Staff, program participants, legislators and supporters of Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) held two events on Thursday, October 6 at MHC’s Independence Center in support of national Mental Illness Awareness Week. The beautiful fall day began with MHC’s annual “IC Walk,” a 3.5 mile awareness walk around downtown Waterbury and ended with an event to register voters.
“I was happy to be able to join MHC and IC supporters to help them kick off their annual awareness walk. It was a delight to see so many people eager to give back to a group that does so much for the community,” said Senator Joe Markley (R) of the 16th District.
About 80 participants joined in the day’s events, which was also the culmination of a fundraiser to support community-based programs at the IC. Along with Senator Markley, Senator Joan Hartley (D) of the 15th district also participated in the event. To date, nearly $2,000 has been raised for the IC through T-shirt sales and donations. Donations are still coming in and can be made at: https://www.mhconn.org/events/ic-walk
“The walk is important because it brings us all together to help promote recovery, overall wellbeing, and to break stigma associated with mental illness. It also helps us raise much-needed funds for the IC,” said Fatime Yusuf, Health and Wellness Coordinator at the Independence Center.
Each October, for over 20 years, the Independence Center (IC), Mental Health Connecticut’s recovery resource center, has held the Annual IC Walk for the Greater Waterbury community to promote health and wellness, elevate the importance of making mental health a priority, and raise funds for the IC.
Following the walk, participants enjoyed lunch at the IC and then staff and participants set up a sidewalk booth to help passersby with voter registrations.
About the Independence Center
The Independence Center (IC), located at 21 Church Street, offers an environment for individuals to gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to achieve their goals, realize recovery and engage in the community. A completely voluntary program, the IC provides a place for people with mental health conditions to access peer supports, participate in health and wellness activities, and develop work and social skills. For more information about the Independence Center, please call 203-756-5772.
About Mental Health Connecticut
Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is a statewide, nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve mental health for all Connecticut residents. For more than 100 years, MHC has worked to promote recovery and improve mental health services, educate the community about the importance of mental wellness, and combat discrimination resulting from a mental health diagnosis. MHC serves more than 3,000 residents with residential programs and community-based services in Stamford, Bridgeport, Danbury, Waterbury, Torrington, and West Hartford. MHC’s education and advocacy initiatives are statewide. For more info, go to: www.mhconn.org.
