Julie Lyons, a bereaved mom and longtime supporter of TriCircle, is planning an amazing fundraising event to honor her son Philip and to support TriCircle’s mission and message, especially its Hope After Loss groups.
The event was named for Philip Lyons’ love of the Grateful Dead song of the same name and has attracted over 300 attendees in past years, a record breaking crowd at Nuzzo’s Farm in Branford. This year, the “With a Rose” fundraiser will be held on Sunday, October 8, at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven.
Julie chose TriCircle because of the valuable connection she has made with one of its programs. After Philip’s passing in July, 2020, Julie found a home in one of TriCircle’s “Hope After Loss” support groups for bereaved parents, guardians and loved ones.
“TriCircle pulled me through my deepest despair,” she said. “I’m still not great and do not expect to ever be the same. But all the people who participate in these amazing groups understand one another and the deep grief involved in losing a loved one to the disease of addiction.”
Over the years, TriCircle has had the honor and privilege of providing a much needed element of support to a demographic of individuals and families who do not get anywhere near enough attention and care.
Ana Gopoian, executive director and founder of TriCircle, who recently celebrated 28 years in recovery, said, “The stigma, struggle, isolation, and guilt that drive this disease are just as detrimental as the disease itself. We can learn so much from each other as we help families navigate the turbulent waters of grief and loss together.” Ana continued by adding, “TriCircle is changing lives and making our community healthier and stronger in so many ways. We have to look at the way we regard and perceive substance use disorder and the disease of addiction in order to achieve our long range plan. We are working hard to change perceptions and to encourage compassion and understanding.”
TriCircle greatly appreciates any fundraising that can be put toward the organization’s three-phase plan, which, in part, involves obtaining a mixed-use building for long-term residential treatment, resources and services for recovering individuals and their families.
We are honored to have Julie’s support and to partner with her as we seek to create real, long term solutions for individuals and families affected by the disease of addiction.