For the People

It seemed appropriate to open our August 11 program focusing on Call Before You Dig - since it was National 8-1-1 Day! So, sit tight and get all the information you need to know about this critical public safety program that identifies any underground utilities that may be in the way of where you want to dig - whether it's in your garden, putting up a new mailbox, or excavating to put in a pool, foundation or landscape feature.

It seems appropriate that we open our August 11 program focusing on Call Before You Dig - since it's National 8-1-1 Day! So, sit tight and get all the information you need to know about this critical public safety program that identifies any underground utilities that may be in the way of where you want to dig - whether it's in your garden, putting up a new mailbox, or excavating to put in a pool, foundation or landscape feature.Then we'll celebrate the 2024 honorees who will be introduced at the Girl Scouts of Connecticut's Annual Legacy of Leadership fundraising event coming up in September in Bridgeport. We'll catch up with the organization's new CEO and chat briefly with all three of these legacy honorees.And we'll close circling back with the CEO of New Haven's Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center. A recent story about the abrupt closing of another similar facility in town got us thinking about agencies that will be facing even greater challenges as the regional pool of mental health and addiction service providers continues to dry up. Find out how another one of these remaining agencies is reacting and responding.

For the People is proud to introduce you to TriCircle - an organization that provides resources for individuals, families, and communities affected by the disease of addiction. Through education and community engagement, you'll learn from its founder how TriCircle is dedicated to providing the tools that build strong futures!

Get ready for a serious chat with Connecticut's - and the nation's - first Cannabis Ombudsperson. Hear all about how this unique government post came to be, and how residents and constituents can engage and access its information resources, support and guidance.

After some transitions, the Bridgeport-based Green Village Initiative, and its neighborhood garden program and Reservoir Community Farm are growing again. So check out our spirited conversation with GVI's new outreach coordinator to find out how you can support or benefit from this unique agricultural cooperative.

After some transitions, the Bridgeport-based Green Village Initiative, and its neighborhood garden program and Reservoir Community Farm are growing again. So check out our spirited conversation with GVI's new outreach coordinator to find out how you can support or benefit from this unique agricultural cooperative.Then, get ready for a serious chat with Connecticut's - and the nation's - first Cannabis Ombudsperson. Hear all about how this unique government post came to be, and how residents and constituents can engage and access its information resources, support and guidance. And we'll close introducing you to TriCircle - an organization that provides resources for individuals, families, and communities affected by the disease of addiction. Through education and community engagement, you'll learn from its founder how TriCircle is dedicated to providing the tools that build strong futures!

For the People spent a recent weekend proudly patronizing the Homegrown by Heroes Farmer’s Market at Guardians Farm in Southbury. We took the opportunity to meet and chat with a number of inspiring and aspiring veteran farmers along with representatives of several agencies supporting the cause. So, check out our conversations with the Guardian Farm founder, the Farmer Veteran Coalition of Connecticut, Connecticut Veteran Grown, Connecticut Resource Conservation and Development, Hives for Heroes, Lakeside Farm, Steadfast Farms Poultry Processing & Slaughter, Tranquil Hive Honey Co., Union Bee Company, Wilkinson Farm, Hathor Hill Farm, and the Lathrop Farmstead.

We're checking in with United Way of Connecticut, which is celebrating 988 - the National Suicide Prevention hotline. We'll learn why callers to 988 in Connecticut connect to caring, well-trained intervention and support specialists, as well as a wealth of resources that can help address the very issues causing callers' anxiety and hopelessness.

Listen in as we take a call from the Iowa / Wisconsin border to speak with a cross country cyclist and board member for Career Resources, Inc. who is pedaling from Norwalk to Oregon to raise over $100,000 to support the job training, workforce development, and second-chance career opportunities for thousands of qualified individuals in the region.

We're thrilled to bring back the co-founder of All Our Kin, a national nonprofit organization training, supporting, and sustaining family child care educators. There's lots to chat about as All Our Kin turns 25 years old, celebrates its latest career training class graduates, and prepares for their upcoming first-ever gala.

