Root Center for Advocacy

Root Center for Advocacy

Author: The River 105.9 (WHCN-FM) August 21, 2026 Duration: 9:39
We spoke with Margaux Hyde, Chief Communications Officer for the Root Center for Advanced Recovery, about their work and upcoming events. The Root Center, founded in 1871, offers mental health and addiction services across Connecticut with 14 sites.

Ever feel like you're missing out on the best local happenings right in your own backyard? Community Access is your weekly guide to the vibrant pulse of Connecticut, moving beyond generic event listings to bring you the stories and details that make each gathering worth your time. We dig into what's unfolding across the state, from hidden-gem art exhibits in New Haven and family-friendly festivals in Fairfield County to insightful author talks at local libraries and seasonal farmers' markets you'll want to circle on your calendar. Each episode feels like a conversation with a well-informed friend who has done the legwork, offering not just dates and places, but a genuine sense of what you'll experience when you walk through the door. This podcast is built for curious neighbors looking to connect, whether you're planning your weekend or simply seeking a deeper engagement with the community around you. Tune in to discover those can't-miss events and perhaps find a new favorite spot, all through the accessible, friendly lens of Community Access.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Community Access
Podcast Episodes
Northeast Opportunities for Wellness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:38
We spoke with Emily about Northeast Opportunities for Wellness (NOW). NOW, a nonprofit since 2011, provides free sports opportunities and scholarships for youth in the Northeast 395 Connector area, serving 10 towns. They…
RJ’s Goals [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:02
We spoke with Dawn Saczynski from RJ's Goals, a foundation created in memory of Dawn's son RJ Giammattei, who passed away at 27. RJ's Goals aims to provide soccer balls to children, having donated to various organization…
Senior Resources Agency on Aging [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:52
We spoke with Alison Dvorak, Senior Resources Agency on Aging about their work supporting older adults and caregivers in Eastern Connecticut. Allison explains their services, including senior nutrition programs, caregive…
Southeast Connecticut Community Center of the Blind [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:55
We spoke with Renee LaBonte from the Southeast Connecticut Community Center of the Blind about their involvement in the Birdies for Charity program, which offers a 15% bonus match for donations. The center aims to build…
Ronald McDonald House [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:40
We spoke with Michelle D'Amore from Ronald McDonald House about their participation in the Birdies for Charity program at the Travelers Championship. Ronald McDonald House provides essential services to keep families tog…
New Horizons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:09
We spoke with Ashley Dunn from New Horizons, a nonprofit serving adults with disabilities in Unionville, Middlebury, and Canton. New Horizons provides barrier-free housing and community support, celebrating 40 years of o…
Girls On The Run [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:46
We spoke with Tara Gill from Girls on the Run Greater Connecticut, an after-school program for girls in third to eighth grade that focuses on self-esteem, teamwork, and the importance of movement, culminating in a 5K run…
Friends of Fenney [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:29
We spoke with Matt Heller from Friends of Feeney, a nonprofit founded by Eric Feeney, a teacher in West Hartford, to support local children and families experiencing tragedy. Since becoming a 501(c)(3) in 2019, they have…
Capitol Squash [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:40
We spoke with Liz Styblo from Capital Squash Inc. at the Travelers Championship for Birdies for Charity. Capital Squash is a non-profit after-school program in Hartford that combines an hour of squash with an hour of aca…
Rebuilding Together Hartford [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:05
We spoke with Dawn Whalen, the executive director of Rebuilding Together Hartford, about their organization's work. Rebuilding Together Hartford focuses on no-cost home repairs for Hartford homeowners with incomes around…