For the People

One of our goals is to help find loving stable places for the thousands of young people across western Connecticut currently waiting to relocate into foster home situations. So, if you think being a foster parent or caregiver is not a skillset you possess, our conversation with the senior foster care recruiter at Wheeler's Foster Care Programs could be pretty enlightening.

Meet a true grassroots hero - the inspiration behind Purple Pantry Boxes - who is helping create yet another innovative way to address hunger and food insecurity by installing and stocking purple food distribution and donation boxes in a growing number of welcoming local neighborhoods.

Have you heard there's a huge issue going on involving major Connecticut insurers being fined for violating mental health parity laws? Tune in for our conversation with the chair of the Mental Health Parity Coalition unpacking the details around this important issue,  explaining why it's happening, and what you can do about it.

Since we're smack-dab in the middle of May - Mental Health Awareness Month and National Foster Care Month, we'll touch on both subjects with a little sprinkle of purple in between. Have you heard there's a huge issue going on involving major Connecticut insurers being fined for violating mental health parity laws? Today we're opening with the chair of the Mental Health Parity Coalition to unpack the details around this important issue and explain what you can do about it.Then we'll meet a true grassroots hero, the inspiration behind Purple Pantry Boxes - who is helping create yet another innovative way to address hunger and food insecurity by installing and stocking purple food distribution and donation boxes in a growing number of welcoming local neighborhoods.And, we'll wrap things up continuing our mission to help find loving stable places for the thousands of young people across western Connecticut currently waiting to relocate into foster home situations. If you think being a foster parent or caregiver is not a skillset you possess, connect with our conversation with the senior foster care recruiter at Wheeler's Foster Care Programs.

We're proud to help introduce the new boss at the Connecticut Forest & Park Association. He and the group's Trails Director will be chatting up all kinds of exciting opportunities to get out into Connecticut's diverse outdoor recreational spaces - and give you a few tips on making the most of the upcoming Connecticut Trails day weekend in early June.

If you didn't know - May is Mental Health Month - so we'll connect with someone on the front lines of mental health support at Bridges Healthcare. We'll hear about the things mental health workers and our communities are facing, and invite you to support Bridges at Rock the Dock for Mental Health, coming up on Thursday, May 28 in downtown Milford.

ALS is a life altering diagnosis for individuals and their loved ones who are also typically deeply affected - and it usually strikes those in their prime. So, tune in as we chat with folks from ALS United CT who are working to raise critical funds to support those affected, as well as research to end ALS in our lifetime with the upcoming ALS Fest: United Thru Music.

ALS is a life altering diagnosis for individuals and their loved ones who are also typically deeply affected - and it usually strikes those in their prime. So, we'll open talking with folks from ALS United CT who are working to raise critical funds to support those affected, as well as research to end ALS in our lifetime with the upcoming ALS Fest: United Thru Music.The, if you didn't know - May is Mental Health Month - so we'll connect with someone on the front lines of mental health support at Bridges Healthcare. We'll hear about the things mental health workers and our communities are facing, and invite you to support Bridges at Rock the Dock for Mental Health, coming up on Thursday, May 28 in downtown Milford.And we'll wrap things up introducing you to the new boss at the Connecticut Forest & Park Association. He and the group's Trails Director will be chatting up all kinds of exciting opportunities to get out into Connecticut's diverse outdoor recreational spaces - and give you a few tips on making the most of the upcoming Connecticut Trails day weekend in early June.

We're continuing our celebration of 2026 - the International Year of the Woman Farmer - by introducing Kies Orr-LaVack, a fourth-generation dairy farmer and co-owner of Fort Hill Farms in Thompson who was a former CT Outstanding Young Farmer, and whose farm was the 2025 New England Green Pastures award winner! 

This segment celebrates a new program out of the University of Bridgeport that is placing Honors Civic Fellows into Bridgeport schools to lead interactive workshops for students focusing on civic responsibility, leadership, and community engagement. 

Connecticut recently moved the needle in a big way with committed funding to agencies supporting rural health initiatives. So, we're reconnecting with the leader from the New England Rural Health Assoc. to learn how our state is setting the pace on a number of public health fronts impacting our rural communities, as well as how our neighboring states are coming to grips with similar challenges.

