For the People

Every day thousands of Connecticut veterans and their families experience homelessness or are at risk to become homeless. So, we're reconnecting with Homes for the Brave -  working and growing to serve more vets and their loved ones with a range of critical supports and services, and inviting you out for a few laughs to benefit the agency at its 8th Annual 'For Veterans, By Veterans' Comedy Night.

Then we're replaying a visit we had in early January with the Governor M. Jodi Rell Center for Public Service at the University of Hartford - discussing how the Center is looking to encourage students and others to pursue careers in public service by providing a forum for the discussion of ethics in government; the importance of civil discourse in politics; and citizen involvement in public service.

And we'll close inviting you to the 18th Annual Walk for Independence to benefit ARI - one of the smallest providers of services for adults with developmental disabilities in the state. Learn how ARI's uniquely intimate program provides a “family like” environment and more individualized approach to services and supports based on each individual’s needs and interests.

It's a good bet most folks are unaware March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month - a time to acknowledge the challenges of problem gambling. But for those living with a gambling issue, we're connecting with an expert on the subject helping to remind you that hope and recovery are possible through Wheeler Health network’s Bettor Choice Gambling Treatment Program.

Next, we'll hear from Connecticut's Insurance Commissioner about some of the trends affecting the insurance products you may be paying for, and how his office is working with other states collaboratively to ensure folks are getting the best possible coverage for the rates they pay.

And we'll wrap inducting a brand new member of our massive For the People network of regional nonprofit partners - Filling in the Blanks - founded by mothers and community activists serving 200 sites throughout Fairfield and Westchester Counties by delivering over 2 MILLION weekend meals to children in low-income households.

Today we'll help you form some perspective on severely disengaged and disconnected youth in Connecticut. A growing coalition of organizations has just released a series of recommendations to state policymakers to address the 119,000 Connecticut youth in need of guidance and support to get back on track. So stick around and learn how you can help inform your state lawmakers about supporting Opportunity Youth.

And since it's March - our friends from Jersey Mike's are back to chat about their Month of Giving - one of the most satisfying philanthropic campaigns around - along with Jersey Mike's Day of Giving on March 27, which returns 100% of all sales to their select charity. We'll also bring in a rep from Make-A-Wish the exclusive Connecticut recipient of all the proceeds from Jersey Mike's Month AND Day of Giving.

Then, we'll wrap it up hearing from Connecticut's Chief Manufacturing Officer and how his team is helping manufacturers take advantage of market opportunities to grow their businesses with programs ranging from fast-track workforce training to funding and research to help state manufacturers compete and grow globally or remain sustainable entities within their market sectors.

We're heading back to the Y - The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA. We'll chat with their new CEO about this tried and true charitable, not-for-profit, community service organization that remains dedicated to putting principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all the 25 communities they serve. 

Meet the founder and director of Ruth's House, a home in Shelton, CT and will provide a loving home for young single mothers that encourages and equips them to make positive changes in their lives, care for their children and build their own futures. 

And we'll close replaying a mid-winter interview with the leader of AdvanceCT - a private nonprofit economic development organization driving job creation and new capital investment through business attraction, retention, and expansion.

Since For the People provided WBDC's founder with her first radio interview oh so many years ago, we brought her back, in part, to announce and invite women to apply for the Women's Business Development Council's brand new IGNITE grant program, and to come out to the upcoming Women Owned Business Day at the Connecticut Capital.

Then, we're welcoming two Beardsley Zoo educators to talk about a number of cool programs happening this spring - as well as focusing on FrogWatch 2024 - which is currently enlisting folks who want to help scientists better understand how these noisy amphibians provide a bellwether for our environmental health.

And we'll close telling you all about Ann's Place - providing comfort, support, and financial resources to those living with cancer and their loved ones. Their CEO is dropping in to explain how this compassionate nonprofit is serving the region with professional counseling, support groups, wellness activities and educational resources - all at no charge.

We're visiting a co-founder of the nonprofit Annie C. Courtney Foundation - assisting families and individuals touched by all aspects of the child welfare system. Did you know as many as half of our youths exiting foster care experience homelessness by age 26 and many more are unstably housed. Stick around and learn how you can help Annie C. do something about it.

Then we're pivoting to the leader of the McCall Behavioral Health Network to learn about a brand new program to fast-track individuals reaching out for mental health and crisis support to the expert care they need - most often the day of - or within a day of that call for help.

And we'll close getting briefed on a number of important issues the Connecticut Psychological Association wants you to know about - that will occupy part of the speedy agenda during the 2024 state General Assembly short session.

February 11 isn't just Super Bowl Sunday - maybe more importantly it's 2-1-1 Day here in Connecticut, the day when we celebrate and recognize 2-1-1-Infoline, which had its humble beginnings right here in our state and last year, provided assistance to 1.7 million people.

Then, we're heading to the Elm City to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of The New Haven Legal Assistance Association, which offers free, high-quality legal services to people living in poverty in greater New Haven. We'll tell you all about it, and how you may be able to access free legal help from their NHLAA team.

Then we'll head to visit with the Valley Community Foundation and talk about how that organization is maximizing the power of "Valley-ness" to support and assist hundreds of organization working to take the best care of residents in Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton.

It's CHOOSE LOVE AWARENESS MONTH, so we're going to talk about how you can choose love as defined by the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement and its founder Scarlett Lewis - who is on a mission to create safer and more loving communities through proven programs suited for all stages of life and everybody from you and your family, to your entire community and even your workplace.

Then we're introducing the new director of the Connecticut Forest & Park Assoc.- which is dedicated to connecting people to the land in order to protect forests, parks, walking trails, and open spaces. We'll also learn how their experienced conservation professionals are delivering programs on Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails, Environmental Education, Land Conservation, and Public Policy.

Then we'll touch base with LIV IT UP - a regional grassroots nonprofit providing support services and programming for neurodiverse adults by offering opportunities to enjoy enriched and fulfilled lives. The nonprofit promotes independence and building friendship and community through activities like volunteering , social gatherings, Broadway trips, yoga, therapeutic horseback riding, art classes, and concerts. 

We're bookending For the People with folks and nonprofits working to address and reduce violence in our communities. First we'll meet the Program Manager at CT Violence Intervention and Prevention who is Connecticut's only representative to the first ever Community Violence Intervention Leadership Cohort at the University of Chicago who is prepping for her upcoming graduation at the White House.

Then we're circling back with the Salisbury (CT) Winter Sports Association - which is poised for their 98th Annual JumpFest, the oldest Ski Jumping Competition in New England. But it's not just about ski jumping, this is truly a community and regional festival spanning 3 days in the Litchfield Hills, so tuned in and make plans to be there.

And we'll close with the father and son co-founders of the nonprofit Chick Rosnick Boxing Club - dedicated to teaching the art of boxing to boys and girls so its participants can advocate against bullying, learn alternatives to violence and gang culture, and be instilled greater discipline, good character, and good citizenship.

With An estimated 7 million Americans struggling with gambling addiction, we contacted our source with the nonprofit Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling to discuss a proposal to secure federal funds to treat and research gambling addiction.

Then we're welcoming back AARP Connecticut to review some of the high points of their 2024 Legislative Agenda, and to remind local communities and qualified agencies that the next round of AARP Community Challenge grant applications is now open, and features several new areas of focus for applicants in 2024.

And we'll close touching base with the CT Green Bank - America's 1st Green bank has just released its Annual Report, so we'll review a few of the agency's accomplishments from the past year, celebrate the 10th anniversary of the C-PACE program, and clue you in on a new way that the agency's Solar MAP program is expanding to support affordable housing developers.