August 2017 E-Newsletter

Sacrifice Our Wants For Other’s Needs Sunday
Tony Rigual, IT Dept.

After serving time, I was staying at a halfway house and started college while I was there. I needed a computer for my schoolwork so I had to contact my Federal Dept. of Corrections caseworker for permission to purchase a laptop since they don’t allow laptops in halfway houses. I was the only guy there with a computer. A lot of other halfway house residents were looking for work – and the case managers/social workers weren’t helping – so I would sit with them and work on their resumes and help them look for work on my laptop. Staff took away my laptop for two weeks when they found out. I told them, “I guarantee when I get it back, I will be doing the same thing.” Eventually, I started getting furloughs to go home on the weekends. I was still using my laptop to help my co-residents, even printing interview tips for them. So the staff took away my computer and my furloughs, so I couldn’t visit my family. But that didn’t stop me from helping those guys. Out of the 6 men that I helped, all of them got work.

Touch-A-Heart Tuesday
Kyia Del Valle, Batter Terrace Staff

The staff at Continuum are more than co-workers, they are friends. One time, I was having a really rough day at work while trying to complete an assigned task. One of my co-workers – who has literally become my best friend – asked me how my day was going. I shared that I could not really focus on the project at hand and was struggling to complete it. My co-worker then went out and brought back breakfast for us to share. She told me to take a break to regroup, and explained that life is too short to be stressed. After we ate breakfast, she pulled up a chair next to my computer and said, ”Now, let’s get this done.” I don’t know what is was about her encouraging words and kind gestures, but I was able to complete my assignment and I felt so much better. To her it was no big deal but it showed me that the people at Continuum are filled with compassion, kindness, and Love. Thanks Ivelisse!!

Thoughtful Thursday
Catina and Tracy, Stevens Road Staff & Resident

I’ve been working with Tracy for 4 years now. At this point, we have developed a heartwarming and trusting relationship. She’s always been very kind and constantly checks on staff’s wellbeing and families. She and my son share a birthday, so she always asks how he’s doing. If you’re out sick, she’ll check up on you. When my back went out for about a week, she called to make sure I was resting properly and feeling better. We both consider each other as family. I don’t think of her as a client. I’m just Tina, and she’s just Tracy. 

Speak Kind Words Saturday
Ivette Altieri, South Central Peer Services Staff

A simple smile and kind words can brighten anyone’s day. Angela has been cleaning South Central Peer offices for over 10 years. She comes twice a week with her aid.  She often smiles, is so happy and always compliments me on my hair. Other days she’s very down and not herself. One day she was cleaning, I noticed she was sweating and her face was red as she cleaned. When I asked if she was okay, she said she was not feeling well. I told her she could rest and as she was sitting there, she said, “Ivette, I like your hair. It’s very nice. How do you do that?” I told her it was easy and offered to do her hair. She looked in the mirror and said, “I love it. Thank you, really, thank you very much.” Honestly, she made my day.

Motorist Consideration Monday
Zih Dickey, Community Support Program Client

I have a bike named Grease and I would ride it to and from places to pick up and deliver items for people, free of charge. I started with my aunts. They own a hair salon, so I would pick food up for the shop. Then I started to pick up items for their customers. The farthest I’ve gone is from downtown New Haven to Westville, which took about 35 minutes. I never asked for anything. If I got anything, it was a blessing. It was good for me beyond helping me to get in shape. It created connections. People got to know me from seeing me riding my bike around. One of the guys I delivered for even introduced me to a scholarship that I won. 

Willing-To-Lend-A-Hand Wednesday
Juan, North Colony Staff 

Continuum started a community garden this past May to give our program residents the opportunity to learn new skills, socialize with one another, and develop healthy eating habits. The garden is thriving and we have shared our bounty of basil, cucumbers, beets, tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers and so much more with staff and residents, alike. But our garden wouldn’t flourish without the help of Billy and Juan. Billy was the only resident to participate in planting the garden. He waters the garden just about daily with the help of Juan, an employee. He is also very helpful in picking the veggies (and eating them!). Juan is a wonderful employee. He encourages Billy on a daily basis to make the garden a part of his routine. Without their help we would not have a garden at all!

Forgive Your Foe Friday
Brianna Dickey, Administrative Staff

Sometimes people treat the front desk/ receptionist position as one they don’t have to respect. So I’ve dealt with people being very rude. One person in particular was rude a couple of times. At first I was really upset but then I took time to think about the situation and look at it from their point of view and see that their rudeness was a reflection of them and not me. So I decided to say something just in case the person didn’t realize their behavior – which turned out to be the case. Having that conversation brought a coolness to our relationship that enabled us to work together in a healthy environment. Forgiveness is for you, not the other person. It’s a release for you. It’s even better if you’re able to talk about the issue with the other person because it’s a release for the both of you.