For the People

Part 2 of our Special Report continues with one of CEDF's own clients, the CEO and founder of Divine Strategic Solutions. This consulting firm partners with nonprofits, municipalities, and mission-driven organizations to strengthen leadership, improve operations, and build long-term sustainability. Our guest has lots of advice to offer for nonprofits regarding practical alternate funding sources, so if you have anything to do with a nonprofit, listen in!

Check out the first of a two-part For the People Special Report celebrating National Nonprofit Day by focusing on how nonprofits are diversifying their funding. We called on the VP and CFO at Connecticut's Community Economic Development Fund (CEDF) to explain how her organization not only helps small businesses, but also nonprofits through affordable financing, targeted training, and one-on-one coaching.

We're connecting with the President of Stamford's Downtown Special Services District to learn the role the agency plays in placemaking and fostering personal connection. Hear how Stamford Downtown is fully engaged in boosting its community's profile and economic potential with creative programs including public art installations, upbeat public block parties, and highlighting the city's many thriving restaurants.

We're connecting with the President of Stamford's Downtown Special Services District to learn the role the agency plays in placemaking and fostering personal connection. Hear how Stamford Downtown is fully engaged in boosting its community's profile and economic potential with creative programs including public art installations, upbeat public block parties, and highlighting the city's many thriving restaurants.Then, we've got the first of a two-part For the People Special Report celebrating National Nonprofit Day by focusing on how nonprofits are diversifying their funding. We called on the VP and CFO at Connecticut's Community Economic Development Fund (CEDF) to explain how her organization not only helps small businesses, but also nonprofits through affordable financing, targeted training, and one-on-one coaching.Then Part 2 of our Special Report continues with one of CEDF's own clients, the CEO and founder of Divine Strategic Solutions. This consulting firm partners with nonprofits, municipalities, and mission-driven organizations to strengthen leadership, improve operations, and build long-term sustainability. Our guest has lots of advice to offer for nonprofits regarding practical alternate funding sources, so if you have anything to do with a nonprofit, listen in!

For the People is continuing our monthly series celebrating 2026 - the International Year of the Woman Farmer - with Lori Cochran Dougall of the Westport Farmers Market and the newly formed Connecticut Farmers Market Association. Our engaging discussion is focusing on how farmers markets across the state provide a vital public-facing opportunity for farmers to sell what they grow and produce directly to you.

The Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers RIDES+ initiative is just one of six inspired grassroots, volunteer programs in need your support. So check out For the People's segment with the IVCG's leader and a passionate volunteer who are looking for others willing to share their rides with folks who need transportation to critical medical appointments.

The Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers RIDES+ initiative is just one of six inspired grassroots, volunteer programs in need your support. So check out our segment with the IVCG's leader and a passionate volunteer who are looking for others willing to share their rides with folks who need transportation to critical medical appointments.Then, we're continuing our monthly series celebrating 2026 - the International Year of the Woman Farmer - bringing back Lori Cochran Dougall of the Westport Farmers Market and the newly formed Connecticut Farmers Market Association. We'll have an enlightening discussion focusing on how farmers markets across the state provide a vital public-facing opportunity for farmers to sell what they grow and produce.And we'll close by replaying an earlier interview focusing on the important safety practice that is Call Before You Dig. This week brings us August 11, so we'll remind you why thinking about and reaching out to 8-1-1 before you excavate will help keep you safe, and on the right side of the law.

This segment introduces a representative from APEX Community Care - a nonprofit working across several western Connecticut communities advocating for and providing services to people living with HIV/AIDS, mental health and substance use disorders. Find out how APEX is actively promoting education and prevention, while supporting clients' families and loved ones.

Hear from a childhood education expert from The Connecticut Project, which just released findings from the fourth CT RAPID Survey collaboration focusing on early literacy and early relational health. Learn how community members  are participating in daily reading and bonding with their young children, and the challenges some of them face.

For the People recently learned about the UnGroup Society - a forward-thinking, community action network that develops, promotes, and supports collaboration and unity to reduce gun violence for all residents of Waterbury and beyond. So tune in as we talk with the UnGroup Society's leader about the important work they're doing.

For the People recently learned about the UnGroup Society - a forward-thinking, community action network that develops, promotes, and supports collaboration and unity to reduce gun violence for all residents of Waterbury and beyond. So tune in as we talk with the UnGroup Society's leader about the important work they're doing.Then we'll introduce a childhood education expert from The Connecticut Project, which just released findings from the fourth CT RAPID Survey collaboration focusing on early literacy and early relational health. Learn how community members  are participating in daily reading and bonding with their young children, and the challenges some of them face.And we'll close connecting with a representative from APEX Community Care. This nonprofit works across western Connecticut advocating for and providing services to people living with HIV/AIDS, mental health and substance use disorders, actively promoting education and prevention, while supporting their families and loved ones.

