Happy holidays! During this holiday season, we'd like to thank our staff for their talent and dedication, our community partners for so many amazing collaborations, and our donors for their support. Below we're showcasing just a couple of the great things we've all accomplished together during the past couple of months -- check out some photos and videos below ! We also recognize that the holidays can be a tough time for many of us. We encourage everybody to practice self-care! Use your coping skills, touch base with your therapist, and/or attend a support group. Please note that Positive Directions will be seeing clients virtually  throughout the holidays , except on Christmas Day and New Year's Day when the office will be closed. Our SMART Recovery and Alternatives to Suicide support groups will be running, but our SMART Family & Friends group is canceled for 12/31 and 1/1. With wishes for health, happiness, and a wonderful year ahead, from the PD staff Shoutout to our Peer Support Project for 2 Awards! Excellence in Advocacy Award Congratulations to Quinn Jannetty , manager of our CT Support Group project, who received Advocacy Unlimited's Dr. Karen Kangas Award for Excellence in Advocacy! In their acceptance speech (download below), Quinn said, "this work is hardly ever easy. It asks a lot of us... of our hearts, our minds, our time. But it’s also full of moments that remind me why I keep showing up, why I continue to dream of what’s possible, and why I believe so deeply that while we are all that each other has, we are also all that we’ll ever need." Quinn gives their acceptance speech at AU's annual award ceremony. for the Dr. Karen Kangas Award for Excellence in Advocacy. Health & Wellness Design award from Graphic Design USA More congratulations to our CT Support Group project--and to our graphic designers over at Habby Design Co .! The project launched our revamped website back in February. Visit it to find out about peer support options for young people statewide. Shoutout to our Youth & Prevention Coalitions for Training Hundreds! New Regional Youth Prevention Team Our Mid-Fairfield Youth Cannabis Prevention Project has created a new Regional Youth Prevention Team with  13 high school students from New Canaan, Norwalk, Weston, Westport and Wilton . We've trained the teens in the Johnny's Ambassadors cannabis prevention curriculum, and they are available to educate peers as well as to participate in our data collection and advocacy efforts. Andres & Yubleiska (pictured here with staff members Margaret and Francesca) have already trained 3 high school classes in Norwalk! Thanks to the youth and to our project manager, Francesca Guerrier ! Professional Development for Teachers Our Prevention Department recently organized QPR trainings for almost 600 middle and high school faculty at Norwalk Public Schools, building their capacity to recognize and respond to possible suicidal ideation in their students. Thanks to our partners at NPS, Catalyst CT | The Hub, Kids in Crisis, Liberation Programs, Norwalk Health Department, and TPAUD for helping us provide 19 trainings in 3 days! Meanwhile, in collaboration with Westport Youth Services , we also continued to provide QPR training to students at Staples High School, which takes place each quarter in the junior health classes. Through our Mid-Fairfield Youth Cannabis Prevention Project, we also recently brought together some 75 health teachers, PE teachers, and school counselors from 5 school districts ( New Canaan, Norwalk, Weston, Westport, and Wilton ) for a 3-hour Professional Development training on cannabis, hosted at Staples High School. It included a live expert speaker ( Dr Feuerstein ), a curriculum presenter from Stanford University , and collaboration time. Almost half the teachers said they were previously unaware of the information presented. Regional Webinar Series on Cannabis Our regional speaker series has kicked off, organized through our Mid Fairfield Youth Cannabis Prevention Project to raise parent awareness in the region and hear different stakeholder perspectives. Dr. Joe Feuerstein , president of the Fairfield County Medical Association and a Weston resident, launched the virtual series. His expertise and engaging manner were very well received. Click the image to watch the video -- and check out his Cannabinoid Cookbook on how to activate your body's natural endocannabinoid system! The second speaker in our webinar series, Jordan Davidson , is a former Weston/Westport resident, young adult in recovery, and legislative program manager for a national nonprofit. Jordan provided insights into his journey through teen addiction to recovery, as well as sharing up-to-date issues and impactful information on the national status of cannabis. We're sharing his story not only to parents and community members but also teens. Click to watch the recording. Red Ribbon Week Recap Shoutout to our TNP Teens clubs in Norwalk, who engaged youth and parents in an awareness activity at Norwalk Public Library during Red Ribbon Week! RRW is an annual reminder to parents & elementary school staff to talk early, talk often with young children. With increasing calls to poison control and emergency hospital visits by kids who have accidentally ingested edibles, early education is critical. In Westport, young children picked up our RRW awareness activity sheets at two costume parades and five local restaurants: Angelina’s Trattoria; Bar Taco; Little Barn; Old Mill Grocery & Deli; and Rizzuto’s . Thanks to Westport Human Services, The Westport Library , and the participating restaurants for their support, and to our clinical intern, Nikoletta Moschidi , for supporting this project & much more! Shoutout to Local Marathon Runners -- and donors like YOU! Three local runners recently ran the 2025 NYC Marathon as a fundraiser for Positive Directions, and we are so grateful for their support of our mission. Congratulations to each of them for this incredible achievement! Read about the runners here . We also thank all those who supported the runners' efforts by contributing to this fundraiser. As a nonprofit, our agency depends on fundraising to supplement our grant and contractual funding. We pride ourselves on being innovative community leaders in the areas of mental health, substance prevention, and peer support-- but much of that work is not funded! If YOU would like to support our work, please click here to make a year-end donation! You can direct your donation toward our treatment fund (ensuring no one is turned away from counseling for inability to pay), our free support groups , our young adult peer project , our community prevention work, or to the area of greatest need. Thank you for your support! Other News    Positive Directions Office Renovation In order to comfortably accommodate our clients and staff, we have been renovating our space. New closets, floors, paint and a rearrangement of our space are mostly completed. Thanks to our staff who've had to work through the construction and to our clients who have found their way to the new waiting area! We're Hiring! We're looking for a Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor -- preferably bilingual -- so please spread the word to your colleagues in the field!

