We inspire families, individuals, and communities to overcome the disease of addiction by creating real, long-term solutions!
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From the Desk of Ana Gopoian
Witnessing Beauty in Chaos
We are all familiar with the phrase collateral damage. It is often used in reference to war and refers to injury inflicted on something other than the intended target.
The world of substance use has given the concept of collateral damage a somewhat different meaning. We know substance use disorder is a family disease, but the consequences reach much further than the family unit; they are significant and often destructive to the fabric of all relationships and communities surrounding the individual. There are untold, immeasurable, sometimes tragic ripple effects from a single loved ones drug use that linger in our lives along with the doubts and fears that we inevitably allow to intrude on our innate, boundless and infinite ability to love and forgive that individual. We, as family members and as a society, more often than not, pass judgments based on the doubts and fears. Yet, amid the chaos, there is beauty in even in the deepest of tragedies. If we can somehow transcend the pain of these moments, appreciate the lessons they contain and the wisdom they offer, then we will be fully engaged in our experience here and not take the short time we have for granted.
I have recently had the privilege of traveling to some incredible places. I took in some awesome sights and snapped some breathtaking photos. I was reminded of the unspeakable beauty life holds!! Miracles, big and small, that surround us every minute, even when the chaos of addiction seemingly reigns in our lives. The trials and tragedies of this disease can wreak havoc, create collateral damage and distract us and our loved ones for a time from recognizing and appreciating the wonder of our surroundings. I have learned that if we try hard to focus on and maintain recovery as individuals, family members or a society with a community like TriCircle surrounding us, we can reignite our desires, reawaken our passion and zest for life, and regain our sense of purpose and self-love. Intently focusing on "collateral beauty" and thereby engendering feelings of joy can keep our thoughts vibrating high and on track to create and achieve things beyond our wildest dreams.
Our recent annual TriCircle Gala at the Wallingford Elks Lodge was well attended and absolutely amazing! As I looked around the room that day, my heart filled with gratitude for all we have become. I saw a collection of wonderful, dedicated people who, through it all, see possibilities and beauty. We gathered to celebrate TriCircle's determination, motivation, and perseverance...to focus on the connections we have made, the hope we have inspired, the lives we have touched and the momentum we have gained. We gathered to witness some of life's "collateral beauty."
Editor's note: If you haven't seen it yet, you must see the 2016 movie called Collateral Beauty in which a man, retreating from life after a tragedy, questions the universe by writing to Love, Time, and Death. Receiving unexpected answers, he begins to see how these things interlock and how even loss can reveal moments of meaning and beauty.
Together WE are Stronger!
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Our November
Spotlight
by Owen McLean
"The Ghoul Boy"
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Hi! I'm Owen, and I'm an addict. I've been clean now for over 3 years and 9 months, which feels like forever and yesterday all at once. If I had to put into words one thing that recovery has given me, it's opportunity. Over the years when I was using, I slowly cut myself off from my own interests, my passions, and the opportunities I had to explore them. By the end of my active addiction, I was getting closer and closer to cutting off my opportunity to live another day. I'll be forever grateful that I took the opportunity that recovery offered me on the day I stopped using, and the process has done nothing but create further opportunities for me. I can't say I've taken all of them or even that all the ones I did take have succeeded. I've certainly made mistakes and had my ups and downs in the past few years. But, I can say that I've never felt like I've limited myself in the way I did when I was using. Not too long ago, I was my own biggest enemy; now, I feel like my greatest ally. And the opportunity to help myself, that's one of the greatest gifts I could ask for.
If you'd like to learn more about me, my businesses, or get in touch, you can find me at the links below:
Together WE are Stronger!
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Check Out Our Website!
Please click on the link above or the image below,
and let us know what you think!
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The TriCircle Memorial Scholarship Winner
Announced at the 2023 Gala Brunch!
TriCircle announced the recipient of this year's $2,500 memorial scholarship, Marisa Feeney. This scholarship was originally created in honor of
Michael F. Gagnon II. Marisa's
Uncle Tim was our guest of Honor at the Gala and
read his niece's winning essay aloud.
