Pastor Dana Smith and Pastor Evelyn Smith of New Life II Ministries are working to get the word out about an important new program to help people facing challenges from mental health, substance use and/or trauma.
The program is the first in the state, peer-run respite house, “Gloria House.” Its website says that, “The Gloria House aspires to create a brave space in which Respite Guests can find the connection and support needed to navigate emotional distress and turn a difficult time into an opportunity to learn, heal and grow.”
The program’s website says that Gloria House is,
a 4 Bedroom residential peer respite home located in New Britain, CT. The house is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year – by peers who identify as having direct lived experience with mental health, addiction and/ or trauma. The Gloria House offers voluntarily, short-term respite services as an alternative to traditional psychiatric stays.
“Respite Guests,” Gloria House says, “will receive support in a comfortable home environment for up to 7 days, with an additional 30 days of follow-up support from an Outreach Advocate,” adding,
During a stay at The Gloria House, Respite Guests are provided a brave space to navigate emotional distress or other extreme states, one-on-one peer support as well as access to many other tools and resources to promote wellness, connection, and self-determination.
More information is available at the Gloria House website. The Gloria House can be reached at TheGloriaHousePeerRespite@gmail.com or 860-357-4245.
To help the program be successful, its organizers are also seeking donations, noting that, “The Gloria House is a community project, and we need your support to see it develop to its full potential.”
We particularly welcome the following items: > Unopened/unused personal care products (toothbrushes, shampoo, hand lotion, soap, etc. (Unscented please) > Gift cards to local supermarkets (Big Y, Stop & Shop or River Valley Market) > Art supplies > Reading materials > Clothing in adult sizes and in good condition > Unopened food items (coffee, snack bars, nuts, soups and other non-perishables are especially helpful!) > Fresh fruits and veggies
Those interested in making a donation may also contact TheGloriaHousePeerRespite@gmail.com.