We're thrilled to bring back the co-founder of All Our Kin, a national nonprofit organization training, supporting, and sustaining family child care educators. There's lots to chat about as All Our Kin turns 25 years old, celebrates its latest career training class graduates, and prepares for their upcoming first-ever gala.Then, we'll take a call from the Iowa / Wisconsin border and speak with a cross country cyclist and board member for Career Resources, Inc. who is pedaling from Norwalk to Oregon to raise over $100,000 to support the job training, workforce development, and second-chance career opportunities for thousands of qualified individuals in the region.And we'll check in with United Way of Connecticut, which is celebrating 988 - the National Suicide Prevention hotline. We'll learn why callers to 988 in Connecticut connect to caring, well-trained intervention and support specialists, as well as a wealth of resources that can help address the very issues causing callers' anxiety and hopelessness.

We're catching up with the New Haven Legal Assistance Association - celebrating 60 years of providing legal advice, brief service, and full representation to qualified individuals; while strategically prioritizing legal work to make systemic improvements benefitting low-income people; all while engaging in community education and outreach.

We're continuing our conversations with AARP Connecticut, unveiling seven organizations throughout the state receiving 2024 Community Challenge grants. We'll also prep you for a new round of grants available to implement quick-action projects to help communities like yours become more livable by improving public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and more.

Branford's Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter is a temporary home to guinea pigs, chinchillas, rabbits, dogs, puppies, cats and kittens, who would love to be part of your family. But the shelter is also facing unique challenges that could use your help - so along with educating you on their work, we'll be inviting you out to the shelter's upcoming Music & Food Truck Festival.

Branford's Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter is a temporary home to guinea pigs, chinchillas, rabbits, dogs, puppies, cats and kittens, who would love to be part of your family. But the shelter is also facing unique challenges that could use your help - so along with educating you on their work, we'll be inviting you out to the shelter's upcoming Music & Food Truck Festival.The, we'll continue our conversation with AARP Connecticut, unveiling seven organizations throughout the state receiving 2024 Community Challenge grants. We'll also prep you for a new round of grants available to implement quick-action projects to help communities like yours become more livable by improving public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and more.And we'll close catching up with the New Haven Legal Assistance Association - celebrating 60 years of providing legal advice, brief service, and full representation to qualified individuals; while strategically prioritizing legal work to make systemic improvements benefitting low-income people; all while engaging in community education and outreach.

This segment dives into another aspect of our environmental health - specifically the state' clean energy industries - which continue to multiply their reciprocal returns to the tune of $7.68 billion to the state’s Gross Regional Product. We'll bring in a principal from the firm that put the report together to unpack what it all means, so tune in!

We're heading to the intersection where transportation meets environmental health - as we bring in a panel talking about the Connecticut DOT 2024 CT Rides Climate Challenge. During the Challenge, residents across Connecticut united to reduce their carbon footprint by choosing sustainable travel options rather than driving alone.

Our first program of July introduces you to an invested "spokesperson" to chat about how you can get involved in the 2024 Closer to Free Ride fueling research and care at Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center while giving riders of all levels the chance to experience five professionally designed and fully supported routes ranging from 10 to 100 miles.

Our first program of July is going to introduce you to an invested "spokesperson" to chat about how you can get involved in the 2024 Closer to Free Ride fueling research and care at Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center while giving riders of all levels the chance to experience five professionally designed and fully supported routes ranging from 10 to 100 miles. Then we'll combine transportation and environmental health as we bring in a panel talking about the Connecticut DOT 2024 CT Rides Climate Challenge. During the Challenge, residents across Connecticut united to reduce their carbon footprint by choosing sustainable travel options rather than driving alone. And we'll close things out by sticking with the subject of our environment - specifically the state' clean energy industries - which continue to multiply their reciprocal returns to the tune of $7.68 billion to the state’s Gross Regional Product. We'll bring in a principal from the firm that put the report together to unpack what it all means, so tune in!

For the People is connecting with the boss from the Northwest Region Workforce Investment Board (NRWIB) - which has a lot to celebrate lately as they facilitate the launch of a number of programs fortifying our state's high-tech manufacturing businesses, our state environmental protection agency, and providing opportunities for youth and adults to explore and become well compensated contributors to our workforce.

Tune in and learn about the new name and stepped up mission of a long-tenured and extremely vital human services organization: RYASAP is now CatalystCT, and For the People is chatting with its President and CEO to discover what's behind this new image and how the agency is stepping-up its game supporting underserved and marginalized youth, families, and neighborhoods in our region.

