Small Steps, Big Community!

Small Steps, Big Community!

Audio Only Episode Welcome to the “hello community®” podcast! Join us as Host Catherine Jura speaks with Tina Fitzgerald of Syracuse, NY. Tina shares how profound loss led her into isolation—and how small, safe steps helped her develop community again. Today, her calendar is filled “from dusk till dawn” with work, service, leadership, and community. Her message is bold and unforgettable: keep trying, because when we stop trying, we stop caring—including caring for ourselves. In this episode, Tina and Catherine explore: · How the loss of Tina’s husband and mom led to isolation. · The role of one established community as her starting point for healing. · How trusted invitations helped Tina take “baby steps” back into the world. · The importance of purpose. · Tina’s powerful reminder: “There’s no such thing as failure…it’s only failure when you stop trying.” Tina reminds us that healing does not require giant leaps; it often begins with one “baby” step toward something that feels safe. By following purpose, honoring her own pace, and letting community love her back to life, Tina found what she calls her “sparkles” again. ________________________________________________________________ Note from Catherine: I am glad you are here! I hope you found some tips and inspiration to help you move towards the connection and community you desire! If you found this episode helpful please share it with others, so together, we can build a world where everyone has the connection and community they need and want! If you would like to be updated on new episodes please subscribe. Till next time! Catherine ________________________________________________________________ Chapters/Timestamps [00:00:30–00:01:01] Opening: Why Hello Community Exists [00:01:02–00:2:35] Meet Tina Fitzgerald [00:2:36–00:5:51] A Series of Losses and the Beginning of Isolation [00:5:52–00:10:50] How an Established Community Helps Tina to Move Forward [00:10:51–00:12:23] A New Opportunity Through Self-Advocacy Work [00:12:25–00:13:29] From Small Opportunities to Regular Work [00:13:30–00:14:25] Lions Club, Service, and Expanding Community [00:14:26–00:17:30] From “Too Peopley” to Purpose [00:17:31–00:19:10] Community Boosts Tina as She Boosts Community [00:19:11–00:20:56] How Tina’s Life Experiences Guide Her Direction [00:20:57–00:23:44] Baby Steps and Safety Lead to Bigger Steps [00:23:45–00:25:50] There Is No Such Thing as Failure [00:25:51–00:28:24] Baby Steps, Safety, Big Community [00:28:33–29:13] Tina Finds Her Sparkle Again [00:29:25–00:30:46] Closing and Resources ____________________________________________________________ Tina’s Biography Tina is an active community member. She supports people with disabilities in areas such as the prevention of domestic violence and sexual abuse and sexuality education. Tina is the Central/Northern Regional Coordinator for SANYS: Self-Advocacy Association of New York State. She is the first person with a disability to hold this position. Tina is also in leadership for Lions Club International on the district level. To see Tina (pictures) visit “hello community®” Facebook Page and look for her episode–”Small Steps, Big Community”: https://lnk.bio/hellocommunity ________________________________________________________________ Looking for more information? 1) Project Unlonely: An interactive website with ten seasons of mini films (loneliness, connection and community): a Creativity Hub, and lots of information: https://www.artandhealing.org/project-unlonely/ 2) “Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World” by Dr. Vivek Murthy. https://www.northshire.com/book/9780062913296 3) “hello community®” Link Tree: in one click you will have access to our Facebook Page (and all our episode platforms) https://lnk.bio/hellocommunity

Loneliness: A Hope-filled Conversation!

