Meet Jack Perch, a 9-year-old from New London who brought his community together to pay tribute to a snowy egret who was violently attacked by two young men at nearby Ocean Beach. Jack organized an event to help his neighbors process the violent act and show respect for nature. “Those animals are like friends. The golden rule is for nature, too,” Jack told the New London Day.

Jack’s actions demonstrate how positive action can be part of the approach to coping with adversity, but not everyone has the tools to process their feelings in a healthy way. WeAreCT helps connect people with services for mental health, behavioral health, and resources for dealing with strong emotions such as grief, anger, and depression.

CT State Senator Cathy Osten is a dedicated public servant with a proven track record of advocacy and understands the challenges veterans face all too well. Her service in the U.S. Army instilled in her a deep understanding of the sacrifices veterans make and the unique needs they may have upon returning home.

Recognizing the importance of mental health and substance use recovery resources, Senator Osten is a proud supporter of the We Are CT initiative — bringing awareness to the mental health concerns our veterans are experiencing and empowering them to take charge of their well-being and seek help if and when they need it.

When Ann Dagle tragically lost her son Brian to suicide in 2011, she channeled her grief into action — becoming a dedicated advocate for suicide prevention and support for those coping with loss. She co-founded The Brian Dagle Foundation as a safe place in the community for people to begin and continue the long road of healing through support groups for the loss of a spouse, a child, loss by suicide, and dedicated resources for young adults, among others.

Ann understands that removing any barriers between support and those who need it is vital to those struggling with depression, addiction, and other mental health matters. She recognizes the importance of the We Are CT initiative, as it assures the people of Connecticut that it’s okay to ask for help. She aims to make all of Connecticut’s mental health and substance use recovery resources more easily accessible to everyone in need.