Welcome!

Welcome! Liberty Women's Resources is a blog that aims to provide up to date and relevant information to women. It is targeted to women who are either currently homeless or have experienced homelessness in greater New Haven. To this end, events and services are New Haven-based.

Search This Blog

Thursday, December 27, 2012

December 27th Affirmation.

I choose to change the way I look at things.
The things I look at differently are changing in positive ways.


         

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

December 26th Affirmation


I have the right to live in abundance. I feel happy and joyous. My happiness and joy enable me to attract all the good things I desire into my life.

Monday, December 24, 2012

Christmas Eve Affirmation

I am filled with the positive flow of Love today.
 I am love. I am loved. I am wealthy.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Free Event - Eating for Energy! New Haven Public Library



Hello,
You are invited to the following event:
Event to be held at the following time, date, and location:
Wednesday, January 2, 2013 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
New Haven Free Public Library (IVES)
133 Elm St
New Haven, 06510

View Map


Share:
FacebookTwitterLinkedIn


Looking for more energy and balance in the New Year? Start 2013 with an energy foods checklist, and learn how to make your diet work better for you!  Read More

Share this event on Facebook and Twitter

We hope you can make it!

Cheers,
New Haven Free Public Library

Wednesday, December 19th

One Spirit, one Earth, one People... I realize the importance of my contribution.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Wednesday Affirmation

I will spend time in reflection and meditation. I will be focused on my life purpose and take care in making forward strides. While I do these important things I will not forget to cherish the NOW moments.


                         

Monday, December 10, 2012

Tuesday Affirmation

I feel peace and happiness in my heart.




                    

Monday Affirmation

There is light flooding all around me helping me to find my way.


Thursday, December 6, 2012

Friday Affirmation

Today I open my eyes and see the world in a new light. I view it as a child seeing a freshly opened flower for the first time.



                 

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Thursday Affirmation

I am open to all the health, love and abundance the universe has to offer me.




              

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Shine on 9 - 9th Square Holiday Happenings

Shine on 9 | 12.07.12

Shine On9 highlights the holiday decorations in and around the 9th Square while providing opportunities to give this holiday season.

Holiday Cookie Crawl |  gather a baker’s dozen of festive treats while supporting the “Neighbors in Need” dinner hosted by Gateway Community College. $15 includes a keepsake cookie box and a map of participating businesses. Purchase Tickets Here.

Toys for Tots | bring your toy donation to Shine On9 and place in boxes at Project Storefronts, Elm City Market, English Building Market or Luck & Levity.

Artspace | 50 Orange St. |features Robert Zolt and Baroque Blues as part of Shine On9, from 6-8PM. Tickets are $5.00 at the door. For more info.

Yolande’s Bistro & Creperie | 99 Orange St | Offering a discount on appetizers at the bar, as well as a dinner special.

Project Storefronts | 756 Chapel St | hosts the “holiday mART” with artists selling everything from handmade jewelry, artwork, clothing, accessories, quirky stationary, greeting cards, and much more!

Neville’s Fashion Design Studio |63 Orange St. | celebrating holiday cheer with his loyal customers.

Arpaia Lang |806 Chapel St. |  with SO MUCH SHINEY STUFF, during the Shine On9 event, all shoppers enjoy 25% OFF all in-stock regular price merchandise!!!  Tis the season to be jolly….

Reynolds Fine Art | 96 Orange St. | presents Vista: A Study of the Land. Artists Reception is from 5-8PM. For more info.

Graffio Jewelers | 28 Orange St. |  celebrates its 9 on9 anniversary with a small ribbon cutting celebration featuring drinks and pickings with a complimentary ring cleaning.

Marco Polo | 55 Crown St. | features 10% OFF your order and BYOB

green well Organic Tea & Coffee | 44 Crown St. |  lights up its signature indoor cedar tree! Come enjoy the lights while sipping one of our seasonal lattes made with local eggnog or organic peppermint and listening to live music by local musicians Parker’s Tangent. photography by New Haven resident Chris Randall will be on display at the cafe

green well BEING | 38 Crown St. | offer complimentary candle and Christmas light 10 minute chair massages on a first come, first serve basis by Hannah Proch of Maitri Massage, LMT. Snowscape artwork by Chris Heffernan on display.

