January 2021 | Issue 4
TCI Connection
“We inspire families and individuals to overcome the disease of
addiction by creating real long-term solutions!”
NEW CLINICAL SERVICES
 
TriCircle, Inc.’s Clinical Services are now open and accepting new clients. Our master’s level clinicians facilitate a range of evidence-based programs, giving clients the opportunity to grow, change and maintain long-term recovery.

TCI’s Clinical Services offer:                                           

Flexible morning or evening hours
Time for family                                                       
The ability to seek and/or maintain employment
The practice of new coping                  
Enjoyment of substance free activities 
Benefits for personal health and wellness
Click here to learn more or call (860) 349-7074 to set up an intake.

Why Choose TriCircle, Inc. Clinical Services for Support?
Here's How We Are Different: 

Stuart Baker, MA, LADC - Clinical Team Member
"TriCircle’s beginnings are rooted in providing support to families of persons with substance use disorders. With the addition of licensed clinical staff, it is positioned to provide professional recovery services, using evidenced based treatments.”  

Shannon Talbot, LMFT - Clinical Team Member
"Tricircle, Inc. is dedicated to supporting individuals and families in their journey towards healing. Our clinical services offer a spectrum of diverse expertise and therapeutic modalities to help our clients grow and work towards their goals in both areas of substance use/addiction and mental health. We are committed to providing a safe, stigma-free environment that promotes long-term wellness and recovery." 

Stephanie Harris, LMSW, LADC, CAC, CADC - Clinical Team Member
"Clinical services are provided by licensed staff who have extensive experience treating substance use disorders from a holistic lens which includes offering support in each area of the individual’s life impacted by the disease of addiction. As the disease has made its way into the lives of family members during the individual’s active use, family members are treated as a vital component to the individual’s protective factors leading back to healing and wellness. The journey toward recovery is the pursuit of emulating a life worth living, and clinicians at Tricircle, Inc. provide the tools to build strong futures through evidenced based treatment modalities."

A Review of 2020 From, Ana Gopoian, Our Executive Director

Our accomplishments were many despite the challenges presented by COVID19. This year was a learning experience with a steep curve and also great opportunities to grow and become more resourceful in our approach to furthering the mission and vision of TriCircle, Inc. I am extremely proud to report the following benchmarks were reached, and the following trainings, events and activities were held in 2020:

  • A total of 128 support group meetings that served 769 people
  • 47 Advisory Board meetings
  • 16 Different Birthday fundraisers on Facebook
  • TCI Connection Newsletter
  • Amazon Smiles
  • Continued support given to Master’s Manna
  • Giving Tuesday
  • Spread the Seeds of Change for Children Holiday Gift Drive
  • Music Festival with The Charity Challenge
  • 4th Annual Overdose Awareness Vigil Hartford Capital
  • SURGE 2nd Annual Teen Recovery Fair Children’s Center of Hamden
  • Cassidy Chamberland 5K Memorial for Tyler Chamberland
  • Outrun Addiction 5K
  • Boscov’s Friends Helping Friends
  • MidLIFE Matters with Georgian Lussier on WPAA-TV
  • Love & Life After Loss 4-Part Grief Training Series
  • The Charity Challenge Virtual 5K
  • Matt’s Mission Presentation at Hope and Compassion meeting
  • Drive Through BREAKOUT Blessing of the Bikes TCC
  • Became a presence on the LiveLOUD campaign website
  • Articles in many different newspapers
  • Multiple appearances on WTNH Channel 8
  • Coffee Cup Salute Fox61
  • Created “TCI Strong” coffee, Providing HOPE one cup at a time
  • Michael F. Gagnon Scholarship
  • Wellness Fair vendor Wallingford High School
  • Launched 4 new support groups in Enfield CT
  • Community Event vendor at Aqua Turf
  • D’Angelo Fundraiser
  • Presence at the Community Speaks Out Emerald Ball
  • GYBO SINGO Fundraiser
  • Setback Center Street Luncheonette
  • Shifted all support group meetings to Zoom on March 26th
  • Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce “Facing the Holidays”
  • Creating Connections that Sustain Us Virtual Event with DMHAS
  • Ribbon Cutting for new office space
  • 3rd Annual Benefit Raffle
  • Sponsored and attended “Matthew Rising”
  • Open House for applicants to work with TCI’s clinical services
  • TriCircle, Inc. logo was Trademarked
  • Quilt Square making events
  • 1st Annual Memorial Quilt display
  • Help is Here Virtual Series with LiveLOUD Families
  • Launched TriCircle, Inc. Clinical Services
  • Everyone Knows Someone II Training with Wallingford Elks
  • Annual end of the year holiday meeting

What's in Store?

