State Representative DebraLee Hovey (R-112) today noted that the Town of Monroe has graciously allowed the Chalk Hill School to be used by the faculty and staff of Sandy Hook Elementary School following the horrific events of Friday.
“We are grateful to the Town of Monroe for making the Chalk Hill School available to those students, teachers and administrators from Sandy Hook,” said Rep. Hovey. “The trauma experienced by this community is impossible to fathom, and the importance of the ability for them to go to a new location while remaining together to support one another can’t be overstated.”
Hovey said that the Chalk Hill School, which has been vacant for the past two years, will need some work to get it operational and volunteer support would be solicited. “Information on how those who want to help can make a difference will be forthcoming,” she said.
Hovey also noted that there are numerous resources available to those who may need them, and she urged anyone who feels they do to reach out to any of the following services;
• There are counseling services available at the Reed Intermediate School gymnasium from 7:00am to 7:00pm, located at 3 Trades Lane, Newtown.
• A crisis intervention team for members of the community can be reached at 203-270-4283.
• The federal “Disaster Distress Helpline” also provides disaster crisis counseling by calling 1-800-985-5990 or text messaging ‘TalkWithUs’ to 66746.
• The Newtown Parent Connection is offering bereavement group counseling on the first Wednesday of every month from 7:30pm – 9:00pm. This will take place at Edmond Town Hall, located at 45 Main Street, Newtown. The group is going to bring in additional counselors to accommodate the needs of those affected by the shooting. For more information, please call 203-270-1600.
• The Emergency Mobile Psychiatric Services crisis line for children and youth can be reached by dialing 2-1-1 and pressing 1. This will put you in touch with a crisis specialist who can connect you directly to a mental health clinician in your area.
• Connecticut Commission on Children offers these resources: http://www.cga.ct.gov/coc/schonfeld-zimmerman.htm#contschonfeld
• American Psychological Association offers these resources: http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/aftermath.aspx
• Yale Children’s Trauma Team- Dr. Steven Maran: (203) 785-3377
• National Institute of Mental Health offers these resources: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/helping-children-and-adolescents-cope-with-violence-and-disasters-parents/how-parents-can-help.shtml