Art @ The Grove | 71 Orange St. | In collaboration with The Grove , EBK Gallery features artwork by Connecticut and regional artists. For more info.

Tree Lighting Celebration


 

Join us on Thursday, December 6 for the City's annual tradition held on downtown's historic New Haven Green from 4-8pm.

The event is the City's traditional kick-off to the holiday season and is free for the entire family. Enjoy a host of family oriented activities including live musical performances, carousel rides, holiday crafts, horse drawn carriage rides, letter writing to the North Pole and more! Take a photo in the "winter wonderland", with Rudolph or other costumed characters and visit with Santa.*
The 5:30pm Ceremony is hosted by Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. and WTNH/MyTV 9's Gil Simmons with special guest Ronald McDonald. Live performances by:
  • Celentano Museum Academy
  • Wexler-Grant School Choir
  • Brennan-Rogers School Choir
  • Educational Center for the Arts Vocal Ensemble
The Tree Lighting Celebration is presented in collaboration with the Department of Parks, Recreation and Trees plays a part of the city's larger holiday celebration featuring late night shopping, and other festive activities.
Rain date is Friday, December 7.
*Visits with Santa end at 7:30pm.


Photograph courtesy of Judy Sirota Rosenthal

Wednesday Affirmation

I feel joyful! Nothing can take my joy away.


                            

Tuesday Affirmation

I'm smiling because I love myself.


       

Holiday Affirmation



I embrace the holiday season with joy and an open heart. I look at this time of year through the eyes of a child full of excitement. I gift others with kindness and a sincere smile. I feel at peace and view my life as the miracle that it is.

                                 

Monday, November 26, 2012

Wednesday Affirmation

Patience is a virtue that I value.
I am patient with those around me.
I am patient with myself.

Tuesday Affirmation

Immense wealth and riches are flowing to me from known and unknown sources of the Cosmic abundance!!

Monday Affirmation

I have everything I need. I am rich beyond my wildest dreams.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Friday Affirmation

The sun warms my face. The rain quenches my thirst. The wind blows generosity my way. The snow brightens my outlook.

A Prayer

Donna submitted this prayer to be shared with the women:

May the God who knows you
better than you know yourself
grant you the gift of courage
to face the known and unknown

May the God who loves you
better than you love yourself
grant you the gift of understanding
and acceptance

May the God who forgives you
more fully than you can forgive yourself,
more freely than you think you deserve,
grant you the gift of release from guilt

So that you may let go of the past
and look to the future unafraid,
with a brave face, a strong heart
and a quiet spirit.

Amen.

Monday, November 5, 2012

Friday Affirmation

I am worthy of love. I am worthy of healing. I am worthy of pride in my actions. I am worthy of greatness.

Thursday Affirmation

Everything in my life works perfectly.

Wednesday Affirmation

I am a humble warrior, not for hatred of the problem, but rather for the love of myself.

Tuesday Affirmation

I am grateful. I am full of greatness.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

For Liberty Women


“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of the universe. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of the universe that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

-Marianne Williamson

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Wednesday affirmation

My whole life, all of my experiences, all of the people I have known including those who have passed, and those who are still here have made me who I am today. I am special and unique in the world. I am who I want to be!

Friday, October 26, 2012

Monday Affirmation

After each deep cleansing breath I release negative thoughts and sadness. With each following upbreath I accept positive thoughts and happiness to fill the totality of my body and spirit. I am filled with optimism and happiness.

Friday Affirmation

We all make choices in life. I am the sum total of my choices which make me who I am. We are all of us unique.I celebrate what it is that makes me unique and unrepeatable.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Wednesday Affirmation

I give my emotions, feelings, mistakes, and painful memories over to my higher power to handle. I walk in faith and stay focused only on what my higher power wants for me, and that is prosperity.


