This year marks the 10th anniversary of Focus, Act, Connect Everyday (FACE), a group rooted in interventions based on the citizenship framework developed at the Yale Program for Recovery and Community Health (PRCH).
Established in 2015 in New Haven, FACE has grown from a small collective into a vibrant community that empowers individuals. FACE originated from a series of facilitated conversations with people in recovery at Fellowship Place, a social rehabilitation program in New Haven.
The initial discussions explored how individuals in recovery from mental health challenges, substance use, trauma, homelessness, and incarceration could collaborate with supportive mental health professionals and people from across the community at large.
In the process, including meeting every other week for 10 years and meeting every week on Zoom during COVID lockdowns, FACE has become a vibrant community that provides participants with opportunities to build connections and foster community outside of the mental health system.
Over the past 10 years, FACE members have engaged in countless community initiatives, from leading mural-making projects and packing groceries for those in need, to facilitating important dialogues on mental health and inclusion. The group's commitment to shared decision-making, inclusivity, and mutual support has fostered an environment where everyone’s voice is heard and valued.
As members look back on the impactful journey of FACE, they honor the dedication of its members and supporters who have tirelessly worked to create meaningful connections, foster community-building in Greater New Haven, inspire hope, and promote holistic recovery.
FACE members recently had a conversation with the authors about the ways in which their participation in FACE and the larger New Haven community has transformed their lives and the community at large. Here’s what they said:
Building Community and Connection: Every Voice Matters
“I come to FACE because it is a community that I felt that I fitted. And on top of fitting in the community, it was a community that helps other people in the community. This is a good group. I liked it, I loved it, and I stayed with it ... I feel like I have a voice. I think a lot of us have differences and we seem to work it out … FACE is the way they apply the idea of inclusivity. When you have a sense of being open, your life can be like your day at least. And then ultimately your life can be turned around... I like FACE because it seems to be a way to have some fun in my recovery … Our activities bring joy and show love to others, even those we may never meet.”
Creating Safe Spaces: Every perspective is important; every voice needs to be heard:
“I like the decision-making process; I like actively listening to someone, it’s like a great like feature of what I do. Allowing space for people to talk and express themselves was definitely like a major attractive quality to this crew. I know it makes others feel good. I think that made an impact on their day just to get a smile.” … Sometimes, at least in my experience, when things take us a long time to decide, in that process, we're building relationships, we’re listening to everybody. We're giving everyone an opportunity to speak. To me, that's the main thing … But if we were to be more quick at making decisions and we had a process that was more like you know, a corporation or something, we wouldn't have FACE. Using different words, it's the building of feelings of safety and trust with one another…”
Personal Experiences, Meaning Making, and Community Impact
"I like FACE because it's partially a social group too. I do meaningful things in the community… A simple 'hello' on the streets can transform someone’s day and even their life. It’s been life-changing to feel included and to help others… I show up because I want to be there, not because I have to…. I build connections without judgment, and it gives me a voice… We have disagreements but we always listen and value each other’s opinions."
Practicing FACE: Focusing, Acting, and Connecting, every single day
“… It was normal for me to Focus, Act, Connect Every Day with people, I'm a people person. But I stayed with FACE because it was like a family, a community. When you break bread with people it makes us feel more settling and comfort because food brings comfort to folks and it makes us all relax… “[After] we came up with Focus, Act, Connect Every Day, I met this gentlemen because, you know, I was saying good morning and he invited me out to lunch. He gave me $20, and even to this day, I'm still friends with the guy… I feel like you're all my family and I’m just so grateful that you know, we come together, we help out the community, and It's just amazing…”
Community Activities and Social Impact
“The activities that we do, the community murals, going out in the community and getting together at Dwight or the Dixwell Q House have been a good thing providing people with how to channel some of the things they're feeling or what they think mental health is. So yes, the impact is very powerful. We’ve also done West River cleanups and helping out at Christmas parties passing toys kids, volunteered at FISH (Food in Service to the Homebound) to fill bags full at Thanksgiving to give to people in need … those in need, created murals and participated in local festivals to provide mental health information and help create a sense of community. We’ve also joined grassroots initiatives like Witnesses to Hunger and U-ACT (Unhoused Activists Community Team. And we’re still going to the Yankees game and still having fun!”
Cultivating gratitude and a deep sense of belonging – Feeling safe
“I’m just grateful to be part of this…. I always enjoy involvement with the community and the opportunity to help people, which I'll never even see because I like to think that we bring a little joy and love into other people's lives…. I always feel welcome, and I'm not alone…. To me, that's the main thing. First, I have to have an impact on myself, then pass it on…. The things we accomplish in the community are also beautiful and important. It's just amazing… When I feel more fully myself, I can be more in the world and happy to continue affirming myself by giving to other people. Human connections are so important, and they need to be made every day by golly, no matter how hard it is. And it’s easier when I feel safe.”
FACE remains committed to community engagement. The group continues to evolve, aiming to expand its impact both locally and globally. FACE is finalizing plans to highlight its decade of mural making at the annual International Festival of Arts and Ideas in June. Additionally, FACE members are advising recovery-focused organizations in Torrington, Connecticut and in Dorset, United Kingdom.
For more information, contact Billy Bromage at (203) 804-0207 or billy.bromage@yale.edu, or visit the FACE Facebook page.