CT Collaborative to End Loneliness

03/25/2026

What happens when you stop organizing… and start igniting?

Our Community Connector Tony Bacigalupo's new blog post is up! In it, he shares a moment in Norwalk where something unexpected took off organically - without him running it.

It started with a simple gathering.
It turned into something else entirely.

A small shift. A big ripple.

👉 Read more: https://endlonelinessct.org/f/building-community-connections-in-norwalk-ct

03/23/2026

How do we measure something as complex - and essential - as social connection?

Fred Schott, Co-Chair of our Healthcare Professionals Workgroup, is in Washington, D.C. representing CCEL at a national convening hosted by the Foundation for Social Connection - F4SC.

Supported by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, this effort is bringing together researchers, clinicians, community leaders, and people with lived experience to tackle a key challenge: how we measure the multi-dimensional experiences of loneliness, isolation, and social connection in ways that are meaningful, consistent, and centered on people.

While awareness of loneliness continues to grow nationwide, there is still no widely accepted approach to measuring social connection across populations and settings. Building alignment is a critical step toward advancing research and identifying solutions that can improve health and well-being.

We’re grateful to have Fred contributing to these important national conversations and helping ensure Connecticut is part of this growing movement.

📸 Fred with Julianne Holt-Lunstad, Professor of Psychology & Neuroscience and Scientific Chair for the Foundation for Social Connection.

03/11/2026

Friendship is more than companionship - it’s a powerful driver of health and wellbeing.

Research shows that people with strong friendships recover more quickly from illness, report higher wellbeing, and experience less loneliness throughout life. In fact, the pain of social rejection activates the same neural pathways as physical pain.

Understanding what people value in friendships, whether deep one-on-one connections or shared activities, can help us build the kinds of relationships that protect against loneliness.

🔗 Read more below.

Psychology researchers have focused on the idea that people form friendships with those who are similar, familiar and nearby. But how do individual people pick those who will become their friends?

03/03/2026

Tony Bacigalupo is showing how one person can spark community in Norwalk, CT!

Check out Tony’s newest blog post to learn how he's engaging neighbors, sharing ownership, and setting an example for building connections locally.



https://endlonelinessct.org/f/engaging-neighbors-to-build-a-community-directory

02/06/2026

🚗💬 Transportation shouldn’t be a barrier to connection.

We know that getting from place to place can be one of the biggest challenges to staying engaged and involved in the community.

That’s why we’re happy to share Amplify, Inc.’s new Way to Go CT website - a growing resource offering transportation options for residents in need of transportation across North Central Connecticut. Whether you’re looking for rides, public transit, or specialized services, this tool may help you get where you need to go.

🌐 See first comment below to explore your options.

Let’s make connection easier for everyone. 💙

01/27/2026

Today’s connection goal: ask someone how they’re REALLY doing today. Engage with someone and learn about how their day or week has been going.
https://enfieldtogether.org/connect/

01/20/2026

We’re celebrating another CT Connection Champion: Friendship Community at Valley Community Baptist Church! 💛

Friendship Community provides a free, weekly gathering for adults living with disabilities and their caregivers, creating a space where connection and community thrive. Each week, participants enjoy fun activities like karaoke, game nights, holiday parties, and more - experiences that celebrate people of all abilities.

By fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment, Friendship Community helps adults with disabilities and their caregivers build friendships, feel supported, and experience belonging.

👏 Thank you to Friendship Community for championing social connection and creating a community where everyone belongs.

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

01/08/2026

What does it look like to intentionally build community in a place you’ve only recently begun to call home?

We’re excited to introduce you to Tony Bacigalupo, our first Community Connector, who shares his honest, thoughtful journey of fostering connection and community in Norwalk in a new blog series.

Tony's first post is live! See the first comment to read along - and stay tuned for future posts.

01/06/2026

We’re starting off the year by recognizing another CT Connection Champion: the State of CT Dept. of Aging and Disability Services. 💛

Aging Disability CT champions meaningful connection for older adults and individuals with disabilities across Connecticut, helping people stay engaged, supported, and socially connected.

Through a person-centered approach that honors individual strengths and needs, the agency weaves connection into how services are designed and delivered. Initiatives like Bridging the Digital Divide help more people stay connected through technology and training.

👏 Thank you to CT Aging & Disability Services for your commitment to social health.

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

12/09/2025

We are delighted to recognize COMEGA - Connecticut Men's Gathering as a CT Connection Champion!

For more than 30 years, COMEGA has been building an intergenerational, diverse community of men dedicated to developing healthier masculinity. Twice a year, over 100 men come together at Camp Hazen YMCA for a powerful weekend of workshops, peer support, experiential learning, and shared connection.

But the heart of COMEGA’s impact happens between gatherings. Through in-person bi-weekly small groups, virtual men’s groups, monthly meetings, and weekly “Wing Man” partnerships, they create year-round opportunities for men to connect, support one another, and strengthen their social health. With a commitment to inclusivity, generous financial aid, and expanding diversity that reflects Connecticut, COMEGA continues to foster belonging and reduce loneliness across our state.

👏 Congratulations to COMEGA for championing connection and healthier communities for men!

Learn more about COMEGA at comega.org.

Visit endlonelinessct.org/connection-champions to learn more about this recognition program or nominate a group fostering social health in Connecticut.

12/03/2025

🎉 Announcing the Newest CT Connection Champion! 🎉

We are proud to recognize the Enfield Together Coalition (ETC) for launching Enfield Connects, a new initiative focused on strengthening social connection across Enfield.

Through this town-wide campaign, ETC will:
✨ Share existing opportunities for residents to connect
✨ Host new signature events that bring neighbors together
✨ Promote a culture of belonging and community well-being

To our knowledge, Enfield is the first municipality in Connecticut to take on a community-wide social connection effort - an exciting and inspiring milestone for our state.

👏 Congratulations to the Enfield Together Coalition on this leadership and innovation in social health!

Learn more about ETC at https://enfieldtogether.org/

Visit www.endlonelinessct.org/connection-champions
to learn more and nominate a group creating connection in your community.

11/13/2025

🎉 Celebrating Connection! 🎉

We are proud to name the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute UConn Waterbury as a CT Connection Champion!

For 19 years, OLLI at UConn has been bringing adults 50+ together to learn, share, and connect - offering courses, lectures, and intergenerational experiences that foster curiosity, purpose, and meaningful relationships. Their member-driven programs create opportunities for friendship, growth, and social engagement, helping reduce loneliness in our communities.

👏 Congratulations to OLLI at UConn for inspiring connection and lifelong learning! Learn more about OLLI at UConn at https://olli.uconn.edu/

Visit www.endlonelinessct.org/connection-champions to learn more about this new recognition program and nominate a group fostering social health in CT.