  • Civic and Community Engagements and Trainings at our new office
  • Recovery Block Party
  • 2nd Memorial Quilt
  • Enfield Raffle and Recovery Event
  • New England Opioid Response Network Training Series
  • Setback Tournament
  • Gala Brunch Silent Art Auction and Raffle
  • Recovery Housing
  • Expansion of Support Group meeting opportunities
Looking Ahead to 2021

January is here, and with it is the promise of a new year. Resolutions are often difficult to complete while meeting the needs of our demanding lives. This year, try something new! Choose a word for your year ahead. My top ten words for 2021: Connect, Grow, Create, Grounded, Brave, Intentional, Compromise, Persevere, Commit, Persist. What word describes how you want to live in the coming year? Do you want to Glow, Bloom or Thrive? Or, is this the year to Rest or Refresh? It is your word and your year, so pick what resonates with you and go for it.
by Dr. Elizabeth Kirby Fullerton
Service Spotlight
We are proud to share our success and to convey our gratitude to all who contributed in any way to our very successful 2020 Spread the Seeds of Change for Children Holiday Gift Drive! We couldn’t have done it without YOU!

Through your generosity and our partnerships with TheCharityChallenge.net, Bags of Hope CT, and Department of Children and Families in Norwich, Willimantic and Middletown: 282 kids were served, 760 of their specific wishes were granted and more than 2000 toys, gift cards and monetary donations were given to children and families in need in Eastern CT.
Spotlight on Emily Abrahamian
From Trials to Triumphs
"I am someone who has endured many trials and tribulations in my lifetime. As a young girl, the crippling effects of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and bulimia had taken over and continued into my adult years. I turned to drugs and alcohol in my teenage years, not ever thinking it would quickly turn into full blown addiction. My parents sent me to countless therapists, psychiatrists, and inpatient and outpatient facilities, but, unfortunately, most were not so helpful. I was frequently changing therapists because it was very hard to find the right one. In my adult years, I even had a therapist turn her back on me and say she couldn’t see me anymore. This is not what TCI is about, and we are diligently working to reach our goals and visions and to provide the necessary tools and support so needed for those in recovery and active addiction that are, sadly, very much lacking today. We are a family unit here at TCI, and I’m so blessed to be a part of this incredible journey and a board member since 2019. On January 23, I will celebrate 3 years of sobriety from drugs and alcohol, which I never thought was possible. I am currently still in therapy, which I have been with the same group since 2015. This is an on-going battle and process, and it takes time. I’m very fortunate to have found the right fit, and that is what I truly hope and know we can be for you!"  

Emily is hosting a birthday fundraiser on Facebook to benefit TriCircle, Inc. click here to make a donation in her honor!
GOT SUPPORT?
TriCircle, Inc. offers 11 monthly support groups. Our 7 Hope & Support and 4 Hope After Loss groups are made available each month face to face and on Zoom. In towns across CT, these meetings are co-facilitated by two paid professionals (one licensed and one para-professional) with lived expertise. 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. Click here to learn more.
HONORING LOVED ONES
Soon there will be another opportunity to create a quilt square to honor and remember your loved one - stay tuned for details! This impactful, traveling memorial has the power to draw families and community together in a united effort to start the conversation, provide support and reduce stigma. For more information about our quilt project and how to get involved, visit: Memorial Quilt
WANT TO HELP?
 It is easy! Do all your everyday 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!
Come Get Muddy With Us at the Down 'N Dirty Dash - STAY TUNED for details as springtime approaches!
Social Ambassador Needed

TriCircle, Inc. is looking for a social media ambassador. This volunteer position is vital to our continued growth and outreach. We are looking for someone who loves TriCircle, Inc. and Social Media. The position will take 2 hours per week
(just 22 minutes per day)! The ambassador will promote TriCircle, Inc. through positive media posts, interact with and respond to social media and increase social media presence. For more information please contact lenore@tricircleinc.com
Do you know someone who might also
like to receive the TCI Connection each month?