“Blessed are thou that we had our moms."

In this conversation, lifelong friends Maerie and Roberta honor the memories of their mothers, Mildred and Alberta, the deep bond between all four of them, and what amazing women they were. They also share the supportive role that Al-Anon played in all their lives.  “Had I not had your mom, I don’…

Coming from 166 square miles

Sandra and Doreen both immigrated from Barbados to the U.S. in their youth and share two share very different experiences of coming to North America. Doreen also explains how she never felt confident putting roots down here. “I have to say I was initially very impressed. I  was a very curious chil…

Se Puede. It can be done.

Andrea Rapacz talks with Lydia Mele about her parent's love story and the impact Lydia's mother, Olga Mele, had on their family and the Hispanic community in the Hartford area. You'll hear about her early involvement in the San Juan Center and her tireless efforts to support the people in her commu…

"I just told my mother!"

Lynn and Gerard have spent over four decades together. In this conversation, they recall the early days of their relationship and what their experiences were like coming out to their families. “I remember going home to my apartment building, and I walked in the front door and just screamed, ‘I jus…

“How do you stay connected to your culture?”

Tina grew up in Nicaragua and Ruby’s family is from Mexico. The two met in New Haven and shared their experiences growing up and how they developed deeper connections to their roots while living in the United States.  “The first thing I did was connect more with my family.” - Ruby “When I left, I…

"I believe in creating fun"

Kristin and Ken met through an online dating app. Ken was a former PGA Tour golfer who lost his right leg and more in a tragic accident. In this conversation, Kristin shares what attracted her to Ken and how amazed she was at his deep relationship with his friends. “When I look back on life, those…

Our lives as a Coast Guard family

Sally and Sam Roudebush had been married for 43 years at the time they recorded this interview. Together they talk about how Sam’s job in the U.S. Coast Guard allowed them to meet so many wonderful people. Sally shares her perspective on being a military spouse and the positive social impacts of th…

Breaking the cycle of trauma

Two sisters from West Hartford, tell the story of their maternal grandmother. She is Native American and was forced to live in an Indian Residential School in British Columbia when she was five. They describe the trauma she experienced during her time in the school and how that trauma extended into…

“We have music to bring us all together”

Bryan Sayles's twin daughters showed interest in learning music at a young age. Despite challenging times he and his wife always found ways to support Molly's drumming and Emma's trombone playing and music composition. The family talks about how music has brought them together and created lasting m…

Home Away From Home

Endia DeCordova talks with her mother, Gem DeCordova, about how her late father was introduced to the West Indian community in Harford after immigrating to the States from Jamaica. Gem shares how the West Indian Social Club was born out of those early community gatherings and the legacy of kindness…