Connecticut recently moved the needle in a big way with committed funding to agencies supporting rural health initiatives. So, we'll reconnect with the leader from the New England Rural Health Assoc. to learn how our state is setting the pace on a number of public health fronts impacting our rural communities, as well as how our neighboring states are coming to grips with similar challenges.Then we'll celebrate a new program out of the University of Bridgeport that is placing Honors Civic Fellows into Bridgeport schools to lead interactive workshops for students focusing on civic responsibility, leadership, and community engagement. And we'll close continuing our celebration of 2026 - the International Year of the Woman Farmer - by introducing Kies Orr-LaVack, a fourth-generation dairy farmer and co-owner of Fort Hill Farms in Thompson who was a former CT Outstanding Young Farmer, and whose farm was the 2025 New England Green Pastures award winner! 

Check out this exciting preview - the first  of a pair of conversations about the International Festival of Arts & Ideas. Things will start hopping across New Haven's neighborhoods as a prelude to the 'main event' in June - so stay tuned and we'll tell you how to get in on all the fun - which is virtually all free!

We're picking up the conversation with our friends at reSET - whose mission is advancing the social enterprise sector and providing inclusive entrepreneurial support across Connecticut. Their exciting Beyond Business As Usual event is happening soon, and we want to clue you in on how to get involved and be there.

As we roll into the last few days of Fraud Prevention Month here in Connecticut, we continue pursuing efforts to protect you from fraud and bad actors who are expert at ripping people off. So, we're bringing back the national spokesperson from AARP Fraud Watch to talk about ways to recognize you're being targeted for one of the latest - or most effective fraud schemes.

As we roll into the last few days of Fraud Prevention Month here in Connecticut, we will pursue efforts to protect you from fraud and bad actors who are expert at ripping people off. So, we're bringing back the national spokesperson from AARP Fraud Watch to talk about ways to recognize you're being targeted for one of the latest - or most effective fraud schemes.Then we'll re-connect with our friends at reSET - whose mission is advancing the social enterprise sector and providing inclusive entrepreneurial support across Connecticut. Their exciting Beyond Business As Usual event is happening soon, and we want to clue you in on how to get involved and be there.And we'll close with another exciting preview - the first  of a pair of conversations about the International Festival of Arts & Ideas. Things will start hopping across New Haven's neighborhoods as a prelude to the 'main event' in June - so stay tuned and we'll tell you how to get in on all the fun - which is virtually all free!

Check out this very special segment christening our new Connoisseur Media podcast studio, with a live conversation featuring 3 representatives from 100 Black Men Of Stamford. We'll discuss how they are addressing community building in four different ways, and invite you to come along with your teen to their next free STEMFest.

This segment brings you a story about inspiration in the face of adversity as we chat with an advocate for the Epilepsy Foundation's Connecticut chapter. She is sharing her own story about living with epilepsy, and how her daughter is achieving great things despite her diagnosis. We'll also invite you to support the cause at their upcoming annual walk benefit coming up next weekend in Stamford.

Join us as we chat with an experienced Girl Scout who is now a Camp Director at Girl Scouts of Connecticut. We'll cover some exciting news about the organization's popular overnight camp - Camp Yankee Trails - which is poised for re-opening with modern upgrades and exciting new programs just in time for the summer season. 

We'll open things up touching base with an experienced Girl Scout who is now a Camp Director at Girl Scouts of Connecticut. We'll cover some exciting news about the organization's popular overnight camp - Camp Yankee Trails - which is poised for re-opening with modern upgrades and exciting new programs just in time for the summer season. Then we'll deliver a story about inspiration in the face of adversity as we chat with an advocate for the Epilepsy Foundation's Connecticut chapter. She is sharing her own story about living with epilepsy, and how her daughter is achieving great things despite her diagnosis. We'll also invite you to support the cause at their upcoming annual walk benefit coming up next weekend in Stamford.And we'll close with a very special segment christening our new Connoisseur Media podcast studio, with a live conversation featuring 3 representatives from 100 Black Men Of Stamford. We'll discuss how they are addressing community building in four different ways, and invite you to come along with your teen to their next free STEMFest.

We want to help you get all the exercise in that you need in one weekend, while helping support great causes like ARI of Connecticut. Celebrating 20 years, their Walk for Independence benefits individuals receiving residential, day, employment, medical and other support. Make it a feel good weekend and join them April 26 at Cove Island Park and meet many of the nearly 100 individuals that will benefit from your support. 

