June 12, 2025 - by Marti LoMonaco - The Woodruff Family YMCA hosted the All In for Milford June Community Gathering, which focused on community and mental health: what local services are available, how to find them, and how to assist friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens to get the help they need. The evening was enveloped in warm hospitality from start to finish, with a delicious potluck meal, cards for everyone to fill out to make follow-up dates with folks met during the evening, and invitations to get more involved in AIFM. Everyone left with a smile on their face and leftover food to take home!
Connecticut State Representative M.J. Shannon, 117th District (Milford, Orange, West Haven), welcomed the crowd and spoke about current legislation concerning funding for mental health services. He highlighted Senate Bill 10 strengthening the enforcement of mental health parity laws, which require health insurance plans to cover behavioral health benefits and physical health benefits equally. Notably, the Bill increases penalties for noncompliance and improves transparency by requiring insurers to publicly report on their adherence to the law. Shannon encouraged everyone to get in touch with him with specific needs and requests and promised he would keep us posted on any new developments. Write to him at: mj.shannon@cga.ct.gov
A wealth of information on getting help right here in Milford was provided by Jenn Fiorillo, CEO and President of Bridges Healthcare on Bridgeport Avenue, who outlined the multitude of services provided to adults, children, and families all under one roof. Bridges, established in 1957, is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic and the state-designated mental health facility for Milford, Orange, and West Haven. Several of its services also extend to the surrounding communities of Ansonia, Bethany, Derby, Seymour, Shelton, Stratford, and Woodbridge. They have a 24-hour help line and encourage you to call when in need: 203-878-6365.
Bridges views mental health as part of everyday life and your regular healthcare plan. Jenn emphasized that it’s not just about treatment, although they offer myriad ways of addressing long and short-term mental health and addiction issues. Bridges also offers community support services, such as a Mental Health First Aid Program that teaches people to discern who is in emotional distress and needs assistance; Social Rehab Programs for Adults; a Young Adult Drop-in Center; and programs for children in public schools. Many people shared their own positive experiences with Bridges’ programs and services and gave heartfelt testimonials. Jenn encouraged everyone to visit their website for a full list of services offered and to find out more about their work: bridgesct.org
The program continued with prompts, large sheets of paper, and colored markers distributed to every table to discuss what we just heard: what resonated, how did it make you feel, how would it impact you? There was a lot to report back as people shared their own experiences and connected with others in the room, reinforcing the importance of community in navigating mental health difficulties.
Topics such as substance abuse, suicide prevention, LGBTQIA+ issues, lack of community spaces for people to gather and connect, multi-generational families living in cramped quarters, and an overwhelming sense of fear, dread, and anxiety perpetuated by our divisive society were discussed. One person pointed out that 1/3 of EMT calls concern a mental health-related crisis or condition. But solutions were also offered, such as programs like volunteer phone trees supporting those who feel isolated, especially the elderly, providing a lifeline of connection for those living alone. Additionally, there are now empathy-focused programs designed to remove the stigma often associated with hospital visits for mental health concerns. Everyone agreed that younger people are much more comfortable discussing these issues and actively seeking help, which is a positive step forward.
At the close of the gathering, everyone was encouraged to exchange phone numbers with people they met and follow up with a coffee or lunch date. All were invited to join the weekly All In for Milford 8:00 AM Thursday morning Zoom meetings. Want to know how to get involved? Send us an email at info@allinformilford.org.
Below is a list helpful resources. Click any link to learn more.
TEAM, Inc. Volunteer Opportunities
All In for Milford
Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have.
info@allinformilford.org
All In for Milford is an alliance of community leaders and neighborhood organizations that strive to make Milford a city where everyone has a place to live, everyone's voice is heard, and we all can thrive.
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All In for Milford