Month: August 2025

For centuries, people with hearing impairments have relied on different devices to help them connect with the world around them. While technology has advanced dramatically, the purpose has always remained the same: to amplify sound and make communication easier, more natural, and more accessible. The Early Days: Ear Trumpets Before electronic hearing aids existed, one…

UR Community Cares – Grandparents Letter Connection A Grandparent Letter I didn’t know my paternal grandmother as she died before I was born. I guess she got tired after having nine kids! My mom never lived with her mother; she was raised by her aunt (not a very pleasant life). I met her mother once;…

Connecticut shines brightest when we come together to celebrate the many cultures, traditions, and voices that shape our communities. From restaurants to music, sports, and festivals, our state’s diversity enriches daily life and it’s up to us to support and uplift the businesses, artists, and events that make it possible. Located in the middle of…

Being Hard-of-Hearing Aware Our guest speaker, Dr. Suzanne Ondrus is a UConn alumna. She earned her doctorate in comparative literary and cultural studies at the University of Connecticut. She has trained people and organizations in soft skills. As someone with a hearing problem herself, she is excited to bring this training to UR Community Cares. On Monday, September 29th,…

At UR Community Cares, the impact of our volunteers can be summed up in just a few powerful words: friendly, kind, unselfish, and generous. Each day, our volunteers step up to bring light, dignity, and joy to the lives of older adults and people with disabilities across Connecticut. Whether it’s offering a gentle hand to guide someone to a…

Say Hello More Often: The Power of Everyday Connection In a world that often feels fast-paced and disconnected, the simplest gestures can have the most profound impact. A smile, a wave, a kind word, these are not just niceties; they are lifelines of human connection. Whether you’re waiting in line for coffee, walking through your…

Some people see life’s challenges as roadblocks. Others, like Kristen Dockendorff, see them as opportunities to grow, adapt, and inspire. Kristen’s journey began in the art classroom, where she spent years teaching students to see the world through the lens of creativity. When she lost her vision, many might have assumed her art career would end.…

Dear Norwalk Hospital, our Sponsors, Partners, and Attendees, On behalf of our entire team, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for your support and participation in the Norwalk Eye Health Fair. Watch the recap on our YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/79xpum1PMx4 Kristen Dockendorff’s speech discussed her 4 C’s: “Curiosity, Creativity, Courage and Connections.”  It was…