For the People

We're connecting with the President of Stamford's Downtown Special Services District to learn the role the agency plays in placemaking and fostering personal connection. Hear how Stamford Downtown is fully engaged in boosting its community's profile and economic potential with creative programs including public art installations, upbeat public block parties, and highlighting the city's many thriving restaurants.

Then, we've got the first of a two-part For the People Special Report celebrating National Nonprofit Day by focusing on how nonprofits are diversifying their funding. We called on the VP and CFO at Connecticut's Community Economic Development Fund (CEDF) to explain how her organization not only helps small businesses, but also nonprofits through affordable financing, targeted training, and one-on-one coaching.

Then Part 2 of our Special Report continues with one of CEDF's own clients, the CEO and founder of Divine Strategic Solutions. This consulting firm partners with nonprofits, municipalities, and mission-driven organizations to strengthen leadership, improve operations, and build long-term sustainability. Our guest has lots of advice to offer for nonprofits regarding practical alternate funding sources, so if you have anything to do with a nonprofit, listen in!

The Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers RIDES+ initiative is just one of six inspired grassroots, volunteer programs in need your support. So check out our segment with the IVCG's leader and a passionate volunteer who are looking for others willing to share their rides with folks who need transportation to critical medical appointments.

Then, we're continuing our monthly series celebrating 2026 - the International Year of the Woman Farmer - bringing back Lori Cochran Dougall of the Westport Farmers Market and the newly formed Connecticut Farmers Market Association. We'll have an enlightening discussion focusing on how farmers markets across the state provide a vital public-facing opportunity for farmers to sell what they grow and produce.

And we'll close by replaying an earlier interview focusing on the important safety practice that is Call Before You Dig. This week brings us August 11, so we'll remind you why thinking about and reaching out to 8-1-1 before you excavate will help keep you safe, and on the right side of the law.

For the People recently learned about the UnGroup Society - a forward-thinking, community action network that develops, promotes, and supports collaboration and unity to reduce gun violence for all residents of Waterbury and beyond. So tune in as we talk with the UnGroup Society's leader about the important work they're doing.

Then we'll introduce a childhood education expert from The Connecticut Project, which just released findings from the fourth CT RAPID Survey collaboration focusing on early literacy and early relational health. Learn how community members  are participating in daily reading and bonding with their young children, and the challenges some of them face.

And we'll close connecting with a representative from APEX Community Care. This nonprofit works across western Connecticut advocating for and providing services to people living with HIV/AIDS, mental health and substance use disorders, actively promoting education and prevention, while supporting their families and loved ones.