New Directions Welcomes New Therapists

Donna Williams

Our New Directions Counseling Center is pleased to announce the addition of two therapists to our team of mental health and addiction recovery professionals.

Diane Crouse and Donna Williams recently joined the New Directions team. New Directions has been providing compassionate and skilled counseling to families and individuals on the South Shore since 1947. All clinicians are professionally trained, licensed, independent clinical social workers, licensed mental health therapists or masters-level clinicians.

Diane CrouseDiane Crouse earned her MSW at Bridgewater State University and M.Ed. in Rehabilitation Counseling with the Deaf at Northeastern University. She has more than 30 years of social work experience in a variety of settings, including hospice and bereavement counseling.

Crouse is communicative in ASL and has expertise working with deaf children and their families, and parents of children with other special needs. Her clinical practice has included clients with recovery issues, children of hoarders and survivors of dysfunctional families, as well as those experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD and low self-esteem. She has also worked with and advocated for survivors of the Boston Marathon bombing who experienced trauma, hearing loss and head injuries.

Crouse offers a strength-based approach in a warm, supportive and empathic environment. Her method is collaborative and flexible to assist each individual to achieve their goals and continue on their journey to a healthier and more contented life.

Donna WilliamsDonna Williams completed her M.Ed. from Cambridge College. With years of experience working with clients going through individual, relationship, and family issues, she has provided therapeutic services to clients as young as 5 years old through adulthood.

Williams uses innovative techniques and approaches towards troubled teens, interpersonal relationship family and partner conflicts, and professionals struggling with work-life balance.  She also works with clients working through addiction and recovery issues.

“During this difficult time, we’ve seen the need for counseling services multiply,” said Interfaith’s New Directions Counseling Coordinator Claire Hagan. “Donna and Diane are wonderful additions to the New Direction’s team of skilled and compassionate therapists and allow us to bring mental health services to more individuals.”

New Directions Counseling Center provides services in a comfortable and confidential atmosphere. Therapists provide an individualized, dynamic and respectful approach. Most insurance is accepted. A sliding-fee scale is available to those without coverage to accommodate all who need services.

Call 617-773-6203 ext. 12 for more information, or to schedule an appointment. Evening hours and telehealth sessions are available.

Each Spring, Interfaith Social Services hosts the Stop the Stigma 5K, a race in the Squantum neighborhood of North Quincy benefitting the New Directions Counseling Center. Hundreds of runners and walkers raise funds and awareness to support loved ones, challenge stereotypes, encourage acceptance and eliminate stigmas surrounding mental health and addiction. Participants this year can take part in the in-person race on April 30 or run a course of their choice through a virtual option. There is still time to register or sponsor this event. Visit stopthestigma5k.org for more information.

How to Support Interfaith on Giving Tuesday

Join the global giving movement that is Giving Tuesday!

On the Tuesday after Thanksgiving (this year on Tuesday, Nov. 30) join the millions of people globally who give of their money, time and voice to support the causes they care about.

Interfaith will be again be running a Giving Tuesday campaign here and on social media.

Here’s how you can help:

  • Donate! 
    We have great spending power. With a $25 donation, we can purchase the equivalent of 125 meals for your neighbors in need.
  • Sign up to Volunteer!
    We are always looking for those who can give their time. Find out more about how to become a regular Interfaith volunteer.
  • Spread the Word!
    Tell your friends and family about Interfaith. Follow us and share our posts on social media. Refer a person in need to our programs.

Your Impact

In 2021, your support helped us to:

  • Provide hungry neighbors with 74,270 bags of groceries
  • Rescue 364,549 pounds of food from local retailers
  • Put smiles on the faces of hundreds of South Shore children‘s faces with Bunny Baskets, backpacks, Halloween Boo Buckets and holiday gifts
  • Assist 444 individuals to avoid homelessness
  • Provide 2,838 mental health counseling sessions

We thank you so much for your support.

41 Volunteers Inducted Into Interfaith’s Hall of Fame

We were delighted to recently induct 41 of our amazing volunteers into Interfaith Social Services’ Matti Lang Hall of Fame. The volunteers were honored at a virtual Volunteer Appreciation Night on August 12. We were also able to recognize local healthcare staffing company IntelyCare as Interfaith’s 2021 Community Partner of the Year for their exemplary commitment to volunteerism.

