GAIN PERSPECTIVE WITHOUT CLIMBING A TREE

February 2026

Dear friends;

As a child, one of my favorite activities was climbing trees. My brother, cousins and neighborhood friends would all partake in these adventures, often giving one another a boost or coaching on which branches were sturdy enough to hold us. Once I reached a steady perch, I loved sitting there for a while. My worries, like the houses and people below, seemed smaller. There’s something powerful about working together to climb higher and then pausing long enough to gain perspective.

I was reminded of that feeling recently during a transformative trip to Guatemala with Rotary, whose guiding principle is “Service Above Self.” Our group had the privilege of visiting nonprofit organizations in Guatemala City, schools serving children with physical disabilities, medical clinics in rural villages, and programs in mountainous regions where access to clean water remains scarce. Everywhere we went, we were warmly welcomed and deeply inspired. Although we arrived intending to serve, my group of Rotarian friends and I were on the receiving end of lessons in community and humanity.

One day, we worked alongside families in the village of Xecoxol, helping to build water filtration systems. The village is home to Indigenous Mayan families whose commitment to one another is evident in daily life. The terrain is steep, the homes are modest and built by hand, and the labor required simply to meet basic needs is significant. Clean water is not a given. And yet — there is joy.

Side by side, we mixed cement, dug trenches, and assembled filtration systems that will make a meaningful difference in families’ health and well-being. We talked about gardens, sports, family traditions, and even Santa Claus. By the end of the day, we were happily exhausted — grounded by the satisfaction that comes from shared purpose and collective effort. In behavioral health, we often speak about protective factors: connection, belonging, purpose, and contribution. In Xecoxol, those protective factors were not theoretical; they were alive and visible in every interaction.

Experiences like this gently recalibrate us. Our so-called modern advancements can obscure what is most meaningful. Stepping outside of our routines, witnessing resilience in the face of hardship, and participating in meaningful service can restore perspective. It reminds us that healing and hope are rooted in community.

Here at McCall, I am continually inspired by a staff who feel called to this work. They choose mission-driven service and understand the profound reciprocity it brings. I am grateful every day to work among them; their love and commitment are palpable.

When I begin to lose perspective, I no longer need to climb a tree. I can come to work, sit with our team, or gather with fellow Rotarians — and find that higher vantage point once again.

With gratitude,

Maria

Maria Coutant Skinner, LCSW

President and CEO

Behind every breakthrough, every moment of courage, every decision to try again after a setback, there are dedicated, skilled, and compassionate professionals who show up each day ready to support someone in their most vulnerable moments. The impact staff can have on a person’s recovery is profound and far-reaching.

McCall’s Director of Human Resources, Shawn Lewinson, MBA, SPHR, knows just how important it is to have a team that is caring and compassionate. “We work with individuals facing substance use and mental health challenges, and they’re looking for someone who can not only guide them through it, but also show compassion, care, and all the human qualities that make support meaningful.”

At its core, recovery requires safety. Before someone can confront challenges, rebuild their life, or discover new possibilities, they must feel seen, respected, and valued. Compassionate care creates that foundation. Every interaction—whether a conversation, a gesture of encouragement, or simply being present—can build trust, instill hope, and remind someone that they are not alone.

Recovery also demands expertise.

Our highly trained staff brings the knowledge and experience necessary to guide meaningful change. They understand the complexities of substance use and mental health, recognize the nuances of each individual’sjourney, and apply evidence-based practices with skill and care. When empathy is combined with professional expertise, care becomes not only compassionate but effective.

Investing in our people strengthens our mission.

Excellence in care does not happen by chance. It requires intentionally seeking professionals who combine training with compassion, who are committed to continual learning, and who recognize the profound responsibility and privilege of supporting someone’s journey.

But it doesn’t stop with hiring. Creating a positive, warm culture for our staff is just as essential.

At McCall, we celebrate the hard work and successes of our team, recognizing the effort it takes to provide compassionate care every day. We invest in our staff’s growth, providing ongoing opportunities to build skills and knowledge so they feel supported and ready to make a difference.