While summer offers a great break - especially for many young people and college-age students - it's also the time of peak hunger, putting increasing pressure on hundreds of food pantries and other agencies. So, For the People is bringing in the Connecticut Foodshare's CEO to explain why and what you can do about it.

While summer offers a great break for many young people and college-age students, it's also the time of peak hunger and visits to the hundreds of partners working with CTFoodshare. That's right, our state's hunger crisis goes into overdrive every summer, and we're bringing in the CEO from CTFoodshare to explain why and what you can do about it.Then we'll learn about the new name and stepped up mission of a long-tenured and extremely important human services organization serving southwestern Connecticut. RYASAP is now CatalystCT, and we'll chat with that agency's President and CEO to learn what's behind this new image and how CatalystCT is creating a positive impact for the underserved and marginalized youth, families, and neighborhoods in our region.And we'll close connecting with the boss from the Northwest Region Workforce Investment Board. This regional agency has a lot to celebrate lately as they facilitate the launch of a number of programs fortifying our state's high-tech manufacturing businesses, our state environmental protection agency, and providing opportunities for youth and adults to explore and become well compensated contributors to our workforce.

Our Pride Month Series continues with new voices representing a long-established LGBTQ support agency - Norwalk's Triangle Community Center. Meet the agency's two top leaders who have each recently arrived in those jobs bring with them a wealth of professional and life experiences to help propel Triangle to do even more to welcome and support our LGBTQ communities across the region and beyond.

Check out our chat with the director of Connecticut Humanities about a very important session he will be part of at this year's International Festival of Arts & Ideas, as well as his team's work encouraging curiosity, understanding and critical thinking by producing programs throughout the state connecting people and ideas.

Connecticut's "housing crisis" isn't a sensational catch phrase - it's a fact. And the combined shortage of housing units and lack of affordable places to live for our families and workforce is negatively affecting our economy and even the quality of life in many communities across the region. So, we're bringing back Connecticut Housing Partners to learn how they're applying decades of experience and expertise toward aggressively addressing our very real housing crisis.

Connecticut's "housing crisis" isn't a sensational catch phrase - it's a fact. And the combined shortage of housing units and lack of affordable places to live for our families and workforce is negatively affecting our economy and even the quality of life in many communities across the region. So, we're bringing back Connecticut Housing Partners to learn how they're applying decades of experience and expertise toward aggressively addressing our very real housing crisis.Then, our Pride Month Series continues with new voices representing a long-established LGBTQ support agency - Norwalk's Triangle Community Center. Meet the agency's two top leaders who have each recently arrived in those jobs bring with them a wealth of professional and life experiences to help propel Triangle to do even more to welcome and support our LGBTQ communities across the region and beyond.And we'll close chatting with the director of Connecticut Humanities about a very important session he will be part of at this year's International Festival of Arts & Ideas, as well as his team's work encouraging curiosity, understanding and critical thinking by producing programs throughout the state connecting people and ideas.

And we'll close getting you ready to hear or make music right in your own community or neighborhood. Make Music Day Connecticut is this Friday, so we'll chat about it with our State Troubadour and a rep from the CT Cultural Coalition. We'll also brief you on how to apply to be our next State Troubadour or Poet Laureate - and the upcoming round of grant opportunities from the state Office of the Arts.

Whether you want to swim, boat, paddle, or just hang out on dry land and be part of the festivities and fundraising for critical, groundbreaking cancer research, there's a place for you as part of the upcoming 18th Swim Across America-Fairfield County. Tune in and learn all about how to get involved!

The next segment in our Pride Month series features Greater Bridgeport Pride - an organization 14 years strong raising awareness of the vibrant local LGBTQ+ community, offering a platform for creative expression, and connecting the community to work opportunities for queer creatives. There's big news and a huge celebration planned for Pride Week starting Monday, so stick with us to hear all about it.

Whether you want to swim, boat, paddle, or just hang out on dry land and be part of the festivities and fundraising for critical, groundbreaking cancer research, there's a place for you as part of the upcoming 18th Swim Across America-Fairfield County. Tune in and learn all about how to get involved!Then, the next segment in our Pride Month series features Greater Bridgeport Pride - an organization 14 years strong raising awareness of the vibrant local LGBTQ+ community, offering a platform for creative expression, and connecting the community to work opportunities for queer creatives. There's big news and a huge celebration planned for Pride Week starting Monday, so stick with us to hear all about it.And we'll close getting you ready to hear or make music right in your own community or neighborhood. Make Music Day Connecticut is this Friday, so we'll chat about it with our State Troubadour and a rep from the CT Cultural Coalition. We'll also brief you on how to apply to be our next State Troubadour or Poet Laureate - and the upcoming round of grant opportunities from the state Office of the Arts.

