A collaboration between the Town of New Canaan and Silver Hill Hospital, the NCUA connects those in urgent need of mental health treatment with a timely, psychiatric assessment and tailored referral for ongoing care. The program requires zero out-of-pocket costs from New Canaan residents for the assessment.
In bringing Ordinary People’s timely story to the community, Town Players aims to reduce the stigma of talking about mental health and to raise awareness of mental health and human services resources in Fairfield County. It is partnering with Silver Hill Hospital and New Canaan Human Services to do so. It also thanks its many sponsors, including Walter Stewart’s Market; Stewart’s Wine and Spirits; Karl Chevrolet; Carriage Barn Arts Center; Connecticut Humanities; Connecticut Public; Francos Wine Merchants; Keith E. Simpson Associates; Help for Kids CT; Kids in Crisis; and Russell and Katie Barksdale.
Saturday’s benefit performance included a buffet dinner and drinks at the Carriage Barn Arts Center prior to the 8 PM show. More than 100 community members attended.
“We are extremely grateful to the community for partnering with us to get people talking about mental health and to raise support for the NCUA program,” Patricia Spugani, director of community outreach for Town Players, said. “Through Ordinary People’s powerful story and the immediacy of live theatre, we contributed to an important public conversation. Our post-show discussions led by Silver Hill Hospital have been especially inspiring and eye-opening, as audience members and cast have shared personal and heartfelt stories about anxiety, depression, suicide, hope and recovery. We hope the conversation continues.”
March 2, 2023
