Celebrating MLK, Understanding SNAP Changes, and the AARP Community Grant Challenge

January 23, 2026

This past week we celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It is a moment for our community to come together in reflection, gratitude, and hope. As we honor Dr. King’s life and legacy, we celebrate his vision of love, service, and unity, and recommit ourselves to caring for one another and building a more just and compassionate world.

LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS

The state is reminding those with SNAP benefits that new, federal legislation has changed eligibility standards. The Connecticut Department of Social Services asks that SNAP recipients answer a few questions to find out if they're affected.

Click here to take the evaluation.

STATE AND LOCAL RESOURCES

A program called Connecticut History Day is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to serve as judges at one of its five Regional Contests. Judges play a crucial role in encouraging students as they share their historical research and creative work. Click here to learn more and sign up to judge at a regional contest.

Judges have the opportunity to meet students, evaluate and rank projects, and provide meaningful, constructive feedback to every participant. No prior judging experience is necessary, judges receive pre-contest training and clear materials to review in advance.

Contest day judging runs from 8:00 a.m. until the early afternoon with coffee, snacks, and lunch provided. Website and paper judges meet with students on contest day, but they review projects in the week prior to the event. Documentary, performance, and exhibit judges both view the project and meet with the students at the contest.
 

AARP Connecticut invites eligible nonprofits and government entities to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge. The program funds quick-action projects that improve community livability, especially for people age 50 and older through enhancements to public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, and more.

The organization will award more than $8 million will be awarded nationwide. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3), (4), and (6) nonprofits and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Grant options include:

  • Flagship Grants: Support projects in public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and disaster resilience. Awards range from a few hundred dollars to up to $15,000.

  • Capacity-Building Microgrants: Support for projects focused on walkability and bikeability, accessible home modifications, and disaster preparedness. Awards of $2,500.

  • Demonstration Grants: Fund replicable projects, with a 2026 focus on pedestrian safety, broadband access and adoption, and housing choice design competitions. Awards typically range from $10,000 to $25,000.

Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on March 4. Click here to learn more and apply. 

January is Radon Action Month! Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that you can’t see, smell, or taste. Over time, it can build up in your home and increase the risk of serious health problems, including lung cancer.

Click here to learn more about radon, how it can affect your health, and how you can take action.