Positive Directions has great updates to share! In this blog post: "From Struggle to Strength": a high school senior reflects Virtual Cannabis Speaker Series starts Monday! Red Ribbon Week National Drug Takeback Day CT Support Group Discord Halloween Movie Watch Party! We're Hiring! NAMI CT Educational Conference Youth Voice: Mental Illness Awareness Week reflection From Struggle to Strength: Holding Onto Progress in a New School Year , by Rylie Peterson, Prevention Intern & PTECH senior While the new school year is underway, many of us are still adjusting to new routines and responsibilities—an experience that can bring unexpected challenges. The transition from the calm of summer to the demands of a new academic year isn’t always easy, and for those navigating mental health struggles, it can feel especially heavy. My own journey with mental health began in middle school, when I first experienced anxiety attacks. At the time, the idea of seeking help felt daunting, and I avoided it. But as the difficulties continued, I realized that I couldn’t manage on my own. By eighth grade, I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression—ironically, the same challenges that initially pushed me away from therapy eventually brought me back. In ninth grade, I began treatment through therapy and medication, and over time, I started to make real progress. Now, as a senior, I don’t attend therapy as frequently—not because everything is perfect, but because I’ve developed tools that help me navigate difficult moments more independently. When I began writing this, I hadn’t fully grasped the intensity of senior year. Summer often brings a sense of relief—a feeling that things might be different when school starts again. And in the first few weeks, there’s usually a sense of optimism. But as the reality of responsibilities sets in, the pressure can build quickly. For me, this means juggling college applications, demanding classes, heavy workloads, and extracurriculars that consume most of my time. Within a few weeks, I found myself overwhelmed—facing a wave of depression I hadn’t felt in months. It’s been a difficult reminder that healing isn’t linear. Even after meaningful progress, setbacks can and do happen. But I’ve learned to lean on the coping strategies that continue to support me: taking walks, journaling, listening to music, practicing mindfulness, and reaching out to those I trust. These habits don’t fix everything, but they help me stay grounded. I may not feel entirely “okay” right now—but I know I’ve come a long way. Progress isn’t always obvious in the moment, but it’s still happening. And that’s worth holding onto. I’ve learned the hard way that you can’t always face these challenges on your own—and I would never wish that struggle on anyone. I strongly encourage everyone to take advantage of the many resources available right in our community. Within the Norwalk schools, there are counselors from the Kids in Crisis TeenTalk program , from Mid-Fairfield Community Care Center , and through the School-Based Health Centers—all free of charge. And beyond school, there’s the 988 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and the 741741 Crisis Text Line , which are available 24/7. You’re never alone in this—help is here, and it’s okay to reach for it. Prevention Department News Cannabis Speaker Series Starts Monday with Dr. Joe Feuerstein Join us for the first event in our regional speaker series focused on cannabis & youth, organized through our Mid-Fairfield Youth Cannabis Prevention Project. Dr. Feuerstein, the President of the Fairfield County Medical Association, will kick off the series with " The Cannabis Conversation: Balancing Adult Use, Youth Risk, and Family Impact ." Join us online on October 20th at 7pm. Download the flyer for the 5-part speaker series here: National Red Ribbon Week The last week of October is Red Ribbon Week--an annual awareness week encouraging parents of young children to start talking early and often about substances. With increasing numbers of poison control calls due to kids ingesting cannabis from edibles, you can't start too early! Through our local prevention coalitions, we'll be providing activities for families with young children. In Westport, look for our activity placemats at participating restaurants and at the annual Costume Parade, and in Norwalk, our TNP Teens will be facilitating an interactive event for children where we will also provide parents with handbooks and safe storage items, such as lockbags and liquor stickers. Download the Westport RRW placemat here to use to spark conversation with young children around trusted adults, coping skills, healthy behaviors, and taking care of your brain and body: National Drug Takeback Day National Drug Takeback Day is coming up on Saturday, October 25th, from 10am-2pm! Twice a year, this is an opportunity to clean out your medicine cabinet to get rid of unneeded or expired medications. Keeping medications around creates a risk of experimentation and of accidental or purposeful overdose, so we encourage everyone to safely dispose of anything you no longer need--and to keep your medications locked up year-round! Safe disposal means keeping meds out of our water supply, so no flushing! You can bring your medications to the local dropbox at your police station 24/7, or to the Drug Takeback Day dropoff at the Westport Center for Senior Activities. You can also use a Deterra bag (available from Positive Directions, your local prevention council, or your health department) to safely deactivate your drugs and then drop the bag in the trash. Peer Support Updates for October CT Support Group Halloween Movie Watch Party - October 29th Looking for a spooky way to spend your Wednesday night? Join CT Support Group on Discord to watch a Halloween movie on Wednesday October 29th at 8pm! We’ll be in the watch party voice channel with our snack! Haven’t joined our Discord yet? Head to bit.ly/ctsgdiscord to join! Want to learn more about the server? Click here for answers to commonly asked questions! Seeking Peer Support Specialists! We are looking for a part-time Peer Support Specialist for the CT Support Group project. For more information about the position, click the button below! Clinical Updates We're Hiring! Positive Directions is looking for two clinicians to join our team and support our community. Please click the link below to visit our Careers page and find out more if interested! Other News    NAMI CT Educational Conference - October 24th NAMI Connecticut proudly celebrates 40 years of unwavering advocacy, education, and support for individuals and families impacted by mental illness. Join for an inspiring event that brings together mental health professionals, peers, caregivers, advocates, and community leaders from across Connecticut. Themed “Building Hope Together,” the 2025 NAMI Connecticut Conference is more than just a gathering — it is a powerful movement toward building a brighter future for mental health. Register today to secure your spot in the educational breakout sessions!