Where can the LGBTQ+ community in greater Waterbury and statewide turn for statehouse leadership - as well as growing social and support networks?For the People is picking up on our Pride Month series introducing @EqualityCT - a queer-led, grassroots organization rooted in social justice values, advocating for progressive change, celebrating Connecticut’s queer culture, and supporting statewide community-building efforts.

Did this year's General Assembly session produce any legislation aimed at the state's rapidly aging population that benefits all of us?For the People is going to start unpacking some of the results of the 2024 General Assembly session with our colleagues from @AARPCT. Hear about new legislation that may be affecting you - whether you are old enough to be an AARP member or not!

Who wants to @VisitConnecticut - or even 'stay-cation' here, you ask? Well - last year Connecticut welcomed 68 million travelers exploring the state, generating over $1.1 billion in revenue across our 169 cities and towns. How are we going to beat that in 2024 and beyond?? We'll clue you in as For the People chats up Connecticut's new uniquely experienced and home grown Director of Tourism!

Who wants to come to Connecticut - or 'stay-cation' here, you ask? Well - last year Connecticut welcomed 68 million travelers exploring the state, generating over $1.1 billion - with a 'B' - in revenue across our 169 cities and towns. How are we going to beat that in 2024 and beyond?? We'll clue you in as we bring in Connecticut's uniquely experienced and home grown Director of Tourism to discuss.Then we'll continue our Pride Month series introducing Equality CT - a queer-led, grassroots organization rooted in social justice values, advocating for progressive change, celebrating Connecticut’s queer culture, and supporting statewide community-building efforts.And to close, we'll start unpacking some of the results of the 2024 General Assembly session with our colleagues from AARP. Hear about new legislation that may be affecting you - whether you are old enough to be an AARP member or not!

June is here - and that means it's Pride Month - so listen in as we participate in an engaging and empowering conversation with Connecticut State Rep Dominique E. Johnson - proudly serving Norwalk and Westport. After being out for over three decades, hear how Rep. Johnson advocates for some of the youngest and most marginalized members of our LGBTQ+ communities, and her views on how we can do better.

It's the first weekend of June and that means it's Pride Month, so listen in as we participate in an engaging and empowering conversation with Connecticut State Rep Dominique E. Johnson - proudly serving Norwalk and Westport. After being out for over three decades, hear how Rep. Johnson advocates for some of the youngest and most marginalized members of our LGBTQ+ communities, and her views on how we can do better.Then due to a technical issue, we're replaying last week's second and third segments starting one covering a health issue impacting over 30,000 individuals across the state - epilepsy - with reps from the Epilepsy Foundation of CT touting their upcoming golf tourney and this summer's Camp Courage. And - you'll meet a rep from BioHaven who will help see if you or someone you know are qualified for that company's two latest epilepsy studies.Then we're replaying last week's chat with Read to Grow. Over nearly the past quarter century, Read to Grow has helped promote and sustain healthy reading habits and literacy for tens of thousands of children and families. Stay tuned and learn how you can get involved.

Over nearly the past quarter century, Read to Grow has helped promote and sustain healthy reading habits and literacy for tens of thousands of children and families. Stay tuned and learn how you can get involved.

Tune in and learn more about a health issue impacting over 30,000 individuals across the state - epilepsy - with two knowledgeable reps from the Epilepsy Foundation of CT touting their upcoming golf tourney and this summer's Camp Courage - and we'll meet a rep from BioHaven who will help see if you are qualified for that company's two latest epilepsy studies.

We want to lure you out to Oxford on June 1 for one of the Naugatuck Valley and Shoreline's biggest celebrations benefiting BHCare - A Chance to Shine. The funds raised at this huge family event and the online auction happening now will help countless children, adults and families in your community as they strive to recover from mental illness, substance use, domestic violence and other health-risk behaviors.

