We recognize that ongoing connections, individualized support, and multiple avenues of support provide the best opportunity for success after leaving New Haven. The New Haven family is spread out all over the world. Even with the distance between us, we want every family to continue the great work that occurred during their stay. Between New Haven staff and our Alumni Association, we are able to provide a wide variety of services to our families. We are grateful to the Alumni Association parents that volunteer their time to make these resources available to our transitioning families. Take a moment to review these services in more detail below.
About Our Alumni Association
The New Haven Alumni Association exists to provide connection, support, and advocacy on behalf of New Haven Families.
In 2013, New Haven leadership and alumni parents created one of the first Alumni Associations for a residential treatment center. Bucking the industry approach to cut off all interactions after a family leaves, New Haven asked alumni to create the Association to help the healing process continue, informally, and to maintain the bonds created between many families, and between families and staff which transcend the program-client relationship. The Association provides the opportunity for parents to stay connected, while others want to work to remove the stigma against mental health problems in the United States.
Today, New Haven has added an extra level of support by hiring one of our alumni parents to create more structure, support and connection for our alumni families.
Ways to Participate
As New Haven families, we have shared unique experiences that create space to learn from and support one another through honest interactions, openness, and love. In that same tradition, as an Association we have created various committees designed to mentor families in transition, create engaging local and regional alumni events, write and share interesting publications, and support New Haven’s mission to heal families.
Committees
There are several ways for our alumni families to participate in the group association including: communications, event coordination, and programming. All positions are purely voluntary and help our community stay connected.
Virtual Events
New Haven hosts monthly virtual events for our current and alumni families via our private Facebook page, and Zoom. These events allow current families to stay connected to campus events in real time, and provides a place of support for our alumnae.
In-Person Events
Throughout the year, New Haven will host alumni events around the country. These events are attended by New Haven therapists, staff and administration with the purpose of bringing alumni together to receive support, and re-establish connection.
Committee Descriptions
The following committees are where most of the work is done. If you are interested in participating in the New Haven alumni committee, please email Jill Thomas at [email protected].
Communications
Writes and distributes a newsletter on a regular basis. The Committee is also responsible for initial content and keeping up to date an Alumni Association page on New Haven’s website.
Event Coordination
Helps create engaging events, such as periodic, regional alumni meetings; the annual off-campus Alumni Weekend (usually in February); and the annual Utah Alumni weekend (in June).
Programming
Creates and expedites a system by which Alumni feedback is given to and received by New Haven. These volunteers also may assist with legislative needs.
Alumni Events
Our Alumni love to get together to provide support, receive direction, or just reconnect with important relationships. We provide many of these opportunities through our Alumni Events.
Regional Alumni Events
All over the United States past and present New Haven families are inviting both current and Alumni families into their homes. With the help of our Alumni Events Committee these regional events have occurred and continue to occur in New York, Chicago, Northern and Southern California, Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Washington D.C., Boston, and many other areas throughout the country. These events are often attended by New Haven therapists, staff, and administration. These intimate events provide an opportunity to connect, find support, and share experiences.
On-Campus Alumni Event
Our other Alumni Event occurs annually at the end of each academic year. This event is held in conjunction with our High School Graduation. These on-campus events allow families to come back and be with us in a familiar setting and with more interaction with New Haven employees.
This is a great way to reconnect with other alumni families and recommit to the values established while at New Haven. These weekends often include recreational therapy tasks, support groups, and opportunities for individual and family sessions as needed.
Off-Campus Alumni Event
Every year, in conjunction with National NATSAP Conference we hold an alumni event in the same area where the conference is held. These events are attended by New Haven staff and therapists and provide opportunities to reconnect, get support, and share their progress since leaving treatment. These events have occurred in Nashville, TN, Savannah, GA, San Diego, CA, Orlando, FL, and Tucson, AZ just to name a few.
Connect with Us
Families can look for reminders of these events via email and Facebook. To be added to the emailing list or to receive more information on any of these services please email Kallee Anderson at [email protected]
Newsletter
Our Communication Committee provides an ongoing connection to New Haven and other Alum through their newsletter “The Link.” This newsletter provides information about “what’s new,” advocacy needs, and ongoing support through articles about past skills learned at New Haven, transition stories, and sharing ideas around the challenge of transition.
Get Confidential Help Today
New Haven is open year round, so feel free to contact us anytime with questions, requests, or to talk to one of our staff members. Just call, email, or fill out the form to let us know how we can help you.