Please click here or scan the QR code below to donate to Positive Directions! Dear friends, It is with great excitement and urgency that I am writing to you as the new Interim Executive Director of Positive Directions . For the past year I served on the board of directors leading our strategic plan and creating a renewed vision. We are a small nonprofit organization with an outsized impact – an innovator in mental health . I’m proud that we alone offer free 1:1 peer support for youth, and that we offer free lifesaving support groups (SMART Recovery, Alternatives to Suicide), while remaining committed to never turning anyone away from counseling services due to their inability to pay. I’m writing to ask for your help to maintain our ability to offer these vital services to all persons in need.  In these turbulent times,   mental health has never been more important . People are anxious, confused and tired. We feel tested on all levels. Yet as our world has grown more complicated, Positive Directions  has focused and deepened our commitment to our communities. Our mission is simple and urgent: to be innovative community leaders in mental health, substance prevention, and peer support , and to strengthen the mental wellbeing of all. With the threat of the loss of government and federal funding (over 50% of our annual budget), your support is more essential than ever. Thanks to the support of donors like you, we can continue   providing essential and affordable counseling and peer support services to those in need  - enabling us to never turn anyone away because of their inability to pay for services.   Last year we experienced a 15% increase in requests for counseling services for youth . In response, we added staff, programming, and renovated space for a children’s play therapy room.  Hired Melanie DeLapp, LMFT , our new Clinical Director, who focuses on kids and specializes in OCD, anxiety, specific phobias, school avoidance, and eating disorders. Launched the Mid-Fairfield Youth Cannabis Prevention Project , a regional capacity-building initiative working with local governments, law enforcement, and schools. Launched CTSupportGroup.org - the next generation of our TurningPointCT.org project - as an online platform developed by young people in CT to provide connection, peer support, and community. The rising demand for our services underscores the need for your donations to deliver clinical, prevention, and peer support  to all members of our community, regardless of their financial situation. You can make a tax deductible donation  through our website, scan this QR code, or mail a check to Positive Directions, 90 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06880 . We also invite you to consider including us in your company’s corporate matching program. To learn more about Positive Directions’ impact on the community, visit PositiveDirections.org or follow us on Instagram @positivedrctns. Thank you for being a vital part of our vision to improve mental wellbeing for individuals and communities. Your support is critical to make a tangible difference in the lives of many. With gratitude, Jessica Branson, Interim Executive Director “My therapist has been an excellent listener. She has given me lifesaving tools and has made my journey into a “we,” making me feel safe.” - Positive Directions Client

Positive Directions has great updates to share! In this blog post: Meet our new Interim Executive Director, Jessica Branson Parenting Pressures panel discussion on September 15 Welcome to our TNP Coalition Coordinator, Marsha Elbourne Suicide Awareness & Recovery Month updates & free training Community events CT Support Group Games Night for youth and young adults on September 27 Agency News Welcome to our Interim Executive Director, Jessica Branson! Jess joins Positive Directions as Interim Executive Director. Her upbringing in a family of empathetic healers and devoted community leaders instilled in her the importance of listening, nurturing, and empowering others. These values have guided her 25+ years of experience in business, media and marketing strategy for fortune 100 companies and her own growth consultancy. Read her full bio here . Welcome to Jess! PD Staff Summer Picnic PD staff wrapped the summer up with our annual staff celebration picnic. We thanked our staff for all their hard work with games and a tasty lunch. Thank you for all that you do, team! Prevention Department Updates Parenting Pressures: Navigating Challenges and Achieving Balance Last year, the US Surgeon General put out an advisory highlighting how tough parenting is these days. In response, we've partnered with The Westport Library to organize a panel of local mental health experts, followed by small breakout groups where people can share and learn about supports and resources. This event will be moderated by our Prevention Director, Margaret Watt, and our Clinical Director, Melanie DeLapp, will be one of the speakers. Free Suicide Prevention Training September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month -- an annual reminder that we should all be prepared to recognize and respond to someone who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide. We will hold our bimonthly free Question-Persuade-Refer (QPR) training on September 25th from 12-1:30 as a lunch & learn. Coffee & snacks provided. Please sign up! Introducing Our TNP New Coalition Coordinator, Marsha Elbourne Marsha comes to Positive Directions from a career in marketing, where she spent over two decades working as a copywriter and creative director at agencies in Fairfield County and New York City, crafting strategies, ideas, and content for well-known brands. As mother of a 14 year old, she looks forward to working with Norwalk youth to promote mental health & prevent underage substance use. Read her bio here , and welcome to Marsha! Community Events We had a great (if rainy!) time recently at the annual Norwalk Night Out organized by the Norwalk Police Department, as well as the Ross Summer Social organized by the Norwalk Housing Authority. Our activities raised awareness and we were able to distribute parenting materials, lockbags, Narcan, and more. Stop by and visit us at one of our upcoming events: On September 13, we'll be at Slice of Saugatuck , with tables both for the Westport Prevention Coalition and for Positive Directions. Stop by for homemade cookies by Melanie, our Clinical Director! On September 20, we'll be tabling for The Norwalk Partnership at the all-day St Philip Fall Festival in Norwalk. And we'll be at the back-to-school nights at Coleytown, Bedford, and Staples as well! Peer Support Updates for September: Suicide Awareness & Recovery Month Candlelight Vigil We were honored to again be a part of the annual Suicide Awareness Month candlelight vigil organized by  My Friend Abby  in Trumbull. People shared stories of loss and resilience, along with sharing resources. It was a heartfelt and heart-warming event, as always. Free Peer-Led Supports for Those Struggling with Thoughts of Suicide For Suicide Awareness Month, we encourage everyone to please share our flyer identifying a multitude of amazing, free, underrecognized peer-based resources to support people with suicidal thoughts. No one needs to