Today we continue our deeper dive showcasing how local agencies and human service programs are maintaining, surviving, and continuing to serve in a COVID-19 world.

First, we'll reach out to anyone who is feeling anxious, angry, sad, scared or alone during the current pandemic - to bring you an information packed and hopefully stress reducing conversation with the Executive Director of NAMI Connecticut.

Then we'll learn about a Connecticut company owner who created a not-for-profit program - masksforcitizens.com - to get masks to regular folks who need them while reducing the need to divert PPE away from medical workers and responders. 

And we'll close with the Connecticut Council on Environmental Quality. We'll hit a few high points of the CEQ's annual report to the Governor - aimed at keeping environmental preservation and protection efforts in focus even while he's dealing with the COVID-19 emergency.

As we approach the launch of CT Paid Leave program, which will offer Connecticut workers the opportunity to take time to attend to personal and family health needs without worrying about lost income, we'll check in with the CEO of the CT Paid Leave Authority to help employers and employees better understand the program. 

Next, have you heard about U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal's new legislation to promote advance care planning and end-of-life care? To help frame that new national effort, we'll bring in the CEO of Compassion & Choices, the nation’s largest and oldest end-of-life care advocacy organization to discuss how the proposed bill will help empower everyone to chart their end-of-life journey.

And we'll touch base with a CEO overseeing 32 Planet Fitness locations across Connecticut.  As the state continues to navigate the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, his industry is facing ongoing threats of shutdowns or stronger restrictions So we'll hear about why this may be such an ultimately unhealthy move.

It's been awhile since we touched base with the Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition, and the recent release of the agency's State of the Child 2020 Report is a perfect reason to reconnect and discuss this important online publication.

Then, as we do each June - we'll celebrate pride month promoting resources for the region's LGBTQ community - this year welcoming the director of the Triangle Community Center which serves more than 5,000 LGBTQ community members in greater Fairfield County and beyond.

And finally, we'll connect with the Arts Alliance of Stratford hosting Make Music Stratford at the Shakespeare Theater Park on June 21, and planning a number of interactive events in the coming months to promote and grow the arts - hopefully with our listeners' support!