A group of Hall of Fame volunteers

Volunteers are the heart and soul of Interfaith’s programs, and the Hall of Fame recognizes those who have served at Interfaith regularly for at least one year. The Hall of Fame is named after one of Interfaith’s most dedicated volunteers, Matti Lang, who gave decades of his life selflessly serving Interfaith’s clients.

This year’s honorees include: Braintree residents Anna Wilson and Peter Wilson; Cohasset residents Kim Donohue and Amy Sorensen; Hingham residents Amy Beitler and Jody Heaton; Hull residents Cat Bryant and Theresa DelGuidice; Kingston resident Carrie Sylvester; Plymouth resident Silvana Zakrzewski; Quincy residents Rich Brandi, Jennifer Carter, Anna Marie Conneely, Marie Connell, Amanda Crabb, Gayle Davidson, Julie Driscoll, Caitlin FitzGerald, Maddy Gabor, Christine & Patrick Jaehnig, Kathleen Kelly, Donna Larkin, Joe Leason, Jane Murtagh-Smeglin & Michael Smeglin, Bill O’Neill, Nancy Powers, Kathy & Walter Rust, Jory Schwartz, Nancy Walty and Barbara Wray; Rockland resident Britni Verrocchio; Scituate residents Natalie Ahern and Jennifer Matkin; Sharon resident Rhonda Prokos; West Harwich resident Eric Brown; and Weymouth residents Roberta Ferguson-Gregg, Amie Peloquin and Cindy Urmston.

A group of Hall of Fame volunteers

Many of these honorees came to Interfaith at the start of the pandemic in 2020 during a particularly challenging transitional period. As lockdowns commenced and businesses closed doors, nearly 60% of our regular volunteer force needed to pause their service. After calls out to the community, a new group of volunteers stepped in to help keep our essential food pantry services going.

“We’re so grateful to the volunteers that assisted us in a vital time of need and continue to show up each and every week to serve on the front lines with us,” said Interfaith’s Director of Development Paula Daniels. “Because of them, we’ve been able to keep Interfaith’s programs operational and make sure none of our neighbors go hungry or lose hope. It was wonderful to be able to honor and thank all our volunteers for their service at the volunteer appreciation event.”

At the event, volunteers picked up dinner from the Bon Me food truck parked at Interfaith’s building and then headed home to join a virtual meeting and trivia game.

Volunteer Bill O'Neill

In addition to the Hall of Fame induction,we also honored our 2021 Community Partner of the Year, IntelyCare. This award honors businesses or organizations that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to volunteerism.

IntelyCare has been a partner of Interfaith since December of 2019. Since then, their volunteers have donated more than 250 volunteer hours to Interfaith. They had a significant role in our 2021 Stop the Stigma Virtual 5K event, both sponsoring the event and putting together a team of 23 employees to take part in

IntelyCare volunteers

the virtual race. IntelyCare has donated food to the Thanksgiving program as well as toys and holiday gifts for the children we serve.

“When the pandemic hit, all of our monthly corporate volunteer teams had to pause their service with us,” said Daniels. “All except for IntelyCare. IntelyCare stayed on the front lines with us and continued to send amazing volunteers to help in our pantry once a month to assist us with the growing numbers of families coming to us for food. Every time they come to volunteer, they go above and beyond to help us with whatever challenge we are faced with on that particular day.”

Teresa Drisko, Director of People & Culture at IntelyCare, accepted the award on behalf of the company.

“We, as a company, feel honored to be a part of an effort to give back to our local community and drive positive change wherever we can,” said Drisko. “We are humbled to support and donate to an organization that supports and uplifts our communities.”

Volunteers at Interfaith Social Services commit to a three-hour shift per week. Shifts are available Monday-Friday, between 9:30am and 7pm. Opportunities include working in the Bureau Drawer Thrift Shop, filling orders for clients in the food pantry, staffing the front desk, and stocking and inventorying the pantry.

Those interested in volunteering at Interfaith Social Services are encouraged to contact Paula Daniels at 617-773-6203 ext. 28 or pdaniels@interfaithsocialservices.org.