struggle alone--help is available. Please download and share our Suicide Supports in CT flyer. Our own Alternatives to Suicide (Alt2Su for short) support group meets online every Tuesday at 7pm. Recovery Month September is also Recovery Month. Our SMART Recovery and SMART Family & Friends groups continue to meet weekly to offer skills building and peer support to those seeking to make positive changes in their life. SMART Recovery Struggling with substance misuse, addictive behaviors, or mental health? In our free SMART Recovery support group, a trained peer facilitator will guide you in using evidence-based tools to learn skills: Build and maintain your motivation to change Learn to cope with urges Manage your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors Live a balanced life Discover the Power of Choice! SMART Family & Friends Do you have a loved one struggling with unhealthy or addictive behaviors? SMART Family & Friends is a free support group based on the CRAFT model, which has been shown to be the most effective way of assisting a loved one to recognize they need help. With SMART Family & Friends, you will: Develop skills to help you cope Get support from others Learn effective communication skills to help your loved one Restore balance in your own life CT Support Group Games Night If you're a teen or young adult in CT looking to meet folks your age and grow your community, you don't want to miss this! Our CT Support Group project is hosting the monthly game night on Saturday 9/27 from 7-9pm on Discord! Join the CT Support Group team for a night of laughter, competition, and connection. Visit bit.ly/ctsgdiscord to join the server!

Positive Directions has great updates to share! In this blog post: Attorney General speaks at our cannabis event Safe at College: Students from Norwalk and Westport can drop in this Thursday for a free harm reduction kit containing Narcan Cannabis PSA Youth opportunities with the CT Support Group & Mid Fairfield Youth Cannabis Prevention Project SMART Recovery capacity building Meet our clinical interns & more! Prevention Department News Attorney General Speaks at our Law Enforcement Summit Through our Mid Fairfield Youth Cannabis Prevention Project, we recently convened police leaders from New Canaan, Norwalk, Weston, Westport, and Wilton for a summit meeting with Attorney General William Tong, who has been a terrific advocate in addressing illicit cannabis sales, especially those targeting youth. Our event also featured a presentation by DMHAS Program Manager Denique Weidema-Lewis–a former Positive Directions program director! Also in attendance were Sen. Ceci Maher, Rep. Tom O’Dea, First Selectwoman Dionna Carlson (New Canaan), Second Selectwoman Andrea Moore (Westport), preventionists, and representatives of local planning and zoning and health departments. Our project is developing regional collaborations that will build capacity, streamline processes, share data, and move the needle on policy and practice related to underage cannabis. Safe at College Training: Drop in this Thursday to pick up harm reduction kit (with Narcan) for college College students: Be prepared to keep your friends safe at college! Positive Directions is providing safety kits to college students from Norwalk or Westport on Thursday, August 14th, between 1pm and 6pm. RSVP preferred so we have enough supplies! Please plan on spending15 minutes to discuss mental health & substance risks and resources at college, recognize overdose warning signs, and learn to administer life-saving Narcan. Walk away with a cannabis lock bag containing Narcan, fentanyl test strips, and more. Cannabis Awareness Video Check out the Public Service Announcement created through our Mid Fairfield Youth Cannabis Prevention Project! It was broadcast throughout the summer throughout the project’s five-town catchment area, seeking to raise awareness among parents. Youth Mental Health First Aid Update Over the summer, two of our Prevention staff, Francesca Guerrier and Margaret Watt, were trained as instructors in the internationally recognized YMHFA training. Be on the lookout for our first class, which will help build awareness and skills among adults who work with youth and will be open to anyone from our local communities. Recruiting for a Regional Youth Team As part of our Mid-Fairfield Youth Cannabis Prevention Project, which is working across Norwalk, New Canaan, Weston, Westport, and Wilton, Positive Directions is putting together a Regional Youth Team. Youth must be from one of the target communities, of high school age, abstinent from all substances, and interested in serving as role models and educators and in being a part of a multi-town effort to address cannabis. The regional youth team will provide education and gather data through focus groups and landscape analysis. Updates from our Peer Support Team New Look for CT Support Group website Our CT Support Group  website has a new fresh layout, improved search capabilities, and more info about accessing peer supporters and groups around the state! Agencies can also claim their own listings on the Resource Map to make updates. SMART Recovery Facilitator Training Builds New Regional Capacity Through a grant from Wheeler Clinic, we were able to train 12 new SMART Recovery facilitators in the region, building capacity to offer SMART Recovery support groups in schools, nonprofits, treatment facilities, and at our regional Pride Center. Youth Mental Health Advocates: Volunteer with the CT Support Group Project! Are you a youth or young adult interested in supporting mental health? Our CT Support Group project  is a digital peer support platform that connects young people across Connecticut. If you're interested in creating content, sharing resources, building connections, growing the Discord, or have other ideas, consider volunteering! Contact our project manager, Quinn Jannetty,   and check out the volunteer description on our Careers page. To share this opportunity, please download the flyer here: News from our Behavioral Health Clinic Melanie Vollono now known as Melanie DeLapp! At the end of July, our Clinical Director, Melanie, got married! She will now be going by her married name, Melanie DeLapp. Congratulations, Melanie!! Welcome to Clinical Intern, Leslie Corrigan Leslie has recently joined Positive Directions as a Clinical Intern and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Sacred Heart University. Leslie engages with clients and meets them with openness and optimism. She is passionate about developing healthier thought patterns and setting and pursuing achievable goals. She emphasizes empathy, collaboration, and patience. Welcome, Leslie! Welcome to Clinical Intern, Nikoletta Moschidi Nikoletta is committed to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and integrate creativity into the therapeutic process to foster resilience and healing. Nikoletta emphasizes empathy, collaboration, and a holistic approach in her work. Her blend of artistic insight and clinical training allows her to support clients through skillful integration of therapeutic approaches that facilitate exploration and transformation. She will also be working with our Westport Prevention Coalition one day a week! Welcome, Nikoletta!

