Meet The Kennedy Collective Peer Mentors, Trechena Grier & Lynn Santos. Lynn & Trechena have overcome overwhelming obstacles in their lives and have channeled their experiences and perseverance to give back by helping others find their way.
When TrechenaGrier was just eight years old, she was adopted by an American family and left her homeland of Haiti. In America, she endured a very difficult and challenging childhood. Despite the many setbacks, Trechena was always searching for a better life. In 2010, Trechena was
diagnosed with mental health issues and would eventually enter the Greater Bridgeport Mental Health Center (GBMHC) for treatment. She credits this as one of the best things that happened to her. It was here that she realized she was not alone and that she was finally in a place she could get the help she needed. During her time at GBMHC, Trechena became a client of The Kennedy Collective, working with dedicated TKC case managers to help her along her journey. She also volunteered for Peers Utilizing Self-Healing (PUSH), a group that works with patients to help learn the skills needed to survive & thrive – skills that would serve her well when she left GBMHC.
Today, Trechena is employed by The Kennedy Collective as a Peer Mentor. She meets bi-weekly with her clients and their families and goes above and beyond helping them to prepare for everything from organizing, planning, and following up on doctor visits, community interactions, job searches and keeping up with daily life. When asked, Trechena said, “I love helping people because I truly understand, from my heart, what they are going through, and I don’t want to see anyone suffer.”
Like Trechena, Lynn Santos was also a patient at the Greater Bridgeport Mental Health Center (GBMHC). Prior to entering the facility, she was told she would never be a functioning member of society. Lynn has always had a deep love for and dedication to learning – she has earned an Associate Degree in Human Services and is working towards a BA in Psychology.
While at GBMHC, Lynn was referred to The Kennedy Collective (TKC) for supported education. Her case managers at TKC would help Lynn develop the skills she needed to continue her education and become an active and productive member of the community when she left the facility. The support and connections she made with The Kennedy Collective during this time would serve her well.
Today, Lynn is employed as a Peer Mentor at The Kennedy Collective and doing an amazing job! She currently has seven clients who she meets with weekly to provide emotional support and to ‘show the ropes’. When asked about her work, Lynn exclaimed “I love doing this work! There is nothing better than giving back, especially when you know first-hand what these people are going through!”
Thank you Lynn & Trechena!
Goings on at The Kennedy Collective
On Thursday, May 11, The Kennedy Collective welcomed the community to our 2023 EXPO. Our amazing and dedicated staff was on hand to greet guests and talk about our Services and Business Enterprises that support individuals with disabilities and their families. Soups and Such provided delicious finger foods and sweet treats for all to enjoy!
On Tuesday, May 16, The Kennedy Collective staff gathered for an evening of Potluck and fellowship at our 30 Controls Drive location in Shelton. We shared incredible food, wonderful stories and enjoyed each other's company at our spring celebration!
On Sunday, May 21, members of The Kennedy Collective staff participated in the ASRC Walk for Autism & Autism Resource Fair at Quinnipiac University. Visitors stopped by our two tables to speak with our experts - Don Seipel, Sara Schwartzer, John Jones, Meg Haffner & Laurie McElwee - and learn about our services!
On Tuesday, May 23, The Kennedy Collective staff and individuals traveled to the state capitol and joined the Community Non-Profit Rally to ensure our message is heard loud and clear - a measly 1% increase in funding will not cut it. CLICK HERE to support our mission!
On Tuesday, May 30, The Kennedy Collective & the Stratford YMCA launched the new Project Search initiative. Fiona Jones, Sara Schwartzer and Suzanne Richards (YMCA) were on hand to present the 9-month unpaid internship program that prepares young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities for competitive employment
Stop by to view our newest exhibition that explores the impact of LINE, its strength, sensitivity, and quality.
MDAC Gallery
1042 Broad Street (entrance on John Street)
Bridgeport, CT
Give Every Month
By Giving Every Month, your support provides weeks, months, and years of quality program & services for individuals with disabilities, and gives The Kennedy Collective the opportunity to help those who too often feel under-valued.
GEM Monthly Giving is easy and affordable. You can change your pledge whenever you wish and you'll receive an annual statement to assist in tax preparation.
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