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. This will be a combination of artists of all different types, painting at the same time with poets creating poems on the artwork, along with performers showcasing their talents during the event.
Volunteer in one of our programs, volunteer behind the scenes, or donate to help us grow!
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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.
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.
Latest Updates
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Manchester’s Wit & Wisdom Poetry from the Graffiti Battle
Words met walls at the Graffiti Battle as the Wit & Wisdom Poets turned spray-painted scenes into living verse. Moving through color, rhythm, and raw expression, they captured the heart of the day, quick-fire lines, intimate moments, and the pulse of community, transforming each mural into a poem you can hear as much as see.…
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Building Connection and Independence: UR Community Cares Events in 2026
In the first 4 months of 2026, UR Community Cares has continued to expand its impact through a wide range of engaging, educational, and community-driven events. From Neighbors Helping Neighbors volunteers going to older adults and people with disabilities homes to help them by being companions, assisting them around the house, or transporting them to appointments. Other…
Posts:
- May 2026 (1)
- April 2026 (4)
- March 2026 (3)
- February 2026 (4)
- January 2026 (3)
- December 2025 (5)
- November 2025 (5)
- October 2025 (7)
- September 2025 (5)
- August 2025 (10)
- July 2025 (8)
- June 2025 (7)
- May 2025 (7)
- April 2025 (6)
- March 2025 (9)
- February 2025 (5)
- January 2025 (6)
- November 2024 (7)
- October 2024 (7)
- September 2024 (3)
- August 2024 (5)
- July 2024 (1)
- June 2024 (1)
- March 2024 (2)
- February 2024 (2)
Podcast with Community Foundation of Middlesex County, click below to watch it:
