One hundred years ago, Clifford Whittingham Beers pioneered outpatient mental health services.  Circa 1913, the idea was cutting-edge and transformed mental health treatment.  

At the Clinic, we continue to emulate Beers’ innovative thinking, and several events throughout the Clinic’s 100^th year will celebrate what the Clinic has accomplished thus far as well as the vision and forward-looking thinking it has for the delivery of mental health services over the next 100 years. 

Centennial Honorary Circle

Innovators.  Advocates.  Philanthropists.  Community champions.  Reformers.  Visionaries.

These are but a few of the words and phrases that describe the distinguished men and women who comprise the Centennial Honorary Circle.  All are progressive, civic-minded individuals whose inclusion in the Centennial Honorary Circle pays tribute to the critical work and legacy of Clifford Whittingham Beers. 

The Clinic is exceptionally fortunate to receive great support from these men and women who boast a wide range of talents and accomplishments and yet share a common purpose: ensuring that children and families who have suffered trauma receive the best possible care.

To see a listing of the 2013 Centennial Honorary Circle, click here.

Birthday Parties

To celebrate 100 years of service, Clinic friends continue to throw “birthday parties” in honor of the last 100 years – and to kick off the next 100!  Held in the homes and businesses of those who support the Clinic, these are largely social events yet also provide an opportunity to learn more about the work done at Clifford Beers.  We bring the cake, and it’s delicious!  Many thanks to Meredith Abel at ACI Catering Group in Woodbridge, CT for donating her delicious creations.

To see the guide provided to birthday party hosts, click here.

Centennial Gala

On April 27, 2013, Yale Commons provided an extraordinary backdrop for an evening celebrating not just the last 100 years of the Clinic but also its vision for the next century.  Former U.S. Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy and mental health advocate Brandon Staglin received Centennial Awards, and The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven received the Community Legacy Award.  The event culminated with a keynote speech delivered by actress and mental health care activist Glenn Close, whose organization Bring Change 2 Mind works to remove the stigma surrounding mental illness.  

The Centennial Gala received tremendous support from its generous sponsors.  For a full listing of Gala sponsors, click here.  

Builders of Hope Breakfast

Save the date: November 14, 2013, New Haven, CT.  According to Tonier Cain, the 2013 BOH featured speaker and subject of the documentary Healing Neen:  “Where there’s breath, there’s hope.”  At this year’s BOH breakfast, Ms. Cain will speak about a childhood of abuse and neglect, the two decades she spent living on the streets, the years she spent facing violence, hunger, and despair, and her 66 criminal convictions.  She will also speak about hope and healing and overcoming a significant trauma history; today, Ms. Cain lives a full, productive life and is Team Leader at the National Center for Trauma-Informed Care in Alexandria, Va.  Check back for details. 

Healing the Generations

On October 2 – 4, 2013, the 5^thAnnual Healing the Generations Conference will be held at the Mystic Marriott in Groton, Connecticut.  The event brings together caregivers, family members, professionals from child and family service agencies, state and local community partners, the faith community, schools, and universities and colleges for an opportunity to network and share trauma-related programming and resources.  Details are being finalized.  Check back soon for more information.      

Questions?  For more information on any of these events, please contact Kitty Champlin, Development Director, at (203) 772-1270 x.317 or click here to email us.