by brian | May 28, 2026 | Community, Community Connection
A “third place” is a social environment that sits between the two locations where we spend most of our lives: home (the “first place”) and work or school (the “second place”). In third places people gather informally and voluntarily, without the expectations or rules...
by brian | Feb 12, 2026 | Community Connection
Connection doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need extra time, a big plan, or a major commitment to make a difference in someone’s life—or your own. In fact, research and lived experience show that small, everyday acts of connection are often the most powerful....
by brian | Feb 9, 2026 | Community Connection
When people think about connection, they often imagine close friendships or big social gatherings. While those are important, they aren’t the only—or even the most common—ways we feel connected. Small, everyday interactions play a huge role in our well-being. Brief...
by brian | Jan 28, 2026 | Community Connection
Loneliness doesn’t always look like we expect. Someone may seem busy, social, or “fine” on the outside while feeling isolated on the inside. Understanding the signs of loneliness helps us support ourselves and one another. Common signs of loneliness include: Feeling...
by brian | Jan 15, 2026 | Community Connection
Feeling connected to others isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s essential to our well-being. Research shows that social connection is one of the strongest protective factors for mental health, resilience, and healthy decision-making. When people feel supported and...