Listen in on UR Community Cares Town Models and Programs
Community Foundation of Middlesex County – Meaningful Monday Podcast is a series that spotlights local individuals and organizations doing great things in our community. The Community Foundation of Middlesex County is so supportive, we are happy to be included in their latest podcast, you can listen in here:
CFMC website: https://middlesexcountycf.org/videos/mm-e15-urcommunitycares/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0SPmUHLSsU6OfsBQ97l14j
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZIRRRaHbJE
We are grateful to have received a grant recently from Community Foundation of Middlesex County and we are looking for volunteers that would like to help their aging neighbors, you can sign up at www.urcommunitycares.org.
As Summer Begins to Wind Down…
August brings a time of reflection, growth, and renewed community spirit here at UR Community Cares. This month, we’re excited to share some of the incredible progress we’ve made and highlight the ways our community is coming together to support one another.
Spotlight on Our Programs
August has been a month of expansion for several of our key programs. The UR Community Cares Tech Center continues to be a hub of activity, offering valuable resources to our adults from any town. We’re thrilled to see how many individuals are benefiting from the assistive technology tools and training available. One particularly inspiring story is that of Richard, a shy National Honor Society student who sought to earn community service hours with us. He helped individuals learn to use their smartphones, enabling them to stay connected and independent. Richard exemplifies the incredible impact that can be achieved with the right support. High school and college students are welcome to volunteer in any of our programs to gain community service hours.
Community Engagement and Volunteer Efforts
Our Neighbors Helping Neighbors program has seen tremendous participation this month, with volunteers going above and beyond to support older adults in our community. From gardening, spending time as friendly visitors, to assisting with grocery shopping and transportation, volunteers are making a significant impact on the lives of those they serve. It’s a beautiful reminder that when we come together as a community, we can truly make a difference.
Check out our website for all the towns we are looking for volunteers for this program.
Upcoming Events
We have some exciting events lined up for the rest of the summer, check them out here! We’ll be hosting a Social Mixer on August 23rd in the Tech Center, we will have special guests from Manchester High School, where attendees can socialize with students, get hands-on help with their devices and learn about the latest technology trends. We also have Patricia Johnson stopping by with a fun activity for us!
Cycling Without Age Manchester
This week we gave rides to Manchester Manor residents and staff who work so hard to take care of them, check it out here. We will be at the upcoming MARC Inc. Wellness Fair, Arbors Health Fair, Touch Points to give their residents a thrilling experience on the rickshaw and Rotary in Motion event in October. If you know someone that would like to be a pilot, volunteer to cycle people around please have them contact us.
A Look Ahead
As we move into the fall, we’re gearing up for even more growth and expansion. We’re working on launching new website functionality aimed at increasing social participation, respect, and inclusion for our older adults. Stay tuned for updates on these exciting developments!
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been a part of our journey this summer. Whether you’ve volunteered your time, participated in our programs, or simply spread the word about our mission, your support is invaluable. Together, we are creating a community where everyone can thrive.
Join Us
If you’re interested in getting involved, now is the perfect time! Visit our website at www.urcommunitycares.org to learn more about our programs, volunteer opportunities, and upcoming events. Stop by the Tech Center to say “Hi!” Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10am-3pm. Let’s continue to work together to build a stronger, more connected community. Click here to donate to help our programs grow!
In closing, I feel like the luckiest person. I am fortunate to have an incredible network of supporters who are deeply committed to our mission. Our dedicated volunteers, along with individuals from various subsidized programs, have come together with a shared purpose: to uplift and support the aging and disabled members of our community. Their willingness to contribute their time and energy speaks volumes about the compassion and solidarity that drives our work. It’s inspiring to see so many people united in their desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive community where everyone can thrive. In addition, I am grateful to the Town of Manchester for their partnership to house our programs.
Wishing you all a wonderful end to the summer,
Michelle Puzzo, Executive Director
www.urcommunitycares.org
Call us: 860-430-4557
Email us: info@urcommunitycares.org
P.S. If you would like to get involved, join the board or be an advisor, please contact me and we can chat about how you can invest your time as we begin to plan for 2025.
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