For the People

We're continuing our look back at some of the most important For the People segments of 2025 and we'll start with: Preservation Connecticut - which turned 50 this year. Tune in and check out how they're going to continue sustaining and preserving critical buildings, sites, even social and cultural practices that helped shape the state we live in. Then we'll replay our visit with the Women's Mentoring Network. This nonprofit serving Fairfield County and beyond, is providing foundational skills for individuals to secure better employment options and encouraging individuals to seek educational opportunities as they look to become economically empowered.   And we'll close replaying our introduction of Art Pharmacy - an organization becoming active in Connecticut enabling personalized social prescribing services with healthcare, university, corporate, and government partners to address the nation's most intractable health challenges.

Before we start rolling out our look back at some of the key segments For the People presented during 2025, we've got a new and important subject to open the show: DataHaven - the New Haven-based research non-profit recently released its latest community well-being survey, and it presents some really interesting counterpoints, bad news, and good news about how Connecticut is feeling  So, tune in and learn if you're feeling like thousands of your neighbors and other state residents as we head for 2026. Then we'll start our look back at how For the People has helped inform, educate, entertain, and engage you throughout 2025, with a reply of an interview with SCORE of Western Connecticut. No matter where you live, SCORE chapters and volunteers are waiting to advise you on ways to successfully launch or grow your business - all at virtually no cost to you Our second encore segment features our introduction of cARTie - a nonprofit mobile art museum bus bridging inequities in education and arts access by partnering with local community organizations to provide families and children with exciting art and museum adventures.

In case you missed it, two of our state's regional Council of Government or COG offices recently hosted a public webinar presenting the final Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) for Southwest Connecticut - and there are still ways for you to offer public comment about it. So we visited the Western Connecticut Council of Governments to learn more about the basics on the plan, the resources required to make improvements, and to help you understand this climate action plan better, so you can weigh in with informed questions and comments.

We recently visited the Chapel Haven Schleifer Center - a nationally accredited nonprofit in New Haven that empowers adults 18 and over with autism and other developmental disabilities to live independent, self-determined lives. We met the center's director, and got to chat with two inspiring residents on the spectrum who recently completed a journey to Africa where they both participated in climbs on Mt. Kilimanjar- Africa's tallest peak - and the world's largest free-standing mountain. So, tune in and get their perspectives on the trip and their views from the mountain!

First, we headed out to the Chapel Haven Schleifer Center - a nationally accredited nonprofit in New Haven that empowers adults 18 and over with autism and other developmental disabilities to live independent, self-determined lives. We'll meet and hear from the center's director, and chat with two inspiring residents on the spectrum who recently completed a journey to Africa where they both participated in climbs on Mt. Kilimanjaro …Africa's tallest peak and the world's largest free-standing mountain! Tune in and get their perspectives on the trip and their views from the mountain. And in case you missed it, two of our state's regional Council of Government or COG offices recently hosted a public webinar presenting the final Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) for Southwest Connecticut - and there are still ways for you to offer public comment about it. So we are bringing in the Deputy Director, Western Connecticut Council of Governments to learn more about the basics on the plan, the resources required to make improvements, and to help folks throughout the region understand this climate action plan better, so they can weigh in with informed questions and comments.

For the People is reconnecting with folks from the Jamie Hulley Arts Foundation to tell you about an upcoming holiday event they are holding, and to chat with a Hulley scholarship recipient about how this nonprofit is making a major difference in his pursuit of a career in the arts.

Tune in as we pick up our conversation with a representative from PACE - Peoples Action for Clean Energy. There's a lot to know about the clean energy sector locally, and a number of issues at the national level that could negatively impact progress we are making here in Connecticut, so stick around to learn what you can do about it.

Check out our discussion about the serious implications of driving while impaired with representatives from MADD - Mothers Against Drunk Driving - and our partners at the CT State Police. We'll share all the reasons why you should just say no to driving after you party, and some of the alternatives to help protect you and everyone else out on the roads this holiday season and into 2026.

