?UR Community Cares – Community Impact Update
Last quarter, UR Community Cares continued to strengthen connections, expand access, and fill critical gaps across Manchester and the region through collaboration, inclusion, and service. Below are highlights of our recent accomplishments and activities.
Community Engagement & Events
? Hosted a free community event with the Helen Keller National Center at CT State Community College Manchester, featuring 15+ vendors focused on Human Guiding and accessibility for people with visual impairments. The event welcomed 100+ attendees, including Manchester High School students, Manchester Human Services, Manchester Fire Department, the Town Manager, and Assistant Town Manager.
? Participated in and supported Human Guide Training with the Helen Keller Center, engaging both UR Community Cares and Manchester High School students in hands-on inclusion education.
? Facilitated monthly Blind/Low Vision Support Group meetings, including coordination of guest speakers and providing transportation for residents traveling from East Hartford.
? Hosted monthly Parkinson’s Support Group events, including an October program with guest speakers from the Chase Family Movement Disorder Center, engaging both residents and Manchester High School students.
- Attended and participated in regional senior fairs, including the Vernon Senior Fair.
? Attended and participated in regional senior fairs, including the Vernon Senior Fair.
Cycling Without Age Manchester
? Recruited and trained new CWA pilots, expanding capacity for rides.
? Provided rides throughout SPINFEST on October 4th at Charter Oak Park and played a key role in planning alongside the Manchester Recreation Department.
? Planned and were selected as one of only four chapters invited to participate in the LeadingAge Cycling Without Age Joy Ride at UMass Boston.
? Collaborated with RiseUp for Arts to install the Able Table at our CWA location—highlighting inclusion and the importance of access for all.
? Partnered with Bennet Academy to develop a bike helmet safety awareness campaign and offer students a coding opportunity.
- Began fundraising and volunteer recruitment at UConn Men’s and Women’s Basketball games at Gampel Pavilion.
? Began fundraising and volunteer recruitment at UConn Men’s and Women’s Basketball games at Gampel Pavilion.
UR Community Tech Center
? Continued training and management of new and returning volunteers.
? Offered ongoing classes, monthly events, socials, and guest presentations, with programming updated monthly.
? Hosted job shadowing opportunities for Manchester High School students.
? Partnered with MaturityWorks for trainee support and CTReady for high school interns.
? Worked with our IT team to improve the website and volunteer/member sign-up process.
- Collaborated with the Manchester Library on a UConn grant proposal to provide reentry-focused tech support at both locations.
? Collaborated with the Manchester Library on a UConn grant proposal to provide reentry-focused tech support at both locations.
Partnerships, Advocacy & Outreach
? Networked with local church leaders to increase awareness of UR Community Cares programs.
? Maintained monthly participation in Manchester Community Services Council (MCSC) meetings, CT-VOAD call-ins, and Chamber of Commerce planning efforts.
? Attended the ECHN Legislative Breakfast and events focused on social and economic infrastructure.
? Met with the Chair of the Manchester Veterans’ Program to better understand services and collaboration opportunities.
? Supported veterans through involvement in Veterans Day events, including the Veteran Banner Program, with active student participation.
? Partnered with the American Job Center to promote employment opportunities in Manchester.
- Printed, collated, and edited Braille agendas for the National Federation for the Blind annual conference and provided transportation for a blind Manchester resident to attend.
? Printed, collated, and edited Braille agendas for the National Federation for the Blind annual conference and provided transportation for a blind Manchester resident to attend.
Media & Communications
? Continued production and editing of UR Community Cares programming on COX Public Access TV, including:
? UR Community Reach with Paul Scappaticci
? Hearing-related community programming
? Broadcasted announcements and events through newsletters, CT 211, Hartford Courant calendar, Patch, Nextdoor, Manchester Matters, the Town website, and social media.
Event Highlights
? Midwest Food Bank Veterans Learning Event & Hearing Event
? UR Community Reach: https://youtu.be/9XyX3d0y-rA
- Hard of Hearing Discussion: https://youtu.be/BIPN-QDz0fw
Board Growth & Leadership
Board of Directors (9 Members):
? 5 Female, 4 Male
? 1 Asian, 6 Caucasian, 2 Black
Officers:
? President (Open), Secretary: Christine Kelly, Treasurer: Erica Weida
Directors: Bradley Petty, Missy Cipriano, Ram Kaza, Michelle Puzzo, Jim Lovkay, Ed Sambuca, Natacha Saint Juste
Manchester Advisory Board:
Betty Walsh, Donna Powell, Iris Carde
Funding Updates –
We are grateful for new grant funding support from:
? Hartford Foundation for Public Giving – Nonprofit Support Program
? Hartford Foundation for Public Giving – Small Nonprofit Organization Program
? Connecticut Community Foundation – Eye Health Research
- Vernon Greater Together Community Fund
? Vernon Greater Together Community Fund
Looking Ahead
From accessibility and technology to transportation, workforce development, and inclusion, UR Community Cares continues to meet people where they are, building systems of support that strengthen our entire community.
Thank you to our volunteers, partners, funders, and neighbors who make this work possible.
Together, we care—because UR Community Cares.
This is a look back, but lets look ahead to a bright 2026 together,
Michelle Puzzo, Executive Director
860-430-4557
info@urcommunitycares.org
www.urcommunitycares.org
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