There is hope after incarceration. On this week’s program, hosts Ann Baldwin and Chief Strategy Officer for The Connection, Beth Connor speak with Barry Diamond, Executive Director of Reentry Survivors LLC and Blaine Mc Kay, former Client of The Connection now working for P.R.I.D.E.  Blaine, shares his story of how he went from being behind bars to becoming a contributing member of society. Reentry Survivors is home of the P.R.I.D.E Program, teaching inmates and former inmates skills to succeed in society. Hear more about Barry and Blaine’s mission to create more employment opportunities while providing encouragement and hope.

Looking to recreate yourself? Hosts Ann Baldwin and Chief Strategy Officer for The Connection, Beth Connor speak with Devra Sisitsky, Executive Director of MakerspaceCT. Devra had a vision to set out to build a space that allows anyone and everyone to learn new skills in hardware and software, as well as the newer technologies and additive manufacturing and the response has been tremendous. MakerspaceCT is a creative space to play with the skills learned and create, innovate and find new pathways to fiscal sustainability. 

Hosts Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore speak with Maria Librio, Vice President of Rose Hill Memorial Park located in Rocky Hill, Connecticut. With years of experience, Maria gives her insight to listeners who are grieving from the loss of loved ones and adds advice and comfort to those struggling to find closure. If you or someone you know is struggling with the loss of a loved one or if you just want to be inspired-- you won’t want to miss this episode of The Connection!

On this week’s program, NBA All Star and U.S. Gold Medalist Vin Baker joins hosts Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore for a very candid conversation about his struggles with alcoholism that began after he turned pro. After losing it all, Vin Baker rebuilt his life, which he chronicled in his book, God and Starbucks, and now is the Assistant Coach of the Milwaukee Bucks basketball team. Vin has also started the Bouncing Back Foundation, which is all about saving lives from the perils of addiction. Vin invites everyone to join him for his upcoming 5K road race on Saturday, July 20th in his hometown of Old Saybrook to benefit his foundation.

On this week’s program, hosts Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore speak with Linda Bordonaro about her late husband, David. David passed away from melanoma in 2015 and a few months after he passed, the Knights of Columbus Council 7 asked Linda if they could hold a memorial car show in her husband’s name. David was a huge car enthusiast and owned a car he had bought when he was fifteen, a 1965 Fastback mustang. All of the proceeds are used by The KofC to provide support for the community, along with three $1000 scholarships given to HS seniors who live in Portland.