Today we're going to discuss the serious implications of driving while impaired with representatives from MADD - Mothers Against Drunk Driving - and our partners at the CT State Police. We'll share all the reasons why you should just say no to driving after you party, and some of the alternatives to help protect you and everyone else out on the roads this holiday season and into 2026. Then we'll pick up our conversation with a representative from PACE - Peoples Action for Clean Energy. There's a lot to know about the clean energy sector locally, and a number of issues at the national level that could negatively impact progress we are making here in Connecticut, so stick around to learn what you can do about it. And we'll close reconnecting with folks from the Jamie Hulley Arts Foundation to tell you about an upcoming holiday event they are holding, and to chat with a Hulley scholarship recipient about how this nonprofit is making a major difference in his pursuit of a career in the arts.

We have come to understand that high-quality early care and education is one of the most effective, evidence-based ways to support children's long-term success. However, CT Voices' new analysis of ECE data from 2014 to 2024 shows that the system has struggled to meet demand. So, we're bringing in the co-authors of the latest Connecticut Voices for Children 2025 State of Early Childhood report to continue our conversations on this important topic.

As we arrived at the final day of National Family Caregivers Month this November, we're circling back with our partners at AARP Connecticut to unpack some key points from the organization's latest report on Family Caregiving. Nearly three out of every 10 Connecticut residents are family caregivers, and the numbers are growing - so stay tuned and learn what you need - or may need to know about this important public health trend.

We're bringing you a bird's eye view of new career opportunities and training as we bring in a panel to talk about Connecticut's own Drone Academy - a pilot program developed in collaboration with The WorkPlace, Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), and Career Resources to create a technology-oriented career pathway for out-of-school youth, aged 18-24, within the growing unmanned aerial vehicles/drone industry sector. 

We're going to open with a bird's eye view of new career opportunities and training as we bring in a panel to talk about Connecticut's own Drone Academy - a pilot program developed in collaboration with The WorkPlace, Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), and Career Resources to create a technology-oriented career pathway for out-of-school youth, aged 18-24, within the growing unmanned aerial vehicles/drone industry sector.  Then as we hit the final day of National Family Caregivers Month this November, we're circling back with our partners at AARP Connecticut to unpack some key points from the organization's latest report on Family Caregiving. Nearly three out of every 10 Connecticut residents are family caregivers, and the numbers are growing - so stay tuned and learn what you need - or may need to know about this important public health trend. And finally, we have come to understand that high-quality early care and education is one of the most effective, evidence-based ways to support children's long-term success. However, CT Voices' new analysis of ECE data from 2014 to 2024 shows that the system has struggled to meet demand. So, we're bringing in the co-authors of the latest Connecticut Voices for Children 2025 State of Early Childhood report to continue our conversations on this important topic.

For the People is circling back with the New England Rural Health Association. We'll recap their recent conference which was held here in Connecticut, and learn about how our state may benefit from the organization's recently announced Rural Health Transformation Program. Rural communities are closer than you think, so tune in and find out why their health needs are so unique.

We're reconnecting with our community partners at Abilis, and celebrating the opening of the agency's first medical model residential home in Fairfield County for adults with complex medical needs and developmental disabilities. Tune in and hear about the journey toward completion of this fully accessible residence and why Connecticut will need a lot more of them in the near future.

One of the last things you need to worry about if you or a loved one needs expensive durable medical equipment or certain medical supplies is out of pocket costs. So, we want to introduce you to the founder of Wheel It Forward, an innovative Fairfield County nonprofit that provides a durable medical equipment lending service and more - all at no direct cost.

One of the last things you need to worry about if you or a loved one needs expensive durable medical equipment or certain medical supplies is out of pocket costs. So to open the show today, we want to introduce you to the founder of Wheel It Forward, an innovative Fairfield County nonprofit that provides a durable medical equipment lending service and more - all at no direct cost. Then we'll reconnect with our community partners at Abilis, which is celebrating the opening of its first medical model residential home in Fairfield County for adults with complex medical needs and developmental disabilities. Tune in and hear about the journey toward completion of this fully accessible residence and more. And we'll close circling back as promised with the New England Rural Health Association. We'll recap their recent conference which was held here in Connecticut, and learn about how our state may benefit from the organization's recently announced Rural Health Transformation Program. 

