| 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 volunteers help with technology training, vision support, and social connection. Each program is designed to empower people to live more independently while staying connected. We don’t just reduce loneliness, we rebuild connection by creating meaningful moments where people feel seen, valued, and truly part of a community. The year began with strong momentum through our Manchester Blind & Low Vision Support Group meetings hosted by Kristen Dockendorff and Michelle Puzzo, UR Vision Resources. We featured expert guest speakers, including professionals from Eschenbach Optik, the Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind, and Oak Hill. These sessions provided participants with valuable insights, practical tools, and a supportive space to share experiences. We had a successful Waterbury Eye Health Fair as a result of the funding from the Connecticut Community Foundation, the partnership of the Waterbury Senior Center to host the event for their members and the community. We have received CCTV donations, so people can come and try out the magnifiers and take them home to improve their independence at home. Our UR Community Tech Center has remained a hub of innovation and learning. Popular sessions like Monthly Tech Talk covering topics such as artificial intelligence and everyday tech use, along with classes like All Things Zoom, Smartphones at a Glance, and Passwords, Passkeys & More, have helped participants build confidence in navigating today’s digital world. We also offered hands-on support through one-on-one tech help sessions, ensuring personalized assistance for every skill level. Social engagement remains a cornerstone of our mission. Monthly gatherings like Kindness Connects Us and Love is Around Us created welcoming spaces for connection, while special events such as Learn About Solo Aging encouraged important conversations around independence and planning for the future. Donna Powell is instrumental in coordinating guest speakers, and our volunteers are vital for the success of our events. Beyond Manchester, UR Community Cares extended its reach into surrounding communities, offering tech classes and support at senior centers in Avon and Bloomfield, as well as engaging with organizations like MARC, Inc. and local housing communities. We started teaching at Florence Mill Apartments in Vernon, and our new trainer is teaching at the Bethany Senior Center as well. Partnerships with Manchester High School students have also fostered meaningful intergenerational connections, bringing fresh energy and support to our programs. We put on bike education and safety classes with the help of our Cycling Without Age volunteers at Bennet Academy. Also, at Bennet Academy, we are collaborating with staff and students working on the Lt. Gov. Computing Challenge on a special project. We went to the University of New Haven to “Disable the Label” and bring awareness to the students about resources available in the CT community. |
We also expanded awareness and accessibility through programs like our Hearing Program, virtual sessions, and workshops focused on communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. In April, we proudly celebrated the 2-year anniversary of our Tech Center, marking continued growth and community impact.
Looking ahead to May – check out our Events tab to see the full list of events
UR Hearing Resources will have a Lunch & Learn with Guest Speaker – Allegra E. Klein, MBA, Director of Advocacy, Hearing Loss Association of America – Eastern CT Chapter
May 6th Virtual Lunch & Learn – Register here: https://forms.gle/QMbYTNfh8kpimKVDA
Each event reflects our commitment to reducing isolation, increasing access to resources, and building a stronger, more connected community. As we move through 2026, UR Community Cares remains dedicated to creating opportunities that educate, empower, and inspire.
Let’s continue to make the world a better place together,
Michelle Puzzo, Executive Director
860-430-4557
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