Author: michellepuzzo
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A Day in the Life: The Intern’s Perspective
By Toya, Human Services Intern, Goodwin University Intern If there’s one thing this internship continues to show me, it’s how unpredictable, adventurous, and rewarding this field truly is. Recently, I had the chance to accompany Michelle, UR Community Cares, Executive Director and my internship host, on a full day of outreach that took us from…
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Who Will Answer the Call? Rethinking Volunteer Fire, EMS, and Healthcare Pipelines in Connecticut
As I travel around Connecticut, I find myself reflecting on some things, especially now that I’m 50 and embracing this next chapter of life. One thought that keeps coming up is this: with the rising cost of college, how do we inspire young people to consider essential careers that don’t require a traditional degree, but…
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The Unseen Strength of Women: Navigating Every Stage of Womanhood
Being a woman means carrying many things—responsibility, beauty, resilience, pain, love, and growth. From the first period to the last hot flash, the female experience is layered, powerful, and often invisible to those who don’t live it. Every month, women go through cycles that affect their physical health, mental wellbeing, and emotional balance. And every…
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Supporting Manchester Together: A Quarter of Growth, Connection & Community Care
UR Community Cares – Highlights from our Manchester Activities in April, May, and June UR Community Cares (UCC) continues to deepen its impact in Manchester through community-driven programs, partnerships, and outreach, made possible with the support of the Town of Manchester. Here’s a look at how we’ve worked together this past quarter to support the…
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A July Reminder: Be Kind. Be Brave.
A July Reminder: Be Kind. Be Brave. Be a Good Human. As the sun shines brighter and July rolls in, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the kind of ener A July Reminder: Be Kind. Be Brave. Be a Good Human. As the sun shines brighter and July rolls in, it’s a perfect time…
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Bridge the Gap: Connecticut Must Act to Prevent Homelessness Among Seniors
Bridge the Gap: Connecticut Must Act to Prevent Homelessness Among Seniors Dear Governor Lamont, Attorney General of Connecticut, Honorable Senators, Bridge the Gap: Connecticut Must Act to Prevent Homelessness Among Seniors Dear Governor Lamont, Attorney General of Connecticut, Honorable Senators, and Esteemed Members of the Connecticut General Assembly, I am writing on behalf of UR…
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We Are Not Houseplants: Rethinking How We Support Older Adults and Their Caregivers
There’s a quiet but painful reality that many caregivers experience: the sense that their loved ones—parents, grandparents, partners—are being treated There’s a quiet but painful reality that many caregivers experience: the sense that their loved ones—parents, grandparents, partners—are being treated more like houseplants than people. As long as they’re “fed and watered,” the system seems…
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Learning to Truly See: Reflections from the Human Guide Workshop
Learning to Truly See: Reflections from the Human Guide Workshop Today, I had the privilege of attending a Human Guide Workshop hosted South East Cen Learning to Truly See: Reflections from the Human Guide Workshop Today, I had the privilege of attending a Human Guide Workshop hosted South East Center for the Blind, and presented…
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From an Alone Duck to a Flock: Fighting Isolation and Aging Together
From an Alone Duck to a Flock: Fighting Isolation and Aging Together Sometimes, at any age, we feel like the only duck in the pond—swimming in circle Sometimes, at any age, we feel like the only duck in the pond—swimming in circles, calling out, and hearing no reply. Being a caregiver can feel like that.…
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Bringing Vision Resources to Families Across Connecticut
Empowering Independence Through Eye Health Education and Assistive Technology At UR Community Cares, we understand how life can change when vision de Empowering Independence Through Eye Health Education and Assistive Technology At UR Community Cares, we understand how life can change when vision declines. Sally and her daughter came to try out our assistive technology…