Community Access

Foodshare Distribution to Continue
Jason Jakubowski, President & CEO of Foodshare gives us an update on the food distribution at Rentschler Field and the daily services of Foodshare.

Community Health Centers, Inc - A conversation with Yvette Highsmith-Francis
Covid-19 Testing, Flu Shot & Covid Vaccinations! They do all that and more.
Yvette is the Vice President of Community Health Center, Inc.’s Eastern Region. Yvette has worked with CHCI for 24 years in a variety of capacities. In her current role, she oversees eight of the fourteen CHCI locations in New Britain, Enfield, Hartford, Middletown, Clinton, Old Saybrook, New London and Groton as well as the School Based Health services across the state.

Kaitlin Bertolami and Arianna Espejo , 6th Graders from St Paul Catholic School Share Their Experiences

Love for Local Big Y Vendor Yimello Smoothies

A WISH STORY Lights, Camera, Action!! “It was nice to forget all the things I’m going through medically and just live in the moment. My wish made my desire to model come true and helped make me feel beautiful in my own skin – I enjoyed it a lot! I believe that people should stop worrying about what other people think and live happily, because we only live once.” - Naja Naja dreams of being in the spotlight and of a future in modeling. All things haute couture fascinates this fifteen-year-old, who has had a fierce battle with a blood disorder that required a two-year hospital stay and three bone marrow transplants. During her long stint in the hospital, Naja’s favorite pastime was flipping through Vogue and imagining herself on its pages. When presented with the opportunity to make a heartfelt wish, she toyed with the possibilities of being on the cover of Vogue or of designing an outfit with a famous fashion designer. In her words, “I want to start a modeling career as a print model. It’s most important to be unique – me, not the clothes. I want lots of cameras, lots of clothes to choose from, hair and make-up.” When COVID made those initial wishes unattainable in the short term, it was not surprising that Naja’s heart led her to the mall, where she embarked on a shopping spree extravaganza. Not at all shy for the camera, Naja displayed her diva spunk in spades when modeling all the outfits carefully selected by a personal stylist and awaiting her in her own personal dressing room. Her wish was further enhanced by a surprise fashion shoot with a professional portrait photographer – bringing her dreams to full fruition. Known for being strong, positive and affirming, it’s Naja’s conviction and her belief in herself and others that will surely lead her to the catwalk one day.

Join us for a conversation between Renee DiNino, Director of Community Affairs for iHeartMedia, Suzanne McKenzie (Founder & CEO of ABLE MADE; Executive Director, Ucal McKenzie Breakaway Foundation), and Hartford Athletic's Jordan Charlupski (Vice President, Revenue & Strategic Initiatives).

ABLE MADE has teamed up with pro team Hartford Athletic to join us for a conversation on how we partner and help create a healthier community via the Ucal McKenzie Breakaway Foundation. From team and coach appearances to dynamic stadium experiences, we empower city-youth to stay positive and keep active.

Year End Holiday Pet Safety Tips with Sherry DeGenova

Doug Casey, Connecticut Commission for Educational Technology, Executive Director
The Get Connected/ Conectate campaign is a bilingual awareness effort to let unconnected residents in CT know that local providers are offering affordable packages.

For more information: visit ct.gov/getconnected

Learn the Basics About Connecticut's Paid Leave

The PFMLA allows employees access to paid leave for life events covered under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA), the Connecticut Family and Medical Leave Act (CT FMLA) and the Connecticut Family Violence Leave Act, and provides employers with the tools and resources to comply with these laws and promote happy, healthy, vibrant, and inclusive workplaces.

Fidelco Guide Dog Ambassador and Puppy Raiser Marion Yingling
Marion shares her journey from puppy raiser to Ambassador with her Fidelco Dog Tink!