On this week’s program, host Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore and guest co-host Beth Connor speak with Alison Friar, Director of Clinical Development at The Connection. Alison talks about the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the resulting economic recession negatively impacting many people’s mental health. The Kaiser Family Foundation’s poll conducted in mid-July, reported 53% of adults in the United States said their mental health has worsened due to worry and stress over the Coronavirus. Tune in this Sunday to hear more from Alison about substance use disorder services and ways you can seek help during these uncertain times.

On this week’s program, host Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore and guest co-host Beth Connor speak with Karen Buckley, Vice President of Advocacy for the Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA). Karen helps lead the development of CHA’s advocacy priorities and is integral to the development of the strategies to implement those goals. She leads and coordinates initiatives and collaborations with external groups, including state agencies, on joint advocacy, education and relationship-building activities. Tune in this Sunday to hear more from Karen about the current and future challenges surrounding the pandemic and how you can stay safe during these challenging times. 

On this week’s program, hosts Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore speak with Faith Murray, Graduate of The Connection’s Supportive Housing for Families Program. The Supportive Housing for Families Program helps families thrive by finding homes in safe, nurturing neighborhoods and providing the support necessary for achieving economic independence, developing healthy relationships and a stable and caring home environment. Faith is a mother of three boys who has been taking a “first time home buyer” certificate course in hopes of buying a home in the coming years. Tune in to hear from Faith about her time with the Supportive Housing program and her current employment status. 

On this week’s program, hosts Ann Baldwin and guest co-host Beth Connor speak with Feature News Reporter, Sarah Cody, from WTNH Channel 8. For 20 years Sarah has been sharing stories of inspiration throughout Connecticut and on this program she talks about how so much of her reporting today revolves around the increased challenges due to Covid-19. She talks about how her Thanksgiving plans with her two boys and her husband and how things are going to look much different this year. Sarah also shares some of her more memorable times in the television news business, talking about some of the celebrities that she has had the chance to meet and interview during her amazing career. 

On this week’s program, hosts Ann Baldwin and guest co-host Beth Connor speak with Kelvin Young, a Community Health Worker at InterCommunity Healthcare. Kelvin, a certified Sound Healer, is also a founding member of the Connecticut Black Mental Health and Wellness Initiative. Kelvin shares the importance of integrative medicine, health throughout communities and his journey in sustained recovery. Tune in this Sunday to hear more from Kelvin and his commitment in recognizing formerly incarcerated individuals through the Connecticut Hall of Change.

On this week’s program, hosts Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore speak with Gian-Carl Casa, President and CEO of The Alliance; a strong and persistent voice representing mission-driven nonprofit organizations across the state of Connecticut. Gian-Carl talks about the financial struggles that many Connecticut nonprofits are facing due to Covid-19 and ways the public can contact state legislators and candidates about questions, comments and concerns.

On this week’s program, hosts Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore speak with Dr. Anthony Hatch; Associate Professor and Chair of Science in the Society Program at Wesleyan University. At Wesleyan, Dr. Hatch is affiliated with African American studies, Environmental studies and sociology. Dr. Hatch shares the importance of statistics and data contributing to the pandemic and how health conditions are identified and treated in the American medical system. Tune in this Sunday to hear more from Dr. Hatch and his involvement in the Connection’s November virtual conference.

On this week’s program, hosts Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore speak with Cerina Savino, Registered Dietitian and Wellness Program Manager at Anthem. Cerina leads wellness programs, both internally and for Anthem customers across Connecticut while continuing to emphasize the importance of food and health in her monthly newsletter filled with great tips and recipes. Tune in this Sunday to hear more from Cerina and her efforts to help those that are food insecure and the work she does with Connecticut businesses to help their employees lead healthy lifestyles.

On this week’s program, host Ann Baldwin and guest co-host Beth Connor speak with Shannon Perkins, Director of Education and Training at The Connecticut Women’s Consortium and President for the Connecticut Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. The Connecticut Women’s Consortium is a pioneer in the behavioral health field; effectively adapting and responding to the gender and trauma needs of local communities. Shannon shares the importance of understanding the impact of trauma at various levels, and why the Trauma and Recovery Conference is so important. Tune in this Sunday to hear more from Shannon and her efforts in helping others through social justice work and access to equitable behavioral healthcare.

On this week’s program, host Ann Baldwin and guest co-host Beth Connor speak with Jamal Jimerson, Owner and Chief Equity Officer at Thought Partner Solutions and Founder and Executive Director at Minority Inclusion Project Inc. Minority Inclusion Project Inc. is a nonprofit organization creating pathways to leadership for people of color, while helping community organizations become more diverse, inclusive and equitable. Jamal is partnering with The Connection for its upcoming November conference, Moving Upstream. Tune in this Sunday to hear more from Jamal and his efforts to help BIPOC (black, indigenous people of color) in all areas of life and wellness.