FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Maley Hunt, COO, mhunt@livewell.org, 860.628.9000
Southington, CT — November 24, 2025 — LiveWell, a brain health hub in Southington dedicated to dementia prevention, cognitive wellbeing, and community connection, is proud to announce the successful completion of its fall 2025 Giving Back Through Volunteerism course. LiveWell supports individuals living with cognitive change and dementia in self-directed learning, leadership, and engagement—an approach that centers empowerment, purpose, and contribution. As the season of gratitude approached, the students’ work embodied the spirit of Thanksgiving—uplifting neighbors, fostering connection, and giving back in meaningful ways.
From September through December, students enrolled in the course demonstrated remarkable creativity and commitment as they designed and led volunteer initiatives aimed at supporting neighbors and addressing real community needs. Unlike traditional classes, this program does not follow a fixed curriculum; instead, each project is co-created and self-directed by the students themselves. The semester’s efforts included:
Combatting Loneliness
Students wrote monthly letters to individuals experiencing loneliness, partnering with Love For Our Elders to help lift spirits and spread compassion.
Addressing Food Insecurity
Through the World Health Education Service and educational tools at worldhunger.
Expressions of Gratitude
Students wrote letters of gratitude to people in their lives—within LiveWell and beyond—strengthening relationships and celebrating meaningful connections.
Encouragement for Youth Athletes
At the request of Co-facilitator and softball coach Betsy Mintz, the group wrote notes of encouragement to young players on a local softball team who had been feeling discouraged.
Kindness Rocks
Participants painted “kindness rocks” with uplifting messages to keep, gift, or leave around the LiveWell campus for others to discover.
Partnerships with Local Nonprofits
Students identified organizations they wished to learn more about and began building relationships. This fall, the group welcomed Janet Mellon of Southington Community Services to share insights and explore collaboration opportunities.
Inaugural Halloween Boo-Bash
The group planned and executed LiveWell’s first-ever Boo-Bash, where nearly 30 children enjoyed pumpkin painting, a costume parade, and trick-or-treating across campus. Students crafted thank-you notes and a post-event review to improve next year’s event.
Veterans’ Day Celebration
In partnership with the Engagement Staff, students co-created LiveWell’s Veterans’ Day Celebration, honoring veterans and their families with certificates of appreciation and red, white, and blue desserts.
Day of Giving
To make volunteerism accessible to all, the group hosted a Day of Giving during Thanksgiving week. Participants wrote letters to isolated individuals, played trivia that generated rice donations for people facing hunger, and assembled toiletry “necessity kits” for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Upcoming Hot Cocoa Fundraiser – December 18
The semester concludes with a Hot Cocoa Fundraiser on December 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All proceeds will fund bicycle helmets for individuals who may not otherwise be able to afford them. The initiative also raises awareness about the importance of helmet use in preventing brain injury—a known risk factor for dementia.
“This course is a powerful example of what happens when people living with cognitive change are supported to lead, collaborate, and contribute,” said the Erica Defancessco, and Betzy Mintz, the program’s facilitators. “Their impact strengthens the community and inspires all of us.”
LiveWell looks ahead to growing the Giving Back Through Volunteerism program in the spring Semester to Thrive, starting January 2026, continuing its mission to advance brain health, nurture wellbeing, and foster a more connected and compassionate community.
About LiveWell
LiveWell is a nonprofit brain health hub focused on dementia prevention, brain health promotion, cognitive wellbeing, and community connection. Through innovative programs, supportive services, and collaborative learning environments, LiveWell empowers individuals living with cognitive change and dementia to lead lives of meaning, purpose, and belonging.
