Rochelle to host virtual forum on domestic violence

State Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia, Derby, will host a virtual forum on domestic violence at 3 p.m. Nov. 30.

The webinar will be held via Zoom, the web-based video conferencing platform. 

Rochelle will be joined by Lt. Patrick Lynch, Patrol Division Commander & Public Information Officer of the Ansonia Police Department; Meghan Scanlon, President & CEO of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Cindy Carlson, Program Manager at the Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence, BHCare; and Geralyn O'Neil-Wild, TEAM, Inc. Board of Directors Board Officer.

 

Participants will learn more about the warning signs of domestic violence, the power and control dynamics involved, and community resources available to those experiencing domestic violence. 

This will include legal rights, transition services, and counseling options, among other topics. Panelists will also provide an overview of the new 2021 law that expanded Connecticut's definition of domestic violence to include coercive control, among other things. 

Participants will be able to register for the webinar at https://bit.ly/3nIPsHQ.

 

"Domestic violence can affect anyone regardless of their background, and the warning signs aren't always obvious. The pattern of behavior may start subtly and become more aggressive over time. This forum is designed to help those experiencing or possibly witnessing domestic violence to recognize the warning signs and know where they can access assistance in our community. Our goal is to also empower people who may be experiencing domestic violence and friends who may wish to learn how they can connect a loved one who is experiencing domestic violence to support," said Rochelle.

 

The forum comes two weeks after an Ansonia mother of three was allegedly killed by her husband during a domestic dispute. This is the third woman in two years from Ansonia or Derby to be killed by a current or former intimate partner. According to the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, this is also marks the ninth known intimate partner homicide in Connecticut this year.

 

Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive behavior where one partner attempts to control and dominate the other through verbal, psychological, physical, sexual, financial, or technological abuse.

 

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, domestic violence has become more prevalent as residents experience isolation and grapple with unemployment and diminished access to necessities. 

During the 2020 fiscal year from November 2019 to June 2020, the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence reported in June 2020, shelter capacity was at 151 percent, spending $78,803 on hotels to temporarily house victim-survivors. In that same month, outgoing calls to ensure existing clients could access services necessary to be safe increased 97 percent from June 2019.

 

Attendees will be able to ask the panelists questions before and during the event using the Zoom chat function. 

Individuals who have questions they would like to ask the panel privately and confidentially can email them to Rochelle  at Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov.

This is a press release from Rochelle's office. 

Rochelle: FEMA approves funding for crisis counseling in CT

 

HARTFORD -The State of Connecticut has received approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide crisis counseling to those who have been impacted by COVID-19. 

The program will be administered by the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services in cooperation with the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. 
The $669,404 grant will provide the following services:

• Crisis counseling to persons experiencing homelessness who are in shelters, hotels, and in the community, as well as staff in these facilities;
• Crisis counseling to senior citizens in congregate care settings and the community; and
• Enhancement of crisis counseling call-line services provided through United Way 2-1-1.

This information is from a press release from state Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia.

BHcare offers medication-assisted treatment in Ansonia, Branford

Medication-Assisted Treatment is now available at BHcare sites in Branford and Ansonia. 

MAT combines behavioral therapy and medications to treat substance use disorders.

MAT is the use of FDA-approved medications such as naltrexone (Vivitrol), buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) or methadone - along with comprehensive counseling and behavioral therapies - to help to provide a “whole-person” approach to address issues related to opioid use disorders, including withdrawal, cravings, and relapse prevention. 

BHcare offers buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone®) or naltrexone along with counseling and supports for treatment of opioid use disorders. 

Individuals who want to stop using opioids and other substances may find it very difficult. Their need to satisfy cravings or avoid withdrawal can be so intense that they feel hopeless and overwhelmed. At the right dose, and with behavioral therapies, medication assisted therapy can suppress opioid withdrawal symptoms and suppress cravings to help individuals continue treatment and avoid illicit opioid use.

MAT helps people maintain recovery, saves money, reduces crime, and helps people regain their health and their lives. The U.S. surgeon general’s Spotlight on Opioids report calls MAT the “gold standard” for treatment.

“Our approach is truly comprehensive, looking at all aspects of a person’s recovery including treatment of co-occurring conditions,” said Dr. Sandra E. Gomez Luna, Medical Director at BHcare. “We understand the need for support within the community. We provide individualized care, attending to everyone’s unique needs.”  

Call to make an appointment today: Ansonia, 203-736-2601; Branford, 203-483-2630.

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's The Umbrella receives $4K from Archbishop's Annual Appeal

EAST HAVEN - BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services has received a check in the amount of $4,085 from the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal through its Vicariate Outreach Program.

The funding will help UCDVS provide free, confidential services to more than 6,000 victims of domestic violence and their children each year. 

