April 1, 2016 – When you think about what matters most to you, no doubt the people you love come to mind first. This year, Bridges’ joined an important advocacy campaign, #PeopleMatter. Organized by the CT Community Providers Association, this initiative was created to raise awareness of how all people are harmed by uninformed budget cuts to the mental health, addictions and other services that help thousands of people live safe and healthy lives.
When faced with the reality that cutting vital services would almost certainly result in lives lost and families broken, Governor Malloy and our CT State Legislators restored $17 million of the $25 million in proposed budget cuts to the Governor’s 2016-17 biennial budget. At Bridges, we breathed a short-lived sigh of relief and got on with our mission to help people recover and live healthy, productive lives. We could not do this without your help.
Connecticut legislators are still trying to remedy decades of financial missteps and we are faced with budget rescissions once again. We continue to remind them that #PeopleMatter. We know the answers aren’t easy, but the solution cannot come at the cost of our most vulnerable citizens. The chronic underfunding of community behavioral health providers like Bridges impacts all of our citizens.
We’d like to tell you about one of those people who matter, whoselife is better for the help he receives at Bridges. Your past donations have made the difference!
“Alan” is 43 years old, a large man, with a soft voice and a shy smile. He was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder as a child. He speaks very little and has several medical problems that are addressed by Bridges’ staff, through our Integrated Healthcare Services. Alan lives in a group home and comes to Bridges three days a week for therapy and medication management. He benefits from the time he spends at our Open Door Social Club, where he enjoys the company of peers and staff, group activities and healthy meals.
Alan will never drive a car, hold a job, marry and have his own family. He will need behavioral healthcare for many years to come. He has no family to assist him, or advocate for services. Bridges is a lifeline for Alan. Your donations let us continue to provide him with services. Please give to Bridges’ Annual Fund, so Alan and so many others can live safe and healthy lives in our community.