A Bridges Healthcare Publication - Summer 2019

A Note from John Dixon, Bridges' CEO and President

Dear Friends, Summer 2019! I hope you are able to take advantage of some of the many events and offerings of this season in our area. Over the past ten months I have enjoyed meeting so many of Bridges’ partners and supporters. I have learned much about the people and their concerns in the towns we serve, and am grateful for their input on the role Bridges has in improving the quality of life in these communities. I am also very proud of the new initiatives we have launched this past year, such as our MATT's Van (see update below). As we move toward 2020, we will continue to focus intently on enhancing our operations to best meet the needs of our clients and the communities we serve. We know collaborations are a key factor in our ongoing success and sustainability in the years to come. To that end, two efforts in progress are: Creating Strategic Partnerships and Alliances Bridges has been actively working to improve existing and forge new relationships with both local and statewide partners. At the local level, Bridges continues to serve its communities by working closely with all stakeholders. At the statewide level, Bridges has been actively involved in advocating for both policies and funding that best supports the people in our care. We have also been strengthening our existing long-term relationships with partner agencies, BHcare and Communicare. The three agencies have jointly applied for and received major grants within our service areas. Working together as a larger enterprise will enable us to be competitive in the increasingly challenging world of resource procurement. West Haven School Based Health Center (SBHC) We have been working with our integrated healthcare partners at Optimus Healthcare and the West Haven Board of Education to launch an SBHC at West Haven High School, which has been identified as a school that will greatly benefit from an SBHC. As part of this project, Bridges will provide behavioral health services to youth and families based upon an assessment of their individualized needs. We expect the SBHC will open by January 2020. On behalf of our board, staff and clients, a sincere thanks to you and all of our donors who continue to give generously to Bridges. Your gifts truly make a difference in the

lives of children, families, adults and young adults who are working to manage and recover from mental health and substance use disorders. Sincerely,

P.S. I hope to greet you at our Folks on Spokes Ride and Step Forward Memorial Walk on September 15!

Support Those on the Road to Recovery:

Register for the Folks on Spokes Ride/Step Forward

Memorial Walk Join us for the Folks on Spokes Ride and the Step Forward Memorial Walk on September 15, 2019 in Milford to raise funds for Bridges’ community mental health and addiction recovery services. As event co-chairs, we urge the community to help us promote mental wellness and remove the stigma associated with mental health and addiction issues. This event raises funds to provide the vital support and treatment services for those who need assistance.

Event pre-registration fees are $40 per cyclist, $30 per walker and $15 for all youth (ages 7 to 17; 6 and under are free) and include a free event t-shirt, food and refreshments. Day of fee is $50 and $40 respectively. Ride or Walk! Register to be part of this worthwhile community event. Go to www.bridgesct.org today! Sincerely, Karen and Dr. Frank Fortunati Event Co-Chairs

Bridges’ Dedicates Intensive Outpatient Room in Memory of Board Member John P. McGill

On May, 30, 2019, Bridges honored long-time Board Member John P. McGill by dedicating the Intensive Outpatient Program Room in his memory. Mr. McGill served as a member and officer of Bridges' Board of Directors from 1993 until his passing in 2018 at the age of 92. “John was dedicated to his board service, giving of his time, talent and treasure most generously and graciously," said Bridges' President and CEO, John Dixon. “We are proud to honor John's legacy through the naming of our Intensive Outpatient Program Room, in recognition of his commitment and advocacy to improve the quality of life for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders.” Board Chair Shaun Mee and Vice Chair Charles Montalbano also praised Mr. McGill’s commitment to the agency and he and his family’s generosity throughout the years. A plaque in his honor is displayed in the room. Dozens of Bridges’ clients and others attend meetings and events in this space each week. In photo left to right: Paula McGill, John Biancur, Bridges’ Board, Sarah McGIll, Mikaela Silberstein, Shaun Mee, Bridges Board Chair.