Services such as emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis hotlines, walk-in crisis centers, counseling, advocacy and other supports are provided to those fleeing from domestic abuse. 

“The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services is extremely grateful for the gift and enthusiastically received the check on behalf of the nearly 6,200 victims we served last year,” said Esperina Stubblefield, UCDVS Director. “The money will help bridge funding gaps for much needed services and assistance to victims that are not funded by the state or local grants”.

UCDVS is a program of BHcare that provides services for victims and children of domestic violence free of charge. 

Each year, more than 6,000 abused women and their children walk through the door of UCDVS looking for shelter, help, and hope. 

Learn more at bhcare.org.

About the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal

Since 1981, the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal has been able to assist tens of thousands of people – regardless of race, religion, or color – across the Archdiocese of Hartford, with health care, education, housing, emergency expenses, and in numerous other areas. 

It is through the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal Vicariate Outreach Program and the generosity of its donors the appeal is able to assist a wide array of community-based charities throughout Hartford, New Haven, and Litchfield counties. 

This is a press release from BHcare.

Adam's House in Shelton seeks volunteers

Newsletter: Ansonia School Readiness, business opening in Derby

Dear readers, 

Today's Valley Voice newsletter features Ansonia School Readiness, grand opening of Twin Peaks Counseling in Derby, and more.

Thanks as always for reading,

Patti

Newsletter highlights new businesses in Derby and Seymour, more

Dear readers,

Today's Valley Voice newsletter features the opening of a counseling practice in Derby, a unique shop in Seymour, and a story about snow, cars, and mistaken identity.

Thanks for reading!

We'll be back on Tuesday. Enjoy the weekend!

Patti and Ralph

WIC office opens at TEAM, Inc. in Derby

Grief education center in Shelton to hold volunteer trainings in November

Sharing information from Adam's House grief education center, 241 Coram Ave., Shelton.

Do you want to support grieving children and their families? 
Become a "Friend In Grief" (FIG)!

​Next training sessions will be held: 

Nov. 9 (5-8 p.m.), Nov. 10 (5-8 p.m.), and Nov. 11 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.). 

​

All three sessions are necessary to complete training.

*Register Here*

Adam's House grief education center in Shelton seeks volunteers

Are you energetic? Are you looking to support a non-profit? Join us! 
We are looking for volunteers to help support our mission in the area of events and fundraising. 
Be ambassadors by sharing our mission in your communities, plan and execute events, and fundraise at different points throughout the year.

Stop by to take a tour and see how you can volunteer with Adam's House!

Adam's House is located at 241 Coram Ave., Shelton.

Click Here to RSVP*


This is a press release from Adam's House.

Adam's House in Shelton offers volunteer oportunities

First volunteer meeting is scheduled June 26 from 6-8 p.m.

We are looking for volunteers to help support our mission in the area of events and fundraising. Our volunteers would act as ambassadors by sharing our mission in their communities, plan and execute events, and fund raise at different points throughout the year. Attend your first meeting with no commitment and learn about all our volunteer opportunities.    This is a press release from Adam's House, 241 Coram Ave., Shelton, a nonprofit grief education center.

Adam's House in Shelton posts summer event schedule

Support Adam's House this Summer!

Support Adam's House this Summer at our Family Friendly Events! June 13 - Join Us for TACO TUESDAY at Chipotle in Shelton from 4-9 p.m. Show our Flyer and Adam's House will receive 50 percent of the sales! Click Here for our Flyer and get your taco time on! June 24 - It's Derby Day, a celebration for the start of summer in the town of Derby. Visit our table from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. for a day filled with food, entertainment, and fun the whole family can enjoy. June 28 - Adam's House at Music Under the Stars. Enjoy a free evening of great music on the Huntington Green in Shelton. Stop by and see our booth from 7-9 p.m. July 1 - Let us do the baking for you this holiday weekend! Visit our Bake Sale outside the Stop and Shop in Shelton from 11-2 p.m.

Taco Tuesday event to benefit Adam's House in Shelton

Sharing information from a Facebook event page: 

"Celebrate Taco Tuesday by joining us for a fundraiser to support Adam's House! 

"Come in to the Chipotle at 701 Bridgeport Avenue in Shelton on June 13 between 4-9 pm. Bring in this flyer, show it on your smartphone or tell the cashier you’re supporting the cause to make sure that 50 percent of the proceeds will be donated to Adam's House."

Adam's House of Shelton to hold paddle tournament fundraiser

Adam's House grief education center, 241 Coram Ave., Shelton

SHELTON – Adam’s House™, a newly opened grief education center, is holding its Healing Hearts Paddle Tournament at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 19. 

