Human beings are biologically wired for connection. Over many years, our brains have adapted to expect being close to others. Lacking connection hurts our health and wellbeing because it is as essential to survival as oxygen, food, water, and shelter. When we get lonely, it’s a sign that we could use some meaningful connection—with ourselves or others, enriching activities, greater purpose, and a safe community.
It’s up to each of us to take a step towards connection.
This can start with building strong and meaningful relationships, so no one feels alone. Look for opportunities to connect with your neighbors and get to know each other in fun, relaxing, and positive ways. Say hi to the person you see on your morning walk or call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Step out of your comfort zone and explore all of the activities and experiences our community has to offer!
Connection Guides
Check out these Connection Guides for ways to inspire connection in your life and our community at-large.
Young People
Community Resources
- Basics for Supporting Friends from Mental Health America: Explore resources to help support your friends and feel empowered.
- Belonging Begins with Us: Read stories of understanding, community, and belonging from people across America.
- Only 7 Seconds: Find ideas on how to reach out and start a conversation with those around you. It only takes 7 seconds to change someone’s day.
- 5-for-5 Connection Challenge: This challenge from the Surgeon General can help to build and strengthen your own relationships.
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Weld County: Find your voice and accomplish your goals at the Teen Center in Greeley.
- Boy Scouts Of America: Learn leadership, communication and outdoor skills by joining a scouts groups.
- IMatterColorado: Connect with a therapist for up to 6 free virtual counseling sessions (some in-person appointments available, too) that are completely confidential. Talking with someone can make you feel better.
- North Range Behavioral Health: Learn how to take care of your mental health through talking with a professional.
- OutdoorRX: Get outside. Being in nature helps calm us and parks are a great place to meet up with our friends! OutdoorRx has a full list of all parks and recreational facilities located in Weld County.
- Soccer Without Borders Greeley: Join a local soccer team to make friends and get active!
- Idealist: Get matched to volunteer with an organization that relates to your passions and helps build connection to yourself and the greater good.
- Weld County Youth Conservation Corp: Participate in meaningful community and conservation (land, water, energy) service projects throughout Weld County.
Aging Adults
Community Resources
- Administration for Community Living Commit to Connect webpage: Offers activities, ideas and resources on how to connect.
- Area Agency on Aging: Offers resources for older adults (60+) and their family caregivers.
- Big & Mini Program: Connects older adults with people generally 18 to 25 years old. Matches are made using an algorithm that considers each person’s interests, background, and availability. Participants connect through video calls.
- Community Grief Center: Provides support for those grieving a loved one, with services for children, teens, and adults.
- CSU Extension classes: Learn cooking skills and facts about nutrition through in-person or virtual classes.
- Dementia Together: Helps people impacted by dementia to live well through connections, programs, coaching, and support groups.
- FarFromAlone.com: Find resources, tips, and community support tailored to enhance the lives of older adults.
- Friendly Fork: Offers a nutritious lunch with social and education opportunities.
- Reservations may be made by calling the Friendly Fork voicemail at 970-400-6955 or emailing friendlyfork@weld.gov.
- High Plains/Clearview Library Districts: Check out local events and activities, such as book or hobby clubs. This is a great way to kickstart a new interest or reinvest in an old one.
- High Plains: 1-888-861-7323
- Clearview: 970-686-5603
- SAGE National LGBT Elder Hotline: If you are an LGBT elder or care for one, call 877-360-LGBT(5428) to connect to a LGBT responder who is certified, friendly, and ready to listen and offer support. The hotline is free and available 24/7.
- Senior Peer Counseling: Senior Peer Counselors are 55 years old or older, schedule visits in the privacy of your home or assisted living facility, and offer support at no-cost.
- UCHealth Aspen Club: Join this community of support groups, classes, and events to meet new people, learn new things, and get active.
- Weld Aging Well Program: Provides innovative workshops and classes that support the health and independence of older adults and their caregivers by giving them tools to better manage their health.
- Service Clubs: Service clubs give volunteers the opportunity to help and serve others, form connections with other community leaders, and establish local connections.
- Greeley Kiwanis Club: 970.330.8902
- Greeley Lions Club: 970-351-0169
- Greeley Rotary Club
- 5-for-5 Connection Challenge: This challenge from the Surgeon General can help to build and strengthen your own relationships and inspire others to incorporate connection as a daily part of their lives.
Caregivers
- AARP’s Caregiving Resources: Provides informational guides on specialized care, coping with the responsibility of caregiving, and how to support caregivers.
- AARP’s Online Caregiving Community Forum: Inspire others and make a difference.
- AARP’s Friendly Voice program: Talk to a friendly voice by dialing 1-888-281-0145 and leave your information to request a call from a trained volunteer.
- Administration for Community Living Commit to Connect webpage: Offers even more connection ideas and resources.
- Adult Children of Aging Parents: Provides information, referrals and support to ensure quality care of the nation’s growing elderly population.
- ALZConnected’s Discussion Boards for Caregivers: Connect with other caregivers and share answers, opinions, ideas and support.
- Colorado Caregiver Support Group: Find a mutually supportive caregiving community.
- Dementia Together: Helps people impacted by dementia to live well through connections, programs, coaching, and support groups.
- Family Caregiver Alliance: Explore webinars, self-help articles, and expert advice on topics such as Caregiving 101 to specialty areas like LGBTQ+ Caregivers or caring for veterans.
- National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC): Works to improve the lives of families, caregivers and care recipients by bringing the importance of caregiving to the forefront of public awareness. Browse various guidebooks intended to improve the caregiving experience.
- Red Cross Caregiver Peer Support Groups, Chats, and Workshops: Hosts events, activities, conferences, retreats, camps, training and webinars of, by and for military and veteran caregivers. Caregivers from all eras are welcome to attend.
- SAGE National LGBT Elder Hotline: If you are an LGBT elder or care for one, call 877-360-LGBT(5428) to connect to a LGBT responder who is certified, friendly, and ready to listen and offer support. The hotline is free and available 24/7 in English and Spanish, with translation in 180 languages.
- Weld County’s Area Agency on Aging: Offers resources for older adults (60+) and their family caregivers.