From the Desk of Ana Gopoian
Self-Awareness, Courage & Strength
"The shame, stigma, guilt and isolation surrounding the disease of addiction is as detrimental as the disease itself."
If I had a nickel for every time I shared those words out loud or silently in my head, I'd be a very wealthy woman!
Ignorance regarding the disease of addiction is real and is a huge barrier to treatment. Somehow, for so many, it seems much easier to act in a condescending, self righteous manner and to pass harsh judgement rather than to speak in a way that fosters compassion, forgiveness and understanding. Ignorance lets us off the hook!
For an individual to set foot upon the path of recovery, to seek help and to sustain it long term takes a great deal of courage, self-awareness and strength. To overcome the shame and stigma that surrounds us and to still rise like a Phoenix from the ashes and adversity of our past is an extraordinary feat of determination, endurance and desire. We persevere because, through it all, the contrast in our lives is what ultimately produces clarity. Our experience is our story, and our story is the evidence of our persistence, our uncanny instinct to survive, and our belief that we are enough; we are essential to the equation, and we deserve to be happy.
TriCircle is working hard to change the way we regard and treat substance use disorder. If you have been around us for a while, you know that since our inception in 2016, TriCircle has surpassed many milestones and reached a pivotal point in its evolution as an organization.
We have succeeded in changing the conversation in CT about substance use disorders by unabashedly speaking out and continually providing much needed services. The support we have received has helped us evolve into a substantial force for good. We have strengthened our brand, recruited more talented professionals, established many new connections, collaborated with strong partners, held multiple community engagement events, and hosted educational webinars!
We have grown our reach and influence in Connecticut by establishing clinical services, opening a resource center, and creating in person and virtual Hope & Support Groups as well as Hope After Loss Groups, hosted without judgement in towns across the state. At no cost to attendees, these meetings are all staffed by qualified professionals who are committed to our cause. In addition, we now offer SMART Recovery meetings, yoga, art therapy and Memorial Quilt making!
As we fully engage our communities in this conversation, we strengthen our presence and clearly demonstrate what our mission and vision bring to the table. We are dedicated to creating real, long-term solutions for individuals, families, and communities affected by substance use disorders and the disease of addiction.
We will not stop until we reach full implementation!
For TriCircle, full implementation involves creating a residential, long-term, individualized, comprehensive, uninterrupted continuum of care for individuals and families who need lasting solutions. The gaps that often occur in the current treatment system are causing devastating loss of life every day, and our goal is to continue working hard to close the gaps...once and for all.
To accomplish this, we need you, your time and your talent! Please think about taking on a volunteer role within the organization to help us achieve our goals and deliver our message. It takes a village full of people who are committed to and aligned with our cause! If you are available to help, please speak up, speak out and let our voices be heard!
Together WE are Stronger!
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Our March
Spotlight
Pamela A. Mautte, MS
Health, Wellness and Prevention Specialist
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A Champion for Advocacy, Education,
Prevention, and Wellness
Pamela A. Mautte, MS, is a Certified Prevention Specialist and the director of APW (Alliance for Prevention and Wellness a program of BHcare). Pam has more than 20 years of experience in health, wellness, and prevention. Her dedication to the field of substance abuse prevention and mental health promotion prompted her to develop, obtain funding, and implement specialized programs to reduce risk of substance abuse and to promote good mental health among various populations.
In addition to developing programs, she builds and leads coalitions and task forces that address critical behavioral health issues. She also assists and develops policies, implements organizational and community change models, and engages in legislative advocacy for critical prevention issues. Pam has extensive education and training in several evidence-based curriculums, has been featured in national drug educational videos and has assisted in developing curriculum modules. Pam has presented prevention/information/training sessions to professionals across the state and nation. She is respected for her expertise in the field. Pam is also an adjunct professor.
Pam's support of TriCircle, along with that of APW, has been invaluable. She has worked with TriCircle Restoration LLC, bringing light to the Paraphernalia Project and the Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) initiative. She has supported TriCircle's Gala Brunch, attended the TriCircle sponsored Wallingford Elks 1365 Drug Awareness Program events, appeared on Fox61 with our very own Executive Director, Ana Gopoian, and provided Narcan and de-escalation trainings. She partnered with the makers of Silence on the Streets, a new 90-minute prevention and public health awareness film, featuring individuals from inner cities around Connecticut who have lived experience with substance use disorder, drug trafficking, poverty due to SUD and recidivism.
Pam's credentials are extensive and are evidence of her determination to continue making a difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by substance use disorders and the disease of addiction. Her time, energy and expertise are greatly appreciated. All of her qualifications can be found on her LinkedIn page included below.
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Vintage Soul Productions
has created a full-length community health and
awareness-focused documentary.
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Silence on the Streets, Documentary (2022-present): In a significant milestone on our journey from writing, directing, and producing plays to storytelling on film, Vintage Soul Productions created a full-length documentary. Silence on the Streets (SOS) premiered at Southern Connecticut State University on December 19, 2023.
This 90 min prevention/public health awareness-focused film features individuals from inner cities around Connecticut who are experts in the field of recovery (doctors and professors from Yale University), and law enforcement and who have lived experience with substance use disorder, drug trafficking, poverty due to SUD and recidivism.
