News You Can Use

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!

On this program, hosts Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore speak with Blaine McKay, who exemplifies a true success story of someone who has benefited from the amazing services available at The Connection. He discusses his battle with addiction and how he turned his life around.

On this program, hosts Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore speak with Mae Maloney. Since 2007, Mae has worked with Leadership Greater Hartford in a variety of capacities. Mae currently serves as the Program Director for the Leaders on Board program, where she connects individuals to nonprofits in need of new board members. Mae also conducts workshops regarding nonprofit board service for local nonprofits and volunteer groups. On this show, Mae discusses her passion for the work and how she guides individuals who wish to make a difference, while helping to direct the missions of various nonprofit organizations. Don’t miss it!

There is a big event coming to the Portuguese Cultural Center in Danbury, CT on Saturday, May 11th. On this show, host’s Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMattis-Lepore are joined by Dawn Blom to talk about this fundraiser that will benefit the C.A.R.E.S. Foundation, as well as The Connection. Dawn’s Pizzazz Group is passionate about issues related to suicide and substance use and this event will feature speakers surrounding these topics, as well as messages of hope and support. Tickets to this event are available online at http://thedpz.com/events

Meet Willie, a man who spent 56-years of his life in addiction and 18 years behind bars. After losing his parents at a young age, Willie turned to the life in the streets coping with drugs and crime. It wasn’t until he was put in touch with Helen McAlinden at The Connection that his life drastically changed for the better. Tune in to hear this man’s amazing story with host Ann Baldwin and guest host Beth Connor.

In this segment of The Connection, hosts Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore talk with Sherrie Weaver, Program Director of Women and Children’s Services at The Connection. On March 1, Sherrie launched The Women’s Reach Program where passionate, dedicated staff members are trained in gender responsive, co-occurring enhanced, and trauma informed women’s services. Find out the information you need to connect the important women in your life with the services they need to get help and get ahead.

Join hosts Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMattis-Lepore for a captivating conversation with former television news anchor, and recovering addict, Brandon Lee. In this emotional segment of The Connection, Brandon shares his horror stories of drug addiction and how a twelve step meeting changed his life forever. Today Brandon, nine years sober, is a motivational speaker and soon to be author. This is a show you don’t want to miss!