

2-1-1 Community Connection	May 2014

Message from Richard Porth

President/CEO, United Way of Connecticut

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

The goal of Mental Health Awareness Month is to minimize negative attitudes about mental illness and to eradicate the stigma that surrounds issues of mental health.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) estimates that more than 100,000 adults and 30,000 children in Connecticut live with serious mental health conditions including depression, schizophrenia, bipolar, and anxiety.

In Connecticut, 2-1-1 connects people to resources and assistance with mental health concerns. 2-1-1 is accredited by the American Association of Suicidology and has contact specialists available around the clock to answer calls and provide crisis intervention services.

To learn more about mental health resources in Connecticut, click here to read the April 2013 2-1-1 Barometer on Mental Health, or visit the 2-1-1 website for a directory of mental health resources.

5/29 is College Savings Plan Day

It is never too early to begin saving for the future, and having a college savings plan can make it easier for families to save and prepare for their children's college education.

529 plans are tax-advantaged investments designed to encourage college savings for children. CHET, which stands for Connecticut Higher Education Trust, is the 529 college savings plan for Connecticut.

Funds invested in CHET accounts can be withdrawn tax-free for qualifying education expenses, and a CT state income tax deduction is available for CHET contributions.

Visit their website or call (866) 314-3939 to learn more.

1 Word 1 Voice 1 Life

The 1 Word, 1 Voice, 1 Life campaign is an ongoing initiative to reduce and eliminate suicide by encouraging everyone to do three things: 1. Start the conversation about mental health and suicide; 2. Identify and help individuals who may be at risk; 3. Seek help for oneself without hesitation.

Visit the 1 Word 1 Voice 1 Life campaign website for tips on how to recognize warning signs and to find ideas about how to start a conversation.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, dial 2-1-1 and press option 1.

2014 Summer Reading Challenge

Earlier this month, Governor Malloy launched the 2014 Summer Reading Challenge for Connecticut students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Reading is a fundamental skill that is critical to early brain development, and allows students to practice and hone their language skills, thinking strategies, and information processing. This reading challenge is a fun way to encourage students to read through the summer, and helps prepare them for more learning in the fall.

Information about the summer challenge, including grade-level reading suggestions and a summer reading journal can be found on the State Department of Education website at this link.

Please check your links and bookmarks!

We have recently switched to a new platform for our 2-1-1 website, and links to our old system may no longer work. If you have a bookmark for 2-1-1 or include a link to 2-1-1 on your website or in your newsletter, please update it to http://www.211ct.org

The mission of United Way of Connecticut is to help meet the needs of Connecticut and its residents by providing information, education and connection to services.

2-1-1 | 2-1-1 Child Care | Child Development Infoline | Community Results Center

For more information, contact us at unitedwayservices@ctunitedway.org

United Way of Connecticut | 1344 Silas Deane Highway | Rocky Hill, CT 06067

Unsubscribe