Foundations give $150K in grants to support BHcare, PCRC affiliation in Valley

DERBY - BHcare has received two-year grants of $75,000 from The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and $75,000 from The Valley Community Foundation to support its affiliation with the Lower Naugatuck Valley Parent Child Resource Center. 
The funding will be used to integrate care for Valley families and increase children’s services in the Greater New Haven and Shoreline communities.

Together, the organizations create a comprehensive system of care for children, adolescents, teens, and adults struggling with mental illness and/or addiction.  
Parents and children can now receive on-site services at the same time and families can find the support they need. 

PCRC clients aging out of children’s services will remain in the same care system, increasing outcomes and decreasing the likelihood of “falling through the cracks.”
Shoreline families will have a local option for treatment, support, and care. A full service agency treating clients throughout their lifespan will ensure continual and continued access to the treatment and supports they need to live independently in the community.

“As one, we will have tremendous opportunity to provide even better care for our clients and families,” said Roberta J. Cook, CEO/President of BHcare. “Together, we can work to close the gaps in services, and build stronger and healthier communities.”

“The grants from the two Community Foundations will help to greatly enhance behavioral health services to children and families in our communities,” said Michael J. Wynne, Vice President, Children’s Services at PCRC.

The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven is a philanthropic institution that was established in 1928 as the community's permanent charitable endowment. Its mission is to create positive and sustainable change in Connecticut's Greater New Haven region by increasing the amount of and enhancing the impact of community philanthropy.

PCRC provides children's behavioral health services for more than 1,200 children and families across 26 communities. 

BHcare is a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven and Shoreline communities.  

For more information, visit www.bhcare.org.

This is a press release from BHcare. 

BHcare announces hiring of community outreach specialist

BRANFORD - BHcare is pleased to announce that Jim Lamb recently joined the organization as the Community Development Outreach Specialist. 

Lamb is based in BHcare’s Branford office.
He is responsible for developing relationships between the organization and community stakeholders, including civic groups and corporations. 

“I’m happy to be a part of the BHcare team and help with the needs of this underserved population,” Lamb said.

The retired pharmaceutical executive has been involved with nonprofit organizations since 2009. 
Prior to joining BHcare, Lamb worked in Employment Services at SARAH, Inc. a Manager of Business Development. 

He serves on the board of directors of Shoreline Chamber of Commerce, is co-chair of its Nonprofit Council, and was honored by the chamber as Volunteer of the Year last year.

For more information, visit www.BHcare.org

This is a press release from BHcare, a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven, and Shoreline communities.  

VSAAC to change name to Alliance for Prevention & Wellness

Community program is part of BHcare

ANSONIA - BHcare’s Greater Valley Substance Abuse Action Council will become the Alliance for Prevention & Wellness on Aug. 1. 

The new mission of the program will be: We foster positive mental health by preventing substance misuse and other health-risk behaviors and by building resources that promote wellness.  

The decision to change the name was decided by a committee made up various community members including Michael Gulish, Chair, BHcare Board of Directors, John Scott, concerned citizen, Nancy Phund, Director, Woodbridge Youth and Family Services, Bill Nimons, Treasurer, BHcare Board of Directors, Jack Walsh, President/CEO Valley United Way, Mark Holden, local business owner and BHcare board member, Carol Cruz, Recovery Community, Veronica Parsloe, Parent Child Resource Center, Joni Nordstrom, Bethany Orange Woodbridge Drug and Alcohol Council and VSAAC staff.

“We felt it was necessary for the program’s name to reflect all that we do,” said Pam Mautte, Director of VSAAC. “VSAAC has a long history of substance abuse prevention activities and continues to expand its programs to address substances of abuse, suicide, risky behaviors and to promote good mental health. Our service area continues to grow throughout the Lower Naugatuck Valley and Greater New Haven. The Alliance for Prevention & Wellness is a direct result of our donors’ and community partners’ commitment to improving our communities,” Mautte said. 

VSAAC was formed in 1990 as a result of a community retreat held by the Valley United Way with concerned citizens to address substance abuse issues in the Valley. 
It operates as one of 13 Regional Action Councils across the State of Connecticut. 

The program has engaged churches, schools, businesses, human service agencies, neighborhood organizations, government offices, law enforcement, and concerned citizens of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds in prevention activities. 
The program maintains strong collaborative relationships with area police departments, the local prevention councils, social service agencies, and youth service bureaus and has an extensive repertoire of culturally competent substance abuse/high-risk behavior prevention programs. 

Over the past 25 years, VSAAC helped more than 150,000 youth and adults in our communities.

The Alliance for Wellness and Prevention is a program of BHcare. 

For more information, visit APW-CT.org.

BHcare is a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven and Shoreline communities.  

For more information, visit www.bhcare.org.


This is a press release from BHcare. 

'Sound of Hope' vigil for domestic violence victims planned in New Haven

NEW HAVEN - Every October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed to bring to light an issue that effects all of our communities. 

Every nine seconds, a woman is battered in the U.S. One in four women and one in seven men in the U.S. are victims of domestic violence at some point in their lives.

To raise awareness about domestic violence, BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services will hold a vigil to honor and remember survivors and victims of domestic violence.

The 16^th Annual Sound of Hope will be held at 1 p.m. Oct. 7 at Long Wharf Pier.  
The vigil will include the reading of names of those who have died as a result of domestic violence. 
Participants will receive a flower to throw into the harbor. Each flower represents the hopes and struggles of the survivors as they work to end violence in their lives and also honors those whose lives have been lost due to domestic violence.

