UR Community Cares

Explore Our Programs

Whether you’re looking to lend a hand to Connecticut’s growing aging population, assist people with disabilities, or contribute to local community projects, we offer a platform that makes it easy to get involved. Through our programs, you can make a meaningful impact right in your neighborhood.

Your support helps build a stronger, more compassionate community, one connection at a time. Join us in creating a network of care, where every act of kindness contributes to a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.

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Welcome to UR Community Cares

At UR Community Cares, we bridge the gap between those eager to make a difference and those in need of support. Our mission is to connect volunteers with opportunities to assist older adults and individuals with disabilities, thereby strengthening communities and improving lives.

Click here to read our Featured article in
UConn Magazine’s Summer Edition 2025
Cover photo for the UR Community Cares article in the UConn magazine summer edition. “We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It’s easy to say, ‘It’s not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.’ Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes.” —Fred Rogers In Mister Rogers’ view, Michelle (Bussiere) Puzzo ’98 (SAH) is a hero.

Volunteer in one of our programs, volunteer behind the scenes or donate to help us grow!

Image of the Tech Center with a photo of Donna speaking to the class attendees.
UR Community Cares Tech Center
Image of Cycling Without Age Manchester program.
Cycling Without Age Manchester
Volunteer and a Member posing in photo for Neighbors Helping Neighbors program.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
UR Vision Resources program has a Vision Station with screen readers, smart glasses, magnifiers, etc.
UR Vision Resources

1000+

Volunteers Across CT

4700+

Completed Tasks in NHN

1500+

People Served in our Programs

150+

People registered from towns

The town of Manchester logo

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We would like to thank the following organizations for investing in UCC to support aging and disabled Connecticut residents.

If your town or state would like to partner with us to support your residents, please call us at 860-430-4557.

Our Story

In 2019, physical therapist Michelle Puzzo saw a gap that couldn’t be ignored. Many of her patients needed help at home but couldn’t afford paid assistance and didn’t qualify for state programs. She realized that with the right connections, caring neighbors could volunteer their time to help older adults and people with disabilities right in their own community.

Drawing on her medical background, Michelle understood the challenges people face as they begin to experience declining physical or cognitive abilities—and she decided to take action. Her solution was innovative for its time: create a digital platform to match those in need with local volunteers eager to lend a hand.

What began as one woman’s vision has grown into a community-driven nonprofit supported by:

  • Pro bono professionals from Catchafire
  • Remote trainees from MaturityWorks
  • Interns from the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services
  • A dedicated and growing Board of Directors and advisors

Today, UR Community Cares continues to expand its programs, build partnerships, and bring neighbors together—proving that when communities connect, everyone thrives.

Give back by donating to UR Community Cares.

Fundraisers allow us to continue our mission

Watch the recap of our 2025 Graffit Battle. Check out interviews by Community Voice Channel (CVC) UR Community Cares Graffiti Battle Fundraiser

Watch Our Latest TV Programs

UR Community Reach is our latest programs produced at Cox Community TV in Manchester can be watched by clicking this link: COX Public Access Channel 15 – Manchester

UR Community Cares TV programs produced at Valley Shore Community TV in Westbrook can be watched by clicking this link: Valley Shore Community Television (cablecast.tv)

If you would like to be featured on our program, please contact us at 860-430-4557.

Latest Updates

  • 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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Posts:

Podcast with Community Foundation of Middlesex County, click below to watch it:

CFMC Meaningful Mondays Episode 15 – UR Community Cares