Positive Directions is proud to be one of three official charity partners of New York Road Runners, which organizes the famed TCS New York City Marathon each year. Three incredible runners are running on our behalf this year. Each has a goal of raising $3,000 for Positive Directions! Cam Gaylord “Running has always been there... but it’s therapy that truly transformed me.” Brian McGarvey Brian’s journey to physical fitness unexpectedly strengthened his mental wellness. Gianna Affi Running once contributed to Gianna’s mental health struggles; today it fuels her recovery. Check out each runner's story below and read why they're running for Positive Directions! Cam's Story "There's a real handshake with mental health and physical fitness. That's what excites me about Positive Directions. And that's what excites me about running." "First of all, I trained - hard - for the NYC Marathon in 2012. Then Hurricane Sandy canceled it. It’s been 13 years and I’m back. I've been running competitively since high school. I am proud of how far and fast I can run. Hitting the pavement has always given me clarity, discipline, and a deep connection to my own resilience, but where I was running to wasn’t always clear.  "There’s a stigma about “needing” therapy. The thought is, if I can’t see you hurting then how can you be in pain? I sought help from a mental health professional who helped me untangle the thoughts I couldn’t outrun. She’s helped me curb certain inhibitive traits and helped me become a better husband, father, son, friend and employee. "My world in 2025 is full of hope and, finally, a marathon. Thanks to my wife, my daughter, and getting help when I needed it most." Brian's Story "It was clear that on days that I ran, I mentally felt better. I had more patience and ability to deal with things that would typically cause me anxiety." “I would run 3 miles but have to stop to catch my breath and walk. After a little time I only had to stop to walk about halfway through until one day I was able to complete those 3 miles without stopping. “It's funny where things can take you without any intention to ever end up in that place. It was running that drove me to decrease some bad decisions and replace them with healthier eating and consuming less alcohol. I mentally felt better, more patient and more able to deal with things that would typically cause me anxiety.” Gianna's Story "Running taught me not to be scared of food, because not only is it great and fun, but it taught me resilience and strengthened my mental health." "When I went to college I was hit by the perfect storm: a newfound love of running, generalized anxiety, stress from being away from home, and the struggle that comes with creating a new life. "This culminated in a severe eating disorder. After two years of over-running and under-fueling, I broke my knee. Things needed to change. I focused on healing, physically, and recovering from a deeply buried mental health struggle that would take all my might to recover from. After three years, I was ready again, but took things slowly. I listened to my body, honored my cravings, took off days, and relied on family and friends to hold me accountable. "Many people say running a marathon is the hardest thing you'll ever do, but with eating disorder recovery under my belt, I feel ready for anything." About us:  Founded over 50 years ago, Positive Directions takes pride in being innovative community leaders in mental health, community prevention, and peer support. As a small (but mighty!) nonprofit, we work at the community and state level to transform perspectives, policies, and practices and create healthier communities, while also providing direct counseling and peer support to individuals and families struggling with mental health or substance misuse challenges. We provide free trainings and support groups, and we never refuse treatment based on someone's ability to pay. Like the amazing NYC Marathoners running to support us, we believe that physical wellness is tied to mental wellness. 100% of the funds our runners raise will support Positive Directions' mental health and substance misuse services, from prevention through treatment and recovery. A huge thank-you to Rhone for partnering with us to support these great runners! To learn more about our ongoing work, check out our blog and events page!