For more information about the vigil, or about domestic violence services call 203-736-2601, ext. 1381, or visit www.bhcare.org.  
If you need immediate assistance, call our 24-hour domestic violence hotline 1-888-774-2900.

BHcare is a state-licensed, non-profit behavioral health care provider serving the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven, and Shoreline communities. 

UCDVS is a program of BHcare that provides services for victims and children of domestic violence free of charge. 
Each year, more than 7,000 abused women and their children walk through the door of UCDVS looking for shelter, help, and hope. 
Learn more at bhcare.org.


This is a press release from BHcare.

BHcare program trains Branford first responders in mental health first aid

A total of 102 members of Branford’s Police and Fire Departments recently completed Mental Health First Aid Training, provided by BHcare.  

Participants in the course learned tools and tips to help them better understand mental illnesses and addictions, and how to effectively respond to and deescalate incidents without compromising the safety of those involved.

BHcare is a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Shoreline, Greater New Haven, and Lower Naugatuck Valley communities. 

The objective of Mental Health First Aid training is to expand people’s knowledge of mental illnesses and their treatments, to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, and help people understand and accept mental illness as a medical condition. 

“We are very proud to partner with BHcare for the training to increase our officers’ knowledge base,” said Capt. Geoff Morgan of the Branford Police Department. “Our agency remains committed to treat everyone in our community with the dignity and respect they deserve.” 

“The Mental Health First Aid Public Safety Program is about giving our first responders the tools they need to improve their response to people experiencing mental health crises,” said Pamela Mautte, Director, BHcare’s Greater Valley Substance Abuse Action Council.

The officers and firemen had nothing but positive remarks regarding the course. One said, “I would encourage all first responders to take this course.”  

Another commented, “It was very informational, I can apply this information to my work but also to everyday life.” A third officer remarked, “This was the best training I have had as a police officer.”

To learn more about MHFA training and how it can help you and your business or agency, visit www.VSAAC.com.

VSAAC, a program of BHcare, is a public/private partnership comprised of community leaders and citizens who develop and carry out strategies to reduce alcohol, tobacco, drug use, suicide, risky behaviors, and promote good mental health among youth and, over time, among adults through community education, community mobilization, public awareness, and advocacy in the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven and surrounding communities. 
For more information, visit www.VSAAC.com. 

For more information, about BHcare, visit www.bhcare.org.

This is a press release from BHcare.

BHcare official recognized by Branford Rotary Club

Emily Granelli was honored as the recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club of Branford at its annual Installation Dinner July 1 at Pine Orchard Yacht & Country Club in Branford. / Contributed photot

The Paul Harris Award was created in memory of Paul Harris who established the Rotary Club over 110 years ago and it is the highest award presented by the Club. Its purpose is to acknowledge the outstanding contribution and exceptional service of members of the community and/or the club.

Granelli, a Quinnipiac alumna, is the Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs at BHcare. She is responsible for the organization’s internal and external communications, and for advocacy efforts on the state and federal levels.

Granelli served on the board of directors for the Rotary Club of Branford from 2011 to 2013, and currently serves on its Installation Dinner Committee and Fundraising Committee.  She volunteers for numerous Branford Rotary events including its annual Car Show, its Veteran’s Luncheon, its Golf Outing, and in its food tent at the Branford Festival.  

“I love being a Rotarian and I especially love being a part of the Branford Club.  It’s amazing how many people we can help and how much we are able to accomplish each year.  I’m honored to be a part of such a remarkable group of people,” she said.

BHcare is a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Shoreline, Greater New Haven, and Lower Naugatuck Valley communities.  

For more information, visit www.bhcare.org.

This is a press release from BHcare. 

BHcare benefit in Branford to feature 'cupcake war'

A Shoreline Benefit for BHcare featuring Cupcake War 2015 will be held May 21 at the Pine Orchard Yacht & Country Club in Branford from 5:30-8:30 p.m.  
The evening will feature a full menu, silent auction, music, an amazing view, wonderful company, and a delectable assortment of cupcakes from local bakeries.

Six local bakeries are participating in the cupcake war. They are: Eat Your Art out (North Haven), Katalina’s Bakery (New Haven), Marjolaine Pastry Shop (New Haven), Milani Italian Bakery & Café (Northford), Shoreline Desserts (Branford) and Take the Cake (Guilford).

The committee, chaired by Charlotte Mattei, SVP, Webster Bank, and BHcare board member, is seeking event sponsors, ad sponsors and auction donations. 
Event sponsorships range from $250-$1,000 and ad book space is available for as little as $50.

Tickets are currently on sale for $50 each and are selling quickly.  Any persons or businesses interested in sponsorship, auction donations, or tickets should call Debbie Soulsby, 203-736-2601, ext. 1321 or visit www.bhcare.org. 

Decreases in state and federal funding coupled with increases in demand for services make fundraising events such as this benefit critical to sustaining services for those at risk and in need.  

The BHcare Shoreline Benefit is sponsored by Guilford Savings Bank, as well as by Connecticut Mental Health Center, Rose & Kiernan, and VNA Community Healthcare. Media partner is Shore Publishing.

This is a press release from BHcare, a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Shoreline, Greater New Haven and Lower Naugatuck Valley communities.  
For more information, visit www.bhcare.org.