Community Connections

Men's Mental Health Month is a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you or someone you know is struggling, reaching out for support can make a significant difference.

At Community Connections, we are proud to recognize team members who go above and beyond in supporting the families we serve. This month, we’re honored to spotlight Mindy Trozelle, a Developmental Specialist whose dedication, compassion, and energy make a lasting impact every day. Those who work with Mindy often notice her genuine passion and positivity. She brings patience, creativity, and a heartfelt commitment to every interaction qualities that reflect not just her professionalism, but her care for the people she serves. We are incredibly grateful to have Mindy on our team and proud to celebrate her as one of our Stellar Staff. Her impact is felt not only in the progress of the children she supports, but in the strength of the community she helps build.

Starting June 8, any school-age kid can get a free, healthy lunch at one of our partner spots around town. No cost and no sign-up. Just walk in and ask for Sunny's lunch.
It runs all summer long, through August 31. You'll find Sunny's Lunches available at Local Grounds (downtown and out at Knudson Cove), plus WF Maddens on Tongass.
Summer break is a long stretch when lunch isn't a sure thing. A good meal and a friendly face can make the whole day lighter for a kid.
Want to help keep these lunches coming all season? You can pitch in at sealevelketchikan.org/sunny. Every gift puts another lunch in the hands of a local kid.

The Community Connections Early Learning Program (ELP) shares the message that empathy begins in the earliest moments of life. Even before words, infants experience connection through touch, voice, and presence. Empathy grows through these early connections, shaping how children understand themselves and others throughout their lives. Knowing about healthy stress responses can benefit you and your baby in many ways. Learn more about infant responses with our Early Learning Program at https://comconnections.org/services/early-learning-program/

https://comconnections.org/careers/ find more info here on our Careers Page.

On this Memorial Day, we pause in gratitude and reverence for the brave men and women who answered the call and never came home.

They left behind families, dreams, and futures so that we could wake up in a country where freedom isn’t just a word it’s a promise kept by their sacrifice. From the beaches of Normandy to the mountains of Afghanistan, from quiet graves in small-town cemeteries to the rolling fields of Arlington, their courage echoes through every sunrise we’re blessed to see.

Today isn’t about sales or cookouts. It’s about remembering the ones who gave everything so we could gather around those grills, camp without worry, and laugh with the people we love. It’s about teaching our children that freedom has a face, a name, and a cost.

To every Gold Star family carrying an empty chair at the table today: we see you, we honor you, and we stand with you. Your loved one’s light still shines in the liberty we cherish.

May we live lives worthy of their sacrifice. May we never take a single day of peace for granted. And may God forever hold close those who gave their last breath for ours.

With a full heart and humbled spirit,
Thank you.
We will never forget.

Finding a home that meets the needs of the children in your care isn’t always easy, especially for those opening their hearts to multiple kids through foster care.
This opportunity is about more than housing… it’s about creating safe, supportive spaces where kids can grow, feel secure, and truly belong.
Community Connections is working to help foster parents find housing solutions that make it possible to keep saying “yes” to the kids who need it most.
If this speaks to you or someone you know reach out and learn more. Sometimes the right support can make all the difference.

Join our Connecting to Self & Baby class at Community Connections. This is a gentle, meaningful experience focused on co‑regulation, connection, and care for both parents and their little ones. Learn simple yoga-based techniques to support bonding and calm.
Bonus: Receive a FREE yoga mat when you sign up!

WHO:
• New parents/caregivers with babies (0–6 months)
• Expecting mothers & their partner
WHERE: Inside Passage Wellness
60 Don Finney Lane, Suite 201
(across from the airport parking lot)
WHEN: May 27, 2026 9:30 AM
DETAILS:
• Limited to 12 adults — RSVP required
• Call Community Connections Early Learning Program at 907-225-7825
(Mikki Brown or Jan Jorgensen)
FREE to attend
A special thank you to Charley Murry-Young for providing the space!

Need CPR certification for a summer job or renewal?
Community Connections is offering CPR Practical Skills Sessions to help you complete required checkoffs or keep your certification current.

Upcoming sessions:
• May 15 @ 1 PM
• May 28 @ 9 AM
• June 5 @ 1 PM
• June 23 @ 9 AM

Great for:
Summer hires
Job-required CPR checkoffs
Certification renewals

$85 per participant
Contact Dawn Luna to register: 907-225-7825