2021 Stop the Stigma Virtual 5K Shatters Records

Submitted photo of Mary and family

submitted 5k photos

Our 47th annual (but 2nd annual virtual) Stop the Stigma 5K has broken our fundraising record again, raising more than $75,000! Thank you!

Because of the outpouring of love from our 400+ participants, the therapists of our New Directions Counseling Center will be able to provide more than 2,500 counseling sessions this year for those that are uninsured or who cannot afford high co-pays or deductibles. This event is truly saving lives.

So many of our friends, family and neighbors suffer in silence because they cannot afford the help they so desperately need. At Interfaith, we strive to break down all barriers, including financial, for everyone who is seeking mental health treatment.

This event not only provides financial assistance for counseling services, it opens the dialogue in the hopes that those suffering will feel more comfortable to seek out the help they need without feeling shame.

Why I Ran…

submitted photo of AlyssaAfter personally witnessing the effects of addiction in her family, Alyssa wanted to understand the biology of substance use disorders. Now she is finishing her PhD in neuroscience at Tufts University to understand how alcohol changes the conversations between brain cells. She ran the Stop the Stigma 5K this year for the nearly 90% of people who never receive appropriate addiction counseling and is grateful to be able to help South Shore families access the help they need.

Alyssa shared, “I’m so happy my story resonated with you and I’m grateful for the work you’re doing with this 5K as there is definitely still work to do to address stigma around mental health and addiction issues.”

Why I Ran…

Submitted photo of Mary and familyMary from Quincy shared with us: “My husband of 29 years just died on January 2, 2021. He passed away from alcoholism and had anxiety and major depressive disorder. Despite all the benefits in front of him, he could not fight the demons. My 3 sons and I don’t want this to happen to another family.

New Directions is helping me by offering grief counseling. The Stop the Stigma 5K raises money so people less fortunate can get the help they need.”

Find more information about our New Directions Counseling Center

Photo Contest Winners

It was so much fun to see finisher photos come in from all the individuals and families and the very, very different courses (and running socks) people chose! These photos represent the winners of our photo contests – we hope you enjoy them as much as we have!

Best Team Spirit Best Running Socks Best Sign
Best Seaside Route Coolest Landmark Best COVID Precautions
Best Countryside Route Best Photo Collage Best Post-run Celebration
Best Canine Partner

See all submitted photos

Congrats to our fastest runners!

You really blew us away with your amazing finish times! May you all enjoy your bragging rights over this next year. Be sure to come back next year to defend your titles!

Fastest Female Runner Fastest Male 40+ Runner

Race Winners:

• Fastest female under 40 – Rebecca Norton
• Fastest male under 40 – Ryan Connon
• Fastest 40+ female – Christine Booth
• Fastest 40+ male – Jeff Shaw

See all results

Thank you STS5K 2021 Corporate Teams

This year’s top four Stop the Stigma 5K Teams had a combined total of 136 participants this year! It is wonderful to see these companies rallying their employees to get involved in their community.

submitted photo from IntelyCare submitted photo from Arbella's Jenn Reale

A huge shout out to our Corporate Teams Arbella Insurance, IntelyCare, PMA Consultants and J. Calnan & Associates!

Top Fundraisers

Highest Fundraisers

Many of our participants took to social media and asked their friends, family, neighbors and co-workers to contribute to STOP THE STIGMA of mental illness. They asked for pledges for their 5Ks and helped us smash our fundraising goals. This year’s top 3 fundraisers raised an astonishing combined total of $4,200 (and counting!).
THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Missed the event but still want to help provide mental health counseling for those in need? DONATE NOW

Thank you sponsors!

Stop the Stigma 5k sponsor logos

Arbella Insurance, The Heritage Companies, Beth Israel Deaconess Milton, IntelyCare, J. Calnan & Associates, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, First Congregational Church of Randolph, Plymouth Quarries, SIGNET Electronic Systems, Keohane Funeral Home, South Shore Health, United Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Burgin Platner & Hurley Insurance Agency, Fruit Center Marketplace, PMA Consultants, Sandbox Medical LLC, Weymouth Rotary, Iron Workers Union Local 7, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, Roche Bros and Ward 4 Neighborhood Association

Your donations have HUGE impact

Cover of Interfaith's 2020 Annual Report

Cover of Interfaith's 2020 Annual ReportTake a look at our 2020 Annual Report!