“We believe that recognizing the work people do helps them feel valued and confident,” says Shawn. “That positivity shows up in the care they provide, and clients notice it too.”

Our staff are the heart of our organization. Their dedication, expertise, and compassion are what make us stand out. Every interaction, every decision, and every moment of support reflects our mission: to provide care that empowers healing, restores hope, and changes lives.

Shawn adds, “We cannot fulfill our mission without our staff. Their skills, talent, and vision are what define us. They are our most important asset.”

Find your passion at McCall.

At McCall, we care deeply about our staff and are committed to fostering a supportive, learning-focused environment where our team finds purpose and joy in their work. We invite you to see for yourself and apply today! Visit our careers page to explore our open positions.

Did you miss the interview?

Don't worry, we've got you covered! Shawn Lewinson, MBA, SPHR, McCall’s Director of Human Resources, shares what truly sets us apart: our commitment to building a workplace culture rooted in compassion, support, and purpose.

Listen to the full FM 97.3 WZBG interview.

Prevention Featured on

Fox 61 News!

Earlier this month, FOX61 News featured a segment on our Mental Health Awareness Trainings offered by our Prevention Department.

Our Director of Prevention Services, Andrew Lyon, MPH, emphasized the importance of not just talking about mental health, but also being ready to support someone experiencing a mental health crisis.

Watch the full clip.

New Grief and Healing Support Group.

We’re excited to announce our new support group, Grieving and Healing Together, for those experiencing a loss from substance-use disorder.

Led by a Licensed Therapist and a trained Family Recovery Coach, this group provides opportunities for clients to share their stories, learn coping strategies, participate in guided discussions, and access resources for ongoing support.

🗓️ Every Wednesday

⏰ 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

📍 Participants can attend either virtually

or in person at 58 High Street in Torrington.

View the flyer.

Maria Highlights Collaborative Solutions

to End Homelessness.

On February 9, the eight interdisciplinary subcommittees of the Connecticut Office of the State Comptroller’s Healthcare Cabinet presented their policy recommendations outlined in the cabinet’s third annual report to a crowd of healthcare leaders, policymakers, legislators, and advocates.

As Co-Chair of the Mental Health Subcommittee, McCall President and CEO Maria Coutant Skinner, LCSW, shared reflections from a recent visit to Seattle, where she witnessed firsthand how a collaborative, compassionate approach can help resolve homelessness and encampments. Her key takeaway was clear: housing is mental health, and lasting change requires bold, people-centered solutions.

Watch the full video of Maria’s remarks.

McCall Staff Speak Out for Overdose Prevention.

Read Lauren’s Full Testimony

Read Kyle’s Full Testimony

Our Director of Community Engagement, Lauren Pristo, MPH (pictured), along with several members of the CLEAR team, recently visited the state capitol to provide testimony in support of Senate Bill 195 (SB 195) put forth by the Statewide Harm Reduction Partnership (SHaRP). This legislation is aimed at preventing accidental overdose deaths and improving access to treatment and recovery services for people with substance use disorder.

The bill would create a pilot program to establish overdose prevention centers. These community sites offer support, medical monitoring, overdose prevention tools, and connections to treatment and recovery to help save lives in Connecticut.

We invite you to read the heartfelt and insightful testimonies shared by Lauren and Kyle Fitzmaurice, McCall’s Community Outreach and Partnerships Coordinator.

Goshen Community Care Luncheon.

Members of our Prevention team joined other local organizations at the Goshen Community Cares luncheon on February 18 to distribute resources and educational materials for visitors. If you ever see our table at events or programs, please come by and say hello!

Clients Hit the Trails with Adventure Recovery.

On February 12, five clients from our Dempsey Program hit the trails for cross-country skiing at White Memorial Park with Adventure Recovery (AR)! Guided by Collin and Max, our clients embraced the challenge and kept smiling through every tumble and adventure.

58 High St. Torrington, CT 06790

mccallbhn.org | 860.496.2100