We inspire families and individuals to overcome the disease of
addiction by creating real, long-term solutions!
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Learn more about TriCircle, Inc. and
consider a donation today!
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Facebook May Double Your Donation on Nov. 30th! |
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We are very grateful for the generosity of all our supporters. Whether it is time, talent or treasure that you give throughout the year, your contribution is essential to our mission and vision and is greatly appreciated! This year, Giving Tuesday falls on November 30, and it is fast approaching! If you are able to make a donation, consider setting your alarm for 8:00 am EST that morning to increase your chances of receiving a 100% match from Facebook when you use the link we will provide
in next month's newsletter!
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If you have 2 hours to spare,
YOU can make a difference by:
- Volunteering at one of our many events
- Stuffing envelopes for a mailer
- Selling tickets for an event
- Helping with promotion on social media
- Serving on an Advisory Board to the TCI Board of Directors
- Securing raffle donations
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
THIS MEANS YOU!
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“Do work that matters. Choose to participate in initiatives that will positively impact the world and
help make a difference in your community.”
― Germany Kent
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Looking to get involved? Need resume worthy skills and experience? We can help each other!
We have volunteer opportunities on the following
TriCircle, Inc. Advisory Boards:
Communications & Public Relations
Meets on Zoom, Mondays at 8:30 am.
Positions needed: Social Media Ambassador,
Vice Chair, Graphic Designer
Commitment - 2-3 hours/week
Fundraising & Events
Meeting via Zoom or in person at 6 Way Road, Middlefield, on the last Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm.
Positions needed: Chair, Vice Chair, Events Sub-Committee Volunteers, Graphic Designer
Commitment - 2-3 hours/week, plus our fun and exciting events
Clinical
Meets on Zoom 1st Thursday of each month
Positions needed: Secretary, Document Specialist
Commitment - 2-3 hours/week
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“Immerse yourself in a cause you're passionate about.”
― Germany Kent
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The 3rd Annual Gala Brunch Was a Huge Success!
Here are some photos from our day together. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and helped in any way.
The Wallingford Elks Lodge continues to offer their generous support of TCI's mission and message in so many ways. Special thanks go out to Keith McGilvery, Anchor and Reporter from Fox61 News, who was our awesome Emcee and to speakers Don Fertman, Board Chair of Phoenix and Former CEO of Subway, and Cheryle Pacapelli, Program Director for Harbor Health, NH. The food was absolutely amazing, thanks to Chef Bernie and the entire Kitchen Crew! The beautiful and inspiring music was performed by Mike and Steve who are part of a 4 piece band
called Mad Dash. Together WE are Stronger!
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TCI Video Series Created
A video series, created exclusively for TriCircle, Inc., features our founder and Executive Director, Ana Gopoian, and Ken Cairns and Fred Hayden, two parents of families affected by Substance Use Disorders and the Disease of Addiction. This month's newsletter features three of the videos.
We welcome you to watch:
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From the Desk of Ana Gopoian
There is Hope
When a desperate family member joins one of our Hope & Support Groups to ask the question, "Where is the hope in all of this?", we must stand ready with solid and uplifting responses! Their fear, isolation and need for resources and support must be addressed.
Bereaved parents make their way to one of our Hope After Loss groups, defeated in utter despair, also ask, "Where is there hope in all of this?" The answer does not come easily. Losing someone you love to a drug related death is something beyond profound. In many ways, the loss may have occurred long before the actual act of passing. Many years of heartbreak and struggle often precede these tragedies and leave in their wake feelings of dismay, regret, guilt and despair.
Addiction is isolating, not only for the individual, but for the entire system of people who surround their loved ones. Families, friends and co-workers alike experience the extremely uncomfortable feelings associated with their attempts to help affect change.
Despite what we know, addiction is still attached to a great deal of shame and stigma which is as detrimental as the disease itself and provides yet another barrier to treatment.
