UR Community Cares

Explore Our Programs

Whether you’re looking to lend a hand to Connecticut’s growing aging population, assist people with disabilities, or contribute to local community projects, we offer a platform that makes it easy to get involved. Through our programs, you can make a meaningful impact right in your neighborhood.

Your support helps build a stronger, more compassionate community, one connection at a time. Join us in creating a network of care, where every act of kindness contributes to a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.

Welcome to UR Community Cares

At UR Community Cares, we bridge the gap between those eager to make a difference and those in need of support. Our mission is to connect volunteers with opportunities to assist older adults and individuals with disabilities, thereby strengthening communities and improving lives.

Fundraisers allow us to continue our mission

You are invited to our 2026 Graffiti Battle. Sign up to be a performer or artist here: https://forms.gle/s25RwL6Z5u9x2GG86

Partial list of artists for Graffiti Battle, May 17th 1-4 pm

Volunteer in one of our programs, volunteer behind the scenes, or donate to help us grow!

Image of the Tech Center with a photo of Donna speaking to the class attendees.
UR Community Cares Tech Center
Image of Cycling Without Age Manchester program.
Cycling Without Age Manchester
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
UR Vision Resources program has a Vision Station with screen readers, smart glasses, magnifiers, etc.
UR Vision Resources
The town of Manchester logo

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We would like to thank the following organizations for investing in UCC to support aging and disabled Connecticut residents.

If your town or state would like to partner with us to support your residents, please call us at 860-430-4557.

Our Story

In 2019, physical therapist Michelle Puzzo saw a gap that couldn’t be ignored. Many of her patients needed help at home but couldn’t afford paid assistance and didn’t qualify for state programs. She realized that with the right connections, caring neighbors could volunteer their time to help older adults and people with disabilities right in their own community.

Drawing on her medical background, Michelle understood the challenges people face as they begin to experience declining physical or cognitive abilities—and she decided to take action. Her solution was innovative for its time: create a digital platform to match those in need with local volunteers eager to lend a hand.

What began as one woman’s vision has grown into a community-driven nonprofit supported by:

  • Pro bono professionals from Catchafire
  • Remote trainees from MaturityWorks
  • Interns from the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services
  • A dedicated and growing Board of Directors and advisors

Today, UR Community Cares continues to expand its programs, build partnerships, and bring neighbors together—proving that when communities connect, everyone thrives.

Click here to read our Featured article in
UConn Magazine’s Summer Edition 2025
Cover photo for the UR Community Cares article in the UConn magazine summer edition. “We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It’s easy to say, ‘It’s not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.’ Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes.” —Fred Rogers In Mister Rogers’ view, Michelle (Bussiere) Puzzo ’98 (SAH) is a hero.

Watch Our Latest TV Programs

UR Community Reach is our latest program produced at Cox Community TV in Manchester, which can be watched by clicking this link: COX Public Access Channel 15 – Manchester

UR Community Cares TV programs produced at Valley Shore Community TV in Westbrook can be watched by clicking this link: Valley Shore Community Television (cablecast.tv)

If you would like to be featured on our program, please contact us at 860-430-4557.

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Latest Updates

  • Art in Motion: Meet the Artists of the 2026 Graffiti Battle

    Art in Motion: Meet the Artists of the 2026 Graffiti Battle

    We gratefully thank the Manchester Arts Commission and the Manchester Cultural District for their generous $1,500 grant supporting this event. The UR Community Cares Graffiti Battle is more than an event; it’s a living, breathing celebration of creativity, culture, and community. This year’s lineup of artists brings together an extraordinary mix of backgrounds, mediums, and lived experiences,…

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  • UR Community Cares – New Board President

    UR Community Cares – New Board President

    First row left to right – Chris Kelly, Erica Weida, Missy CiprianoBack row left to right – Ed Sambuco, Ram Kaza, Jim LovkayNot pictured – Natacha Campbell, Brad Petty, Asmita Aasaavari A new chapter is beginning at UR Community Cares!We are thrilled to announce several key updates to our leadership team as we continue our mission of connecting…

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Podcast with Community Foundation of Middlesex County, click below to watch it:

CFMC Meaningful Mondays Episode 15 – UR Community Cares