By John VoketThe Newtown Parent Connection (NPC), a local nonprofit working to educate and empower community members in the prevention of substance abuse and to support families in crisis grappling with addiction, has elected former state representative Christopher Lyddy as its new board chairman. Mr Lyddy's term runs for a period of two years.The Newtown Bee that he is extremely proud of the NPC, and remains inspired by how it has been able to support so many people over the years.NPC's Final Movenewtownparentconnection.org.

The organization is also targeting late spring to occupy its new headquarters in a former residential duplex adjacent to the new ambulance headquarters at Fairfield Hills. Founder and Executive Director Dorrie Carolan said she is excited at the prospect of the organization moving into a building NPC can call its own.

She is also looking forward to working more closely with her new chairman.

"Chris Lyddy has provided great service and leadership as a longtime member of our board - going back to when he was in college," Ms Carolan said. "But now we're looking forward to Chris bringing even greater expertise to the table to help us as we enter this next chapter of the Parent Connection's growth."

Ms Carolan pointed out that Mr Lyddy is well-known around the state not only for his term of service in the legislature, but as a talented social worker who currently serves as chief operating officer and coach for Advanced Trauma Solutions, Inc. He was also an appointee to Governor Malloy's Sandy Hook Advisory Commission, and to the Connecticut Child Fatality Review Panel (CFRP).

The CFRP is charged with reviewing unexplained or unexpected circumstances involving the deaths of any child under age 18 who has received services from a state department or agency addressing child welfare, social or human services, or juvenile justice.

Mr Lyddy told

"The Newtown Parent Connection is a small organization with a huge heart," Mr Lyddy said. "We do big things quietly, and we work hard to ensure that every family has a support system they can rely on and look to when they are struggling the most."

Mr Lyddy said building connections for and with families is one of the most powerful tools the Newtown Parent Connection has to promote mental wellness and eliminate the stigmas that too often leave people without the care and support they need.

"After ten years of service to the board, I am honored to lead this smart, passionate, and empathic group of people who selflessly put our mission into action each and every day," he said. "Our values are rooted in integrity and a commitment to model what we teach by walking side-by-side our families, friends, neighbors, and strangers in need of support."

Mr Lyddy believes every person involved with the NPC does this because they know people need access to reliable, ethical, and compassionate resources when they or someone they know have come face to face with the significant stress caused by addiction.

"One simple quote comes to mind when I think of the board, of our founding member Dorrie Carolan, and of all the people we have helped over the years: We can do no great things - only small things with great love," he added, quoting Mother Teresa.

Over the past five years, the NPC has moved around - from an office in Hawleyville to Edmond Town Hall, and the process of acquiring and renovating a former duplex at Fairfield Hills has been an ongoing challenge for Ms Carolan and what she describes as "a highly dedicated and motivated core group of volunteers and service providers."

Currently the organization hosts a Hope & Support Group for parents of children or loved ones affected by substance use or abuse, and a Bereavement Support Group for those who have suffered a loss. Ms Carolan said a new Sibling Support Group is in the process of forming now.

Every year, the Parent Connection is a key partner presenting a Family Fun & Dinner Night to encourage families to share daily meals together as a means of engaging young people and supporting them through challenges that might otherwise cause them to be exposed to, or to choose to experiment with, drugs, alcohol, and other self-destructive behaviors.

"Our new building will provide us more opportunities to host workshops, programs, and other resources for local residents," she said. "We're also collaborating with Newtown Youth & Family Services to host a forum on emerging drug and alcohol trends."

That event will be held at Newtown Middle School March 23 from 6:30 to 9 pm. The NPC is also planning an open house event and a therapist networking dinner in the fall.

"In our new offices, we'll have a resource library, and will be maintaining a database to assist anyone who calls or visits us looking for a referral for substance abuse counselors, family therapists, or treatment facilities," Ms Carolan said. "Our layout will include a reception area, a large lecture room, smaller resource rooms, and individual offices."

Besides Mr Lyddy, the Parent Connection Board includes Vice Chair Robert Ryder, Secretary Sue Levasseur, Treasurer Ken Rodbell, Carlen Gaines, Joe Hemingway, Rebecca Brown, Aaron Carolan-Scholz, and Kathleen Moonan. Ms Carolan said long before she became first selectman, Pat Llodra was also a key supporter of the organization.

"We also owe a huge debt of gratitude to Pat Llodra who has been supportive of our work from day one," Ms Carolan said. "Without her energy and attention to this project, we probably would not be a couple of months away from occupying this new home for the Parent Connection."

The NPC's major annual fundraiser is the Kevin J. Carolan Memorial Golf Outing, which is typically held the first week in October.

Anyone interested in volunteering either professional services or in some other capacity can contact Ms Carolan at 203-994-5394. To learn more, visit