Today we're going to open luring you out to Oxford on June 1 for one of the Naugatuck Valley and Shoreline's biggest celebrations benefiting BHCare - A Chance to Shine. The funds raised at this huge family event and the online auction happening now will help countless children, adults and families in your community as they strive to recover from mental illness, substance use, domestic violence and other health-risk behaviors. Then we'll pivot to learn more about a health issue impacting over 30,000 individuals across the state - epilepsy - with two knowledgeable reps from the Epilepsy Foundation of CT touting their upcoming golf tourney and this summer's Camp Courage - and we'll meet a rep from BioHaven who will help see if you are qualified for that company's two latest epilepsy studies. And we'll close with Read to Grow. Over nearly the past quarter century, Read to Grow has helped promote and sustain healthy reading habits and literacy for tens of thousands of children and families. Stay tuned and learn how you can get involved.

Are you loving your downtown? We're chatting about the teachers and tireless cheerleaders for Connecticut’s downtowns and village centers who are part of CT Main Street Center. Recognizing our downtowns serve as the social and economic heart of our communities, find out how this agency is helping others understand the significant impact thriving main streets have on our towns and cities.

We're turning our attention to our water, air, our open spaces, and our environment as we review some of the high points of the latest Annual Report issued by Connecticut's Council on Environmental Quality. How are we doing? There's a few surprising new developments - some not so good.

Girl Scouts of Connecticut just welcomed a new chief executive officer, and we connected to bring you one of her first media interviews! Listen to what this accomplished attorney and human resources executive has to say, learn about her lifelong connections to the Girl Scout movement, and how she plans to put her unique stamp on its leadership here in Connecticut.

Girl Scouts of Connecticut just welcomed a new chief executive officer, and we connected to bring you one of her first media interviews! Listen to what this accomplished attorney and human resources executive has to say, learn about her lifelong connections to the Girl Scout movement, and how she plans to put her unique stamp on its leadership here in Connecticut. Then we're turning our attention to our water, air, our open spaces, and our environment as we review some of the high points of the latest Annual Report issued by Connecticut's Council on Environmental Quality. How are we doing? There's a few surprising new developments - some not so good. And are you loving your downtown? We're wrapping up chatting about the teachers and tireless cheerleaders for Connecticut’s downtowns and village centers who are part of CT Main Street Center. Recognizing our downtowns serve as the social and economic heart of our communities, find out how this agency is helping others understand the significant impact thriving main streets have on our towns and cities.

Are there any free local and public facing exercise programs available where I live this summer?For the People wants to give you a great reason to better maintain or kick-start a healthier, happier life right down the street. Yes, the 2024 season of Yoga In Our City is ramping up now - so stick around and learn how you can be part of this popular and growing yoga movement that provides all of its benefits for free.

How many cool, must-see and free events are being provided at the International Festival of Arts & Ideas this year?For the People is heading to New Haven, because it's almost time for the main events of the 29th International Festival of Arts & Ideas. We'll catch up with the festival's very busy executive director to brief you on all the highlights we can pack into a 20-minute chat to entice you to participate.

Could your employer do a better job at - or benefit from - retaining and supporting workers in recovery?For the People is circling back to discuss how workplaces are continuing to play a growing role in the successful recovery of folks fighting to escape from addiction and substance use disorder. Our reps from RYASAP - the Regional Youth Adult Social Action Partnership - will join us to talk about how your workplace can be part of the solution when it comes to recovery.

Today we're talking about how workplaces are playing a growing role in the successful recovery of individuals fighting the good fight to escape from addiction and substance use disorder. Our reps from RYASAP - the Regional Youth Adult Social Action Partnership - will join us to talk about how your workplace can be part of the solution when it comes to recovery.Then we're heading to New Haven, because it's almost time for the main events of the 29th International Festival of Arts & Ideas. We'll catch up with the festival's very busy executive director to brief you on all the highlights we can pack into a 20-minute chat to entice you to participate.And to close, we'll give you a great reason to help maintain or kick start a healthier, happier life right down the street. Yes, the 2024 season of Yoga In Our City is ramping up now - so stick around and learn how you can be part of this popular and growing yoga movement that provides all of its benefits for free.

How can you de-clutter, get a tax write off, and help alternately-abled folks overcome homelessness or employment challenges? Batting clean-up for the first For the People of May is the new Co-CEO from Goodwill of Western & Northern CT. She'll be reminding everyone why getting your spring cleaning done can help job seekers, support homeless veterans, individuals with alternate abilities who just want to be part of our communities, and so much more...