Nonprofit Branching Into Southington Using Grant Money

SOUTHINGTON, CT — A Connecticut nonprofit that matches volunteers with people who need help at home has received a $5,000 grant to bring its services to Southington.

The nonprofit, called UR Community Cares, is designed to help people ages 70+ and/or ages 18+ who have a temporary or permanent physical disability. Its staff links individuals in need with a volunteer who helps them around their home, at no charge.

UR Community Cares recently received funding from the Bradley Henry Barnes & Leila Upson Barnes Memorial Trust, which is run through the Main Street Community Foundation and gives money to 501(c)(3) non-profits that serve the Southington community.

The money will allow the nonprofit to expand into town. Now, it's looking for Southington volunteers.

Volunteers help people in need with transportation, food/groceries and yard work/housework chores — all while improving the recipients' mental health through companionship.

"Southington has a large aging population, and we want to help connect those that need help to neighbors that can help to support them," Michelle Puzzo, the organization's president and co-founder, told Patch. "We are looking for Southington residents that would like to volunteer and those residents in need of help."

Anyone who wants help — or who wants to help — can sign up on the nonprofit's website, where they will be linked with a neighbor.

"By matching local volunteers to provide free help, directly in homes, this allows people to age in place, and ultimately improves their quality of life and ability to live independently," Puzzo said.