We want to help you get all the exercise in that you need in one weekend, while helping support great causes starting with the Cornelia deLange Syndrome Foundation. tune in and hear how this often hard to diagnose condition affects newborns and their families - and how the CdLS Foundation is supporting thanks to folks participating in the April 25 Denise D'Ascenzo Foundation Walk to Fight Rare Diseases.

This segment focuses on how strengthening our regional workforce can help address challenges veterans are facing as we check in with Joe Carbone at The WorkPlace. Learn why his agency just received a $150,000 grant that will go straight to tackling veteran homelessness and mental health in Connecticut.

We'll open it up today on the subject how strengthening our regional workforce can help address challenges veterans are facing as we check in with Joe Carbone at The WorkPlace. Learn why his agency just received a $150,000 grant that will go straight to tackling veteran homelessness and mental health in Connecticut.Then we'll help you get all the exercise in that you need in one weekend, while helping support great causes starting with the Cornelia deLange Syndrome Foundation. Stick around and hear how this often hard to diagnose condition affects newborns and their families - and how the CdLS Foundation is supporting thanks to folks participating in the April 25 Denise D'Ascenzo Foundation Walk to Fight Rare Diseases.Then we'll close with ARI of Connecticut. Celebrating 20 years, their Walk for Independence benefits individuals receiving residential, day, employment, medical and other support. Make it a feel good weekend and join them April 26 at Cove Island Park and meet many of the nearly 100 individuals that will benefit from your support. 

One of our long-standing traditions here on For the People is to continue focusing on and promoting Connecticut Grown - whether it's in the world of agriculture or aquaculture. And as in year's past, we brought our microphone to the recent Ag Day celebration at the state Capital. So as you get ready for your own celebrations this Sunday, tap into conversations with our state Agriculture Commissioner, and a number of farmers and organizations helping them be successful and sustainable, including Jones Winery, the CT Council on Soil and Water Conservation, CtAgFairs, CitySeed, the Connecticut Nursery & Landscape Association, and reps on pollinators and PFAS from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.

For the People is circling back to the subject of food insecurity and how demand for assistance is still increasing in a discussion with the director of CT Foodshare. As we head into spring, it was important to keep listeners thinking about hungry children and families in our own neighborhoods, and how to help make the most difference by supporting the cause.

We're continuing our year-long series celebrating 2026 - the International Year of the Woman Farmer, by getting to know Chris Bassette and her operation - Killam & Bassette Farmstead. Hear how she and her husband are bringing up Connecticut's next-gen farmers while running a diversified agriculture operation featuring produce, eggs, pork, chicken, and tobacco, a CSA program, farm stand, multiple farmers' markets, farm dinners and more.

If you're driving out of Derby heading north along the Housatonic, we want to draw your attention to that bright blue and white building and the great folks who run and support St. Vincent de Paul of the Valley's Thrift Shoppe & Food Bank. Check out how they turn thousands of second hand items into an amazing outpouring to address food insecurity across the Naugatuck Valley region.

If you're driving out of Derby heading north along the Housatonic, we want to tell you about that bright blue and white building and the great folks who run and support St. Vincent de Paul of the Valley's Thrift Shoppe & Food Bank. Check out how they turn thousands of second hand items into an amazing outpouring to address food insecurity across the Naugatuck Valley region.Then we'll continue with our year-long series celebrating 2026 - the International Year of the Woman Farmer, by getting to know Chris Bassette and her operation - Killam & Bassette Farmstead. Hear how she and her husband and Connecticut's next-gen farmers are running a diversified agriculture operation featuring produce, eggs, pork, chicken, and tobacco, all of which they market through their CSA program, farm stand, multiple farmers' markets, farm dinners and more. Finally, we'll circle back to the subject of food insecurity and how demand for assistance is still increasing as we bring back the director of CT Foodshare. As we head into spring, it's important to keep thinking about hungry children and families in our own neighborhoods. So, tune in and we'll tell you how to help make the most difference.

Check out our chat with a Griffin Health's Physical Medicine specialist, previewing a free series of talks on Body Mechanics and Adaptive Equipment to help aging adults across the Naugatuck Valley prevent injury while raking, shoveling and gardening. We'll also talk about how supportive/adaptive equipment can help seniors maintain independence.