Monday, October 22, 2012

Tuesday Affirmation

I choose to be calm and happy.

Monday Affirmation

I am grateful for all that I am and all that I have. I am blessed with great riches and I watch as they grow and multiply.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Affirmation Wednesday

My life is full of abundance. I always have more than enough for myself, my family, and my friends.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Friday's Affirmation

I speak highly of other people. I honor everyone with my words and thoughts.

October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month


image of large family smiling October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, a month-long observance that focuses on the role substance abuse prevention plays in promoting safe and healthy communities.


The Scope of Substance Abuse in America

Substance use, including underage drinking and the non-medical use of prescription and over-the-counter medications, significantly affects the health and well-being of our nation’s youth and people of all ages:
  • An estimated 10 million people aged 12 to 20 report drinking alcohol during the past month.1 To put that in perspective, there are more Americans who have engaged in underage drinking than the number of people who live in the state of Michigan.2
  • Approximately 23 million Americans—roughly the population of Australia—are current illicit drug users.3-4 Marijuana use and non-medical use of prescription medications are the most common types of drug use in America.
  • Almost 18 million Americans are classified with alcohol dependence or abuse.5
    • Heavy alcohol use can cause serious damage to the body and affects the liver, nervous system, muscles, lungs, and heart.6
    • Alcohol is a factor in approximately 41 percent of deaths from motor vehicle crashes.7
Stopping substance abuse before it begins can increase a person’s chances of living a longer, healthier, and more productive life.

Monday, October 8, 2012

Mediterranean diet: Choose this heart-healthy diet option.


The Mediterranean diet is a heart-healthy eating plan combining elements of Mediterranean-style cooking. Here's how to adopt the Mediterranean diet.

By Mayo Clinic staff If you're looking for a heart-healthy eating plan, the Mediterranean diet might be right for you. The Mediterranean diet incorporates the basics of healthy eating — plus a splash of flavorful olive oil and perhaps a glass of red wine — among other components characterizing the traditional cooking style of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea.
Most healthy diets include fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains, and limit unhealthy fats. While these parts of a healthy diet remain tried-and-true, subtle variations or differences in proportions of certain foods may make a difference in your risk of heart disease.

Benefits of the Mediterranean diet

Research has shown that the traditional Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of heart disease. In fact, a recent analysis of more than 1.5 million healthy adults demonstrated that following a Mediterranean diet was associated with a reduced risk of overall and cardiovascular mortality, a reduced incidence of cancer and cancer mortality, and a reduced incidence of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.
For this reason, most if not all major scientific organizations encourage healthy adults to adapt a style of eating like that of the Mediterranean diet for prevention of major chronic diseases.
Mediterranean Diet Pyramid

Key components of the Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes:
  • Getting plenty of exercise
  • Eating primarily plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts
  • Replacing butter with healthy fats such as olive oil and canola oil
  • Using herbs and spices instead of salt to flavor foods
  • Limiting red meat to no more than a few times a month
  • Eating fish and poultry at least twice a week
  • Drinking red wine in moderation (optional) - Purple grape juice may be substituted for red wine
The diet also recognizes the importance of enjoying meals with family and friends.

Fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains

The Mediterranean diet traditionally includes fruits, vegetables, pasta and rice. For example, residents of Greece eat very little red meat and average nine servings a day of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. The Mediterranean diet has been associated with a lower level of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol — the "bad" cholesterol that's more likely to build up deposits in your arteries.
Nuts are another part of a healthy Mediterranean diet. Nuts are high in fat (approximately 80 percent of their calories come from fat), but most of the fat is not saturated. Because nuts are high in calories, they should not be eaten in large amounts — generally no more than a handful a day. For the best nutrition, avoid candied or honey-roasted and heavily salted nuts.
Grains in the Mediterranean region are typically whole grain and usually contain very few unhealthy trans fats, and bread is an important part of the diet there. However, throughout the Mediterranean region, bread is eaten plain or dipped in olive oil — not eaten with butter or margarines, which contain saturated or trans fats.