M.A.T.T.'s Van Treats Opioid Addiction in the Community

M.A.T.T.'s Van, the State's first Mobile Addiction Treatment Team for opioid addiction was launched by Bridges in the Spring. Find it out in the community at the Beth-El Center in Milford every Monday from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. and on Main St. near the West Haven City Hall every Tuesday and Wednesday from 1:00-5:00 p.m. Learn more

Barry Kasdan Scholarship Awarded Bridges' Board of Directors was pleased to award the Barry Kasdan Scholarship to Marquet Sutton, Bridges’ IICAPS Case Manager, and Elizabeth Zeilik, Outreach and Engagement Coordinator for the Beth-El Center. Both individuals are pursuing degrees in the Human Service field, a requirement for scholarship eligibility. Mr.

Sutton is nearing completion of a Masters of Clinical Health at Southern CT State University. Ms. Zielik will begin work towards a bachelors in Addiction Psychology at SCSU this fall. The Barry Kasdan Scholarship was created in honor of Mr. Kasdan’s retirement as Bridges’ CEO and President in 2014. It is funded by proceeds from the Visionary Leadership Dinner held to recognize Mr. Kasdan’s 29 years of service to Bridges. In photo left to right: John Dixon, Bridges’ CEO & President, Kasdan Scholarship recipients Elizabeth Zeilik and Marquet Sutton and former Bridges CEO & President Barry Kasdan.

B-SAFE Project Awarded Grants

Bridges Healthcare, Inc., is pleased to announce it has been awarded grants to operate its B-SAFE Project. The United Way of Milford granted the program $37,000 to provide prevention education and case management services to Milford residents. The City of Milford also provides funding for the program. A $15,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven Fund for Women and Girls has enabled the program to expand services for West Haven teens and young adults. The Werth Family Foundation is also supporting the expansion of services with a grant of $20,000. B-SAFE stands for Sexual Awareness and Family Empowerment. The program provides sexual and reproductive health and prevention education to girls and young women and local high school students, and offers information, referrals and case management services for pregnant and parenting teens and young adults. The B-SAFE Project currently provides education and prevention services in each of the Milford Public High Schools and West Haven High School. For more information visit the B-SAFE Project web page.

Bridges’ Clients Enjoy Summer Gardening

Getting your hands dirty could be a good thing! Two groups have been working diligently since early summer to grow vegetables and herbs, and plant flowers to beautify their local area. At Bridges' Young Adult Services program, a group called "Garden Together" formed when YAS Social Rehab Case Manager John Ciambriello shared his love of gardening with staff and clients. With permission from West Haven City Officials, the Garden Together group planted flowers in six public planters in the public parking lot walk way between Main and Center Street, as well as in the planters around West Haven City Hall. David Killeen, Assistant City Planner for West Haven and head of the West Haven Downtown Beautification Committee who worked with the YAS group noted, "You had a very good group to work with, and they did a great job. The kids were all pleasant, courteous and hard-working... I was very pleased with their progress and with the results.”

Mr. Ciambriello remarked, “A mission of Bridges' Young Adult Services Program is to help our young adults grow into productive citizens. This group highlights the correlation between how our plants are growing, and how our young adults are growing and transforming with the right tools and encouragement.” The Open Door Wellness Center gardening group, with support from Case Manager Karen Malaney is tending to two raised beds of vegetables and several pots of herbs. Ms. Malaney is facilitates group discussions on nutrition, as the clients prepare healthy meals at the Center and at home. The group also planted hanging plants and pots of flowers to brighten up the club porch and Bridges’ campus. Much of the plants and supplies for the gardening projects were donated.

Bridges Healthcare Celebrates a Day of Health and Wellness

Optimus Healthcare’s mobile dental center was on-hand to provide basic dental care at Bridges’ Behavioral Health Home Wellness Fair in June.

Milford Rape Crisis Center Director Peggy Pisano and Bridges’ Director of Program Operations, Dr. Marty Schwartzman with MRCC therapy dog Lily at Bridges’ BHH Wellness Fair.

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