For the People is catching up with cARTie - and it will be so much easier now that they've expanded from their rolling gallery and activity bus to their very own brick and mortar location in Westville Village. We'll hear about, and invite you to be part of the entire new line-up of activities cARTie will be offering, so stick around and check it out!

We're introducing a new community partner - the Rock the Walls Foundation. This nonprofit is creating one of the nation's most comprehensive resource hubs for survivors of domestic abuse by uniting critical education, support, and healing in one safe, welcoming community — powered by music and advocacy. 

For the People is bringing you the next segment of our monthly series celebrating 2026 - The International Year of the Woman Farmer. We're visiting with the mother / daughter team of Diana Paproski and Stephanie Paproski-Kearns, who help support the thriving agritourism and innovative diversity of services provided by Castle Hill Farm. 

For the People opens with the next segment of our monthly series celebrating 2026 - The International Year of the Woman Farmer. We'll be visiting with the mother / daughter team of Diana Paproski and Stephanie Paproski-Kearns, who help support the thriving agritourism and innovative diversity of services provided by Castle Hill Farm. Then we're introducing a new community partner - the Rock the Walls Foundation. This nonprofit is creating one of the nation's most comprehensive resource hubs for survivors of domestic abuse by uniting critical education, support, and healing in one safe, welcoming community — powered by music and advocacy. And we'll close catching up with cARTie - and it will be so much easier now that they've expanded from their rolling gallery and activity bus to their very own brick and mortar location in Westville Village. We'll hear about, and invite you to be part of the entire new line-up of activities cARTie will be offering, so stick around and check it out!

For the People is sewing seeds of excitement as we help celebrate our state's 116th Plant Science Day. We'll chat with the Director of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station to find out why this long-running free public activity is so popular, along with a few other important environmental and health related projects being conducted by Experiment Station scientists.

In this report, For the People is talking with a stuntman at @TrumbullBMX who is seeing a whole new world of opportunity for alternately abled, neurodivergent, and sight compromised young people, by introducing them to the world of BMX racing.

We're hitting the road to Trumbull to meet a trio of representatives at the Thrive Wellness Center to discuss how this nonprofit is taking an amazingly holistic approach to anyone facing cancer - as well as providing guidance and support for their loved ones.

We're hitting the road to Trumbull for our first segment to meet a trio of representatives at the Thrive Wellness Center to discuss how this nonprofit is taking an amazingly holistic approach to anyone facing cancer - as well as providing guidance and support for their loved ones.Then we'll hang around Trumbull and talk with a stuntman who is seeing a whole new world of opportunity for alternately abled, neurodivergent, and sight compromised young people, by introducing them to the world of BMX racing.And we'll wrap things up sewing seeds of excitement as we help celebrate our state's 116th Plant Science Day. We'll chat with the Director of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station to find out why this long-running free public activity is so popular, along with a few other important environmental and health related projects being conducted by Experiment Station scientists.

As stats involving gun suicides escalates to disturbing new heights, we are re-engaging around the subject of mental health, crises, and suicide. Our guest from Mental Health Connecticut is ready to join our chorus of voices promoting hope and the fact that you are not alone. And we'll invite you to support suicide prevention at the 'Bear With Us Music Fest' - a very special musical event coming soon to Bethel.

Meet a rep from EnergizeCT, who called in to explain the organization's Community Energy Boost Grant, a new funding initiative designed to support communities in their efforts to promote cost-saving energy efficiency programs and solutions. Check it out and see if your home or business qualifies.

As far as AARP Connecticut is concerned, 13 is a really lucky number because it represents the number of community-building projects that will be funded by more than $100,000 in grants aiming to help residents of all ages, especially older adults, improve how they live, move, and stay connected in their neighborhoods. So, tune in and learn whether one or more of these projects are coming to your community!

As far as AARP Connecticut is concerned, 13 is a really lucky number because it represents the number of community-building projects that will be funded by more than $100,000 in grants aiming to help residents of all ages, especially older adults, improve how they live, move, and stay connected in their neighborhoods.And while we're on the subject of grants, we'll introduce a rep from EnergizeCT to explain the organization's Community Energy Boost Grant, a new funding initiative designed to support communities in their efforts to promote cost-saving energy efficiency programs and solutions.And we'll close re-engaging around the subject of mental health, crises, and suicide. Our guest from Mental Health Connecticut is ready to join our chorus of voices promoting hope and the fact that you are not alone. And we'll invite you to support suicide prevention at the 'Bear With Us Music Fest' - a very special musical event coming soon to Bethel.