From our Executive Director, Rick Doane:
What a year! For generations to come people will analyze this period in time. When my future grandchildren ask me “what was life like during the 2020 pandemic?,” instead of talking about the turmoil and losses I look forward to telling them about the immeasurable acts of service, generosity and true community spirit that were cultivated in the midst of crisis.

Words will never adequately express the profound gratitude that I have felt this year from seeing the incredible generosity of so many people. Your financial and tangible donations make it possible for us to keep up with the increased demand for our services. Read more…

In this year’s report you’ll learn all about the impact your donations had on our organization

impact report graphic

68,000+ bags of groceries distributed

430,000 lbs. of food rescued

An Interfaith volunteer fives a backpack to a food pantry client child

1,700+ children served

volunteers wearing face masks

16,000+ volunteer hours

And we take the time to thank you

Our donor list was so long this year that we had to add additional pages to our Annual Report! We are so incredibly grateful for your support through this especially difficult time.

Businesses, organizations, houses of worship and individuals who gave more than $100 in monetary donations in calendar year 2020 are listed in this year’s report. Thank you.

DONATE NOW

 

 

Run or Walk With Us As We Stop the Stigma

Stop the Stigma5K runners standing in front of a Stop the Stigma banner

Nearly all of us have been touched in some way by mental illness or addiction. Whether it’s personal battles with anxiety or depression, the loss of a loved one to the vicious grip of substance abuse or knowing a friend or neighbor living with a mental health condition, we can all raise our voices against mental health stigma.

Each spring, Interfaith Social Services hosts the Stop the Stigma 5K to support our loved ones, challenge stereotypes, encourage acceptance and eliminate stigmas, all while raising funds for our New Directions Counseling Center.

In a non-COVID year, we would all come together at the Kennedy Center in North Quincy and walk/run a beautifully scenic course along the waterfront in Squantum. Until it is again safe to gather in large groups, we have taken our community online, running the 5K routes of our choice and sharing our accomplishments online. While the excitement of the starting line crowd may be missing, running a virtual race gives us the opportunity to share the Stop the Stigma message with a nationwide audience. In 2020, runners raised funds and spread the word from Maine to Florida all the way to Hawaii!

Best socksWe invite you to participate by running or walking a 5K of your choice the last week of April (April 26 – May 2). You can sign up here. After the race, log back in to share your finish time and a photo from your run. We’ll have photo contests (with prizes!) such as “Craziest running socks,” “Most scenic route,” and “Best Stop the Stigma spirit” so be sure to share a photo!

Register by April 2 to be guaranteed a Stop the Stigma t-shirt and finisher’s medal. You’ll be able to pick up your shirt and medal at Interfaith the week before the race (details will be emailed to you). And keep an eye on our Facebook page – you’ll be able to vote on this year’s t-shirt color in just a few weeks!

As we mentioned before, our Stop the Stigma 5K raises crucial funds to support Interfaith’s New Directions Counseling Center. New Directions serves anyone seeking counseling, but we pride ourselves on being a safety net for the uninsured and underinsured members of our community. New Directions makes mental health care accessible to everyone by offering a sliding scale payment system.

Stop the Stigma5K runners standing in front of a Stop the Stigma bannerThe stresses of the coronavirus outbreak have brought even more people to our Counseling Center. We need your help more than ever to make sure all members of the community can get the help they need and seek out treatment without feeling shamed. Your registration fee alone provides one counseling session for a neighbor suffering with a mental illness.

We are also seeking business to sponsor the Stop the Stigma Virtual 5K. Your sponsorship directly impacts those seeking mental health treatment by providing counseling sessions for those in need. With a sponsorship your company will also get exposure to the South Shore community on our T-shirts, roadside banners, mailings and communications. Contact us now to get started!

Not a runner? No problem. You can also support the effort with a monetary donation here.

HomeSafe Donation Match Announced

HomeSafe client, Robert

DOUBLE your donation’s impact!

