News You Can Use

The first of a 2-part series, hosts Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore speak with Christine Grimes, a recovering heroin addict whose 18-year struggle with addiction led her to jail and the dark side of the streets before she finally decided to turn her life around. She did just that with the help of The Connection’s women’s services and other programs like REACH. If you or someone you know is battling addiction, or if you just want to feel inspired--you won’t want to miss this episode of The Connection!

Hosts Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore speak with Alison Friar, Director of Clinical Development at The Connection. This week’s topic: how to become your best self and realize your personal goals by eliminating triggers, focusing on the positive, eliminating clutter in your life, and practicing self- care. We also discuss how The Connection and its various mental health, addiction, and behavioral services can help those in need. It’s time to be your best self so tune in this Sunday!

Hosts Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore speak with Elizabeth Howard, Program Manager for the Sierra Center at The Connection. Established in 2001, the Sierra Center is a 60-bed, all male facility that houses men transitioning out of prison. This work release program provides trauma informed comprehensive case management, job readiness skills, substance abuse and mental health education to adults under the supervision of the Department of Correction—so they can successfully reintegrate into the community

Hosts Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore speak with Ryan Murphy. Ryan is the Director of The Connection’s Re-Entry Assisted Community Housing (REACH) program, which provides help for men and women transitioning out of incarceration and back into everyday life. This program provides temporary housing, job assistance and help securing permanent housing. For those just coming out of prison, this program can be a life saver…literally. Ryan has recently started the Danbury Re-Entry Collaborative which is the 10th such collaborative of its kind in the state. The collaborative works to bring together all providers who serve clients re-entering the community from incarceration.

Hosts Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore speak with Beth Connor, Chief Strategy Officer for The Connection. Beth speaks about a recent fundraiser at the Portuguese Club in Danbury, where people shared their stories of addiction and recovery. Other topics discussed at the fundraiser included the organization, CARES and suicide prevention. The Connection wants people to know it is never too late to ask for help.

Hosts Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore speak with Chelsea Humphrey, Associate Director of Behavioral Health for The Connection. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and it’s the perfect time to address whatever emotional problems you may be facing. Many of us are suffering from anxiety, depression, addiction, or other mental issues that need to be addressed. Chelsea and the Behavioral Health Program at The Connection are here to help. On this show, you’ll learn how to get the support you need. Remember--there’s no shame in asking for help.