After dealing with her own struggles, Catherine Fischberg decided she wanted to help others who are going through the same thing she is.
NEW HAVEN, Conn — A New Haven woman is doing her part to help others who struggle with mental health by creating handmade bears. They are called Comfort Cubs.
The MakeHaven community center is where the idea started. That’s where Catherine Fischberg creates these bears using sewing machines.
“I watched a video online of how to use a sewing machine then I came here and I started out making pillows which are really fun, but really simple. I love stuffed animals so I thought maybe I could make some of those.”
When everything feels overwhelming, some people reach for something to hold onto. After dealing with her own struggles, Catherine Fischberg decided she wanted to help others who are going through the same thing she is.
“I like to talk about my own mental health struggle because I want people to not be ashamed or embarrassed. Everyone struggles with something. There’s no need to be embarrassed about mental health, and I think it’s up to people with the mental health struggles to get the conversation going and that’s one of my missions.”
For almost two years she has made every single bear with love, and her customers see that the second they get their hands on one.
Myasha Dunhan, a MakeHaven customer, just had a baby and she loves her new Comfort Cub. “It really is a comfort to have a Comfort Cub, so I use it for heat. I also suffer with migraines so putting it on your head is perfect. But it’s really the person behind the bear that makes it so extraordinary. Mine is personalized. I love bumblebees and she put little bumblebees on it for me and I just love it.”
One of the most famous bears out there is Winnie the Pooh, and what did Christopher Robin tell him? “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”
Fischberg is so happy to see what a simple bear can do for someone who is going through a hard time.
“I have struggled with mental health for a very long time. These bears help me, but they also help other people. It’s the most wonderful feeling in the world. Knowing that I can help someone even in a small way is just my favorite thing.”
If you are interested in getting a Comfort Cub, you can find the item on Instagram @comfort_cubs
Brendan Mackey is an anchor at FOX61 News. He can be reached at bmackey@fox61.com
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