Addiction does not discriminate and knows no bounds. Our Support Group attendees come from a wide range of demographics, but they all come with a still small voice in their hearts that whispers, "There is hope."
So, how do we recover? Where do we find hope? SAMHSA's website offers the following:
Recovery is a process of change through which people improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential. There are four major dimensions that support recovery:
- Health—overcoming or managing one’s disease(s) or symptoms and making informed, healthy choices that support physical and emotional well-being.
- Home—having a stable and safe place to live.
- Purpose—conducting meaningful daily activities and having the independence, income, and resources to participate in society.
- Community—having relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love and hope.
Hope, the belief that these challenges and conditions can be overcome, is the foundation of recovery. The process of recovery is highly personal and occurs via many pathways. Recovery is characterized by continual growth and improvement in one’s health and wellness that may involve setbacks. Because setbacks are a natural part of life, resilience becomes a key component of recovery.
The process of recovery is supported through relationships and social networks. This often involves family members who become the champions of their loved one’s recovery. Families of people in recovery may experience adversities that lead to increased family stress, guilt, shame, anger, fear, anxiety, loss, grief and isolation.
The concept of resilience in recovery is also vital for family members who need access to intentional supports that promote their health and well-being. The support of peers and friends is also crucial in engaging and supporting individuals in recovery.
Recovery services and supports must be flexible. What may work for adults may be very different for youth or older adults. For example, the nature of social supports, peer mentors, and recovery coaching for adolescents is different than for adults and older adults. Supporting recovery requires that mental health and addiction services:
- Be responsive and respectful to the health beliefs, practices, and cultural and linguistic needs of diverse people and groups.
- Actively address diversity in the delivery of services.
- Seek to reduce health disparities in access and outcomes."
TriCircle has worked very hard and is proud to offer resources for all of these recommended services and supports. Yet, with all of this in mind, I believe recovery and hope resonate on a much deeper level. The challenges we meet and the contrast we create here during our brief stay on this planet are the cornerstones of our ability to be resilient, to heal, and to co-create with others and, more importantly, to find purpose, joy and unconditional love. Without the difficult times there would be no desire for something more, something better, something different. As we sift, sort and navigate these waters together, we find a space where inspiration, hope, resilience and love grows. Together WE are Stronger!
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Welcome to the TCI Board of Directors
Serving on our Board is a commitment of time, passion and energy.
Our members are hand selected and laser focused on our mission
and vision. The Board of Directors is tasked to provide the organization
with clear direction and oversight. They serve as the governing body
of individuals who have varying skills and a burning desire to
guide TriCircle's growth, sustainability and success.
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Michael Black, LPC-A
Michael's family was plagued by substance use and adversely affected by the disease of addiction for as long as he can remember. This experience ultimately influenced Michael to choose a career in substance abuse and mental health counseling to help other families find hope and recovery.
Michael has worked in various capacities in the field of addiction services and mental health counseling and has a particular interest in working with veterans and victims of crime. Mike now serves as the Senior Clinician on the Assertive Community Treatment Team for Gilead Community Services. Mike received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Connecticut in Urban and Community Studies, a Master of Business degree from Liberty University, and a Master of Science degree from Post University in Counseling and Human Services. In his free time, Mike enjoys traveling, fishing and reading.
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Dennis McKelvey
Dennis grew up in Buena Park, CA and graduated from the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, in 1988. He was on active duty for almost 25 years and served on four different submarines, including tours as Commanding Officer of the USS ANNAPOLIS (SSN 760) and SUBMARINE NR-1. Upon his retirement from active duty, he took a position as a U.S. Navy Civilian, working on the Submarine Base in Groton, CT, for three years before accepting his current position as Senior VP at Sonalysts, Inc. in Waterford, CT.