Directors of this project are Robert "Bobby" Lawlor (NEHIDTA) and Anna Gasinksi (CDC Foundation). It was created and directed by Sharece Sellem-Hannah, Assistant Director of the film is Jacque Simone Brown and was filmed by David Trapasso and Andrew Breunig, along with their team of Film Haven.
This film was created on behalf of the Connecticut Overdose Response Strategy (CT-ORS) Team with funding from the Office of National Drug Control Policy and support from the New England High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the CDC Foundation, and Alliance for Prevention & Wellness, a program of BHcare.
Here are the current upcoming public screenings of
Silence on the Streets:
(see flyer below)
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WANTED: TriCircle Memorial Scholarship Applicants, Committee Members & Donors!
Two $1,000 scholarships are being offered to students whose lives have been impacted by the disease of addiction. Applications can be obtained by emailing trish@tricircle.org and will soon be available online at TriCircle.org, and at the TriCircle Office, 169 Colony St, Rm 28, Meriden, CT 06451.
Volunteers are the backbone of TriCircle’s success. The next Memorial Scholarship Committee will meet on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 9:30 AM via zoom. Please join us by sending your request to trish@tricircle.org. Your input is valued!
These Memorial Scholarships are made possible through donations. Since its inception in 2016, Ana, and many others, have created a birthday fundraiser on Facebook to seed the scholarship fund each year. If you are interested in making a donation or in creating a birthday fundraiser, please reach out to us for more information, or mail a check payable to TriCircle, 169 Colony St, Rm 28, Meriden, CT 06451, designating that the donation is for the Memorial Scholarship in the memo.
If you would like to honor a loved one, send his or her information with an optional photo to trish@tricirlcle.org.
Spread the word so the scholarship will continue to thrive, and students will continue to benefit from support we receive! Stay tuned, the 2024 forms will be coming soon for the June 7th application deadline!
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Harmony Within: A Fusion of Yoga and Art for Self-Discovery
Nurture Your Body and Soul Through Gentle Yoga and Meditative Art in this Transformative Workshop. Take advantage of this opportunity to transform your well-being at no cost to participants!
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Check Out Our Website
and let us know what you think!
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Come Relax Your Body, Center Your Soul,
and Focus Your Mind. IT'S FREE OF CHARGE!
Our upcoming Yoga sessions will be held at DiversaFit
549 Center Street, Wallingford, on the last Saturday of each month. Special thanks to DiversaFit for offering
our new location, free of charge!
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TriCircle Presents Weekly
SMART Recovery 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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Pathway of Recovery Men's Group beginning Thursday, March 14, at TriCircle (see flyer below)
TriCircle's Hope After Loss Support Group Meetings - Every Monday (see full schedule link below)
Harmony Within - Last Tuesday of each month, 4:30 - 6:30 pm at Master's Manna, just before the SMART Recovery Meeting (see flyer above)
SMART Recovery Meetings - Every Tuesday (see flyer and schedule below)
Drop In Setback Middlefield - Wednesday, March 6 & 20 (1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month - see flyer below)
Drop In Setback Wallingford - Wednesday, March 13 & 27 (2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month - see flyer below)
Silence on the Streets Public Screening - Thursday, April 11, 6:00-8:00 pm, Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street, Meriden, CT 06450
Saturday, April 13 - CPR/AED First Aid for Infants, Children and Adults Certification, along with Narcan Training - At no cost to attendees, funded by United Way of Meriden and Wallingford's PowerUP Program (details coming soon)
TriCircle's Hope & Support Group Meetings - Every Thursday (see full schedule link below)
Yoga at DiversaFit - Last Saturday of each Month (see information below)
TriCircle Memorial Quilt Square Making Opportunity - stay tuned on our Facebook and website. Supplies and light refreshments provided.
CT Barber Expo at Mohegan Sun - May 4-6 We need volunteers! Contact ana@tricircle.org to lend a helping hand.
3rd Annual Hope After Loss Self Care Retreat - Saturday, September 14 (Rain Date: Saturday, September 21) The Story Barn, 952 Main Street, Somers, CT (For more information contact Paula LaJoie heypaula@friedab.com)
3rd Annual Hope & Support Self Care Retreat - Sunday, September 15 (Rain Date: Sunday, September 22) The Story Barn, 952 Main Street, Somers, CT (For more information contact Paula LaJoie heypaula@friedab.com)
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Congratulations on your upcoming
SOLD OUT SHOW!! See ya there!
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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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Wood -n- Tap
970 North Colony Road
Wallingford, CT
Join us for some great food,
fabulous friends and lots of fun!
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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 will soon be established by new members who will convene once a month at
TriCircle, 169 Colony Street, 2nd Floor, Meriden
We need volunteers to help with the TriCircle booth at the 2024
CT Barber Expo at Mohegan Sun, Saturday - Monday, May 4 - 6!
Please consider lending a hand.
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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Hope & Support Group meetings, including location.
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Group meetings, including location.
Zoom options will continue to be available
for both support groups. All are welcomed and encouraged to utilize these services at no cost.
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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 allows for wonderful opportunities 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
receive The TriCircle Connection each month?
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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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