“Loneliness is . . . something that we can’t get out of alone.” (Kyra Alte) In this hope-filled episode of “hello community®”, host Catherine Jura, and social worker and Director of the Albany NNORC Kira Alte, talk honestly and vulnerably about loneliness. Loneliness is something every human being experiences at some point. When we talk about it openly, we remove the shame and stigma that keep us isolated. Kyra is deeply compassionate and very knowledgeable concerning loneliness. She discusses how loneliness can hide behind grief, anxiety, life changes, or the feeling that something is missing. Kira discusses the stigma surrounding loneliness and why it’s not a personal failure. Instead, loneliness is a natural human experience that reminds us how deeply we need connection. In this episode: Learn what loneliness is and how it can be different for each of us Discover questions that can help us recognize loneliness Come to understand the different types of loneliness people can experience Explore common challenges to building connection and community Learn how small acts of courage can lead us to the life of connection that we all need and desire Understanding loneliness is the first step toward healing it. And as Kyra notes, “loneliness is . . . something that we can’t get out of alone.” Join us as we support you in your journey from loneliness to connection and community. _______________________________________________________________ Note from Catherine: I am glad you are here! I hope you found some tips and inspiration to help you move towards the connection and community you desire! If you would like to be notified about new episodes please subscribe. Reviews are really important for getting the word out about “hello community®”! We sure would appreciate your thoughts: thank you! If you found this episode helpful please share it with others, so together, we can build a world where everyone has the connection and community they need and want! Till next time! _______________________________________________________________ Chapters/Timestamp: 00:00 - Introduction to the episode and its focus on hope and connection 00:29 - Reflection on previous deep dives into loneliness and personal stories 00:59 - The impact of loneliness on health and the importance of social connection 01:28 - Differentiating between the types of loneliness: interpersonal, societal, existential 02:28 - How loneliness can be normalized and stigma reduced 04:01 - Defining true loneliness as a perceived gap between desire and actual social connection 04:37 - The subjective nature of loneliness and individual experiences 06:14 - The different forms of loneliness and their personal impact 06:40 - Questions to identify loneliness, including support networks and feelings of purpose 07:36 - The importance of belonging and societal validation 08:21 - Self-assessment questions to recognize loneliness, like joy and support 09:02 - Challenges of recognizing loneliness in real-time and the importance of language 09:44 - The significance of community support, programs, and shared activities 10:47 - Questions about joy and meaningful activities as indicators of connection 13:01 - How hobbies, faith, and social groups can combat loneliness 14:58 - Using reflection and poetry as healing tools in group settings 16:11 - Normalizing loneliness as part of human experience, not a moral flaw 17:29 - Addressing stigma and mental health challenges linked to loneliness 18:26 - The importance of open conversations and reducing societal shame 20:25 - NORC programs designed to foster social connection and reflection 21:15 - Building a supportive environment to share vulnerability and emotions 22:22 - The commonality of fear in initiating connection regardless of age 23:17 - Resources for ongoing support and community building, including Project Unlonely and Facebook groups 25:05 - Encouragement to share the episode and foster conversations about loneliness and connectionResources & Links: ___________________________________________________________ Kyra’s Biography and Her Suggestions For Creating Connection and Community: Biography: Kyra is a geriatric social worker by trade, state licensed (LMSW), and has a background in care management. Kyra is the director of the Albany NNORC (Neighborhood, Naturally Occurring Retirement Community). Suggestions For Creating Connection and Community: 1) NNORC (Neighborhood, Naturally Occurring Retirement Community). The “Albany NNORC” is a three square mile radius neighborhood in the city of Albany. All residents over the age of 60 and living within those boundaries are able to receive free services that include care management and a visiting nurse educator via home visits. There are social, educational, and recreational programming: ways for folks to continue learning, to continue finding joy, and to continue connecting with each other. There are NORCs (Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities) across the country and are set up to meet the needs of the community where they are found: both in terms of where the community is (i.e. Albany’s (in a neighborhood), New York City (in apartment buildings)) and the programs that are offered. To contact Kyra or the Albany NNORC, a program of Jewish Family Services please visit http://jfsneny.org (NNORC link under "programs" tab) 2) Albany Jewish Family Services (JFS): a human services agency that serves all folks of all backgrounds, all religions. JFS has counseling programs and support programs for both older adults and adults of all ages. 3) Seniors: Contact your county or state Office for the Aging. 4) Start a club: If you don't see the group that you need or the support you need, consider starting a club yourself or collaborating with others. 5) Findhelp.org https://www.findhelp.org/ [https://www.findhelp.org/] Findhelp.org has resources for all kinds of resources by zip code: health care, food pantries and meal programs, housing, financial assistance, and much more! Other Resources: 1) Project Unlonely: An interactive website: http://www.artandhealing.org/project-unlonely/ [http://www.artandhealing.org/project-unlonely/] Project UnLonely has three goals: to raise awareness of loneliness and its physical and mental health effects, to destigmatize (normalize) loneliness, and to make programming available to address loneliness. a) On the landing page scroll down past the introduction to find the section that “feels” like you and “Find Out More.” b) Under the tab “For Everyone” find: * “Embrace Your Signal”: an award winning three minute film about the power of creative expression to heal loneliness. * “Watch Project Unlonely Films”: as of March 2026 there are nine seasons of other award-winning short films that explore loneliness, connection, and the healing power of human relationships. These films are designed to raise awareness about loneliness, reduce the stigma around it, and foster a greater sense of belonging * Creativity Hub: this webpage encourages you to be “UnLonely” through curiosity, creative expression, and conversation. This webpage will provide creative activities that can be enjoyed alone or with others. These activities will help you know yourself better and connect with others in a deeper way.· * Project Unlonely (the book): Written by Dr. Jeremy Nobel this book provides insight into our new world of loneliness that offers solace, hope, and solutions. 2) “hello community®” Link Tree: in one click you will have access to our Facebook Page (and all our episode platforms) http://lnk.bio/hellocommunity [http://lnk.bio/hellocommunity]