A generous donor has offered to match your donation – dollar for dollar – up to $50,000, to fully fund Interfaith Social Services’ HomeSafe program! DONATE TODAY.

HomeSafe client, Robert
Shortly before the pandemic hit, Robert suffered a hip and leg injury which prevented him from continuing at his fire alarm testing and repair job. Given the COVID-affected economy and his limited computer skills, he has not been able to find suitable employment. Read more about Robert’s story…

Just a few days ago we shared the story of one of our clients, Robert, and how the HomeSafe program helped prevent him from facing homelessness. His story, combined with the incredible need we are seeing in the community, prompted one of our heroes to act. We were overjoyed when this donor came forward with a $50,000 donation match challenge. With your help, we can meet this fundraising goal.

Double your impact and donate today!

Along with food and clothing, having a place to call “home” is a basic human necessity. At Interfaith Social Services, we do everything we can to help individuals and families acquire the resources that they need to manage the challenges of their daily lives.

For more than three decades Interfaith Social Services’ HomeSafe program has been preventing homelessness for local residents. It is called HomeSafe because every year the program keeps hundreds of South Shore families and children “safe at home” rather than becoming homeless. Some of the services available to eligible clients include: budget counseling, information referral, financial assistance with overdue rent, utilities assistance and help with medical expenses not covered by insurance.

The unemployment rate in Massachusetts has skyrocketed this past year due to the pandemic. This has caused massive financial insecurity and is threatening people with the risk of losing their homes. Programs like HomeSafe need your support now more than ever.

A donation to our HomeSafe program can have a tremendous impact on the lives of those in need in our community by preventing homelessness for hundreds of our neighbors.

Give today to have your donation doubled!

Thank you for your sustaining support.

Welcome, New Board Members!

Gabe Arato professional head shot

Interfaith recently elected new officers and voted in new board members to our Board of Directors. Board member Gabe Arato, Strategy and Business Development Manager at Boston Children’s Hospital Simulator Program, was elected president for a two-year term, ending in 2022.

Gabe putting a box of cereal into a shopping cart
Interfaith’s new Board President Gabe Arato, shown here during a 2019 Board In-Service volunteer day in the food pantry.

Arato, of Quincy, has worked with us as a board member since 2013. He was introduced to Interfaith through a previous employer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, and was drawn to our mission to fulfill the basic needs of those struggling in the community.

“Many of us may not even know that our neighbor is hungry, or lost their job, may lose their home, or needs mental health services they can’t afford,” said Arato. “We are a diverse, fascinating community that when shown how, can lift each other up. Interfaith shows us how we can help, and makes it easy to see the interconnectedness among neighbors.”

Arato’s extensive experience in healthcare spans over a decade working in both provider and payor institutions developing organizational strategies, redesigning processes, and enhancing patient experiences with a human-centered approach. He currently leads strategic planning and business development for SIMPeds, Boston Children’s Hospital’s pediatric simulation program. He has extensive non-profit experience in various capacities, including as a community organizer developing programs targeting hunger, education and economic justice.

During his term, Arato aims to reimagine Interfaith’s mission/vision and to develop a new strategic plan.

“Over the years, we’ve become so effective at listening to our clients’ needs and increasing community engagement,” Arato said. “As those factors evolve, we need to anticipate those needs by planning and acting intentionally.”

Interfaith’s board has also voted in two new members for 2021: Anna Marie Conneely and Rhonda Prokos.

Conneely, of Quincy, is an experienced human resources professional, currently serving as Senior Human Resources Manager for North America and Latin America with DIH, a manufacturer of robotic censored medical devices. Prokos, of Sharon, is Assistant Vice President and Deputy General Counsel for Arbella Insurance, where she provides legal advice and counsel to all departments.

Gabe Arato professional head shot
Gabe Arato

Anna Marie Conneely head shot
Anna Marie Conneely

Rhonda Prokos head shot
Rhonda Prokos

Interfaith Social Services invites members of the public interested in joining the Board of Directors to email info@interfaithsocialservices.org or 617-773-6203 ext. 17.

