Community Ties

Norwalk Current
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Politics

Hosted by Romney Donald, Community Ties dives into conversations with people who have vision, drive, and passion, and choose to invest it in Norwalk. Presented by Nancy on Norwalk, the podcast looks to highlight the stories of people, businesses, and organizations in Norwalk.

  1. 6d ago

    Community Ties: Creating Connection, Creativity & Community with Ashley Chinwe

    In this episode of Community Ties, we talk with Ashley Chinwe, creator of Sundays With Ash, about her journey, her love for Connecticut, and what inspired her to create a space centered around connection, experiences, creativity, and joy. Ashley shares the story behind Sundays With Ash and how it has grown into a way to bring people together while highlighting local businesses, places, and experiences across Connecticut. We talk about creativity, trying new things, supporting local businesses, and the importance of intentionally creating opportunities for people to connect. It’s a conversation about community, creativity, connection, and what can happen when you create spaces that encourage people to get out, explore, and experience something new together.

  2. Sep 23

    Understanding Family Mental Health & In-Home Support with Sidnee Streater

    In this episode of Community Ties, we talk with Sidnee Streater, psychotherapist and Multisystemic Therapy Manager at Family & Children’s Agency (FCA), about the mental health and behavioral health needs facing children, youth, and families across Norwalk and Fairfield County. Sidnee gives us a closer look at FCA and its services, including intensive in-home therapy. We talk about back-to-school stress, youth behavioral challenges, housing instability, and the importance of meeting families where they are while reducing barriers to care. It’s a conversation about family, mental health, and the community-based support available to help young people and families navigate difficult seasons.

  3. Sep 7

    Connecting Families, Community & Local Government with Julie Foy

    In this episode of Community Ties, we get to know Julie Foy beyond her title as the City of Norwalk’s Chief of Community Services. Julie shares the experiences and relationships that have shaped her approach to community work, from supporting children and families to her years of work in Norwalk. We talk about what she has learned from the people she has served, what she hopes to bring to her new role in City Hall, and why strong communities depend on more than government alone. We also discuss her work with the SOUL Fund and the importance of investing in organizations that are creating meaningful change with and for the Black community across Fairfield County. It’s a conversation about service, connection, and the many ways one person can show up for a community.

    Connecting Families, Community & Local Government with Julie Foy

  4. May 25

    Preserving Norwalk’s History & Expanding Inclusive Storytelling with Diane Jellerette

    On this episode of Community Ties, we sit down with Diane Jellerette, Executive Director of the Norwalk Historical Society, for a conversation about the stories that shape Norwalk and the importance of preserving history in ways that feel relevant, honest, and connected to community. Together, we explore Diane’s journey from a career in computer engineering and information technology into museum leadership, along with the Historical Society’s efforts to create more inclusive and accessible storytelling. We also discuss upcoming America 250 events, the significance of Juneteenth, and initiatives including the Portrait of Diversity exhibit, the permanent townhouse exhibit addressing Indigenous history and slavery in Connecticut, the Norwalk Quilt Trail, and programs that help younger generations engage with local history. This conversation highlights how preserving local history can deepen community connection and ensure that the stories of Norwalk continue to be shared for generations to come.

  5. May 11

    Mentorship, Mental Health & Education in Norwalk with Jasmine Prezzie

    In this episode of Community Ties, we sit down with Jasmine Prezzie, Director of the Norwalk Mentor Program, Board of Education member for Norwalk Public Schools, and a licensed clinician providing mental health services. Together, we explore the critical role mentorship plays in shaping the lives of Norwalk’s youth, how mental health support is evolving within our schools and community, and what it truly means to show up for young people in a meaningful way. Jasmine shares insights from her work across education and clinical spaces, offering a powerful perspective on the intersection of mentorship, mental health, and equity. This conversation highlights the importance of community driven support systems and the impact of investing in the next generation, right here in Norwalk.

  6. Apr 27

    Building Systems of Care with Anavivian Escalante and Anamilena Lonergan

    In this episode of Community Ties, we sit down with Anavivian Escalante, CEO of Norwalk ACTS, and Anamilena Lonergan, Social Emotional Health Initiative Manager at Norwalk ACTS, for a conversation about mental health, leadership, and the systems that shape community well-being. As Mental Health Awareness Month approaches, we discuss the work being done to support children and families across Norwalk, from social emotional health initiatives to collaboration across schools, city leadership, and community organizations. This conversation reflects on what it takes to build stronger systems of care and how real support is created, sustained, and felt throughout a community. Together, they share their personal journeys, the challenges facing youth and families today, and how Norwalk ACTS is working to turn data into meaningful action.

  7. Apr 13

    Finding Your Voice in Local Government with Jalin Sead

    In this episode of Community Ties, host Romney Donald sits down with Jalin Sead, Majority Leader of the Norwalk City Council and Commissioner of the First Taxing District of Norwalk. The conversation explores his path into public service and what it means to serve in a local government role where community voice, accountability, and compromise all play a critical part in decision-making. He shares how residents can better prepare themselves to engage in civic spaces, and why early participation matters before issues reach formal council discussions in Norwalk. Sead also opens up about the personal side of leadership, including fatherhood, maintaining his health, and prioritizing mental wellness while balancing the demands of public service. The conversation offers a grounded look at leadership as both a public responsibility and a personal practice, shaped by lived experience and ongoing commitment to community. His perspective reflects what it means to stay rooted while navigating the complexity of service, and to continue showing up for a community in ways that are both intentional and human.

  8. Mar 30

    Turning Grief Into Purpose: Inside the Mission of EJ’s H.E.A.R.T.

    In this episode of Community Ties, we sit down with Fritzsa Gilmore and Tremain Gilmore to talk about the heart behind EJ's H.E.A.R.T. and the journey that brought it to life. They share how, in the face of unimaginable loss, they were able to build something that now provides scholarships, programs, and opportunities that support healthy, fun, and connected families throughout Norwalk. They also open up about what it looks like to build this work together as a couple while balancing careers, family life, and a strong commitment to their community. Through it all, they continue to grow their impact with initiatives like the R.Y.T.E. Program. Their story reflects perseverance, purpose, and creativity. It shows what it means to move through challenging moments and still find a way to pour into others.

    Turning Grief Into Purpose: Inside the Mission of EJ’s H.E.A.R.T.
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Hosted by Romney Donald, Community Ties dives into conversations with people who have vision, drive, and passion, and choose to invest it in Norwalk. Presented by Nancy on Norwalk, the podcast looks to highlight the stories of people, businesses, and organizations in Norwalk.

Information

  • Creator
    Norwalk Current
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Hyper Local Media
  • Show Website
    Community Ties