The Surprising Path to My New Friend!

Have you been wanting a new friend but are not sure where to begin? Welcome to this fun and inspiring episode of “hello community®” where host Catherine Jura and Autumn Welch-Degoski share the amazing story of how an unexpected friendship began between them—two women separated by nearly 40 years in age, yet connected in many surprising ways. In this episode: · Discover how a chance meeting at a community co-op sparked an intergenerational friendship · Learn how courage and curiosity can support a new friendship · Come to understand why “dual commitment to trying” is important · Learn why navigating boundaries and “oops and ouch” moments require mutual respect · Explore how finding a community may be the first step to a new friendship This conversation is an invitation to step beyond your comfort zone and say yes to connection. A new friendship may be a single brave moment away. Note from Catherine: I am glad you are here! I hope you found some tips and inspiration to help you move towards the connection and community you desire! If you would like to be updated on new episodes please subscribe. Reviews are really important for getting the word out about “hello community®”! We sure would appreciate your thoughts: thank you! If you found this episode helpful please share it with others, so together, we can build a world where everyone has the connection and community they need and want! Till next time! __________________________________________________________ Chapters/Timestamp 00:00:00 Introduction to Hello Community 00:03:00 Autumn and her journey to finding a new community 00:08:30 Catherine’s journey to loneliness 00:09:40 The surprising path to meeting each other 00:15:00 Brunch confirms the new friendship 00:16:20 The journey of friendship: building connection 00:23:15 Resources and support for building connection and community __________________________________________________________ Autumn’s biography: Autumn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from SUNY New Paltz (2017), Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling from University at Albany (2019), and a certification as a Grief Informed Professional. She currently works as a school-based trauma therapist at a victim assistance program. Outside of her work, she can be found working out, running, perusing the farmers market, travelling near and far, and bagging groceries at Honest Weight Food Co-op. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/autumn-welch-degoski-lmhc-cgp-7b07a1154/ __________________________________________________________ Looking for more information? · “hello community” link tree takes you in one click to our Facebook Page and all our episode platforms http://lnk.bio/hellocommunity · Project Unlonely http://www.artandhealing.org/project-unlonely/ · Findhelp.org https://www.findhelp.org/ Findhelp.org can support your efforts to find the resources you need by using your zip code: health care, food pantries and meal programs, housing, financial assistance, and much more!

Will You Be My Neighbor?

