Explore Our Programs

Welcome to UR Community Cares.

We connect compassionate volunteers with older adults and people with disabilities who need support, helping to strengthen communities and improve lives across Connecticut. Whether you need help or want to assist a neighbor, we make it easy to get involved.

Through our programs, you can create meaningful change right in your own community. Every act of kindness helps build a stronger, more connected, and more inclusive network of care.

At UR Community Cares, we believe that supporting one another is the foundation of a healthy community. Join us in helping Connecticut residents remain independent, engaged, and connected.

Our volunteer, Donna Powell, received the AARP 2026 Andrus Award. Watch the ceremony recap on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/nqQhS_Rujaw

VOLUNTEER IN ANY OF OUR PROGRAMS

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

Programs and services offered by UR Community Cares. Our goal is to support older adults, caregivers, and community members by providing helpful resources, education, and opportunities to stay connected.

Some of the programs we offer include:

UR Community Tech Center includes technology classes to help people feel more confident using smartphones, tablets, and other devices, and One-on-one tech support for personalized help with everyday technology needs through volunteer support
UR Vision Resources offers a low vision support group in Manchester, and performs presentations about available resources and products, distributes a directory specific to blind and low vision people, and offers Braille classes on an ongoing basis
Neighbors Helping Neighbors connects volunteers to older adults and people with physical disabilities in need of help
UR Hearing Resources provides educational information for people who are hard of hearing, deafblind, and deaf
Cycling Without Age Manchester gives free rides to people unable to walk into the park, trails, events, etc.
Community partnerships and educational events designed to support older adults and their families

If you or someone you know would like to learn more or sign up for a program or volunteer, please reach out to UR Community Cares through our website; click Sign Up at the top of the page.

We would be happy to discuss your needs and help connect you with the right program or service.

CLICK ON A PROGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION

The Tech Center; Donna speaking to the class attendees. Call 860-430-4557 or check out our tech group classes: https://calendly.com/urcommunitycares — UR Community Tech Center

Cycling Without Age Manchester program. — UR Community Tech Center

UR Vision Resources program has a Vision Station with screen readers, smart glasses, magnifiers, etc. — Neighbors Helping Neighbors

We gratefully thank the following organizations for supporting UR Community Cares and investing in older adults and people with disabilities across Connecticut.

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

Community Foundation for Greater New Haven

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
Trainees from MaturityWorks and the American Job Center
Interns
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.

2025 Annual Report

Click here to read the report

Click here to read our Featured article in UConn Magazine’s Summer Edition 2025

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 get in touch with us at 860-430-4557.

Latest Updates

November 3, 2026

Manchester Turns Out for Donna Powell: A Town Proclamation, a State Honor, and the AARP Andrus Award

Mayor Jay Moran Declared “Donna Powell Day in Manchester” on Friday, October 30, 2026 It was standing-room warmth at the UR Community Tech Center in Manchester on Friday, October 30, 2026, as friends, neighbors, students, and the many people whose lives Donna Powell has touched came together to celebrate her, over ice cream, proclamations, and…
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November 3, 2026

Virtual Webinar Tomorrow

Technology Supporting the Hard of Hearing Community – 10/27/26 Join us tomorrow for a Virtual Meeting! Janine Katomski, president of the HLAA (Hearing Loss Association of America) Eastern CT Chapter and HLAA Connecticut State Chapter Coordinator, will be sharing up to date information about all the technology available to help those with hearing loss. She…
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