Meet the leader of LifeBridge Communty Services - a Bridgeport based human services nonprofit. During these uncertain times, and with the holidays quickly approaching, we want to help highlight the critical behavioral health resources that may be helpful to those in the LifeBridge service community.

Catch the latest buzz from our friends at the Backyard Beekeepers Association. Thie next session of Bee School is taking applications now, so if you've ever entertained an interest in keeping and raising these important pollinators, tune in!

As much as we may dread the onset of winter driving conditions, there are a number of ways to help ensure we all make it through alive. So, we are inviting back our resource at the CT DOT to get us up to speed on what to know so you and you loved ones are getting around safely on our roads and highways until spring.

As much as we may dread the onset of winter driving conditions, there are a number of ways to help ensure we all make it through alive. So, we are inviting back our resource at the CT DOT to get us up to speed on what to know so you and you loved ones are getting around safely on our roads and highways until spring. Then we'll hear the latest buzz from our friends at the Backyard Beekeepers Association. Thie next session of Bee School is taking applications now, so if you've ever entertained an interest in keeping and raising these important pollinators, tune in! And we'll close talking with the leader of LifeBridge Communty Services - a Bridgeport based human services nonprofit. During these uncertain times, and with the holidays quickly approaching, we want to help highlight the critical behavioral health resources that may be helpful to those in the LifeBridge service community.

While data touches out lives in so many ways, virtually every day - you may not really even think about it until it's gone. So we're bringing back one of the leaders from the Connecticut Data Collaborative to talk about what's going missing, what her team is doing about it, and to invite you to be part of the upcoming Data For Democracy Conference - even if you have no idea how data impacts your life, job, or community.

While data touches out lives in so many ways, virtually every day - you may not really even think about it until it's gone. So we're bringing back one of the leaders from the Connecticut Data Collaborative to talk about what's going missing, what her team is doing about it, and to invite you to be part of the upcoming Data For Democracy Conference - even if you have no idea how data impacts your life, job, or community. Then we're replaying a couple of key interviews we produced earlier in 2025 starting with the leader of  Arts for Learning CT, which is working hard to inspire young people and expand their learning through the arts. You'll learn how their affiliated artists, partners, and supporters are developing strategic partnerships to reach shared goals for young people and our state. And we'll closereplaying our interview with a rep from the Connecticut Dept. of Labor, talking about workforce development, trends that are developing, and the ways the DOL can help you - whether you are employed and looking to step things up, or you are seeking employment somewhere across our state.

Tune in as EnergizeCT unpacks details of their Community Partnership initiative - a collaboration with local organizations to connect with and educate residents and business owners about energy efficiency programs available with Energize Connecticut Sponsors.

The Greater Bridgeport Symphony's Board President is on board with For the People trumpeting the symphony's upcoming concert - which is being held in a brand new venue, and will include a number of ways to engage both musically, and creatively with greater Bridgeport's rich cultural offerings.

We're reconnecting with For the People community partner CatalystCT to tout their “Amplifying Resident Voices” project - a collaboration with Fairfield University's Center for Social Impact and PT Partners - which is expanding on previous research and will assess, design, and implement evidence-based solutions to persistent community violence. 

We're reconnecting with For the People community partner CatalystCT to tout their “Amplifying Resident Voices” project - a collaboration with Fairfield University's Center for Social Impact and PT Partners - which is expanding on previous research and will assess, design, and implement evidence-based solutions to persistent community violence.  Then we'll connect with the Greater Bridgeport Symphony's Board President trumpeting  the symphony's upcoming concert - which is being held in a brand new venue, and will include a number of ways to engage both musically, and creatively with greater Bridgeport's rich cultural offerings. And we'll close with EnergizeCT, discussing their Community Partnership initiative - a collaboration with local organizations to connect with and educate residents and business owners about energy efficiency programs available with Energize Connecticut Sponsors.

Meet the leader from from PACE - People's Action for Clean Energy. Learn more about how PACE is working throughout Connecticut to promote the development of alternative, renewable sources of energy and encourage others to join in on the conversation.

