News You Can Use

Ann Baldwin is joined by Dr. Kathy Savino, Chief Program Officer of The Connection. The two women discuss the services the entire community has joined together to offer following the K2 poisonings in New Haven. What services are being offered? What kind of recovery approaches are available to those in need?

In this edition of The Connection, Ann Baldwin is joined by Dr. Kathy Savino, Chief Program Officer of The Connection, filling in this time for Lisa DiMatteis-Lepore. The two talk with Anthony Campbell, New Haven Chief of Police. Discussing the recent drug and overdose events that occurred in New Haven. How is the city pulling together to offer resources to the community for positive change?

Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore are joined by Deborah DeJarnette, Program Director at the Connection's New Haven-based Supportive Housing Programs. The organization works with clients with mental illness and substance abuse issues to supervise their housing and case management needs. How many individuals are provided with services? What type of services are offered? What is the process for i...

In this edition, Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore discuss the current problems with the criminal justice and mental health systems that exist in Connecticut. How does the Connection offer unique programs for individuals in the state to enhance community safety? Dr. Bandy Lee, from the Yale School of Medicine and Law Psychiatry Division, joins Ann and Lisa to offer her...

Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore are joined by Colette Anderson, Executive Director at the Connecticut Women's Consortium. They discuss resources/groups offered by the Connecticut Women's Consortium ranging in topics from trauma, gender and staff care and why it is important for everyone to be aware of them.

Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore sit down with Kim Selvaggi, the Executive Director of Living In Safe Alternatives, Inc, also known as LISA Inc. Kim shares her experience working for the company and explains what their objective is. To help adolescent girls with significant emotional needs and substance use issues find safe, stable living spaces.

In this segment, Ann Baldwin is joined by Beth Connor, Chief Strategy Officer of the Connection who is filling in for Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore. The two speak with Ray Bovich, a member of the CFA Society Hartford. They discuss the CFA Society's Corporate 5K on August 2nd and how the money raised benefits programs at the Connection.

In this segment, Ann Baldwin asks Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore about her road to becoming CEO of The Connection and her experience in the role thus far. Ann also reflects on the last summer's hurricane season, which impacted her daughter in Texas. Ann and Lisa also talk about a coat drive The Connection is planning in the fall.

In this program, Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore chat with each other about some of the challenges and successes in their lives and reflect on some of the past guests they've had on the show. They also talk about The Connection's May Foster Care Awareness Month Campaign and the interest they have received from folks to become foster parents.

Ann Baldwin sits down with Robin McHaelen, Executive Director of True Colors, and John Lawlor, Director of Homeless Youth Services at The Connection. The three discuss LGBTQ issues and trends with homeless youth in CT. Robin also sheds some light on other LGBTQ challenges in the workplace.

In this program, Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore are joined by Charles Barber, The Connection's Director of the Institute for Innovative Practice. Charles sheds a light on the deeper roots and causes of homelessness and how some homeless people can begin to feel more comfortable and used to living on the street than in a house. He explains why this is and what we as a society can do to addre...

In this segment, Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore are joined by Jessica Smith, The Connection's Deputy Chief of Clinical Development and Operations. Jessica is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and sheds a light on the importance of mental health treatment and holding mental illness to the same standard as one would hold an illness like cancer or diabetes. Jessica also discusses the tr...

Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore talk with Michelle Riordan-Nold, the Executive Director of the CT Data Collaborative. Michelle defines what big data is and some examples of its uses in our daily lives and work. Also, she addresses some concerns many people have regarding security, privacy and discrimination.

In this show, Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore talk with Ryan Miller, the Director of Alumni Services at Futures of Palm Beach. Futures is a rehabilitation facility in Florida that helps recovering addicts from all kinds of backgrounds. Ann and Lisa talk with Ryan about some of the treatment Futures offers and the positive impact attending rehab outside of the state can have on a person in re...

As Foster Care Awareness Month draws to a close, Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore are joined by Patty Nicolari, a foster parent through The Connection. Patty talks about how she got involved in being a foster parent and how The Connection helped her every step of the way. She also shares some of the rewarding experiences she has had from being a foster parent.

In this program, Ann Baldwin sits down with Jessica Antunes, a clinical supervisor at Community Mental Health Affiliates, and Shirley, a woman in recovery. Shirley discusses her experiences with addiction and trauma and how she was able to turn her life around with the help of services offered at CMHA. Also, Jessica talks about the Run for Recovery on June 23rd at New Britain Stadium, a fundraiser...

In this edition, Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore talk to Abby Slenn, a foster parent through The Connection's Connecting Children and Families program. May is Foster Care Awareness Month, so Abby shares her experiences as a foster parent and the rewarding impact it has made on her life.

In this program, Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore speak with Ann Faust, the Executive Director at Coalition on Housing and Homelessness. Ann Faust talks about homelessness in Connecticut and certain programs in place that help the homeless get back on their feet. She also urges CT residents to research and keep an open mind about Affordable Housing developments being created throughout the st...

Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore talk with Debra Borzellino, the Director of Family Support Services at the Connection. Debra explains the need for foster families in Connecticut, as there is anywhere from 100 to 150 foster children waiting to be placed at any given time. They also ask their listeners to please consider becoming a foster parent and the great rewards that come with it.

In this segment, Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore talk with Dan Drew, Mayor of Middletown. They discuss the developments Middletown has experienced over the years and the work Dan Drew has done to improve Middletown, as well as his plans for the future

In this program, Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore speak with Gail Eureka, a program director for the Roger Sherman halfway house. The Roger Sherman house is located in New Haven, CT and helps prepare men to successfully re-enter society. Gail talks about, from her own experience, why this type of support is so crucial and the positive impact it has on these men's lives.

On this program, hosts Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore speak with Mindy Richardson, a past client of The Connection Inc. and one of the organization's success stories. They discuss Mindy's extraordinary story and the role The Connection Inc played in her road to recovery.

On this program, hosts Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore continue their conversation with Tiffany McCarthy, the Director of Family Support at the Family and Children Agency. They discuss the incredible impact a foster family can have on a child's life and the ways the Children's Agency serve as a support system for foster care families.

On this program, hosts Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore speak with Tiffany McCarthy, the Director of Family Support at the Family and Children Agency. They discuss the important work the organization does within the local community and the integral role stable housing plays in the recovery process.

Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore speak with Bob McAdams, an Intervention Specialist at The Connection. They discuss his work with community justice clients to get them ready for re-entry into the work force.