Will you be my neighbor? This episode of the “hello community®” podcast is a bold invitation to rethink what a neighborhood is and how loneliness can open the door to connection--wherever you live. Join host Catherine Jura as she welcomes social worker and director of the Albany NNORC Kyra Alte, to discuss loneliness and some practical questions listeners can use to explore their own experiences. They also discuss how loneliness is a universal human experience like hunger or thirst. In this episode: - Learn why it is important to understand the three types of loneliness: interpersonal, societal, and existential - Come to understand why naming our loneliness is the first step toward healing - Explore why we can’t get out of loneliness alone—and why that’s okay - Learn how to intentionally build community in traditional and non-traditional neighborhoods (renting apartments on the same floor; family and friends living in the same cul-de-sac; NNORC) - Discover how Albany, NY turned a neighborhood into a vibrant hub of connection for seniors: NNORC: Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community From naming our experience of loneliness to taking the first brave step—perhaps knocking on a neighbor’s door—this episode empowers listeners to become community builders wherever they live. Note from Catherine: I am glad you are here! I hope you found some tips and inspiration to help you move towards the connection and community you desire! If you found this episode helpful please share it with others, so together, we can build a world where everyone has the connection and community they need and want! If you would like to be updated on new episodes please subscribe. Last but not least, reviews are really important for getting the word out about “hello community®”! We sure would appreciate your thoughts: thank you! Till next time! _______________________________________________________________ Chapters/Timestamp Introduction to Social Isolation - 00:00:00 Understanding NORCs - 00:03:00 Types of Loneliness - 00:09:00 Normalizing Loneliness - 00:15:00 Creating Community in Neighborhoods - 00:21:00 Resources and Support - 00:27:00 ____________________________________________________________________________ Kyra’s Biography: Kyra is a geriatric social worker by trade, state licensed (LMSW), and has a background in care management. To contact Kyra or NNORC please visit http://jfsneny.org (NNORC link under "programs" tab) ________________________________________________________________ Looking for more information?: “hello community” link tree takes you in one click to our Facebook Page and all our episode platforms http://lnk.bio/hellocommunity Project Unlonely: http://www.artandhealing.org/project-unlonely/

Yes! A Path to Connection!

How do I find the community and connection I so want? On this episode of the hello community podcast with Catherine Jura, meet Lynn Underhill, a woman who built her career and a life of connection—by saying one bold word: YES! By repeatedly stepping into the unknown Lynn built meaningful relationships, a career in art and design, and a life of purpose and belonging. •Discover the difference between alone and lonely? •Lynn offers practical tips for uncovering the communities all around you. •Never underestimate the possibilities from making one phone call. •Be inspired as Lynn transforms a volunteer mural project into a thriving design career. •Learn how one small act of human connection brought hope to Lynn’s grief after the loss of her husband. Community isn’t always found—it’s built one yes at a time. If you’ve ever felt unsure where to begin, this episode offers gentle encouragement: trust yourself, take a step, and just say yes! ___________________________________________________________ A Note from Catherine: If you find this episode helpful, please share it with others so together we can build a world of connection. Thank you! If you’d like to get the most up to date bi-weekly episodes on creating connection and community, please subscribe to this podcast. Till next time ___________________________________________________________ Timestamp: Don’t have time for the whole episode, or want to re-watch/re-listen to a favorite part—the timestamp lays out the episode for you 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:56 Meet Lynn Underhill: Building Connections 01:43 The Power of Saying Yes 03:50 Finding Solitude in Community 06:09 Navigating Loneliness and Connection 10:05 Creating Community Through Family and Activities 14:05 Overcoming Tragedy and Expanding Community 17:12 Embracing New Experiences with Children 19:53 Embracing Solitude and Art 20:14 Volunteering and Discovering a Passion for Art 21:40 Turning Art into a Career 22:33 Community and Personal Growth 25:03 The Ronald McDonald House Project 32:49 Reflections on Life and Hope 36:58 Final Thoughts and Resources