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COME RELAX YOUR BODY,
CENTER YOUR SOUL,
AND FOCUS YOUR MIND.
IT'S FREE OF CHARGE!
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TRICIRCLE PRESENTS
WEEKLY SMART RECOVERY
PROGRAM MEETINGS
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What is SMART Recovery? SMART Recovery is a fresh approach to addiction recovery. SMART stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training. This is more than an acronym: it is a transformative method of moving from addictive substances and negative behaviors to a life of positive self-regard and willingness to change. Join us!
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TriCircle's Hope & Support and Hope After Loss Support Group Meetings - For Complete Schedules and Locations Click the Links Featured Below
Tues, Nov 7, 14, 21, 28 - 7:00-8:00pm (Every Tuesday Going Forward) SMART Recovery Meetings, 248 South Cherry Street, Wallingford (Master's Manna)
Sun, Nov 5 - The 2023 TriCircle Annual Meeting, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm at the TriCircle Office at 169 Colony St, Rm 28, Meriden, CT
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The 5th Annual TriCircle Gala Brunch
at
Wallingford Elks Lodge 1365
This amazing event shed light on the hope for recovery and featured Keith McGilvery of Fox61 as MC. The TriCircle Memorial Scholarship recipient was announced and we thoroughly enjoyed our guest speakers, raffles, door prizes, music, and delicious food prepared
by our amazing Chef Bernie.
Together We are STRONGER!
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DROP IN SETBACK
1741 Pub & Grill
Middlefield
Join us for some great food, fabulous friends and lots of fun!
10% of proceeds from all of our Setback games benefit The TriCircle Memorial Scholarship Fund!
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Our Setback is so popular,
we have added another one!
Join us at Dad's in Wallingford!
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Looking for a purpose driven, fun and fulfilling opportunity to showcase your amazing gifts and talents and give back?
TriCircle is searching for people who are action oriented and passionate about our cause to work with the Memorial Scholarship Committee. We need your enthusiasm and creativity, and we welcome you to join us. If you are interested in honoring your loved one through our TriCircle Memorial Scholarship, please inquire about making a donation or joining the committee by contacting Trish Williams at: trish@tricircle.org
If your superpower is planning, organizing, and/or helping to implement events, then here is your chance to shine - the Fundraising & Events Advisory Board needs you now! Meetings are held on
the last Tuesday of every month from 6:00 - 7:30 pm at
TriCircle, 169 Colony Street, 2nd Floor, Meriden
Community Service Hours Are Available for All of the Above!
Together WE are Stronger!
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Searching for a Compassionate Group That Truly Understands?
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TriCircle's Hope & Support Groups provide a safe and confidential space for parents, guardians and others who are concerned about a loved one's substance use or addiction. All are welcomed and encouraged to utilize these services at no cost.
Click below to head to our website for Hope And Support Group meeting details, including location and meeting schedule.
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TriCircle's Hope After Loss Groups offer a place where everyone understands. There is no judgment or blame, but rather support and understanding. Join us as we work together on this journey moving forward in life. All are welcomed and encouraged to utilize these services at no cost. Click below to head to our website for Hope After Loss
Group meeting details, including location
and meeting schedule.
Zoom options will continue to be available
for both support groups.
Please email Ana for more details!
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TriCircle is located at
169 Colony Street
Second Floor, Room 28
Meriden, CT 06451
We are pleased to be located inside the Women and Families Center.
This will allow for wonderful opportunities for us to expand
the reach of our support services and resources
as we cultivate this collaborative partnership.
This location also provides increased accessibility
on the bus line and nearby train station.
Together WE are Stronger!
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Your input is greatly appreciated!
If any of our readers know of an organization, group or idea that will add strength, availability and reach
to our collaborations and services, please
Do you enjoy reading our newsletter?
Do you know someone who might also like to
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TriCircle and consider a donation today!
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Click the images below or scan the QR code to find out how!
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