For the People

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...

How did a group of women and cancer survivors establish a decade-long tradition of recognizing heroes in the fight against cancer? For the people called on a couple of organizers for the 10th annual Women Leading the Way to Wellness Luncheon luncheon benefiting the American cancer Society and delivering important information to attendees about awareness, advocacy, and early detection that could save your life, or the life of somebody you love!

Which local nonprofits will be learning this week if they are receiving up to $100k in transformational grants? On May 8, Impact Fairfield County - one of the County’s leading female giving organizations - will be awarding five finalists transformational grants for as much as $100,000. So, tune in and learn more about these nonprofits and this collective giving organization whose mission is to empower women to engage in local philanthropy.

On May 8, Impact Fairfield County - one of the County’s leading female giving organizations - will be awarding five finalists transformational grants for as much as $100,000. So, tune in and learn more about these nonprofits and this collective giving organization whose mission is to empower women to engage in local philanthropy.Then, meet a couple of organizers for another great event that's just around the corner - the 10th annual Women Leading the Way to Wellness (WLWW) luncheon benefiting The American cancer Society and delivering important information to attendees about awareness, advocacy, and early detection that could save your life, or the life of somebody you love!Finally, batting clean-up for our first program in 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...

For the People is welcoming back our source at AAA Northeast to focus on the rapidly increasing incidents of pedestrian / cyclist tragedies, legislative initiatives related to traffic safety, EV trends, gas price escalation, and some good news about getting you the air travel refunds you may have coming.

As Connecticut charts its course toward election season, For the People caught up with Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas to discuss civics education, civic engagement and several things voters need to know as they consider participating in early voting for the August 13th primaries and November Presidential Election.

This week, we're visiting with Connecticut Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas to discuss Civics Education, Civic Engagement and the SOTS CEO program, as well as a few things voters need to know as they turn attention toward participating and early voting for the August 13th primaries and the November Presidential Election. Then we'll welcome our source at AAA Northeast to focus on the rapidly increasing incidents of pedestrian / cyclist tragedies, legislative initiatives related to traffic safety, EV trends, gas price escalation, and some good news about air travel refunds. And we'll replay our first segment of the New Year from back in January with CHDI - the Child Health & Development Institute. Learn about their initiative to integrate trauma-informed comprehensive school mental health supports into the existing community-based network of care, as well as their helpful Connect4Families Toolkit.

Back in late February we rolled into the Mohegan Sun convention facility to spend some time talking with folks who are part of the growing medical and legal consumer cannabis industry participating in the 2024 Connecticut Cannabis Expo. So relax, breathe deep, and groove to our chats with the event's founder, Advance Telemedicine, Gold Coast Farm, the CT Social Equity Council, Cannacticut, the CT Cannabis Small Business Alliance and the folks from Fat Cat Select Seeds.

Click here if you would like to listen to or download individual interviews from our April 14, 2024 program. For the People is helping you get help from - and support Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury, which offers victims of domestic violence and sexual assault free, confidential services in a safe, caring environment; while striving to raise awareness through community education and outreach. Check out our conversation and plan to be at the agency's Out of the Shadows Awards dinner!

Click here if you would like to listen to or download individual interviews from our April 14, 2024 program. This week, the award-winning For the People gets to celebrate some other very deserving award winners. We'll connect with with the manager of energy efficiency programs at Eversource, whose EnergizeCT initiative just captured its 9th national ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Sustained Excellence Award. So listen and find out how that translates into even more potential energy savings for consumers.

Click here if you would like to listen to or download individual interviews from our April 14, 2024 program. This week, the award-winning For the People gets to celebrate some other very deserving award winners. Listen and learn about the growing All In Alliances movement with NVP - the Naugatuck Valley Project - and TEAM Inc. This collective fighting for social justice, food security, and a place for everyone just received the 2024 Citizen Planner Award from the Connecticut Chapter of the American Planning Association.

This week, the award-winning For the People gets to celebrate some other very deserving award winners in their own right. First up, we'll chat with reps from two of the dozens of agencies that have joined growing All In Movement here in Connecticut: NVP - the Naugatuck Valley Project and TEAM Inc. who were just recognized with the 2024 Citizen Planner Award from the Connecticut Chapter of the American Planning Association.Then we'll connect with with the manager of energy efficiency programs at Eversource, whose EnergizeCT initiative just captured its ninth national ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award.And we'll close inviting you to get help from - and to help support Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury, which offers victims of domestic violence and sexual assault free, confidential services in a safe, caring environment; while striving to raise awareness through community education and outreach.

