In the world of recovery support, the relationships built between organizations can be just as transformative as the services they provide. This month, The TriCircle Connection is proud to shine its spotlight on Mandy Miranda — Director of Wallingford’s Youth and Social Services, a steadfast champion for youth and families, and one of TriCircle’s valued community partners. With decades of experience spanning mental health, law enforcement, and social services, Mandy brings a depth of knowledge and a warmth of spirit that have made her an indispensable member of Wallingford’s collaborative care network.
“Wallingford Youth and Social Services invests $6,000 in TriCircle’s Alternative Peer Group programming — a full year of monthly connection for local youth.”
We are thrilled to announce that through Wallingford Youth and Social Services (WYSS), TriCircle has been awarded $6,000 spend-down funding for one full year of monthly Alternative Peer Groups (APGs). These evidence-informed gatherings offer young people in recovery — or those at risk — a safe, structured, and affirming space to build authentic friendships and find their footing. This collaboration is a powerful testament to what happens when leaders like Mandy put their resources and trust behind the work that matters most.
A Conversation with Mandy Miranda
Q: How did you become involved with or learn about TriCircle?
Mandy Miranda: I had the pleasure of meeting with TriCircle’s fearless leader, Ana Gopoian, when I first started at Youth and Social Services about five and a half years ago. Since then, I have been impressed with the programming, but even more so by how knowledgeable she is — the resources and connections she has locally and within the State are remarkable.
Q: How can your skills and expertise benefit the people TriCircle serves?
Mandy Miranda: I am the Director of Wallingford’s Youth and Social Services, coming on board in October 2020. Prior to YSS, I worked with the Wallingford Police Department as a Civilian Youth Officer for 18 years. Throughout my career I have worked with youth and families through Connecticut’s Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), Middlesex Hospital’s Outpatient Therapy Program, and various residential facilities across the state. Youth and Social Services is a resource for every Wallingford resident, regardless of age. We provide social service assistance — including utility support, holiday assistance, and referrals — as well as Youth Diversion Programming, Summer Youth Employment, Leadership Programming, and an Alternative to Suspension program for students caught at school with vaping or alcohol. We also have a Licensed Clinical Social Worker on staff who provides individual and group sessions and community workshops, with a background in substance use support for individuals and families.
“There is a great deal of collaboration that occurs — and to me, that is extremely important within the work that we all do.” — Mandy Miranda
Q: What positive factor did you encounter in your experience?
Mandy Miranda: The Town of Wallingford has an abundance of services and resources through its many town departments and nonprofit agencies. There is a great deal of collaboration that occurs — and to me, that is extremely important in the work that we all do. The relationships between our agencies and departments can truly be seen and felt during the Wallingford Resource Alliance meetings, which take place bi-weekly. These gatherings are an important opportunity for all agencies to learn about what others are doing and what resources are available throughout our community.
A Partnership Built on Trust
Behind every successful nonprofit is a network of people who believe in its mission even when the path is not easy. Mandy Miranda is that kind of ally for TriCircle. She understands the persistence required and the need for collaboration in order to move community health work forward. Her investment in TriCircle’s Alternative Peer Groups is not just funding; it is a vote of confidence in every young person who will walk through those doors seeking belonging.
On behalf of Ana and everyone in the TriCircle family, we extend our deepest gratitude to Mandy and the entire Youth and Social Services team. You remind us, every day, that connection is not just our mission — it is how this community breathes.