Finals and Semi-Finals, along with a celebratory dinner and drinks, are hosted at Aspetuck Valley Country Club, 67 Old Redding Road in Weston. 
Competitive players on 16 Men’s and 16 Women’s teams will also play at the Wilton Y, Weston Field Club and Wilton Riding Club. The deadline to register to play is Nov 9^th. 

"Adam's House™ has had very successful Paddle Tournaments for the past four years, but this year is the first time we've had separate Men's and Women's teams for competitive players," said Allison Wysota, Adam's House™ founder. 

"Our Paddle Tournaments always attract enthusiastic players and supporters who have a great time playing, plus enjoying dinner and drinks and the chance to win prizes." 

New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bill tickets to the New Year’s Day game at 1 p.m. will be raffled off at the dinner, which starts at 5:30 p.m. 

The winning raffle ticket holder will walk away with three Club Seats and parking. Another raffle for the New York Giants vs. Detroit Lions game Dec. 18 at 1 p.m., will give the winner two Club Seats and special Club parking. 

Adam’s House™ also will feature an Apple Picking Game, giving supporters a chance to pick an “apple” off the tree and win one of these prizes: wine, free Paddle Lesson, gift certificates for spa treatments, Tennis Spot gift card, gas gift certificates and gear, including vests, golf shirts or baseball caps. 

Sponsorships are still available at the Gold level for $3,000; Silver for $1,500; and Bronze for $750. 
Sponsors will receive a package of tickets, signage, and advertisements for their valued support.

Entry deadline: Nov. 9 - Limited to 16 Men’s and 16 Women’s Teams

Cost: $180 per team. (Two players are on each team). The cost includes food, drinks, and a favor. Players are guaranteed 3 matches (weather permitting). 
Non-Paddle players are welcome to sign up for the “Dinner Only” option for $50 per person, which includes dinner and drinks, and watching the Semi-Finals, Finals, and the Trophy Presentation. 

Registration: Go to www.adamshousect.org or click on the direct link below: 

https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/AdamWysotaFoundationInc/paddleregistration.html

Contacts:  Fundraising Chair Anne Santa-Maria-annesantamaria@optonline.net 

Fundraising Co-Chair Susie Minkowitz -ssmlmink@aol.com 

With the proceeds raised, Adam’s House™ will offer grief support services free to Connecticut children and their families. If you can’t make it to the Adam’s House™ Paddle Tournament, please consider a donation to enable Adam’s House™ to offer its eight-week program of educational services to families at no cost by making a donation by mail at 241 Coram Ave., Shelton, 06484 or by using this link: 

http://www.adamshousect.org./we-need-your-support.

Adam’s House™ is offering grieving families and children free weekly programs guided by trained facilitators that help parents, teens and children gain new insights for coping with the loss of a parent, grandparent, sibling or friend. Adam’s House™ has partnered with 15 therapists from Shelton and neighboring communities to help support families before they begin the themed “Healing Hearts” program. Families are currently going through the Adam’s House™ intake process, the first step to beginning the eight-week Adam’s House™ “Healing Hearts” program.

In addition, the Adam’s House™ “Helping Hearts Heal,” Widow’s Support Group meets monthly here with more than 30 members. Future plans call for the group to include widowers. 

Adam’s House™ Mission

At Adam’s House,™ we believe no child should ever grieve alone. Each child deserves a supportive and understanding community to learn and explore their feelings of loss. All grief journeys are unique and grief is a natural reaction to the loss of a loved one. At Adam’s House,™ we will be a partner in support of your healing process. 

Adam’s House™ Background

Adam’s House™ is located at 241 Coram Ave. in Shelton, and is an entity of The Adam Wysota Foundation. Adam’s House™ represents a strong grassroots network of Connecticut family and friends plus supporters from throughout the country who helped raise the funds to begin offering Adam’s House™ programs. 
Adam’s House™ honors the memory of Adam Wysota, a beloved father, Little League coach and active volunteer in his Weston community. 

Before his passing, Adam Wysota held prestigious Wall Street positions at Depository Trust & Clearing Corp., Barclays Capital, Lehman Brothers, and Morgan Stanley. 

Adam’s House, ™ an entity of the Adam Wysota Foundation, is a 501c3 organization. All donations to Adam’s House™ are tax deductible. 

For more information, go to adamshousect.org or call 203-513-2808. 


This is a press release from Adam's House.

Newsletter highlights Rock the Valley in Ansonia, new business

Dear readers,

A special edition of The Valley Voice newsletter is now available.

In this issue we focused on Saturday's Rock the Valley festival, and a counseling practice that has opened in Derby.

Here is the link: http://media.wix.com/ugd/329bf6_1b701a5fdd564d9385c0147f0352a908.pdf

Thanks for reading ~

Patti and Ralph