Connections That Count

Each week during the school year, Connections That Count (CTC) provides a safe place for area youth impacted by disabilities and families in the surrounding Mt. Pleasant community to connect with CMU student leaders and participate in fun activities such as craft making, exercise, talent shows, healthy snacks, and meal preparation. Here the youth are able to make friends and build social skills that they may not otherwise have the opportunity to do. Caring and compassionate CMU students gain valuable experience working hands-on with those with disabilities.

CTC has been in existence since 2002, started by Joan Hogan from Counseling and Special Education and some of her students majoring in various programs in the College of Education and Human Services. Now, over 20 years later, CTC still provides a valuable resource to the surrounding community through positive relationships, activities, and more.

Human Development and Family Studies Professor Holly Hoffman and two-time CMU alumnus, local businessman, and Mt. Pleasant resident Joe Wentworth are currently leading the initiative.

Become a student leader

Are you a CMU student ready to mentor youth impacted by disability and have fun? Fill out the CMU Student mentor application.

Apply to participate

Know a youth impacted by disability who is ready to join a fun group? Fill out the participant application form and the participant interest profile.

Fall 2024 Activity Schedule

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Nights with * will be till 7:00 PM

DateActivityLocation
August 26Volunteer MeetingEHS 230
September 9Welcome Back Night *Island Park
September 16CMU Inclusive Recreation NightFinch 113
September 23Waterpark Night *Soaring Eagle Waterpark
September 30CMU Inclusive Recreation NightFinch 113
October 14Sports Night *Morey Courts Recreation Center
October 21CMU Inclusive Recreation NightFinch 113
October 28Pumpkin Patch *Papa's Pumpkin Patch
November 4CMU Inclusive Recreation NightFinch 113
November 11Pottery NightCDLL/EHS 146
November 18CMU Inclusive Recreation NightFinch 113
November 25Talent Show *CDLL or French Auditorium/EHS 118
December 2Movie Night *Celebration Cinema