For the People is picking up the baton and reviewing the Greater Bridgeport Symphony's latest season as the orchestra prepares for its final show April 13 featuring the music of Beethoven. Tune in and find out how schools and businesses can help ensure the sustainability of this local musical and cultural arts treasure!

For the People connected with AARP Connecticut to get briefed on the latest scams and tactics that are beating folks out of billions of dollars. Learn how to protect yourself from celebrity impersonation, and how bad actors are taking actual voices of folks you know and using artificial intelligence (AI) to help make their lies very believable.

Check out For the People's conversation with Connecticut's Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO). They're working hard to eliminate discrimination, to establish equal opportunity and justice for all persons - and they want to invite you to a couple of events so you can learn how they can go to work for you!

This program features a conversation with Connecticut's Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO). They're working hard to eliminate discrimination, to establish equal opportunity and justice for all persons - and they want to invite you to a couple of upcoming events so you can learn more about how they can go to work for you!Then we're connecting with AARP Connecticut to get briefed on the latest scams and tactics that are beating folks like us out of billions of dollars. We'll talk about how to protect yourself from celebrity impersonation, and how bad actors are taking actual voices of folks you know and using artificial intelligence (AI) to help make their lies very believable.And we'll close reviewing the Greater Bridgeport Symphony's latest season as they orchestra prepares for their final show coming up April 13 featuring the music of Beethoven, and how you and your schools and businesses can help ensure the sustainability of this local musical and cultural arts treasure.

We harvested a bounty of great interviews from our recent visit to Connecticut Agriculture Day at the Capitol. Why is CT Grown so important? Stick around and learn why as we chat with folks from the Association of CT Ag Fairs, the UConn's Sea Grant Aquaculture Program, the regional USDA Rural Development Office, the School Nutrition Assoc. of CT, the Connecticut Nursery & Landscape Assoc., the Solid Ground program at UConn, Food Share, and even Agricultural Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt, himself!

Every day thousands of Connecticut veterans and their families experience homelessness or are at risk to become homeless. So, we're reconnecting with Homes for the Brave - working and growing to serve more vets and their loved ones with a range of critical supports and services, and inviting you out for a few laughs to benefit the agency at its 8th Annual 'For Veterans, By Veterans' Comedy Night.Then we're replaying a visit we had in early January with the Governor M. Jodi Rell Center for Public Service at the University of Hartford - discussing how the Center is looking to encourage students and others to pursue careers in public service by providing a forum for the discussion of ethics in government; the importance of civil discourse in politics; and citizen involvement in public service.And we'll close inviting you to the 18th Annual Walk for Independence to benefit ARI - one of the smallest providers of services for adults with developmental disabilities in the state. Learn how ARI's uniquely intimate program provides a “family like” environment and more individualized approach to services and supports based on each individual’s needs and interests.

It's a good bet most folks are unaware March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month - a time to acknowledge the challenges of problem gambling. But for those living with a gambling issue, we're connecting with an expert on the subject helping to remind you that hope and recovery are possible through Wheeler Health network’s Bettor Choice Gambling Treatment Program. Next, we'll hear from Connecticut's Insurance Commissioner about some of the trends affecting the insurance products you may be paying for, and how his office is working with other states collaboratively to ensure folks are getting the best possible coverage for the rates they pay. And we'll wrap inducting a brand new member of our massive For the People network of regional nonprofit partners - Filling in the Blanks - founded by mothers and community activists serving 200 sites throughout Fairfield and Westchester Counties by delivering over 2 MILLION weekend meals to children in low-income households.

Today we'll help you form some perspective on severely disengaged and disconnected youth in Connecticut. A growing coalition of organizations has just released a series of recommendations to state policymakers to address the 119,000 Connecticut youth in need of guidance and support to get back on track. So stick around and learn how you can help inform your state lawmakers about supporting Opportunity Youth.And since it's March - our friends from Jersey Mike's are back to chat about their Month of Giving - one of the most satisfying philanthropic campaigns around - along with Jersey Mike's Day of Giving on March 27, which returns 100% of all sales to their select charity. We'll also bring in a rep from Make-A-Wish the exclusive Connecticut recipient of all the proceeds from Jersey Mike's Month AND Day of Giving.Then, we'll wrap it up hearing from Connecticut's Chief Manufacturing Officer and how his team is helping manufacturers take advantage of market opportunities to grow their businesses with programs ranging from fast-track workforce training to funding and research to help state manufacturers compete and grow globally or remain sustainable entities within their market sectors.

