Hosts Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore speak with Elizabeth Howard, Program Manager for the Sierra Center at The Connection. Established in 2001, the Sierra Center is a 60-bed, all male facility that houses men transitioning out of prison. This work release program provides trauma informed comprehensive case management, job readiness skills, substance abuse and mental health education to adults under the supervision of the Department of Correction—so they can successfully reintegrate into the community

Hosts Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore speak with Ryan Murphy. Ryan is the Director of The Connection’s Re-Entry Assisted Community Housing (REACH) program, which provides help for men and women transitioning out of incarceration and back into everyday life. This program provides temporary housing, job assistance and help securing permanent housing. For those just coming out of prison, this program can be a life saver…literally. Ryan has recently started the Danbury Re-Entry Collaborative which is the 10th such collaborative of its kind in the state. The collaborative works to bring together all providers who serve clients re-entering the community from incarceration.

Hosts Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore speak with Beth Connor, Chief Strategy Officer for The Connection. Beth speaks about a recent fundraiser at the Portuguese Club in Danbury, where people shared their stories of addiction and recovery. Other topics discussed at the fundraiser included the organization, CARES and suicide prevention. The Connection wants people to know it is never too late to ask for help.

Hosts Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore speak with Chelsea Humphrey, Associate Director of Behavioral Health for The Connection. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and it’s the perfect time to address whatever emotional problems you may be facing. Many of us are suffering from anxiety, depression, addiction, or other mental issues that need to be addressed. Chelsea and the Behavioral Health Program at The Connection are here to help. On this show, you’ll learn how to get the support you need. Remember--there’s no shame in asking for help.

Hosts Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore speak with Debra Borzellino, Director of Family Support Services for The Connection. May is Foster Care Awareness Month and this is a subject near and dear to our hearts! Deb, a therapist and also an expert on foster care explains how thousands of children in Connecticut are in need of foster parents and tells us how The Connection can help make it happen! Fostering children is a beautiful thing, both for the kids and the parents. If you’ve ever thought of becoming a foster parent or would just like more information then you don’t want to miss this show!

On this week’s show, hosts Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore speak with Michael Longo, a recovering drug addict. Like so many addicts, Michael’s story began with a troubled childhood, marked by relationship difficulties with his father. His addiction took hold years later when he became a regular in the club and party scene. After years of battling his addiction, Michael finally surrendered and got the help he desperately needed. It’s a story that will hopefully inspire others to get clean and also help them see that recovery is there if you want it!

Hosts Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore speak with Charles Barber and William Juneboy Outlaw III. Charles works with the Connection and is also the author of several books, including the upcoming book “Citizen Outlaw: One Man’s Journey from Gangleader to Peacekeeper”. It chronicles William’s life, whose journey has taken him from housing project youth to ruthless gangland kingpin to change-making community advocate. William was originally sentenced to 85 years for his crimes but has now turned his life around and has dedicated himself to helping other troubled youth. Written with exclusive access to Outlaw himself, Charles Barber’s “Citizen Outlaw” is the unforgettable story of how a gang leader became the catalyst for one of the greatest civic crime reductions in America. It’s a story that will amaze and inspire!