Feed the Hungry Gala at Home Highlights

Zoom screenshot of the Flatley donation announcement

Feed the Hungry Gala at Home logoSuits and cocktail dresses stayed tucked away in closets this year, but Interfaith’s donors came through with an extraordinary showing of support for this year’s Feed the Hungry Gala at Home on Dec. 4.

Due to the unprecedented challenges presented by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Gala was presented this year in a virtual format on Zoom. Despite the format change, sponsors and donors came together to contribute an astounding $370,000, which will sustain Interfaith’s emergency food, mental health counseling and homelessness prevention programs into the next year.

Total funds raised: $370,000

Ticketed guests enjoyed a half-hour cocktail program before the main event, featuring music, games and more. The South Shore’s Old Oaken Bucket Band performed several songs that had been recorded specifically for the event, gala sponsor Spiritfruit shared a cocktail demonstration and longtime Interfaith supporter BinEnds gave a lesson on wine.

The Old Oaken Bucket Band
The Old Oaken Bucket Band
Spiritfruit demonstration
A cocktail demonstration from Spiritfruit

Premium ticket holders took part in several games during the pre-program, including a Wheel of Chance game. Winners took home gift certificates to area restaurants, including Coffee Break Cafe, Pearl & Lime and Granite Links.

Paula Daniels spins the Wheel of Chance
Interfaith’s Director of Development Paula Daniels spins the Wheel of Chance during a Gala rehearsal

After the cocktail portion, Interfaith’s Executive Director Rick Doane welcomed guests and introduced a video spotlighting Interfaith’s amazing volunteer crew. From his comments:

“At the start of this pandemic, when vulnerable populations were asked to remain at home, more than half of our regular volunteers were no longer able to come in for their weekly volunteer positions. We worried for a moment that we wouldn’t be able to keep the food pantry running at full capacity.

But then a miracle happened. So many wonderful people in this community stepped up and wanted to help. These volunteer “superheroes” jumped right in to serve our neighbors in need. They are the reason that we are able to continue feeding and helping people.” — Rick Doane

Throughout the program, guests learned about Interfaith’s mission and programs, including the impact of their donations and sponsorships. Did you know:

  • $10,000 provides over 8,000 pounds of fresh vegetables for hungry families
  • $5,000 funds our counseling center for two weeks, providing hundreds of counseling sessions to community members in need
  • $2,500 provides three months’ worth of diapers for children whose families depend on our food pantry
  • $1,000 prevents homelessness for one South Shore family
  • $500 purchases 25 backpacks filled with school supplies for local children in need
  • $250 buys five hand carts for clients who walk or take public transportation to the food pantry
  • $100 provides 28 women with pads or tampons for the month – hygiene is not a luxury!

collage - food pantry, kid in Halloween costume, grasping hands

Near the end of program, Rick announced that just a day prior Interfaith received the largest one-time donation they’ve ever received. The Flatley Foundation surprised Rick and Interfaith’s Development team with a $100,000 donation to the Feed the Hungry Gala! This generous contribution brought the total funds raised for the event to more than $370,000. Incredible.

Zoom screenshot of the Flatley donation announcement
Rick announces the Flatley Foundation $100,000 donation

The program ended with a Gala favorite – Heads or Tails. The game, a coin flipping game of chance, is a popular feature at the annual in-person gala. Participants this year competed for a $500 VISA gift card donated by Interfaith’s Board of Directors.

Zoom screenshot of Heads or Tails game
Executive director Rick Doane leads the crowd in a game of Heads or Tails

 

Zoom screenshot of Rick Doane in a suit jacket and pajama pants.
Executive director Rick Doane surprised the audience at the end of the program by revealing his outfit choice for the evening – a pair of Star Wars holiday pajama pants

Gala guests also went home with a unique souvenir. The restaurant and beverage partners who normally whip up delicious tastings for the event contributed to a Feed the Hungry Recipe Book. Featuring recipes from Alma Nove, Coffee Break Cafe, The Corner Stop, Spiritfruit Premium Vodka & Real Fruit, Fuji at WoC, Pearl & Lime, Granite Links, The Townshend and Victory Point, attendees can now try their hands at making some of our partners’ classic dishes.

