Whether you’re looking to lend a hand to the growing aging Connecticut residents, assist those with disabilities, or contribute to local projects, we provide the platform for you to get involved and create meaningful change in your community. Join us in building a network of care and compassion, one connection at a time.

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.

Click here to read our Featured article in UConn Magazine’s Summer Edition 2025: https://magazine.uconn.edu/2025/06/05/the-good-neighbor/

Our Programs

Volunteers

4200+

Completed Tasks

1057

Members Served

150+

Towns

Michelle Puzzo had the idea for UR Community Cares in 2019 after treating her physical therapy patients who needed help at home but couldn’t pay for assistance and didn’t qualify for state programs. She realized volunteers could donate their time to help those aging and disabled in their neighborhood if they knew who needed help. Her medical background allowed her to recognize the challenges that people face when beginning to experience declining physical and cognitive abilities and decided to take action. Building the UR Community Cares digital platform as a way to match those in need with volunteer support from the same community who are eager to help was a novel idea at the time. Today we are supported by pro bono professionals from Catchafire, remote trainees from MaturityWorks and interns from Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, and a growing Board of Directors and advisors.

Watch Our Latest TV Programs

Donate

Your generous donation helps our nonprofit support programs! As little as $5 can go a long way.

Volunteer

Volunteer to help a neighbor in their home, or to assist with our other programs.

Latest Updates

  • Bringing Vision Resources to Families Across Connecticut

    Bringing Vision Resources to Families Across Connecticut

    Empowering Independence Through Eye Health Education and Assistive Technology At UR Community Cares, we understand how life can change when vision de Empowering Independence Through Eye Health Education and Assistive Technology At UR Community Cares, we understand how life can change when vision declines. Sally and her daughter came to try out our assistive technology…

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  • Thank You, UConn Magazine — Honored to Be Featured

    Thank You, UConn Magazine — Honored to Be Featured

    Thank You, UConn Magazine — Honored to Be Featured We are honored and deeply grateful to UConn Magazine for shining a spotlight on the mission, heart Thank You, UConn Magazine — Honored to Be Featured We are honored and deeply grateful to UConn Magazine for shining a spotlight on the mission, heart, and real-world impact…

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