News You Can Use

On this week’s program, host Ann Baldwin and guest co-host Beth Connor speak with Patrick Fallon, Director of Community Justice Services at The Connection. When asked to oversee the opening of a new program for those testing positive for COVID-19 within the Community Release Network of Care by the Department of Correction, Patrick provided a place for those coming out of incarceration to recover safely. Since it opened in April of this year, 62 people have successfully recovered from COVID. Tune in this Sunday to hear more about Patrick’s efforts, courage and passion for helping people reclaim their lives.

On this week’s program, hosts Ann Baldwin and Beth Connor wrap up Domestic Violence Month with Liza Andrews from the CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence.  Liza talks about the frequently ignored signs of domestic violence against men & women in the home, as well as in the workplace. CCADV is the state’s leading voice for domestic violence survivors and the agencies that serve them.  Tune in and find out how you can take an active role in helping victims and survivors, as well as how to learn more about “Safe Connect,” a new state-wide service being launched  from safety planning to triage and response to domestic violence.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call, text, chat, email, 24/7 to: CTSafeConnect.org or call 888-774-2900.    

On this week’s program, Ann Baldwin and guest host Beth Connor from The Connection welcome a very special guest to the show!  Cindi Bigelow, third generation president and CEO of family-owned Bigelow Tea joins us to talk about how her grandparents started the business here in Connecticut following the Great Depression and how today the company has become the US market leader of specialty teas, producing over 2-billion tea bags annually. Bigelow Tea has recently launched its newest product, the “Bigelow Botanicals Cold Water Infusion Line”--teas which slowly create a light and refreshing infused water.  Through her company, Cindi Bigelow nurtures a corporate culture of giving back to the community by supporting numerous non-profit organizations. Their biggest fundraiser is the annual Bigelow Tea Community Challenge, a 5K run or 3K walk which is taking place virtually this year on September 27th.  To find out how you can participate and receive the very sought-after Bigelow Tea “goodie bag” and t-shirt visit to www.bigelowtea.com 

On this week’s program, hosts Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore speak with Karen Ablondi, founding board member and Vice President of the Connecticut Alliance of Recovery Residences and founder and owner of Shoreline Recovery Sober Living. Founded in 2014, Shoreline Recovery offers four level II recovery residences in Branford and East Haven, CT. Karen successfully turned her long-term recovery into a safe place for others to get clean and sober. Tune in this Sunday to hear more about Karen and the special connection she and Lisa have shared over the course of 31 years

On this week’s program, host Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore speaks with Latisha Belin. Both Lisa and Latisha have a special connection to Hallie House for Women and Children in Middletown.  This is where Lisa started her career in 1997 and where Latisha found the support and help she needed for her substance abuse issues.  Fast forward to today and Lisa is now President and CEO of The Connection and Latisha is 23-years clean and sober and working for the organization as a women’s recovery navigator.  You won’t want to miss her amazing story of how she went from a life of crime and drugs, to a job in which she can now give back to other women who are struggling with substance abuse issues.  This is truly an amazing story of two people who have come full circle. 

On this week's program, hosts Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis Lepore speak with Gary Steck, Chief Executive Officer of Wellmore Behavioral Health. Gary talks about how caring for those with mental health, substance abuse, recovery and support services has changed during the COVID Pandemic and how organizations like Wellmore and The Connection have had to adjust to meet the growing needs of their clients. From telehealth to mobile treatment sites, hear how non-profits in our state are working together to make sure that people are getting the treatment that they need, when they need it.

On this week’s program, hosts Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore speak with Sherrie Weaver, Program Director of Women & Children Services at The Connection.  We talk about Hallie House in Middletown and Mother’s Retreat in Groton, residential treatment facilities for pregnant and parenting women who desire to live a clean and sober life. Programs that are and near and dear to Lisa’s heart, as she was instrumental in starting these programs, when she first started working with The Connection years ago.  Hear how these programs have grown and evolved over the years, as well as some of the real life success stories of how women and their families, as well as our communities have benefited from providing these amazing services. 
Tune in Sunday!

On this week’s program, hosts Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore speak with Molly Satalino, Assistant Clinical Director of Outpatient Programing for Connecticut Mental Health Affiliates (CMHA).  As many non-profit behavioral health providers have had to implement telehealth visits during this time of COVID-19, both Molly and Lisa talk about how that is working for their clients who are struggling with various mental health and substance abuse issues and are in danger of relapse.
Keeping folks on the road to recovery can difficult, especially during these challenging times, but help is available.

On this week’s program, Ann Baldwin and Beth Connor welcome Brad Palazzo, Director of Community Impact for Comcast. Since the Covid 19 outbreak, the world has been a different place, socially and financially.  During this time, Comcast is doing its best to help those in need stay connected through their “Internet Essentials” program, designed to keep connectivity affordable and possible.  It’s just one of many programs that Comcast is offering as a way to help the community during this unprecedented time.  
We’ll also discuss the 3rd Annual Community Links Golf Tournament fundraiser, happening on Monday, August 17th at Great River Golf Club in Milford.  For more information, log onto www.theconnectioninc.org 

On this week’s program, Ann Baldwin and Beth Connor welcome Brad Palazzo, Director of Community Impact for Comcast. Since the Covid 19 outbreak, the world has been a different place, socially and financially.  During this time, Comcast is doing its best to help those in need stay connected through their “Internet Essentials” program, designed to keep connectivity affordable and possible.  It’s just one of many programs that Comcast is offering as a way to help the community during this unprecedented time.  
We’ll also discuss the 3rd Annual Community Links Golf Tournament fundraiser, happening on Monday, August 17th at Great River Golf Club in Milford.  For more information, log onto www.theconnectioninc.org