To kick off the summer, Positive Directions has great updates to share! In this blog post: Learn about our new clinical staff and play therapy space Watch videos of recent alcohol & cannabis discussions organized by our Prevention Division & stream an awareness film at home for free Learn about our new, free SMART Recovery support groups and facilitator Read blog posts by our Staples HS interns written for our CT Support Group project. News from our Behavioral Health Clinic Introducing our new Clinical Director, Melanie Vollono, LMFT Melanie Vollono is a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in CT and NY, who received her Master's at Iona College. Melanie specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, OCD, anxiety, specific phobias, and school refusal/avoidance. Her approach is systemic, solution-focused, and strengths based. She looks forward to bringing SPACE treatment to Positive Directions! Read her full bio here , and reach her at mvollono@positivedirections.org . Welcome, Melanie! Medication management returns with our new APRN, Lori Lang Lori is a nurse practitioner providing medication management for clients at Positive Directions. Prior to joining Positive Directions, she had many years of experience treating patients with blood cancers. During this time, she became increasingly comfortable managing not only the physical, but also the mental health and emotional concerns of this chronically-ill population. Read her full bio on our webpage here . Welcome, Lori! Play Therapy room opens! Thanks to generous grants received from the New Canaan Community Foundation (NCCF) and Westport Rotary Club, we are breaking ground on our "Child Therapy Playroom" here at Positive Directions! The Play Room is stocked with therapeutic toys and games to use with clients age 5-12 and facilitated by our clinical staff with expertise in play therapy interventions. In addition to our new Play Therapy space, we will soon be starting a build-out project to improve our client waiting area to better serve our community. Prevention Department Resources Westport's Relationship with Alcohol: A Community Discussion During Alcohol Awareness Month ,  we organized a panel discussion to explore Westport's relationship alcohol, together with members of our Westport Prevention Coalition . Many thanks to our wonderful panelists, listed below. Watch the video by clicking on the image, and be sure to check out the panelists' programs & services on their websites: Renny Affoumado, Progressive Institute Mary Dobson, LIFT Wellness Kevin Godburn, Westport Youth Services Vanessa Hurta, Aspetuck Health District Brian McGunagle, Westport Pride Sam Sandrew, Teen Awareness Group (TAG) Nat Smitobol, Saugatuck PTA Margaret Watt, Positive Directions For more resources, visit NIH's Rethinking Drinking website; the CT Dept of Mental Health & Addiction Services CT Stronger site; and CDC's Alcohol webpages . Impact of Today's Cannabis on Youth Big thanks to Dr. Amy Swift , Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Silver Hill Hospital, who shared what the treatment community is seeing with our Mid Fairfield Youth Cannabis Prevention Project steering committee! Click the picture to watch the recording, and definitely check out the Q&A starting around 10 minutes in to learn why Dr. Swift says cannabis is riskier than alcohol in many respects--especially for youth. "If They Had Known" Available through Summer! We're making our license of the half-hour film "If They Had Known" available to screen at home through the end of the summer. The true stories of two young men who died from accidental overdoses is an important awareness-raiser that can start conversations among parents and young adults. Consider watching & discussing the film's messages before students head off to college this fall. RSVP here to receive the link.  Updates from our Peer Support Team Meet our new SMART Recovery facilitator, Teraya Broaden Teraya has been in the Human Services field for over 14 years. She has provided peer support and case management to promote recovery from substance use disorders. She has also worked with clients with severe mental health issues that include conducting active outreach and in home engagement with providers/community agencies on a daily to weekly basis. Welcome, Teraya! Free SMART Recovery Support Group We recently relaunched our SMART Recovery support group for those seeking to make positive changes in their life. SMART Recovery is a non-clinical support group where participants share challenges and learn skills to help them: build motivation to change cope with urges manage thoughts, feelings & behaviors live a balanced life The group meets every Tuesday at 6pm, online, for free! Click here to receive our Zoom link. Free SMART Family & Friends Group Our SMART Family & Friends group is a weekly meeting to support those who are coping with a loved one struggling with a substance use disorder. It meets every Thursday at 6pm, online, for free! Click here to receive our Zoom link. CT Support Group Project The CT Support Group project is our statewide youth & young adult platform for connection, peer support, and community, created by and for young people in CT. Check out some of the recent blog posts written by local Westport teens! Sebastian wrote about culture and mental health  and mental health in athletics  and Avery shared about being a " glass child ." We encourage teens and young adults to check out the CT Support Group Discord server , where Quinn, Therell and others are hosting drop-in activities & offering online peer support hours. Quinn is also available to provide free one-on-one peer support. (See flyer above; schedule meetings here .) Alternatives to Suicide Support Group Our weekly "Alt2Su" group continues to meet every Tuesday at 7pm on Zoom. It 's a safe space to share about difficult emotions and thoughts related to suicide or self-harm. The group is facilitated by Jen Lord , an amazing Recovery Coach who has also been making a huge impact working for us as a counselor at Brien McMahon HS & the Center for Global Studies this past semester. Click here to receive the Zoom link.

An online platform for youth mental health TurningPointCT is now CT Support Group. Offering Connection, Peer Support, and Community. By young people, for young people. We’re proud to announce the rebranding and expansion of our TurningPointCT project, now known as the CT Support Group ! After 10 years of providing almost 400,000 young people throughout CT with an online platform to share their advice, personal experiences, and resources related to mental health, the project has evolved in response to what youth and young adults have told us they want today. We're grateful to our long-term funders, DMHAS Young Adult Services and the CT STAY STRONG project at Advanced Behavioral Health, and our new funder, the Westport Young Women's League , for supporting this evolution and helping us spread the word! What makes the project unique? Thanks to our DMHAS funding, the CT Support Group recently launched a Discord Server where young people in CT can get connections to resources and supports around the state, build their community, and even directly access peer support. (Discord is a free, popular platform for young people today, allowing text, voice, and video chat.) Individual peer support is available for FREE to teens and young adults in CT. The CT Support Group project also offers trained peer support --both virtually and in-person--to young folks statewide. Our project manager, Quinn Jannetty, can provide peer support around mental health, substance misuse, self discovery, and more for free, to teens and young adults--and we're planning to expand that service! Typically, mental health peer support is only available to adults who are clients of state-funded programs, so this is a wonderful asset for youth who are looking to connect with folks like them. We are also updating the project website as well as the Discord to serve as a clearinghouse of people and support groups throughout the state that provide trained peer support. What is peer support, anyway? If you've ever experienced a breakup, struggled in your role as a parent, awaited news about your health, or cared for an aging parent, you understand the difference between talking about it with someone who has had a similar experience versus a sympathetic listener. That's what makes peer support unique. Peer support is rooted in the sharing of lived experiences that allow people to connect with and support one another . Peer support is collaborative and mutual. All parties are learning and growing alongside each other. Peer support is rooted curiosity, consent, and choice. Supporters frequently check in with participants before asking questions or offering ideas and resources. Peer support is non-hierarchical. One person is not "more recovered" or "more healed" than another. Peer support is about conversation and moving towards self defined goals. Participants define their goals and peer supporters offer connection and support as they move towards those goals. Why is peer support important? Peer support is important for so many reasons. It is a source of validation and understanding from someone who "gets it" . Having that shared lived experience is important--especially for young people who are dealing with isolation and disconnection.  Peer support improves mental health and recovery outcomes for participants . SAMHSA has a plethora of literature  demonstrating the effectiveness of peer support. Peer supporters are trained to provide relevant and timely resources to participants and are equipped with a variety of tools and skills for supporting folks on their recovery journeys. A testimonial from a CT Support Group peer support participant. If you or someone you know is a young person in Connecticut interested in talking to a peer, reach out to Quinn at qjannetty@positivedirections.org . Stay tuned for updates about the CT Support Group project and for more information about peer support!

