As we move toward 2026, many individuals across Connecticut and beyond will begin navigating new federal requirements tied to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Under these updated rules, able-bodied adults without dependents between the ages of 18–64 will now need to work, volunteer, or participate in an approved training program for at least 80 hours per month, about 20 hours each week, to maintain their benefits.
For many people, this change can feel overwhelming. But it can also be an opportunity, an opportunity to connect, contribute, and strengthen the community around us.
At UR Community Cares, we understand that people aren’t just looking for something to do; they’re looking for purpose, connection, and ways to make a difference truly. And that is exactly what we offer.
Volunteering That Matters – To You and to Someone Who Needs You
UR Community Cares provides a wide range of meaningful volunteer opportunities that count toward SNAP requirements and create real impact on the lives of older adults and people with disabilities in our towns.
Here, volunteers do more than complete tasks. They build relationships. They offer companionship. They support neighbors who may have no one else to turn to. Every hour spent volunteering becomes an hour of kindness, service, and community strengthening.
Our Neighbors Helping Neighbors volunteers help with:
Friendly check-ins and companionship
Light household tasks, yard work
Transportation, errands or grocery assistance
Our UR Community Tech Center volunteers help with:
Technology to decrease the digital divide
Provide support at our community events
Data entry, phone support
And many other simple acts that help us continue our mission
Our Cycling Without Age Manchester volunteers help with:
Planning events, data entry, and program coordination
Cycling people on our rickshaw
Our UR Vision and Hearing Resources volunteers help with:
Training of assistive technology
Planning events, data entry, and program coordination – watch our latest program https://youtu.be/BIPN-QDz0fw
Whether you want occasional opportunities or regular hours that fulfill SNAP volunteer requirements, we have flexible options for all schedules.
Know Someone Who Needs Support? Consider Us.
While many people are searching for volunteer hours, many others are quietly struggling—isolated, overwhelmed, or unable to complete daily tasks on their own. If you know someone who could benefit from a little help, please keep UR Community Cares in mind.
We proudly serve older adults and people with disabilities, connecting them with caring volunteers who make life safer, easier, and less lonely.
Two Needs, One Solution: A Stronger Community
These new federal rules may be prompting more people to look for volunteer opportunities, but at UR Community Cares, our doors have always been open to volunteers, to neighbors in need, and to anyone who wants to make their community a more compassionate place.
If you or someone you know is searching for ways to fulfill volunteer requirements or simply wants to be part of something meaningful, we would be honored to welcome you.
Together, we can turn these policy changes into something positive:
more hands helping, more hearts connecting, and a stronger, kinder community for all.
Together we can make the world a better place,
Michelle Puzzo, Executive Director
www.urcommunitycares.org
860-430-4557
info@urcommunitycares.org
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