For All Ages

06/06/2026

This morning, our Team FAA water table at the HMF Events (Hartford Marathon Foundation) UConn Health Half Marathon was powered by a phenomenal group of volunteers of all ages. 💙

When 2,200 runners come charging toward you, watching experienced runners and generous volunteers work together to hand out water feels like a symphony in motion.

There are so many small, joyful moments:

When your running coach is the one handing you water—you do a double take and go in for the high five with the biggest smile ever.

When your running crew is serving you water—you stop mid-race for a quick selfie (because, why not?).

Sometimes you even beg for water to be thrown in your face (man in turquoise shirt and black shorts - we see you, funny guy)!

And when the littles reach out their hands—runners meet them with high fives and big smiles.

This is what community looks like. We're honored to be a part of it.🏃‍♀️

06/05/2026

Happy Friday! ☀️

On this beautiful afternoon, we’re throwing it back to three weeks ago at our Buddies & Bobbers fishing derby 🎣

A day filled with laughter, new friendships, and moments that remind us what really matters. Older and younger folks coming together. Sharing stories. Casting lines. Simply enjoying time side by side.

This is what connection looks like - and we’re proud to help create these magical moments. 💙

06/03/2026

No golf skills required ~ simply a belief that connection matters. 💙

Through Birdies for Charity, every gift to For All Ages goes even further — thanks to a 15% match from Webster Bank and Aetna.

No fees. No gimmicks. Just a simple way to make a bigger difference.

Give today and be part of building a more connected, compassionate community.

Learn more and donate at https://app.partnerhq.com/public/e/2026-travelers-championship-birdies-for-charity/f/nonprofits/97

Travelers Championship

06/02/2026

We’re immensely grateful to The Petit Family Foundation for making connection possible for older adults living with chronic health conditions through our Tea @ 3 intergenerational friendship community. 💙

Nearly 85% of older adults live with at least one chronic condition. For many, that means more time at home and fewer chances for real human connection.

Tea @ 3 meets that need in a simple but powerful way. Each older adult is paired with a young adult college student for a weekly phone call over 12 weeks—steady, familiar conversations that build real connection over time.

Since 2020, Tea @ 3 has connected nearly 1,000 older adults and students, creating moments of connection that support mental, physical, and social health.

Thank you to the Petit Family Foundation for supporting this important work.

05/29/2026

Congratulations to Conversation & Camaraderie for providing positive social connection to men in the Farmington Valley!

We’re celebrating a new CT Connection Champion: Conversation and Camaraderie (“C & C”) based in Avon! 💛

Conversation and Camaraderie creates space for men to build meaningful relationships through open, thoughtful dialogue. By bringing men together in a welcoming, supportive environment, C & C helps address the challenges of isolation, loneliness, and sense of purpose that many experience across different stages of life.

Through regular gatherings at the Avon Public Library and nearby libraries that combine connection time with facilitated conversations, participants explore topics shaped by their lived experiences - past and present. At the heart of C & C is the power of listening as much as sharing, fostering mutual understanding, respect, and authentic connection.

By creating a safe and comfortable space where perspectives are acknowledged and valued, Conversation and Camaraderie nurtures lasting friendships, a strong sense of community, and deeper social connection. Their work highlights how meaningful conversation can strengthen well-being and belonging.

👏 Thank you to Conversation and Camaraderie for championing social connection and creating space for men to connect and thrive.

Learn more about the CT Connection Champions program and nominate an organization fostering social connection at endlonelinessct.org/connection-champions.

05/28/2026

Mental Health Awareness Month is coming to a close, and yesterday we were honored to spend time with Prudential employees across the country talking about the Power of Social Connection and its role in mental and social health.

Thank you to Prudential's Generations and ADAPT Business Resiliency Groups for bringing us together.

Connection isn’t missing because people don’t care; rather, it’s often what gets squeezed out as life and work speed up. Yet, it’s one of the most important ways we support our well-being - it helps us manage stress, build resilience, and feel a sense of belonging in our day-to-day lives.

We explored simple, practical ways to strengthen connection. Things that don’t require more time, but simply a bit more intention.

It might look like noticing a moment of joy you would normally rush past. Or taking a minute to share something personal and find common ground with someone else.

Sometimes it’s choosing curiosity instead of making an assumption, or reaching out when it feels slightly outside your comfort zone. Other times it’s a small act of kindness or a brief interaction that reminds you that you are not alone.

None of these are big gestures. And that’s the point. It’s the small, consistent actions. Checking in. Really listening. Offering encouragement. Those are the moments that shape how we feel at work and with each other.

We are grateful to Prudential team members for showing up with such openness and engagement, and for the commitment to creating a culture where people feel seen, supported, and connected.

As we move beyond May, this feels worth holding onto. Connection does not require more time. It requires more intention.

What is one small way you will create more connection this week? 💙

05/27/2026

We're back with more magical moments from the 2026 Buddies & Bobbers fishing derby, courtesy of John Straub, Mark Tegtmeier, and Kevin Hulse. Enjoy!

05/26/2026

Community Connector Tony Bacigalupo is actively weaving community in Norwalk. Read what he - and 60 other community members - have been up to in his newest blog post.

From handing out flyers alone at the SoNo Saturday Market… to working alongside 60+ community members on a citywide task force.

In his latest blog, Community Connector Tony Bacigalupo shares how saying yes to one opportunity changed everything. What started as a solo effort became real momentum - thanks to shared goals, structure, and the accountability of working with others.

💡 Key takeaway: it’s hard to build momentum alone. When you join forces with others who care, your capacity to create change multiplies.

This is what happens when individual effort turns into collective action.

🔗 Read Tony's blog post: https://endlonelinessct.org/f/from-handing-out-flyers-to-a-60-person-task-force

05/25/2026

Today, we remember. 🌺

With gratitude for those who gave everything, and with intention to live in a way that honors that sacrifice ~

through kindness, connection, and care for one another.

05/24/2026

Here's something we need to talk more about - the power of talking.

Researchers have found that from 2005-2019, our daily speaking decreased by nearly 30%. That dramatic decrease may be contributing to increases in loneliness and cognitive decline.

As Co-Chair of the CT Collaborative to End Loneliness Healthcare Provider workgroup, Fred Schott is always on the hunt for interesting articles on social connection and loneliness. Thanks, Fred!

👉 Read more: https://www.umkc.edu/news/posts/2026/march/are-we-talking-less-than-we-used-to.html

Are you a CT resident interested in contributing to advancing social health?

🔗 Reach out to Deb at [email protected] to talk about joining the CT Collaborative to End Loneliness Healthcare Provider workgroup today.

New research suggests our daily conversations are shrinking, with people speaking 300 less words each day