This week marked the formal launch of Newtown’s “Recovery and Resiliency Team,” which is poised to work in partnership with local recovery providers, community organizations, and town employees in response to continued needs in our community post-12/14.

The six-member team is led by community outreach liaison Melissa Glaser, LPC, who has a background in community behavioral health and clinical treatment. The other team members consist of project manager Margot Robins; clinical recovery leader Deb Del Vecchio-Scully, LPC; and three case managers — Catherine Gaida, LCSW; Eileen Rondeau, RN; and Suzy DeYoung, MsEd.

The team office is located in the former engineer’s house and security building at the main gate of Fairfield Hills, 28 Trades Lane. The group of recovery specialists is in place to build community relationships, provide resources, as well as facilitate and foster collaboration between service providers and funding sources while assisting in the ongoing assessment of community needs and strategically planning for present and future needs.

“We will also be working closely with all recipients of the federal consequence grant to assist in execution and needs provisions,” Ms Glaser said in a release. “The office has an open door policy. We are encouraging individuals and providers to stop in or call the Recovery and Resiliency office.”

“We are here to assist in any way that may be helpful to this community,” she said. “We are a skilled group of professionals with the goal of helping to bring the community together to collaborate on many levels.”

Ms Glaser said while the team understands that navigating the mental health system and community needs funds can be confusing, they are there to ease this burden and to support community members.

“We will work as the conduit to fill in the gaps of recovery services, and will provide direction and support to those impacted by the Sandy Hook tragedy,” she said.

The Legislative Council was positioned Wednesday evening to approve an 18-month, $18,000 lease for the team’s offices at Fairfield Hills, which along with funding payroll and myriad other programs and expenses, is drawn from a multimillion-dollar federal Department of Justice grant.

Visit the team’s website at NewtownRRT.org, contact Ms Glaser by e-mail at mglaser@newtownrrt.org, or call 203-270-4612.