May 2024

MAY 2024

MADD Times Monthly Newsletter

Newsletter Highlights

Victim Services

Volunteer Spotlight

Youth Programs

Events

madd.org/ct

@maddconnecticut

@maddconnecticut2587

MADD Connecticut 339 Hemingway Ave. East Haven, CT 06512 Phone: 203.764.2566 Email: ct.state@madd.org

On April 17, 2024, MADD Connecticut took to the Capitol in support of Bill 424 to lower the legal BAC to .05. We would like to thank all of those who spoke out in support of this bill at our press conference, including Senator Christine Cohen, Representative Aimee Berger-Girvalo, DOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto, Senator Tony Hwang, Leah Walton, National Transportation Safety Board, Bob Garguilo, Executive Director, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Omar Masood, Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety. We would like to say a special thank you to Angela Loprete for sharing your daughter Maryann's story during the press conference. What a beautiful job you did. And to Tayler, Tina, Cindy and Sandra for coming out in support of this bill and lending your voices and stories to the cause. The voices of our victims and survivors are most important and should be amplified every chance we get.

West Hartford May 4, 2024

SUPPORT GROUPS Our support groups is available for all victims and survivors to feel supported through their healing process and to come together with others going through similar feelings. Please reach out to Michelle at michelle.chamberlain@madd.org or Stephanie at stephanie.stacy@madd.org for more information.

Tuesday, June 11, 2024- Bereaved Tuesday, July 9, 2024- Bereaved Monday, May 20, 2024- Injured Monday, June 17, 2024- Injured

7:00 PM- Bereaved Virtual via Microsoft Teams 7:30 PM- Injured Virtual via Microsoft Teams

Here at MADD Connecticut we are big supporters of victims and survivors being able to share their own stories in their own way. Stephen Panus did just that with his book "Walk On" in honor of his son Jake. "From the depths of darkness and his greatest loss, emerges an intimate, candid and raw story of a father’s search for meaning in the face of grief and adversity. Walk On is an emotionally powerful book about love, loss, and life. It transcends grief and offers inspiration toward leading a purposeful life filled with kindness, compassion, and service. In today’s world, grief and adversity are seemingly everywhere, more so than ever. These universal concepts cause many to suffer and lose hope. Walk On is a resilience-centered guidebook for overcoming struggle while teaching that the answers towards leading a life filled with purpose and meaning reside within you. Drawing upon wisdom, leadership, and a 30-year career as a sports marketing executive, Stephen Panus provides real-world application of indispensable values and traits that illuminate a pathway for turning pain into purpose and becoming the best version of ourselves. We all suffer in some manner and no matter what happens or how it happens, we all must ‘Walk On’ in our lives." (www.stephenpanus.com)

Olivia was only 6 years old when she tragically lost her life due to an impaired driver. Her wonderful parents are hosting a motorcycle ride in memory of Olivia to mark the one year anniversary of their crash. Olivia always said she could not wait to get bigger so she could go for a ride with her dad. What a beautiful tribute. For any of our MADD New Englanders in Vermont, or any riders who like to travel, we invite you to join Chad and Alisha as they honor little Olivia and the big bright light she was in this world.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

We are honored to congratulate Celina Snell as our May volunteer of the month! Celina has been volunteering with MADD for close to 20 years. After her son, David, was killed by a drunk driver in 2005, Celina began sharing his story at our Victim Impact Panels. She is also a dedicated participant in our Hartford Walk and with her team in memory of her son, David’s Angels.

We’re MADD About Our Volunteers!

Thank you so much to the incredible individuals who take time out of their schedules to give to MADD Connecticut. We are truly grateful for all that you do. Interested in becoming involved with MADD? Send an email to ct.state@madd.org today for more information.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Program Manager Nicole Wichowski and Program Specialist Noelle Swift were invited to participate in the Greenwich Safe Driving Day.

Noelle Swift and Jenn Rossi at Central Connecticut State University Women’s Center for the Office of the Victim Advocate National Crime Victims Rights Week event.

Our Youth Department participated in the Fairfield University Mock Crash event to spread awareness on the dangers of impaired driving, alongside volunteers Erin and Larry sharing their son Kyle's story at the event.

Development and Community Engagement Specialist Jennifer Rossi at the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Expo.

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