinking problem and wants to do something about it. Since they are all alcoholics themselves, they have a special understanding of each other. They know what the illness feels like – and they have learned how to recover from it in AA.
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The CT Cross Disability Lifespan Alliance is a statewide coalition of individuals and organizations that advocate for the full inclusion and participation of all people with disabilities in their communities. The CCDLA meets every other month to share resources, promote issues of importance and to advocate for solutions that improve the quality of lives for people with disabilities. In addition, the Alliance hosts Policy calls every other week to address policy issues at the local, state, and national levels. | |
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RIPPLE is a small collective of people who have lived experience with mental health and/or addiction challenges. Their mission is to empower their peers and use their voices to educate, inform, and inspire new leaders in the community. They aim to bring new and innovative ideas to the recovery process for the benefit of all.
RIPPLE has a comprehensive list of resources in Connecticut, organized by need and county.
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Learn About:
-The opioid epidemic
-How to prevent an overdose
-How to recognize warning signs & symptoms
-How to administer Narcan (Naloxone)
-Current protective legislation in CT
-Local resources & services
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DMHAS Mental Health Bed Website | A new project listing open beds, including 45 state-operated and private non-profit agencies, covering six types of programs and more than 1700 beds. Programs will be updating this site when there is a change in availability and at least weekly. | |
Blac Leaders: Anti-Racism Resources | Blac Leaders and Administrators Consortium has compiled a list of anti-racism resources, including children's books, social media accounts, and videos and other media. | |
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Helping Hands: A Resource Guide for Families With Loved Ones In Prison | Prison Families Alliance (PFA) is committed to improving the lives of families and children who have loved ones in the criminal justice system. | |
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Amplify has compiled a list of resources available for support in Connecticut, by region.
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VETERAN PEER SUPPORT SERVICES
Peer support services help Veterans who are using mental health treatment services in VHA. Any Veteran can have mental health problems, trouble with addictions, or other related problems. These can all negatively affect their daily living and personal wellness. Peer Specialists are employees who are Veterans. They have personally experienced similar life challenges to the Veterans who are using mental health services in VHA.
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Need support? Call to talk to a peer who understands.
CHR Warmline:
1-866-927-6225
(6pm-10pm, 7 days a week)
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HUSKY Medicaid Program Updates
The HUSKY Medicaid Program made several changes to their programs in 2020 to ensure better access to services and to best ensure the safety of patients and healthcare providers.
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This is Gizmo, a little dog with a big message. Gizmo is a therapy dog teaching kids in schools across America about mental health with an all-new curriculum called "Gizmo's Pawsome Guide to Mental Health." Gizmo doesn't just have resources for children, however. On his website, you can find materials on making a personalized mental health plan, practicing self-care, and supporting children and adults struggling with mental health. Check out this fantastic puppy's pawesome site today! | |
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Late-Night Support Meetings | |
Are you a night owl?
Join RIPPLE for their late-night support groups on zoom, from 10pm-12am on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
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Eating Disorder Support Lines | |
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Looking for Shelter? Call 2-1-1 Press 3, then 1 to speak with a housing specialist.
As of 11/17/2014 all requests for shelter beds must be made through 2-1-1
Safelink users call 1-800-203-1234
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CREATIVITY PUZZLE Remote Association Test
ANSWER: Dress, Dial, Flower| Sun
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Thanks for reading, and see you next month! | | | | |
