Counselor Drop In Hours at The Depot

THE DARIEN DEPOT PRIORITIZES MENTAL HEALTH THROUGH A BREAKTHROUGH PARTNERSHIP WITH NAMI AND A NEWLY FORMED ADVISORY COMMITTEE 

 Support Groups for Parents Worried about their Kids’ Mental Health Will Begin October 13

October 3, 2022– Darien CT– The Depot Youth Center of Darien today announced a partnership with the SWCT Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to roll out much-needed support groups for parents concerned about the mental health of their middle schoolers and high schoolers.  The first group will take place on Thursday, October 13 from 10:30 a.m.- noon  at The Depot Youth Center, 25 Heights Rd., Darien, CT.  The group will run on the second Thursday of each month beginning Thursday, Oct. 13 from 10:30 a.m.- noon. It will be moderated by trained facilitators from the NAMI-CAN (Children and Adolescent Network). Pre-registration is not required for attendance.

“Anxiety, depression, and acute academic and social pressures are just some of the issues our kids are grappling with now more than ever,” said Evan Pagano, NAMI board member for Southwest Connecticut. “We are happy to be able to support Darien parents through our partnership with The Depot and believe that stronger, more informed parents make for stronger, more resilient kids.”

In addition, The Depot announced the formation of the Depot Mental Health Advisory Committee (DMHAC), comprised of key local mental health professionals and members of the Darien Depot team who care deeply about the mental health crisis our kids and families are facing. 

The Depot’s Mental Health Advisory Committee or DMHAC, includes:

• Kristie Calvillo, LCSW, of The Behavior Therapy Group (DBT)
• Amanda Craig, PhD, LMFT and author of “Who Are You & What Have You Done With My Kid?”
• Mary Flynn, CEO of the Rowan Center
• Susannah Lewis, MPH, Director of Community Relations, Silver Hill Hospital
• Becky Lois, PhD, Director of Ambulatory Integrated Behavioral Health, NYU Langone
• Luke Robbins, LCSW, COO, The Rowan Center
• Andrea Callagy, Depot Board member and parent
• Laura Downing, Executive Director of the Darien Depot
• April Jackson, Assoc. Director of Programming for the Darien Depot
• Michelle Robertson, Darien Depot Board President and parent

“For more than 30 years, The Depot has strived to create the healthiest environment for our kids through programs and activities that build social and emotional well-being.  Being able to provide a resource for parents who are impacted by the youth mental health crisis adds an important layer to this mission.  The formation of the DMHAC solidifies the foundation of support for our kids by helping to ensure we have a plan of action in the event we see or hear of mental health needs during our services and activities or require referrals to community resources,” said Laura Downing, Executive Director of the Darien Depot.

ABOUT NAMI

NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.  What started as a small group of families gathered around a kitchen table in 1979 has blossomed into the nation’s leading voice on mental health. Today, we are an alliance of more than 600 local affiliates who work in your community to raise awareness and provide support and education that was not previously available to those in need. NAMI works to educate, support, advocate, listen and lead to improve the lives of people with mental illness and their loved ones.

Job Opportunities at The Depot

Part Time Assistant Program Director

T, W, Th: 2-5pm (9 hrs)
Friday: 3-9pm (6 hrs)

 The Depot Youth Center of Darien is seeking a dynamic, nurturing and creative Associate Director of Programming and Operations.  This position is part-time and would be responsible for over-seeing some of The Depot’s signature programs on weekdays after school.

 The ideal candidate is an open-minded, flexible and compassionate self-starter with an affinity for and acceptance of all children. She/ he should have outstanding interpersonal, writing and communication skills.  

 He/ she would be an important member of The Depot’s programming leadership team. Outside of his/her work with kids, this person would be willing to be nimble and assist in pitching in with daily operational needs for this small non-profit. This includes collaborating with other staff to plan programming, order supplies and possibly partake in relevant collaborative community roles.  As a small non-profit, any candidate with experience or interest in fundraising and development is a plus.  

Please contact Laura Downing to apply.