Grant Helps Southington Nonprofit Improve Seniors' Lives

UR Community Cares

SOUTHINGTON, CT – A local organization dedicated to improving the lives of seniors and people with disabilities has received a grant courtesy of one area benevolence foundation.

The Bradley Henry Barnes & Leila Upson Barnes Memorial Trust at the Bristol-based Main Street Community Foundation awarded a $5,000 grant to UR Community Cares in Southington, according to an announcement Tuesday.

The organization's aim is to connect volunteers to older adults and people with disabilities in Southington.

It provides community-based volunteer support to Southington residents aged 70 and older and/or those 18 and older who have temporary or permanent disabilities.

“Those in need of help can sign up on our website, www.urcommunitycares.org or call 860-430-4557 and we are looking for a Hometown Hero, a Southington volunteer who wants to make a positive impact in Southington," said Michelle Puzzo, executive director of UR Community Cares.

"As neighbors are aging and often have less family around, we all need to be better connected.”

The funding will help cover the costs of background checks, insurance, technology, marketing and administration for enrollments.

UR Community Cares is looking to connect Southington residents who need assistance to stay independent at home, with local volunteers who want to provide the support.

Besides needing companionship, older and disabled residents often require at-home services, such as grocery pickup/delivery and yard work.

"By having a streamlined source of free support for household tasks, yard work, companionship and local transportation, older and disabled adults can keep living safely in their homes, have another means of getting to and from medical appointments, prevent their residence from falling into disrepair and, most importantly, create vital social bonds that will stave off isolation and loneliness.” said Puzzo.

As a physical therapist, Puzzo recognized the challenges faced by older adults and those with temporary or permanent disabilities and UR Community Cares was founded in February 2019.

The Main Street Community Foundation is dedicated to "enhancing the quality of life for both present and future generations in the communities served by encouraging and promoting gift planning, prudent stewardship of assets, effective grant making and community leadership."

It serves the communities of Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington and Wolcott.

For more information on UR Community Cares, click on this link.

For more information on the Main Street Community Foundation, click on this link.