Meet the new acting executive director at the Center for Family Justice and find out what that agency has been doing to step up their game under their leadership to better protect and support families in crisis across the region. You'll also learn how you can help support that effort.

We're sitting down with the person heading up Connecticut's Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) through the Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging. They've got a few scenarios to discuss that can help folks on Medicare better understand how scammers can cleverly begin taking advantage of them, and some other good advice to help folks better understand this segment of health care coverage.

Today, we'll sit down with the person heading up Connecticut's Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) through the Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging. They've got a few scenarios to discuss that can help folks on Medicare better understand how scammers can cleverly begin taking advantage of them, and some other good advice to help folks better understand this segment of health care coverage.Then, we'll visit with the new acting executive director at the Center for Family Justice. We'll find out what that agency has been doing to step up their game under their  leadership to better protect and support families in crisis across the region - and let you know how you can help support that effort.And we'll close chatting with a Griffin Health's Physical Medicine specialist, previewing a free series of talks on Body Mechanics and Adaptive Equipment to help aging adults across the Naugatuck Valley prevent injury while raking, shoveling and gardening. We'll also talk about how supportive/adaptive equipment can help seniors maintain independence.

For more than 25 years, For the People has been a partner and supporter of Connecticut's Northeast Organic Farming Association chapter and in this Special Report we mark the next chapter in that relationship bringing our microphone to the floor of their 44th Winter Conference held recently at Wesleyan University. We'll talk a lot about sustaining and growing the number of farms and farmers here in our state, and how various organizations are doing just that. So sit back and hear all about Reboot Eco, Solid Ground, CT Veteran Grown, The CT Farm Energy Program, The New Connecticut Farmer Alliance, Land For Good, the UConn Extension, the Connecticut Land Conservation Council, and of course the executive Director at CT NOFA will join us as well!

This report welcomes back a familiar voice - Eduardo Leandro, Director of the Greater Bridgeport Symphony. We'll chat about the next GBS performance which will present classics and never-before-heard music in "Horizons Of The Earth" at the University of Bridgeport.

We're unpacking the implications from AARP's latest Vital Voices survey, that show affordability concerns are growing for Connecticut residents age 45 and older. How could a perfect storm of financial pressures result in driving some of our most productive residents and workforce member to move away? Tuned in and find out!

On April 16, UConn Waterbury is inviting you to the 4th Annual WISHfest — a day dedicated to cultivating innovation, inclusion, and a healthier future for the  community. So in this segment, we're connecting with the UConn Dean coordinating the event, which features keynote talks from neurodiversity champion Temple Grandin and CBS Survivor star Rachel LaMont.

On April 16, UConn Waterbury is inviting you to the 4th Annual WISHfest — a day dedicated to cultivating innovation, inclusion, and a healthier future for the  community. So we'll connect with the UConn Dean coordinating the event, which features keynote talks from neurodiversity champion Temple Grandin and CBS Survivor star Rachel LaMont.Then we'll unpack the implications from AARP's latest Vital Voices survey, that show affordability concerns are growing for Connecticut residents age 45 and older. How could a perfect storm of financial pressures result in driving some of our most productive residents and workforce member to move away? Tuned in and find out!And we'll close with another familiar voice - Eduardo Leandro, Director of the Greater Bridgeport Symphony. We'll chat about the next GBS performance which will present classics and never-before-heard music in Horizons Of The Earth at the University of Bridgeport.

We're reconnecting with Connecticut's Cannabis Ombudsman. Her office has been busy Serving as a "vigilant guardian" for medical marijuana users, ensuring their needs are prioritized amid the growth of the adult-use market. Our discussion involves supporting legislation aimed at improving policies and practices related to the cannabis industry and all qualifying medical cannabis users.

For the People is pleased to help introduce a Connecticut spokesman for The Mayfly Project. This unique organization is lining up volunteers who are also fly fishing enthusiasts, to bring a summer-long social and recreational fishing experience to foster kids - that also helps them develop better resilience and leadership skills.

In this segment, For the People is welcoming the Connecticut Healthcare Advocate, whose team is fighting to get your health insurance to cover what it's promising while educating  consumers about policies and terminology so you can better understand the healthcare plan you're depending on.