Dennis learned about TriCircle as he was searching for a charitable organization to which he would commit. He believes TriCircle is an organization that is having a positive impact today and has the potential to have an even greater impact in the future. Like many of the people involved with TriCircle, his life and family have been impacted by the disease of addiction. Dennis considers it an honor to be involved with helping even a single person beat this disease, and TriCircle has the potential to help many more.
Dennis has lived in Gales Ferry with his wife, Susan, since 1989. He has three children and one grandchild. He enjoys fishing, playing poker, spending time with his family and making pottery. He has a pottery studio in the basement of his house.
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2021 Save the Dates
November
- Wed., November 17 - Setback Kickoff (see details below)
- Tuesday, November 30 - Giving Tuesday. Set your alarm for 8:00 am to increase your chances of a matching gift from Facebook!
December
- Sunday, December 5, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm - Annual Holiday Meeting, Gaylord Hospital, Chauncey Building
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Setback Kicks Off Again on Wed., November 17th |
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TheCharityChallenge.net, in partnership with the Department of Children and Families,
98.7 WNLC, TriCircle, Inc. and Bags of Hope, is once again hosting our Spread the Seeds of Change for Children
Holiday Gift Drive! Click the image on the left to find out how
you can help!
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Ghosts to Gratitude
And just like that, it is November! We have moved from ghouls to gratefulness. As a mother of children in recovery, the transition from Halloween to Thanksgiving is difficult. We go from candy to a full course meal. How do I to fit thankfulness and gratefulness in the midst of cooking, cleaning and recovery? My mind drifts back to lost meals, anger, yelling, children not showing up, dinners ruined. But this year will be different! I will be present, and a gem of a book is going to help me! Present not Perfect, by Aimee Chase, is a journal to keep you present and focused on yourself. Do you need to read it? No! Fill out every page? No! Open at random and see what speaks to you? Yes! Do I have a favorite page? Yes, page 40, Take me as I am.
Elizabeth Kirby Fullerton, PhD
elizabethkirbyfullerton@gmail.com
(904) 309-3906
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CLINICAL SERVICES
Now Offering DBT
TriCircle, Inc. strives to offer Clinical Services that meet the individual needs of those who choose to take advantage of these opportunities to enhance their journey toward healing. We are accepting new clients. Our master’s level clinicians offer a range of evidence-based programs, giving clients and their families the opportunity to grow, change and maintain long-term recovery.
TCI’s Clinical Services offer:
Flexible morning or evening hours
Time for family
Ability to seek and maintain employment
Practice of new coping skills
Enjoyment of substance free activities
Benefit of personal health and wellness
DBT is now an integral part of our varied Clinical Services offerings!
What is DBT?
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that tries to identify and change negative thinking patterns and pushes for positive behavioral changes. DBT may be used to treat substance use disorders as well as suicidal and other self-destructive behaviors.
Click here to learn more about our Clinical Services or call
(860) 349-7074 to set up an intake.
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Engage in Self Care!
TriCircle's Hope & Support and Hope After Loss Group meetings
are now available in the following CT towns: Berlin, Danielson,
Middlefield, Southington, Wallingford,
Putnam and Somers.
All our support group meetings are co-facilitated by two paid professionals - one licensed and one paraprofessional with lived experience. We provide a safe and confidential space for parents, guardians and others who are concerned about a loved one’s substance use or addiction or who have lost a loved one to an accidental overdose, drug induced suicide or drug related murder. There is no judgment or blame, just support and understanding. Join us as we work together on this journey of healing.
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WANT TO HELP?
DO YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING ON
AMAZON SMILE!
It is so easy! Do all your holiday shopping online! First, be sure to sign up on Amazon Smile and choose TriCircle, Inc. as your recipient organization. Then, every single time you make a purchase from the Smile.Amazon site, a percentage will be donated to us! It doesn’t cost you a thing!
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Click the images below to find out how!
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Do you know someone who might also
like to receive The TCI Connection each month?
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TriCircle, Inc. has earned the Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency. |
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