Healthy fats

The focus of the Mediterranean diet isn't on limiting total fat consumption, but rather to make wise choices about the types of fat you eat. The Mediterranean diet discourages saturated fats and hydrogenated oils (trans fats), both of which contribute to heart disease.
The Mediterranean diet features olive oil as the primary source of fat. Olive oil provides monounsaturated fat — a type of fat that can help reduce LDL cholesterol levels when used in place of saturated or trans fats. "Extra-virgin" and "virgin" olive oils — the least processed forms — also contain the highest levels of the protective plant compounds that provide antioxidant effects.
Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats, such as canola oil and some nuts, contain the beneficial linolenic acid (a type of omega-3 fatty acid). Omega-3 fatty acids lower triglycerides, decrease blood clotting, are associated with decreased sudden heart attack, improve the health of your blood vessels, and help moderate blood pressure. Fatty fish — such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon — are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Fish is eaten on a regular basis in the Mediterranean diet.

Wine

The health effects of alcohol have been debated for many years, and some doctors are reluctant to encourage alcohol consumption because of the health consequences of excessive drinking. However, alcohol — in moderation — has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease in some research studies.
The Mediterranean diet typically includes a moderate amount of wine. This means no more than 5 ounces (148 milliliters) of wine daily for women (or men over age 65), and no more than 10 ounces (296 milliliters) of wine daily for men under age 65. More than this may increase the risk of health problems, including increased risk of certain types of cancer.
If you're unable to limit your alcohol intake to the amounts defined above, if you have a personal or family history of alcohol abuse, or if you have heart or liver disease, refrain from drinking wine or any other alcohol. Also keep in mind that red wine may trigger migraines in some people.

Putting it all together

The Mediterranean diet is a delicious and healthy way to eat. Many people who switch to this style of eating say they'll never eat any other way. Here are some specific steps to get you started:
  • Eat your veggies and fruits — and switch to whole grains. An abundance and variety of plant foods should make up the majority of your meals. They should be minimally processed, and try to purchase them when they're in season. Strive for seven to 10 servings a day of veggies and fruits. Switch to whole-grain bread and cereal, and begin to eat more whole-gain rice and pasta products. Keep baby carrots, apples and bananas on hand for quick, satisfying snacks. Fruit salads are a wonderful way to eat a variety of healthy fruit.
  • Go nuts. Keep almonds, cashews, pistachios and walnuts on hand for a quick snack. Choose natural peanut butter, rather than the kind with hydrogenated fat added. Try tahini (blended sesame seeds) as a dip or spread for bread.
  • Pass on the butter. Try olive or canola oil as a healthy replacement for butter or margarine. Use it in cooking. After cooking pasta, add a touch of olive oil, some garlic and green onions for flavoring. Dip bread in flavored olive oil or lightly spread it on whole-grain bread for a tasty alternative to butter. Try tahini (blended sesame seeds) as a dip or spread for bread too.
  • Spice it up. Herbs and spices make food tasty and are also rich in health-promoting substances. Season your meals with herbs and spices rather than salt.
  • Go fish. Eat fish once or twice a week. Fresh or water-packed tuna, salmon, trout, mackerel and herring are healthy choices. Grilled fish tastes good and requires little cleanup. Avoid fried fish, unless it's sauteed in a small amount of canola oil.
  • Rein in the red meat. Substitute fish and poultry for red meat. When eaten, make sure it's lean and keep portions small (about the size of a deck of cards). Also avoid sausage, bacon and other high-fat meats.
  • Choose low-fat dairy. Limit higher fat dairy products such as whole or 2 percent milk, cheese and ice cream. Switch to skim milk, fat-free yogurt and low-fat cheese.
  • Raise a glass to healthy eating. If it's OK with your doctor or your recovery plan, have a glass of wine at dinner. If you don't drink alcohol, you don't need to start. Drinking purple grape juice may be an alternative to wine.