The third and final segment in our Domestic Violence Awareness Month series featuring the leader of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence - the agency that helps support a wide network of domestic and interpersonal violence prevention agencies, shelters, judicial navigator programs and a statewide hotline and text service so you or someone you know in a toxic relationship can get the help they need to get out.

We are reconnecting with CT Foodshare on the important topic of food insecurity. With the federal government shutdown taking its toll on food support programs for our most fragile and needy neighbors, we'll talk about how easy it is for you to help through food contributions, volunteering, or by turning your donated dollar into $5, $7, even $10 of nutritious food.

First, we are reconnecting with CT Foodshare on the important topic of food insecurity. With the federal government shutdown poised to throw food support programs for our most fragile and needy neighbors into overdrive, we'll talk about how easy it is for you to help through food contributions, volunteering, or by turning your donated dollar into $5, $7, even $10 worth of nutritious food. Then we'll bring you the third and final segment in our Domestic Violence Awareness Month series featuring the leader of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence  (CCADV) - the agency that helps support a wide network of domestic and interpersonal violence prevention agencies, shelters, judicial navigator programs and a statewide hotline and text service so you or someone you know in a toxic relationship can get the help they need to get out. And we'll close chatting with the leader of PACE - People's Action for Clean Energy. Learn more about how PACE is working throughout Connecticut to promote the development of alternative, renewable sources of energy and how they are encouraging others to join the conversation.

Are you - or do you know an interpersonal violence survivor in western Connecticut looking for help? For the People's Domestic Violence Awareness Month series continues, this time highlighting The Center for Empowerment & Education - an agency bringing interpersonal violence prevention education, front line response, and support to thousands across central western Connecticut for over 50 years!

Meet the leader of the Thomas Merton Family Center in Bridgeport, currently serving thousands of individuals and families each year through their soup kitchen, food pantry, and supportive community programs. Find out how your help might just be just a PBJ away!

Our For the People partners at Impact Fairfield County are touting their Fall Kick-off November 5th for members - and to invite qualifying nonprofits to apply for their current round of grants. Learn how this collective giving organization is empowering women of Fairfield County in local philanthropy - and what a difference those contributions are making in our own neighborhoods.

Today, our For the People partners at Impact Fairfield County will join us touting their Fall Kick-off November 5th for members and those who want to be - along with inviting qualifying nonprofits to apply for their current round of grants. Learn how this collective giving organization is empowering women of Fairfield County in local philanthropy - and what a difference those contributions are making in our own neighborhoods. Then we'll connect with the leader of the Thomas Merton Family Center in Bridgeport. Listen and learn how this vital organization is addressing food insecurity, homelessness and highlighting innovative ways Bridgeport area neighbors are helping one another. And we'll wrap with the second segment in our Domestic Violence Awareness Month series featuring The Center for Empowerment & Education, bringing prevention education and front line response and support to thousands across central western Connecticut.

The first segment in our 2025 Domestic Violence Awareness Month series, this week focusing on Safe Haven - serving the greater Waterbury region. Find out how Safe haven is there for you if you are a victim and need support making a safe break toward a violence and abuse-free next chapter for you and your children.

For the People is bringing in a Connecticut DOT representative to remind you that your voice matters when creating a safer, more accessible transportation network for all Connecticut residents and visitors alike. Learn about the development of a statewide Active Transportation Plan and where you can show up in the coming days to help make it even better.

Check out our conversation with Marine, author and Fairfield University Professor Phil Klay about the opportunities for fellow veterans interested in creative writing - and what the university offers to those who served, or anyone interested in its unique MFA program.

Today we're hosting a conversation with Marine, author and Fairfield University Professor Phil Klay about the opportunities for fellow veterans interested in creative writing - and what the university offers to those who served, or anyone interested in its unique MFA program. Then, we'll bring in a Connecticut DOT representative to remind you that your voice matters when creating a safer, more accessible transportation network for all Connecticut residents and visitors alike. Learn about the development of a statewide Active Transportation Plan and where you can show up in the coming days to help make it even better. And we'll close with the first segment in our Domestic Violence Awareness Month series, this week focusing on Safe Haven - serving the greater Waterbury region. Find out how Safe haven is there for you if you are a victim and need support making a safe break toward a violence and abuse-free next chapter for you and your children.

