From the Desk of
Ana Gopoian
Together WE are Stronger!
In the nonprofit world, finding funds is a daunting task, and let's face it, TriCircle would not exist without our connections to the grants and generous donations that keep our vision alive, well, and evolving all the time.
Over the years, TriCircle has received valuable direct support from:
DMHAS
United Way of Meriden and Wallingford
Ulbrich Steel
Cuno Foundation
Wallingford Elks Lodge 1356
Master's Manna
Napier Foundation
ION Bank
YouthRecoveryCT
Tamarack Lodge
CT Coastal Academy
TheCharityChallenge.net
The Pfizer Employee Match Program
Facebook Birthday Fundraisers
Private Donations
Volunteers investment of time and resources
Each of our benefactors, when presented with our plan, has plainly seen the value of what TriCircle offers. They are willing to give generously of their time, talent and treasure to support our mission and vision.
TriCircle is working hard to change the way we regard and treat substance use disorder. We are dedicated to creating real, long-term solutions for individuals, families and communities affected by substance use disorders and the disease of addiction. As we shared in last month's newsletter, in a relatively short time, TriCircle has surpassed many milestones and reached a pivotal point in its evolution as an organization. We are proud of our accomplishments. Yet, we have a long way to go to reach full implementation. We do not have the luxury of sitting still, not even for a moment!
As we gather support from the funders, donors and volunteers who, like us, envision a world where the tools and resources we offer can help individuals and families to overcome the disease of addiction, together, we become stronger. We are able to fully engage our communities in this conversation; we are able to strengthen our presence and clearly demonstrate what our mission and vision bring to the table.
It takes a village and...
Together WE are Stronger!
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Our March
Spotlight
Robert "Bobby" Lawlor, Jr.
Intersecting the Worlds of Law Enforcement, Public Health and Addiction Recovery.
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A Champion for Collaboration and Creative Solutions
In an era where the specter of addiction looms large, claiming over 105,000 lives to fatal overdoses last year alone, Robert "Bobby" Lawlor Jr. stands as a beacon of hope and innovation. With a career spanning nearly three decades, Bobby has emerged as a pivotal figure in the intersecting worlds of law enforcement, public health, and addiction recovery, demonstrating a profound commitment to devising and implementing collaborative strategies aimed at the heart of the overdose crisis.
Beginning his journey in 1995 with the New Haven Department of Police Service, Bobby's roles have been as varied as they have been impactful. From the front lines with the Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force to strategic positions as a shift commander and supervisor of the Robbery/Burglary and Homicide/Cold Case units in the New Haven Police Department, his career is a testament to a life dedicated to public service and safety.
In 2015, Bobby's expertise and passion led him to a role that would redefine his impact on the community as the Drug Intelligence Officer for New England HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) and a pivotal member of the Connecticut Overdose Response Strategies Public Health/Public Safety Team. Here, Bobby's work has epitomized the synergy between public health and public safety, pioneering efforts to share critical data, intelligence, and innovative strategies across community lines to save lives.
Notably, Bobby's advocacy for collaboration and evidence-based approaches has found a resonant echo in his collaborations with TriCircle, an organization at the forefront of addiction recovery solutions. As a key supporter and speaker at TriCircle's symposiums, his insights have enlightened many, drawing on his vast experience and compassionate outlook towards addiction recovery.
Perhaps one of Bobby's most significant contributions is his instrumental role in the funding and conceptualization of "Silence on the Streets", a groundbreaking public health awareness documentary. This initiative, featuring voices such as Ana Gopoian of TriCircle, bridges the gap between lived experiences and professional expertise, shedding light on the realities of substance use disorder, drug trafficking, and the societal impacts of recidivism.
Robert "Bobby" Lawlor Jr.'s philosophy that "there is rarely a problem that surfaces that has one solution" encapsulates his approach to addressing the multifaceted challenge of addiction. His commitment to viewing issues from multiple perspectives and fostering communities of disciplines and stakeholders has not only marked him as a leader in his field, but as a visionary dedicated to creating lasting change.
As Bobby continues to bridge divides between law enforcement, public health, and the community, his work remains a testament to the power of unity and the enduring impact of collective action in the fight against the overdose epidemic.
Three guiding quotes reflect Bobby's core beliefs in his personal and professional journey:
- Glennon Doyle once said, "There isn’t someone who isn’t recovering from something. Alcohol, drugs, over-eating, perfectionism, anxiety, unkindness, something." This resonates deeply with him, emphasizing the importance of compassion and empathy in all our interactions. With 29 years in law enforcement, Bobby has learned that everyone faces their battles; this quote perfectly underscores our shared human experience.
- Sheryl Sandberg's insight, "Done is better than perfect," speaks to the value of action over inaction, especially vital in the addiction and overdose field where Bobby works. "It's crucial to initiate help and refine our approach as we progress, rather than waiting for perfect solutions while real lives hang in balance."
- Lastly, Henry Ford's wisdom, "Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success," aligns with Bobby's belief in the power of community and collaboration. "Success, whether personal or professional, is seldom a solo endeavor, it's the collective effort that drives real, lasting change. Our strength lies in unity, working across different sectors to achieve the greatest impact."
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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), law enforcement and those who have lived experience with substance use disorder, drug trafficking, and 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.
Join us for a public screening 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 are also available online at TriCircle.org, and at the TriCircle Office, 169 Colony St, Rm 28, Meriden, CT 06451.
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 in the memo that the donation is for the Memorial Scholarship.
If you would like to honor a loved one, send his or her information with an optional photo to trish@tricirlcle.org.
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!
Spread the word so students will continue to benefit and the scholarship will continue to thrive. The 2024 forms are now available on our website, and June 7 is the 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 every Thursday 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, April 3 & 17 (1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month - see flyer below)
Drop In Setback Wallingford - Wednesday, April 10 & 24 (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.
LIVE PHISH Concert at Mohegan Sun - Tuesday, July 23 Earth Skybox Suite (tickets and details coming soon)
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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Are you a PHISH Fan?
SAVE THE DATE - Tuesday, July 23!
This TriCircle Fundraiser is for the first 100 people to purchase tickets and includes refreshments and an awesome concert! See and hear it live in the comfort of the Earth Skybox Suite! Details coming soon!
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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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