News, Events & Press

CMHA is proud to partner with the New Britain Boys & Girls Club to bring vital mental health services directly to children and families—right where they already feel safe and supported.

The New Britain Boys & Girls Club has long been a hub for education, fitness, and the arts, providing youth with a positive environment to learn, grow, and thrive. Now, thanks to this partnership, mental health support is an integrated part of that experience. CMHA clinicians are on-site at the Club, offering both individual and group therapy for children who may be facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral issues, or autism. By embedding services into a familiar, trusted setting, the partnership helps reduce stigma and makes it easier for families to access care.

This collaboration reflects CMHA’s commitment to meeting communities where they are and expanding access to high-quality behavioral health care. Together, CMHA and the New Britain Boys & Girls Club are creating a stronger, healthier future for New Britain’s youth—one child at a time. "Our goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where young people can access the help they need," said New Britain Boys and Girls Club Executive Director James Jones. "Partnering with CMHA allows us to expand our services and ensure our members have the tools to manage their mental health."

Community Mental Health Affiliates, Inc. (CMHA) is a private non-profit treatment provider headquartered in New Britain, with eight locations throughout central CT and in Waterbury. CMHA partners with clients and the community to promote recovery from mental illness and substance use, treating more than 7,500 adults and children each year. CMHA is Connecticut’s first fully Joint Commission accredited Behavioral Health Home and is a SAMHSA Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). Visit cmhacc.org to learn more.

CMHA staff recently came together for a special mission — assembling 2,400 Wellness Bags for our clients as part of our 1st Annual Client Wellness Project. The energy in the room was filled with teamwork, laughter, and purpose as colleagues sorted and packed items, each bag serving as a small but meaningful reminder of the importance of self-care.

The project was more than just packing supplies — it was an opportunity to connect with one another while giving back to the people we serve. Every bag was thoughtfully prepared to support wellness for clients of all ages and backgrounds.

These Wellness Bags will be distributed throughout Mental Health Awareness Month in May, reinforcing CMHA’s commitment to promoting mental health, well-being, and a sense of community.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to every volunteer who lent their time and energy to make this project a success. Together, we’ve taken another step toward building a stronger, healthier community. 💙

Community Mental Health Affiliates, Inc. (CMHA) is a private non-profit treatment provider headquartered in New Britain, with eight locations throughout central CT and in Waterbury. CMHA partners with clients and the community to promote recovery from mental illness and substance use, treating more than 7,500 adults and children each year. CMHA is Connecticut’s first fully Joint Commission accredited Behavioral Health Home and is a SAMHSA Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). Visit cmhacc.org to learn more.

New Britain, CT (April 1, 2025)- Community Mental Health Affiliates, Inc. (CMHA) has appointed Grace Cavallo, LCSW, as the agency’s new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective July 1, 2025. Cavallo will replace Raymond J. Gorman, who announced in October 2024 that he was stepping down after nearly 20 years leading CMHA.
“The Board of Directors is confident that Grace’s extensive experience coupled with a strong vision for CMHA’s future will lead us to even more success,” said CMHA Chairman of the Board of Directors Todd DeGroff. “CMHA will continue to shine as an authority in behavioral health care with Grace as President and CEO.”
Cavallo began her career at Child & Family Services in Newport, RI, where she worked for five years before being hired as a Senior Substance Abuse Counselor at CMHA in 2003. Cavallo has held progressively significant roles at CMHA, from Program Coordinator of the agency’s former inpatient substance abuse program to Clinical Director to Program Officer over outpatient, residential, and supportive housing programs. Cavallo has been CMHA’s Chief Operating Officer since 2020, overseeing more than 40 programs across central and northwest Connecticut.
Throughout more than two decades at CMHA, Cavallo has been instrumental in adapting and implementing innovative treatment models to better care for individuals seeking recovery from mental health and substance use issues.
"I have had the privilege of serving CMHA in various roles over the years, and I am deeply honored to step into the position of CEO. I am committed to broadening our impact, exploring innovative models of care, and fostering greater community involvement,” Cavallo said. “I look forward to leading us into this exciting next chapter of growth and continued dedication to the communities we serve. Together, we will uphold our mission, inspire resilience, and ensure greater access to behavioral health care for all."

“After a thorough and diligent search for the next CEO, I can say with utmost assurance that Grace Cavallo is the right choice to lead CMHA,” said outgoing CEO Gorman. “With Grace at the helm, I know that CMHA will continue to provide the highest quality care while expanding our services to more people in need.”

Community Mental Health Affiliates, Inc. (CMHA) is a private non-profit treatment provider headquartered in New Britain, with eight locations throughout central CT and in Waterbury. CMHA partners with clients and the community to promote recovery from mental illness and substance use, treating more than 7,500 adults and children each year. CMHA is Connecticut’s first fully Joint Commission accredited Behavioral Health Home and is a SAMHSA Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). Visit cmhacc.org to learn more.

New Britain, CT – Community Mental Health Affiliates (CMHA) was honored to welcome U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal to its headquarters to celebrate the agency’s recent $200,000 grant award from the Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime. This funding will enhance vital support services for crime victims in Greater New Britain and Waterbury, ensuring they have access to resources that foster stability, healing, and recovery.

The grant will allow CMHA to expand its trauma-informed care and support services, including:

• Housing stability assistance for victims seeking safe and secure living environments.
• Food assistance to combat food insecurity among those impacted by crime.
• Job readiness programs to support survivors in regaining financial independence.
• Trauma recovery services that provide comprehensive mental health support.

CMHA extends its deepest gratitude to Senator Blumenthal for his steadfast commitment to mental health services and victim support. His visit underscores the importance of community collaboration in ensuring survivors receive the care and assistance they need.