Dive into a chat with the Curator of Education at Beardsley Zoo and discover all the incredible things happening at Connecticut's only zoo all summer long. There's more than one day trip worth of excitement happening, and we want you to know all about it so you can dive into all the fun at the zoo, too!

Meet the Commissioner from the Office of Early Childhood (OEM). She's going to discuss the establishment and purpose of the state's recently announced Early Childhood Endowment and its three areas of focus, as well as unpacking details of the state-funded Early Start CT program.

As we head into July, we're continuing our celebration of 2026 - the International Year of the Woman Farmer - by introducing Erin Sepe Pirro of Pirro Farm. If you think it's all about  raising fruits and veggies - we'll talk with this woman farmer about her lifelong passion for sheep and everything they can provide.

As we head into July, we're continuing our celebration of 2026 - the International Year of the Woman Farmer - by introducing Erin Sepe Pirro of Pirro Farm. If you think it's all about  raising fruits and veggies - we'll talk with this woman farmer about her lifelong passion for sheep and everything they can provide.Then, we'll engage the Commissioner from the Office of Early Childhood (OEM). She's going to discuss the establishment and purpose of the state's recently announced Early Childhood Endowment and its three areas of focus, as well as unpacking details of the state-funded Early Start CT program.And we'll close diving into a chat with the Curator of Education at Beardsley Zoo to help you discover all the incredible things happening at Connecticut's only zoo all summer long. There's more than one day trip worth of excitement happening, and we want you to know all about it so you can dive into all the fun at the zoo, too!

For the People is visiting with the 2026 Ringmaster of Bridgeport's legendary Barnum Festival. All the excitement comes to a head this coming weekend with several community activities and celebrations - so, we'll let you know how you can get in on all the fun!

We're reconnecting with Jane Doe No More. We'll talk about how your support of this agency can go even farther to ensure this Waterbury-area nonprofit continues  empowering survivors of sexual crimes to find their voice, advance their healing, and educate others. 

If you are a student or family planning on taking out new college loans - or you're repaying existing federal loans - major changes are coming on July 1 with new borrowing limits and repayment plans. So, make sure you're fully prepared with AAA Northeast's director of student lending and college services who's here to help you understand what these changes mean.

If you are a student or family planning on taking out new college loans - or you're repaying existing federal loans - major changes are coming on July 1 with new borrowing limits and repayment plans. So, make sure you're fully prepared with AAA Northeast's director of student lending and college services who's here to help you understand what these changes mean Then, we're reconnecting with Jane Doe No More. We'll talk about how your support of this agency can go even farther to ensure this Waterbury-area nonprofit continues  empowering survivors of sexual crimes to find their voice, advance their healing, and educate others. And we'll close visiting with the 2026 Ringmaster of Bridgeport's legendary Barnum Festival. All the excitement comes to a head this coming week with several community activities and celebrations - so, we'll let you know how you can get in on all the fun!

In this segment, For the People is connecting with the director of the state Council on Environmental Quality. The CEQ recently released its annual report to the Connecticut General Assembly, so we'll unpack a number of issues and sort out the good news from the not so good.

We're welcoming the Commissioner of the CT Insurance Department to focus on rate increase requests from a number of health insurers doing business in our state health insurance marketplace. Then, we'll discuss how Connecticut is leading the way when it comes to how the insurance industry is grappling with the effects of climate change.

Today we'll lean into environmental conversations, and mix in a little about insurance as we open welcoming the Commissioner of the CT Insurance Department. First, we'll focus on rate increase requests from a number of health insurers doing business in our state health insurance marketplace, before we turn our attention to how the insurance industry is grappling with the effects of climate change.Then we'll chat with the director of the state Council on Environmental Quality. The CEQ recently released its annual report to the Connecticut General Assembly, so we'll unpack a number of issues and sort out the good news from the not so good.And we'll close replaying clips from a couple of recent interviews with DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes, who announced her departure earlier this week. Dykes and her team have been an important resource to For the People during her term at the state's energy and environmental protection agency - so, we'll recap some of what she has shared over the past couple of years.

We're focusing on Pride Month, welcoming back a rep from the Bridgeport Pride Center which is hosting its 16th annual Greater Bridgeport Pride celebration later this month. Learn how you can be part of GBP's hallmark Pride March, which is expanding with a pre-march rally featuring elected officials and community speakers, plus some exciting entertainment.