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for mental health advocacy and community empowerment ? Do you have the drive to make a lasting impact across Connecticut communities? If so, Positive Directions is looking for you. About the Role We are currently seeking a dynamic and experienced Executive Director to lead our organization into its next chapter of growth and innovation. This role is not only about management—it’s about mission. As our next Executive Director, you will be the key driver of strategic vision, financial sustainability, and community engagement. You’ll oversee operations, lead fundraising initiatives, and work side-by-side with our passionate staff and dedicated Board of Directors to ensure Positive Directions continues to thrive. Your leadership will directly shape the programs that touch lives in Westport, Norwalk, Weston, Fairfield, Wilton, and beyond. What We’re Looking For A confident, hands-on leader with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role. A master’s degree and a deep understanding of nonprofit operations. Experience in mental health services or clinical management is highly preferred. A track record of successful fundraising, strategic planning, and public speaking. Someone who believes in innovation, collaboration, and community impact. Who We Are Founded in 1971, Positive Directions – The Center for Prevention & Counseling – has been a cornerstone of mental health and addiction recovery in Fairfield County for over 50 years. As a nonprofit based in Westport, CT, we are dedicated to empowering individuals, strengthening families, and building resilient communities through prevention programs and compassionate clinical services. Our work spans far beyond therapy. From partnering with local governments on youth substance prevention to providing telehealth services for individuals and families, Positive Directions is where care meets community. Why Join Us? At Positive Directions, you'll work with a team that’s as compassionate as it is capable, in a culture rooted in inclusion, equity, and growth. And you'll have the opportunity to lead an organization respected not only locally, but across the State of Connecticut. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, a strong support network, and the chance to lead with purpose every single day. Ready to Take the Next Step? Submit your resume and cover letter via email to: positivedirectionsedsearch1@gmail.com To learn more about our work, visit www.positivedirections.org .

On Thursday, February 27, 2025, elected officials, school administrators, community leaders, law enforcement chiefs, and prevention coalition leaders from New Canaan, Norwalk, Weston, Westport, and Wilton came together at Westport Town Hall for the launch of the new Mid Fairfield Youth Cannabis Prevention Project. Group photo of attendees from New Canaan, Norwalk, Weston, Westport & Wilton   This project, developed by Positive Directions-The Center for Prevention & Counseling, is funded by DMHAS as one of the first 10 pilot grants from the state using cannabis tax revenues. The collaboration across multiple towns in the Greater Norwalk retail market will allow for shared mass media marketing, the development of a regional youth team, and collaboration on environmental scans. The project will also bring together leaders from key stakeholder groups, such as police, schools, and prevention, in regional sector summits. Community Perspectives Speakers at the event highlighted the benefits of taking a regional approach to the issue, since residents of all our towns regularly cross borders and are all part of one larger market, and the suburban towns currently have no prevention funding for cannabis. Speakers discussed how the legalization of medical and retail cannabis has fueled the perception among both youth and parents that marijuana is not particularly harmful, even though it is addictive and is particularly risky during adolescence, when it can cause permanent damage to the developing brain. Several panelists mentioned the need to monitor and address the black market. The City of Norwalk shared about the need to be proactive in addressing illicit sales at smoke shops and other locations. Norwalk has been diligent in involving law enforcement, planning and zoning, and the city's ordinance committee in this work, and the lessons learned can benefit the other towns and support the environmental scan work that will be coordinated regionally through this project. The panelists speaking at the event represented key sectors and all five towns, emphasizing the role of parents, schools and community leaders in prevention efforts. They included: Jen Tooker, First Selectwoman of Westport; Superintendent Kevin Smith, Wilton Public Schools; Officer Chris Kassimis, Norwalk Police Department; Colleen Prostor, Executive Director, New Canaan CARES; Rashida Miller, Family & Youth Social Worker, Town of Weston Human Services, and parent representative; Prevention Director Margaret Watt and Project Manager Francesca Guerrier, Positive Directions. We are grateful to each speaker for their support of this effort. The audience was left with the powerful message that we are all partners in prevention and we all have a role to play in preventing cannabis use in our youth. Download handout about the project here:

Are you a passionate mental health professional ready to take on a leadership role? Positive Directions – The Center for Prevention & Counseling is looking for a Clinical Director  to oversee and manage our Clinical Department. This is an incredible opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals, families, and communities while leading a dedicated team of clinicians. About the Role: Clinical Director The Clinical Director will play a pivotal role in overseeing Positive Directions’ clinical operations. This position involves supervising staff, ensuring compliance, engaging with the community, and maintaining a clinical caseload. The ideal candidate is an experienced and licensed mental health professional who is passionate about leading a team and making a difference in the field of mental health and addiction recovery. Key Responsibilities: ✅ Supervise & Manage Clinical Staff  – Lead a team of clinicians, provide training, conduct performance evaluations, and ensure quality assurance in services. ✅ Ensure Compliance & Quality Improvement  – Maintain adherence to state licensure requirements and HIPAA standards while conducting periodic audits and updates. ✅ Manage Budget & Financial Goals  – Collaborate with the Executive Director and financial team to meet department budget targets. ✅ Engage with the Community  – Represent Positive Directions at community events, fundraisers, and professional conferences to build relationships and promote our mission. ✅ Maintain a Client Caseload  – Continue providing direct therapy services to individuals and groups. What We’re Looking For 🔹 Master’s Degree in Mental Health Field (LCSW preferred) 🔹 Valid Connecticut Mental Health License to practice independently 🔹 2+ Years of Experience in counseling individuals, families, and groups 🔹 Trauma-Informed, Client-Centered Approach 🔹 Strong organizational and leadership skills 🔹 Experience with electronic medical records (EMR) and insurance billing How to Apply 📩 Submit your resume and cover letter  via email to: ClinicalDirectorResumes@positivedirections.org 📅 Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For more details, visit www.positivedirections.org . Join us in making a difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health and addiction. We look forward to welcoming our next Clinical Director!  