We're heading back to the Y - The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA. We'll chat with their new CEO about this tried and true charitable, not-for-profit, community service organization that remains dedicated to putting principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all the 25 communities they serve. Meet the founder and director of Ruth's House, a home in Shelton, CT and will provide a loving home for young single mothers that encourages and equips them to make positive changes in their lives, care for their children and build their own futures. And we'll close replaying a mid-winter interview with the leader of AdvanceCT - a private nonprofit economic development organization driving job creation and new capital investment through business attraction, retention, and expansion.

Since For the People provided WBDC's founder with her first radio interview oh so many years ago, we brought her back, in part, to announce and invite women to apply for the Women's Business Development Council's brand new IGNITE grant program, and to come out to the upcoming Women Owned Business Day at the Connecticut Capital. Then, we're welcoming two Beardsley Zoo educators to talk about a number of cool programs happening this spring - as well as focusing on FrogWatch 2024 - which is currently enlisting folks who want to help scientists better understand how these noisy amphibians provide a bellwether for our environmental health. And we'll close telling you all about Ann's Place - providing comfort, support, and financial resources to those living with cancer and their loved ones. Their CEO is dropping in to explain how this compassionate nonprofit is serving the region with professional counseling, support groups, wellness activities and educational resources - all at no charge.

We're visiting a co-founder of the nonprofit Annie C. Courtney Foundation - assisting families and individuals touched by all aspects of the child welfare system. Did you know as many as half of our youths exiting foster care experience homelessness by age 26 and many more are unstably housed. Stick around and learn how you can help Annie C. do something about it.Then we're pivoting to the leader of the McCall Behavioral Health Network to learn about a brand new program to fast-track individuals reaching out for mental health and crisis support to the expert care they need - most often the day of - or within a day of that call for help.And we'll close getting briefed on a number of important issues the Connecticut Psychological Association wants you to know about - that will occupy part of the speedy agenda during the 2024 state General Assembly short session.

February 11 isn't just Super Bowl Sunday - maybe more importantly it's 2-1-1 Day here in Connecticut, the day when we celebrate and recognize 2-1-1-Infoline, which had its humble beginnings right here in our state and last year, provided assistance to 1.7 million people.Then, we're heading to the Elm City to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of The New Haven Legal Assistance Association, which offers free, high-quality legal services to people living in poverty in greater New Haven. We'll tell you all about it, and how you may be able to access free legal help from their NHLAA team.Then we'll head to visit with the Valley Community Foundation and talk about how that organization is maximizing the power of "Valley-ness" to support and assist hundreds of organization working to take the best care of residents in Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton.

It's CHOOSE LOVE AWARENESS MONTH, so we're going to talk about how you can choose love as defined by the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement and its founder Scarlett Lewis - who is on a mission to create safer and more loving communities through proven programs suited for all stages of life and everybody from you and your family, to your entire community and even your workplace.Then we're introducing the new director of the Connecticut Forest & Park Assoc.- which is dedicated to connecting people to the land in order to protect forests, parks, walking trails, and open spaces. We'll also learn how their experienced conservation professionals are delivering programs on Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails, Environmental Education, Land Conservation, and Public Policy.Then we'll touch base with LIV IT UP - a regional grassroots nonprofit providing support services and programming for neurodiverse adults by offering opportunities to enjoy enriched and fulfilled lives. The nonprofit promotes independence and building friendship and community through activities like volunteering , social gatherings, Broadway trips, yoga, therapeutic horseback riding, art classes, and concerts.

We're bookending For the People with folks and nonprofits working to address and reduce violence in our communities. First we'll meet the Program Manager at CT Violence Intervention and Prevention who is Connecticut's only representative to the first ever Community Violence Intervention Leadership Cohort at the University of Chicago who is prepping for her upcoming graduation at the White House. Then we're circling back with the Salisbury (CT) Winter Sports Association - which is poised for their 98th Annual JumpFest, the oldest Ski Jumping Competition in New England. But it's not just about ski jumping, this is truly a community and regional festival spanning 3 days in the Litchfield Hills, so tuned in and make plans to be there. And we'll close with the father and son co-founders of the nonprofit Chick Rosnick Boxing Club - dedicated to teaching the art of boxing to boys and girls so its participants can advocate against bullying, learn alternatives to violence and gang culture, and be instilled greater discipline, good character, and good citizenship.