We're celebrating the 40th Anniversary of New Horizons Village and its mission supporting a caring and independent lifestyle for hundreds of residents across its facilities. Hear from two of the organizations leaders about how New Horizons has always been ahead of its time when it comes to innovative programs and services.

The 20th annual Swim Across America - Fairfield County's open water swim is happening June 20, so we'll welcome back the event's director to prep you to be part of one of the largest open water events in the tri-state area, attracting hundreds of swimmers, volunteers and spectators to support the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy.

The 20th annual Swim Across America - Fairfield County's open water swim is happening June 20, so we'll welcome back the event's director to prep you to be part of one of the largest open water events in the tri-state area, attracting hundreds of swimmers, volunteers and spectators to support the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy.Then, we'll celebrate the 40th Anniversary of New Horizons Village and its mission supporting a caring and independent lifestyle for hundreds of residents across its facilities. Hear from two of the organizations leaders about how New Horizons has always been ahead of its time when it comes to innovative programs and services.And we'll close with a focus on Pride Month, welcoming back a rep from the Bridgeport Pride Center which is hosting its 16th annual Greater Bridgeport Pride celebration later this month. Learn how you can be part of GBP's hallmark Pride March, which is expanding with a pre-march rally featuring elected officials and community speakers, plus some exciting entertainment.

Come one, come all to one of the central Naugatuck Valley's biggest community festivals. Tune in for the backstory, and to get all the inside info to make the most of your visit to the 21st Annual Naugatuck Duck Race & Festival coming up June 7.

Catch up with the head of the Women's Mentoring Network which serves nearly 1,000 women each year, providing mentorship, professional certifications, and loads of other support, as well as opportunities for women to become involved as mentors and so much more. We'll learn how they attract volunteers and clients, and how you could play a role in helping this effort remain sustainable.

This program will pull back the curtain as we pop into Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury. We'll engage a candid chat with their new artistic director to learn why this little gem of a theater is surviving and thriving, while inviting you to check out one of their upcoming concerts, or consider auditioning for their summer community musical 'All Shook Up'!

This program will pull back the curtain as we pop into Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury. We'll engage a candid chat with their new artistic director to learn why this little gem of a theater is surviving and thriving, while inviting you to check out one of their upcoming concerts, or consider auditioning for their summer community musical 'All Shook Up'!Then we'll catch up with the head of the Women's Mentoring Network which serves nearly 1,000 women each year, providing mentorship, professional certifications, and loads of other support, as well as opportunities for women to become involved as mentors and so much more. We'll learn how they attract volunteers and clients, and how you could play a role in helping this effort remain sustainable.And we'll close by inviting you to one of the central Naugatuck Valley's biggest community festivals. Tune in for the backstory, and to get all the inside info to make the most of your visit to the 21st Annual Naugatuck Duck Race & Festival coming up June 7.

You might just save yourself a lot of money and heartache when you listen in to Part 2 of our conversation with the person heading up Connecticut's Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) through the Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging. She'll explain how scammers can cleverly begin taking advantage of you, and how occasional unintentional and intentional billing mistakes are adding up to billions in losses to the program.

We're continuing our celebration of 2026 - the International Year of the Woman Farmer - by introducing Brittany Conover who runs Shaggy Coos Farm & Creamery in Easton. We'll talk about her farm operation, why dairy farmers are being especially hard-hit these days, and her take on committed Connecticut subsidies aimed at keeping dairy farms like hers alive and sustainable.

Check out the second part of our 2026 International Festival of Arts & Ideas preview. Activities have been happening across New Haven's neighborhoods throughout May - now it's time to learn more about the 'main event' launching in early June in and around downtown. We'll tell you how to get in on all the music, talks, recitals, dance, exhibits, and interactive fun - which is mostly all free!

We're continuing our celebration of 2026 - the International Year of the Woman Farmer - by introducing Brittany Conover who runs Shaggy Coos Farm & Creamery in Easton. We'll talk about her farm operation, why dairy farmers are being especially hard-hit these days, and her take on committed Connecticut subsidies aimed at keeping dairy farms like hers alive and sustainable.Then, we'll be bringing you the second part of our 2026 International Festival of Arts & Ideas preview. Activities have been happening across New Haven's neighborhoods throughout May - now it's time to learn more about the 'main event' launching in early June in and around downtown. We'll tell you how to get in on all the music, talks, recitals, dance, exhibits, and interactive fun - which is mostly all free!Finally, we'll connect for Part 2 of our conversation with the person heading up Connecticut's Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) through the Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging. She'll explain how scammers can cleverly begin taking advantage of you, and how occasional unintentional and intentional billing mistakes are adding up to billions in losses to the program.

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.