This week we'll bring you an advocate, an ombudsman - and in-between - a little fly fishing. We're starting off with the Connecticut Healthcare Advocate, whose team is fighting to get your health insurance to cover what it's promising while educating  consumers about policies and terminology so you can better understand the healthcare plan you're depending on.Then we'll introduce a Connecticut spokesman for The Mayfly Project. This unique organization is lining up volunteers who are also fly fishing enthusiasts, to bring a summer-long social and recreational fishing experience to foster kids - that also helps them develop better resilience and leadership skills.And we'll wrap things up bringing back the Connecticut Cannabis Ombudsman. Her office has been busy Serving as a "vigilant guardian" for medical marijuana users, ensuring their needs are prioritized amid the growth of the adult-use market. Our discussion involves supporting legislation aimed at improving policies and practices related to the cannabis industry and all qualifying medical cannabis users.

For the People is bringing it home this week with our partners at the CT Dept. of Agriculture celebrating 2026 - the International Year of the Woman Farmer. The second segment of our year-long series 'Women Farmers In Focus' introduces Yoco Roots and its founding farmer Corina Hayes - whose roots in agriculture date back several generations. Check out how she's cultivating culturally-relevant herbs and produce while engaging our next generation of young farmers!

For the People is connecting with a representative from Bridgeport's Hall Neighborhood House - a nonprofit serving underprivileged East Side residents for 140 years. Find out how this deeply-rooted neighborhood gathering place is addressing social, financial, recreational, and health needs across their service area, and how you can help them do even more.

Don't think our society has a major challenge to face when addressing youth social media addiction? Then, this segment may be kind of shocking as we bring in a Southern CT State University professor and expert on youth social media addiction to deliver some well researched scientific facts, discuss some disturbing trends that are only getting worse - along with suggesting some possible solutions.

Don't think our society has a major challenge to face when addressing youth social media addiction? Our first segment this morning may be kind of shocking as we bring in a Southern CT State University professor and expert on youth social media addiction to deliver some well researched scientific facts, discuss some disturbing trends that are only getting worse - along with suggesting some possible solutions.Then we'll visit a representative from Hall Neighborhood House, serving underprivileged Bridgeport East Side residents for 140 years. Fnd out how this community nonprofit is addressing social, financial, recreational, and health needs across their service area, and how you can help them do even more.And we'll close with Part 2 of our series celebrating 2026 - the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Meet Corina Hayes at Yoco Roots - whose roots in agriculture date back several generations. Listen and learn how she's cultivating culturally-relevant herbs and produce while engaging our next generation of young farmers.

Tune in as we reconnect with our business development partners at reSET, Connecticut's nonprofit entrepreneurial support organization. reSET is accepting applications now for its Spring 2026 Impact Accelerator. So, stick with us to find out how you can accelerate your business dream with this proven successful initiative.

Join us as we connect with the head of the Valley Community Foundation to talk about their recently launched 25 for the Next 25 - a forward-looking initiative designed to strengthen the organization's discretionary funds and expand its planned giving community in advance of the foundation's 25th anniversary in 2029. 

Connecticut's historic Goodspeed Opera House has been a fixture on the region's entertainment scene since 1877, and this summer we'll learn how the Goodspeed will be making history again as its leaders welcome young thespians to their first ever SummerSong theater program.

Today we'll begin with a bit of theater. Connecticut's historic Goodspeed Opera House has been a fixture on the region's entertainment scene since 1877, and this summer we'll learn how the Goodspeed will be making history again as its leaders welcome young thespians to their first ever summer theater camp.Then we'll connect with the head of the Valley Community Foundation to talk about their recently launched 25 for the Next 25 - a forward-looking initiative designed to strengthen the organization's discretionary funds and expand its planned giving community in advance of the foundation's 25th anniversary in 2029. And we'll close with our business development partners at reSET, Connecticut's nonprofit entrepreneurial support organization. reSET is accepting applications now for its Spring 2026 Impact Accelerator. So, stick with us to find out how you can accelerate your business dream with this proven successful initiative.

Hear from a representative from Access Health CT the Connecticut health insurance marketplace. If you are experiencing confusion about what's going on in the world of health insurance in 2026, or are on the fence about whether you need it or can afford it, we'll try to bring you the answers you need to ensure you'll be able take care of yourself in the event of an illness or injury.