Category: Uncategorized
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UR Community Cares End of Year Outcome
Dear Friend, At UR Community Cares, we believe that connection is the foundation of thriving communities. Through our intuitive digital platform, we link volunteers with older adults and individuals with disabilities, creating a trusted space to request assistance while reducing isolation and fostering empathy across diverse groups. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to help…
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When Mrs. Claus Faced the Scariest Part of Christmas—Waiting
At the North Pole, December is usually filled with lists, laughter, and the soft hum of toy-making machines. But this year, something far heavier than snow settled into Mrs. Claus’s heart. It started with something responsible. Ordinary. Preventative. A routine ultrasound and mammogram, because even the most magical women know that taking care of themselves…
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Why Mrs. Claus Is Brushing Up on Her Skills
We all know Mrs. Claus as the true engine behind the North Pole. Sure, Santa gets the headlines, the cookies, and the milk but let’s be honest: without Mrs. Claus, the whole operation would fall apart faster than a gingerbread house in July. But even icons age, and lately Mrs. Claus has realized something important: she…
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Mrs. Claus Is Done Being the Best-Kept Secret of the North Pole
Every year, like clockwork, Santa Claus slides down chimneys, drops off presents, and soaks in global praise as the hero of holiday cheer. Songs are written about him, cookies are baked for him, and entire movies revolve around his journey and joy. But there’s one tiny, tinsel-covered detail we all politely ignore: Mrs. Claus has…
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Looking for Volunteer Opportunities? UR Community Cares Is Here for You and Your Community
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…
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Honoring Lives, Honoring Love: The Deep Impact of Our Volunteers and Members
Over the past few months, our community has felt a heaviness that words can barely hold. We have said goodbye to several of our older members, people whose stories, wisdom, and warmth shaped the very heart of UR Community Cares. Each loss has been deeply felt, not only by their families, but by the volunteers who…
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When “Professional” No Longer Means Professional: A Deeply Concerning Change for Healthcare and Education
There are moments when a policy proposal is so baffling, so out of touch with reality, that you struggle to put your reaction into words. That is exactly how I and thousands of dedicated clinicians and educators felt upon learning about the Department of Education’s proposed rules that would reclassify which degrees are considered “professional.” These…
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Manchester High School Students Honor Veterans with Engaging Learning Event
On Thursday, November 13, 2025, Manchester High School students joined UR Community Cares at the Midwest Food Bank for a memorable Veterans’ Learning Event. The day was filled with heartfelt conversations, interactive activities, and a shared sense of gratitude for those who served. Click here to watch the recap: https://youtu.be/vqd5aN-YU-Y?si=hJf09hXCi5liOeus I was happy to kick…
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A High School Students Perspective
Manchester High School offers job shadowing “While volunteering at UR Community Cares, I learned a lot about the importance of cognitive health in late adulthood. One of the things I realized is that even though older adults might experience some decline in things like processing speed and memory, they still have a lot of valuable…
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Catching Up in a World That Left Us Behind: A Call for Empowerment
Catching Up in a World That Left Us Behind: A Call for EmpowermentI graduated from UConn in 1998 as a physical therapist. My world was hands-on, not tech-driven. I remember the sound of dial-up internet, my first flip phone, and my first smartphone, which was a BlackBerry. I still have it today hidden in a…
