KNOW THE ODDS THROUGH THE
PROBLEM GAMBLING Awareness Through the Arts Initiative
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Problem Gambling Awareness Through the Arts Initiative is a partnership between the
CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) and the Cultural Coalition. The initiative (started in the fall of 2023) was created in efforts to reach culturally diverse communities through an innovative approach about the issue of problem gambling. |
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A big thank you to the
CT State Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Cultural Coalition for your support of our project!
THINKING IN ODDS
THE THOUGHT BEHIND THE ODDS
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OVERVIEW
Pen and Connie's idea was to raise awareness about problem gambling among young people on the autism spectrum through a visually engaging, social media-based comic campaign. By blending accessible art, lived neurodivergent experiences, and relatable storytelling, the project hopes to empower teens and young adults to recognize gambling risks embedded in digital culture (such as loot boxes, microtransactions, and casual betting) and build media literacy and emotional resilience. |
WHY THIS MATTERS
Teens on the autism spectrum are particularly vulnerable to problem gambling behaviors due to:
Yet, traditional public health campaigns are often neurotypical-centered, text-heavy, or moralizing, which often fail to connect with or support autistic teens effectively. We are hoping that this comic will offer a fresh, inclusive approach by amplifying neurodivergent voices through storytelling. |
Media Mentions
8 October 2025
Cultural Coalition (culturesect.org)
October 2025 newsletter
THE ODDS'
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Pen Baxter, a resident of Hartford, CT, is a multidisciplinary artist, educator, and communicator with experience spanning the arts, civic engagement, and community development.
Majoring in Italian Studies at Trinity College with a minor in Studio Arts, Pen has held internships with the Narnia Festival in Narni (Italy), the Connecticut Secretary of State’s Office, and summer educational programs such as MeshEd and CalArts. Pen's art portfolio includes public murals, arts writing, website and logo design, and photography for local nonprofits and cultural organizations. Pen was the recipient of Trinity College’s Catalyst Summer Internship Fund, the Samuel Barbin Coco Scholarship, and the CHER Community Learning Research Fellow. Deeply committed to civic arts engagement, Pen contributes his graphic design and communications skills to various nonprofits, including Hartford Pride, Asylum Hill Neighborhood Association, Out Film CT, and others. Pen will begin a Master’s degree program in Public Administration at UConn in Fall 2026. During his studies, he plans to expand The Odds comic series, exploring additional challenges faced by neurodivergent teens and young adults, including social interactions, driving, and dating. To reach Pen, please email him at [email protected]. |
Constance Kristofik is a nonprofit professional and avid community volunteer who is enthusiastic and mission-driven with many interests. She enjoys her professional work in prospect research but loves following her passions. For over 20 years leisure time was spent as a queer activist and organizer which has recently shifted to more creative pursuits such as film, writing, and concert promotions.
Constance started LGBTQ+ activities in the early aughts with Pride of the Greater Lehigh Valley and the Haven Youth Group in eastern Pennsylvania. Favorite roles included producer of a queer film festival and co-founder of the Prizm Prom and Rainbow Scholarship. Constance later moved to southeastern Connecticut where she served as Executive Director of New London Landmarks, a small historic preservation organization, and was the founder of OutCT, a volunteer-led organization for the LGBTQ+ community. During the pandemic, Constance directed, produced, and edited the feature documentary Holding Space for Each Other - New London's LGBTQ+ Community. The rough cut screened at The Garde Arts Center in 2022 and the film premiered at the 2023 Out Film CT LGBTQ+ film festival in Hartford. After a long break to care for aging parents, Constance is returning to her creative projects. She holds an MPA from the University of New Haven and a bachelor’s degree from Roger Williams University where she was the keynote speaker at the 2023 Lavender Graduation Ceremony. In March 2025, Constance was awarded the Emerging Creative award by the CT Office of the Arts. Constance welcomes connections through her LinkedIn account. |