💙✨ Why Join Us? At Positive Directions, we believe in fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment where professionals can grow while making an impact. As a valued team member, the Clinical Director will receive a competitive compensation and benefits package while working in an organization dedicated to mental health advocacy and community well-being. About Positive Directions Founded in 1971, Positive Directions is a Westport, Connecticut-based nonprofit dedicated to mental health treatment, addiction prevention, and community education. Our mission is to support individuals, families, and communities by providing counseling services, prevention programs, and educational resources to build resiliency and life skills in adolescents, adults, and families. We collaborate with local governments, schools, and organizations to promote awareness of risky behaviors and help people make healthy choices. Our clinical services include individual and family counseling, teletherapy, and telepsychiatry, serving the towns of Fairfield, Norwalk, Weston, Westport, and Wilton.

Written by: Juliana Cotza Grief washes over us in unpredictable waves. It is an enduring pain that never fully fades, but instead serves as a painful testament to the deep, unconditional love we will always carry with us for those who are no longer here.  The covid pandemic reshaped our world in countless ways, but it intensified loss in a way I could have never imagined. For many, including myself, it meant being forced to say an improper goodbye to someone you loved so wholly. During this time I found myself attending more “covid” funerals than regular ones, each an extremely painful reminder of the sheer inability to celebrate and honor a life we cherished.  My uncle Claudio was the brightest light. His smile was infectious, his laugh was contagious, and he would truly illuminate up every room he walked into. He was my God Father and one of the most important people in my life, though I didn’t always get to see him as often as I would’ve liked to.  Despite my quiet nature and tendency to retreat in large family gatherings - something other family members may have interpreted as rude or bratty - I knew I was always safe, accepted, and understood in my uncle Claudio’s arms. Despite our family dynamic where the spotlight often shone on my older sister, the first born granddaughter and niece, I knew I was extremely special to him, which mattered the most to me.  I will never forget the Facetime call we shared the day he passed. The image of him unconscious and surrounded by a maze of tubes and wires will be forever etched into my memory. I knew it was bad; he had many underlying conditions. But I could have never imagined that this call would be our last goodbye. I clung to the hope that he would return home to us, a hope that still feels surreal four years later. His funeral remains one of the most unforgettable days of my life. Coming from a large, passionate, and very Italian family, disagreements are often common. It was moving to see us all gather together, solely to honor him and the profound impact he made on our family. That day, differences were set aside as we gathered in a packed church, a testament to the many lives he touched. It was also the first time in my life that I’ve seen my dad, the textbook definition of the word "stoic", completely and utterly break down. I will never forget the sound of his cries, desperately willing his brother to just wake up. I miss my uncle for me, but I miss him even more for my dad. They were more than brothers, they were the bestest of friends. There is no one that connected with my father like his brother, and seeing them together was truly magic.  There aren’t words to describe how tough that day was. But standing in that crowded church, surrounded by family, friends, and community members, I felt a bittersweet warmth. The overflowing pews were a powerful reminder of the impact my uncle had on so many lives. His light shone brightly not just in my life, but in the hearts of everyone who knew him.  I was only 16 years old when we lost him. Now at 20, I feel the weight of the time stolen - the small moments, like our family barbecues, the celebrations, like my high school graduation and final dance recital, and quality time, like the most amazing hugs he gave. Every missed family barbecue, every phone call, and every warm embrace serves as a reminder of his absence. A reminder that he was taken from me, my family, and the world too soon.  Grief is a journey we all must navigate at some point in our lives, and it deserves to be spoken about openly. Its intensity may ebb and flow, but it remains a powerful reflection of the love we hold and the indelible mark those we’ve lost leave on our lives. Coping with grief is a deeply personal journey, but here are some strategies that have helped me, and may help you navigate these ongoing emotions: Allow Yourself to Feel:  Understand that grief is a natural response to loss. Permit yourself to experience a range of emotions without judgment. Seek Support:  Reach out to friends, family, or support groups who can offer empathy and understanding. Sometimes sharing your feelings can ease the burden. Consider Professional Help:  If you find that your grief is overwhelming, talking to a therapist or counselor can provide guidance and coping strategies tailored to your needs. Practice Self-Care:  Engage in activities that nurture your well-being. This can include exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, or hobbies that bring you comfort. Create a Personal Tribute:  Honoring the memory of your loved one through rituals, writing, art, or memorials can be a therapeutic way to celebrate their life and process your feelings. Be Patient with Yourself:  Healing is not linear. Allow yourself time to adjust, recognizing that setbacks and fluctuations in your emotions are part of the journey. Express Your Emotions Creatively:  Whether through journaling, music, or art, finding a creative outlet can help you channel your emotions and document your journey. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Every step you take is a testament to the love you continue to hold.