There are always going to be things in life that are out of our control, but what we can do is focus on the things that are within our ability to change. That is why, throughout Mental Health Awareness month, CMHA focused on #Hope, #Resilience, #Growth, and #Recovery. As part of this, we made sure to plan a variety of little activities and events for staff, clients, and our community!
Early on in May, our Waterbury offices hosted a Virtual Game Night for children and their families. Parents and Guardians were welcome to stay for a special session at the end which focused on addressing their own needs, the importance of self-care, and how to practice mindfulness with their kids.
In New Britain, CMHA Ambassadors helped run a pop-up "Compliments Table" outside the agency's 233 Main Street headquarters to spread some positivity and kindness. Staff gave out motivational stickers, agency information, and 'free' compliments to people walking in the downtown - and even received some in return!
"This is amazing - I love seeing you all out here in the downtown, it's really meaningful and just wonderful!"
Members of the Team Time Social Club helped us get into the spirit of Mental Health Awareness month by designing and painting a wonderful canvas that is up in the display windows of 233 Main Street. Their messages and illustrations on Hope, Recovery, and Wellness are truly a one-of-a-kind piece, and we look forward to displaying their project permanently at the Team TIme Social Club!
We also made sure to show our appreciation for the true heroes at CMHA - our dedicated, compassionate staff! All Residential locations received gift baskets, put together by the Events Committee, which included all sorts of snacks, candy, gourmet tea and coffee from local shops, as well as gift cards for individual staff, across shifts to treat themselves.
Every location at CMHA was also surprised with a visit from the Ice Cream truck! A special thanks to CMHA staff member Travone Franklin, Residential Monitor and his wife Jennifer for helping to coordinate these visits and give all our staff a nice, cool treat!
Overall, we're very grateful for the numerous individuals that helped to coordinate the special events and surprises we held for Mental Health Awareness month. Every day, our staff go above and beyond to make sure that those individuals in need of our services receive the quality care they deserve, and the least we can do is give our thanks and show our appreciation!
