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Our Website Just Got Better — Here's What's New! | Visit Our Impact page to see data on Allied's work in the community. | We're excited to announce the launch of Phase 3 of the Allied Community Services website! Visit us at alliedgroup.org to explore our new Our Impact page, featuring infographics that highlight the reach and outcomes of our programs, along with new Get Involved, Volunteer, Donate, and our Events pages. Whether you're looking to support our mission, stay up to date on upcoming events, or simply learn more about the work we do, our updated site makes it easier than ever to connect with Allied. Take a look — and spread the word! | |
| Celebrating Disability Pride Month: The World Works Better With Us | | |
July is Disability Pride Month — and this year's theme, chosen by self-advocates with disabilities, says it all: The World Works Better With Us.
Disability Pride Month is observed every July to celebrate disability identity and community, mark the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (signed July 26, 1990), and reaffirm the ongoing work of inclusion in everyday life. It's a reminder that disability is a natural part of human diversity — and that when people with disabilities are included, respected, and supported, our communities are stronger for it.
At Allied, we see this truth reflected in the work we do every day — and in the people we are proud to support. This month, we celebrate them.
Here are a few ways to join in the celebration of Disability Pride Month — and make inclusion more than a word:
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Get involved in your community. Attend Allied's inclusive events, support our mission by shopping at Allied's Attic, volunteer your time, and look for opportunities to connect with and champion people with disabilities in everyday life.
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Use your voice. Contact your elected officials and urge them to protect Medicaid, special education funding, and disability civil rights. People with disabilities and their families are counting on these programs — and your voice matters.
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Mind your language. Words shape culture. Commit to person-first language, push back on harmful slurs, and set a standard for respect in your workplace, your home, and your community.
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Invest in the people at the heart of our mission. Your donation helps Allied provide programs that build independence, confidence, and community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Connecticut. Visit our Donate page to make a gift today.
| | Microbusinesses in Action: Participants Build Skills, Confidence, and Community | | |
Charmed Treasures, Beaded Jewelry by Michelle
Michelle has been creating beautiful beaded pieces for years, sharing her work with friends and family along the way. Now, she's bringing her designs to a wider audience as the creative force behind Charmed Treasures, the newest addition to the Unique Boutique family. Her one-of-a-kind pieces are available exclusively on-site, so if you find yourself at Allied, don't miss the chance to see (and own) a piece of her work.
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Knit Possible, Handcrafted Hats by Michael
Meet Michael... and his handcrafted hats! What started as curiosity about learning something new has grown into a full-fledged passion for knitting. Michael is one of the talented artisans behind Knit Possible, Allied's newest microbusiness, where every hat is handcrafted with care, creativity, and serious attention to detail. No two pieces are alike. If you're on-site, stop by the Employment Room to see Michael's work in person — and witness a passion project in action.
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Looking for Unique Gifts or Event Favors? Consider a Custom Bulk Order!
Did you know that Allied's Unique Boutique microbusinesses may be able to fulfill bulk orders for special events? From bridal showers to corporate gifts, our participants have created custom orders that are as meaningful as they are memorable. Interested in placing an order? Reach out to Melissa Trzepacz at mtrzepacz@alliedgroup.org for details!
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Get Ready for Christmas in July — An Allied Theme Night!
The Sports & Recreation Department is bringing something fun and festive your way. Join Allied Community Services for a Christmas in July Theme Night!
📅 Thursday, July 31, 2026
🕕 6:00 – 9:00 PM
📍 Allied Community Services, 3 Pearson Way, Enfield, CT
🎄 Holiday-themed summer dinner
🎯 Games
🍧 Snow cone machine
🎨 Face painting
✂️ Holiday crafts
🎤 Holiday karaoke
🎅 A visit from Santa
🎬 Holiday movie
🎟️ Register here
★ Adults: $25
★ Children under 12: $10
★ One staff member or caregiver per participant attends free
Tickets must be purchased by July 24th.
For questions, contact Mike Vignone, Sports and Recreation Manager at mvignone@alliedgroup.org.
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Save the Date for our Fall Art Show, Art & Abilities
Allied Community Services is proud to announce its inaugural Art & Abilities: A Spirited Evening of Art, Ability, and Fine Taste.
📅 Monday, October 19, 2026
🕕 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 Dudleytown Brewing Company, Windsor, CT
Picture a gallery opening with heart — original artwork created by Allied participants, craft beverages, small bites, and great company. Tickets are $75 and will be available soon at alliedgroup.org/art.
Sponsorships are still available! Contact Leigh Gallivan Mahoney at lmahoney@alliedgroup.org to learn how your organization can be part of this inaugural celebration.
A warm thank you to our founding sponsors: Dudleytown Brewing, Nexus Dynamics Group, Windsor Federal Bank, and Westfield Bank.
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Allied Participants' Artwork on Display at Windsor Locks Public Library
This July, the Windsor Locks Public Library is showcasing artwork created by Allied Community Services participants in the Fourth Annual Allied Artists' Exhibition, themed "Red, White, & Blue-tiful." This beloved tradition kicked off with a special event this month, which was honored by a visit from CT State Senator John Kissel. We are grateful for his support and for the library's continued partnership in bringing our participants' talent to the wider community.
The display runs through the end of July — there's still time to stop by and see our participants' work in person!
Windsor Locks Public Library
28 Main Street, Windsor Locks, CT 06096
Hours:
- Monday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Tuesday – Wednesday: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Thursday – Friday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Closed Saturday and Sunday
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Enfield Stars Shine at Special Olympics Summer Games
In June, 48 Enfield Stars athletes traveled to Southern Connecticut State University to compete in the Special Olympics Summer Games. Over three action-packed days, our athletes took part in opening ceremonies, Healthy Athletes screenings, Olympic Town activities, a beach-themed dance, and a closing pizza party — and competed in swimming, walking, and track and field events. Many returned home with medals to show for it. We couldn't be prouder of every single one of them.
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Carrying the Flame: Enfield Stars Join the Law Enforcement Torch Run
On June 4, the Enfield Stars joined law enforcement officers, firefighters, and correctional officers for the Law Enforcement Torch Run — Special Olympics' largest grassroots fundraising and awareness event. Our athletes helped launch one of 13 routes running across Connecticut, carrying the torch from Enfield to East Windsor as part of a relay that culminated in the lighting of the flame at the Special Olympics Summer Games Opening Ceremony in New Haven.
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Side by Side: Allied Athletes Compete in Unified Track Meet
Our Athletics team recently took to the track alongside students from Enfield High School and JFK Middle School for the annual Unified Track Meet — an event that has grown from a single teacher's vision into a beloved community tradition. Founded by Enfield High School teacher Armando Ramos in the 2010s, the meet brings together individuals with and without disabilities through the power of sport, building friendships and fostering inclusion one race at a time. We are proud to be part of this growing tradition year after year.
To support our work year-round, visit our Donate page.
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We're Hiring!
Allied Community Services is always looking for passionate, dedicated people to join our team. If you're interested in making a meaningful difference in the lives of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we'd love to hear from you.
| | | | Allied Community Services | 3 Pearson Way | Enfield, CT 06082 US | | | | |