Feed the Hungry Recipe Book cover

Many of Interfaith’s restaurant partners also graciously contributed to the Silent Auction. Auction packages included a “farm chic” dinner for 20 by The Townshend and Holly Hill Farm, a round of golf at Black Rock Country Club, a Home Office Makeover and an Alma Nove dinner for six provided by Chef Paul Wahlberg.

Save the date for the 24th annual Feed the Hungry Gala – Dec. 3, 2021!

**********************

Interfaith Social Services is grateful for all of the supporters who made the 2020 Feed the Hungry Gala at Home such a big success. We thank our sponsors:

Presenter Sponsors: The Flatley Foundation, Arbella Insurance Foundation and Mayor Thomas P. Koch Quincy Foundation

Champion Sponsors: Envision Bank, A Healthy Balance and HarborOne Bank

Hero Sponsors: Cambridge Savings Charitable Foundation, Quincy Mutual Group, Signet Electronic Systems, Inc. and MavroCreative

Activist Sponsors: Anodyne Homemaker Services, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Milton, Black Rock Cares, Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA, BMC HealthNet Plan, Campbell, DeVasto & Associates, Foxcroft Real Estate Management, FoxRock Properties, Keohane Funeral Home, MountainOne Bank, Neponset Valley Survey Associates, South Shore Health, State Street Corporation, Stop & Shop Supermarket and Yale Appliance & Lighting

Supporter Sponsors: Bank of Canton, Bay State Milling, Coastal Heritage Bank, Cohasset Insurance, Cosgrove, Eisenberg & Kiley, P.C., Crocker Electrical Co Inc., Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation, First Congregational Church Randolph UCC, Law Office of Francis X. Collins, Law Offices of George G. Burke, Plymouth Quarries, Rockland Trust – Blue Hills Charitable Foundation, South Shore Bank, Stephco Cleaning Co., United Healthcare Senior Care Options and Weymouth Rotary Club

Friends of Interfaith: Jennifer & Adam Chu, Victor Coletti, Thomas and Mary Dinneen, Robert Gibson, Art & Kathy Green, Andrea Kinnealey, Sarah & Kurt Livermore, Lisa McBirney, Susan Mueller, Gail Otis and Alexander & Nadine Steffan

In-Kind Donors and Media Sponsors: Elite Envelopes, East Coast Printing, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters and South Shore Home Life & Style

Coping with COVID Anxiety

woman wearing face mask holding her temples

woman wearing face mask holding her templesBy Claire Hagan RN, LMHC
Interfaith's New Directions Counseling Center Counseling Coordinator

There is a wide range of normal emotions associated with coronavirus. Pandemics are stressful... how does one cope with anxiety?

Follow all CDC guidelines to help yourself stay healthy:

  • Wear a mask over nose and mouth.
  • Practice social distancing.
  • Use hand sanitizer.
  • Stay home as much as possible.

Practice self care... Be kind to yourself:

  • Have a healthy diet.
  • Get adequate sleep.
  • Exercise (lots of programs online)
  • Go outdoors in a quiet area (nature is therapeutic)

Do more of what you enjoy and distract yourself while you have more time on your hands:

  • Read new books.
  • Listen to podcasts.
  • Do home projects (clean basement, closets, etc)
  • Meal plan and try new recipes.
  • Have virtual get togethers.
  • Play games and do puzzles.
  • Listen to music.

Know how you feel and assess your level of stress:

  • Are you having a problem sleeping or eating?
  • Do you have physical symptoms (fatigue, headache, stomach ache)?
  • Drinking, using drugs, or smoking more?
  • Feeling angry or impatient?
  • Having a problem concentrating?

Stay connected to family and friends (facetime, zoom, visit outdoors while distancing).

Reach out if you need to and don’t suffer in silence (family member, friend, counselor).

“This too will end.”

***********

Counseling sessions are available through our New Directions Counseling Center. Due to the COVID pandemic, our Counseling Center is now operating on a telehealth model. Most sessions are being held via phone or video. A limited number of in-person appointments are also available.

Call (617) 773-6203 ext. 12 for more information, or to schedule an appointment. Evening hours are available.

A sliding fee scale is available for those without insurance coverage to accommodate all individuals who desire counseling.