Steps to Get You Moving! - Fitness



2 women playing tennis

Steps to get you moving

With all the things that you have to do each day, finding the time and motivation to get moving can be challenging. Here are 20 ideas for getting started and keeping it going:
  1. If you can't set aside one block of time, do short activities throughout the day, such as three 10-minute walks.
  2. Choose activities that are fun.
  3. Vary your activities, so you don't get bored. For instance, use different jogging, walking, or biking paths to vary your routine. Or bike one day, and jog the next.
  4. Join a hiking or running club.
  5. Wear a pedometer (a small tool worn on your belt) that counts the number of steps you take. Try to walk a little more each day or week.
  6. Create opportunities for activity, such as parking your car some distance from your destination and walking.
  7. Use stairs instead of the elevator.
  8. Walk or bike to work or to the store.
  9. Be physically active at lunch with coworkers, family, or friends.
  10. Join an office or community sports league.
  11. Take a break at work to stretch or take a quick walk.
  12. Don't let cold weather keep you on the couch! You can find activities to do in the winter, such as exercising to a workout video.
  13. If you have children, make time to play with them outside. Set a good example!
  14. Go dancing with your partner or friends..
  15. Turn activities into social occasions — for example, go to a movie after you and a friend work out.
  16. Plan active vacations that will keep you moving, such as taking tours and site-seeing on foot.
  17. Set specific, short-term goals, and reward yourself when you achieve them.
  18. Don't expect to notice body changes right away. It can take weeks or months before you notice some of the changes from being physically active, such as weight loss.
  19. If you live in a neighborhood where it is unsafe to be physically active outdoors, contact your local recreational center or church to see if they have any indoor activity programs that you can join.
  20. Make physical activity a regular part of your day, so that it becomes a habit — and perhaps something you look forward to!

More information on steps to get you moving

Explore other publications and websites

Connect with other organizations

Tuesday Affirmation

I advance with love and peaceful action: at all times my heart is open, caring and full of compassion; at all times my mind is open, attentive and full of understanding and, at all times, my spirit is awakened, powerful and full of light!

Monday Affirmation

My age does not determine my beauty, my health or my desires. My age does not determine what I accomplish today and in my life. I choose to live every minute to the limits of my abilities.

Friday, September 28, 2012

Friday Affirmation

Today, I choose to focus on Life's small gifts, a touch, a smile, a fragrance. Today, I choose the Good that Life has to offer.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Tuesday Affirmation

I do whatever I can, with whatever I have, wherever I am. I am resourceful and resilient.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Friday Affirmation

As the days and nights are equal and balanced, So am I. I am balanced intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. I am an equinox within.

Thursday Affirmation

The winds of change have picked me up. I am lifted up to new experiences and challenges.

Wednesday Affirmation

Nothing external has any power over me. My inner strength is a mighty fortress.

Tuesday Affirmation

We choose how others influence us. I choose to allow others to influence me only positively.

In Memory of a Friend

Please take a moment to remember a beautiful person who was part of the Liberty Community Services family for a short time.  Stephanie Smart, an employment specialist from Marrakech, Inc. who was assigned to Liberty, passed away suddenly on September 13th.  The following is her obituary:



Stephanie Smart, 45, fulfilled her purpose in life and was gracefully called home on September 13, 2012. Stephanie was born on September 30, 1966 to Jerry Smart and the late Mary (Allen) Smart in New Haven, CT. Stephanie leaves to cherish her loving memory two daughters: Kristina of New York; and Sheri Allen of New Haven, a loving partner Clifton A. Graves, Jr. She is also survived by her two brothers: Michael and Jerry Smart, Jr. of New Haven; three sisters, Janice Allen; Mary Louise Smart; Jacqueline Smart all of New Haven and one Granddaughter Jada Coleman. Stephanie was also blessed with a host of other relatives and friends.