There's lots to learn about environmental stewardship as we tell you all about this year's  UConn Plants & Pollen Conference. There's a lot of networking and important information to be shared if you care about the role you, your yard, and a simple pollinator garden can play in helping sustain our fragile environment.

This segment is focusing on environmental stewardship with more big news from our partners at the Aspetuck Land Trust. The organization continues to grow with new collaborators and acquisitions - and we'll also advise you on a few incredible places to catch autumn's full splendor, right around the corner down in fairfield County.

Meet one of the team at Independence Northwest - a nonprofit that is unique among service providers because the organization is run by people with disabilities for people with disabilities. So tune in and learn about this regional nonprofit and how they can be of service to you no matter what your alternate ability may be.

Meet one of the team at Independence Northwest - a nonprofit that is unique among service providers because the organization is run by people with disabilities for people with disabilities. So tune in and learn about this regional nonprofit and how they can be of service to you no matter what your alternate ability may be. Then we'll steer toward environmental stewardship beginning with more big news from our partners at the Aspetuck Land Trust. The organization continues to grow with new collaborators and acquisitions - and we'll also advise you on a few incredible places to catch autumn's full splendor, right around the corner down in fairfield County. And we'll close by telling you all about this year's upcoming UConn Plants & Pollenators Conference. There's a lot of networking and important information to be shared if you care about the role you, your yard, and a simple pollinator garden can play in helping sustain our fragile environment.

For the People wants to clue you in on how to become one of a growing number of Connecticut Master Gardeners with the acting director of the UConn Extension Master Gardeners program - a dynamic educational outreach initiative that blends horticultural science with community engagement.

For the People wants to help you take full advantage of all that Connecticut offers to autumn leaf peepers, hikers, and campers as we explore opportunities to get out and enjoy the glory of the season with guests from the Connecticut Forest & Park Association.

On Sept. 28, our friends at Circle of Care will be hosting the only statewide walk/5K run supporting all Connecticut families of kids with cancer. So tune in and learn about their mission and how you can support this unique nonprofit with a a powerful show of unity during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. 

Next Week, our friends at Circle of Care will be hosting the only statewide walk/5K run supporting all Connecticut families of kids with cancer. So tune in and learn about their mission and how you can support this unique nonprofit with a a powerful show of unity during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.  Then we'll help you take full advantage of all that Connecticut offers to autumn leaf peepers, hikers, and campers as we explore opportunities to get out and enjoy the glory of the season with guests from the Connecticut Forest & Park Association. And we'll wrap up going from the forest to the garden - and clue you in on how to become one of a growing number of Connecticut Master Gardeners with the acting director of the UConn Extension Master Gardeners program - a dynamic educational outreach initiative that blends horticultural science with community engagement.

As we move through Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we'll learn how Connecticut's 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis line and the folks who are providing support has been handling the escalating number of calls that have been coming in over the past year.

We're tapping  our partners at United Way of Connecticut to discuss the ramifications of the latest ALICE report. If you are among nearly half our state residents, who are - or at risk of becoming Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, you'll want to tune in.

This award-winning For the People segment is focusing on a number of developments across our state regarding environmental and energy issues including the rollback of energy saving program subsidies and the impact of the Revolution Wind project cancellation. So we'll go right to our #1 source on these matters, Connecticut DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes to unpack the latest news and issues that can impact all of us.

Today's award-winning For the People is focusing on a number of developments across our state regarding environmental and energy issues including the rollback of energy saving program subsidies and the impact of the Revolution Wind project cancellation. So we'll go right to our #1 source on these matters, Connecticut DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes to unpack the latest news and issues that can impact all of us. Then we'll tap our partners at United Way of Connecticut to discuss the ramifications of the latest ALICE report. If you are among nearly half our state residents, who are - or at risk of becoming Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, you'll want to tune in. Then, as we move through Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we'll learn how Connecticut's 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis line and the folks who are providing support has been handling the escalating number of calls that have been coming in over the past year.