06/06/2026
Attention Community Connections Community!!
As of March 2025, we have been an official organization for the Warren Community for one whole year! Although we still have higher goals set, and much we can expand on--thank you for everyone who has supported us along the way and see below for a recap of our group and its successes!
Also shared as a graphic, in case one might want to print off, save in their photos, and/or share with the community to continue to help us grow ;)
Special thanks to:
First and foremost, Don Mills Achievement Center for funding and supporting our program, helping my idea's come to fruition and lift off into a whole community program!
Amanda McCord and Alice Fadale (for being my helpful and skilled assistants every month!)
Erin Richardson and Jennifer Morrison of POUND for assisting with a class!
Paige Bishop and Jennifer Betts from Moonlight Salon for hosting a sensory friendly spa night!
Music Conservatory of Warren for letting us borrow drums for our drum circle with Amanda McCord!
Brian Hagberg and Your Daily Local for assisting us with marketing and getting the word out about our group.
And all of our families that consistently show up and support the group!
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Text version of graphic:
Community Connections
Community Connections is a community-based organization dedicated to helping individuals with physical and cognitive limitations throughout Warren County discover purpose, build independence, and create meaningful connections within their community. Founded and led by local occupational therapist Amy Castagnino-Sandberg, Community Connections was established in March 2025 through grant funding from the Don Mills Achievement Center and United Fund and has continued to grow through the support of its members, community partners, and volunteers.
Using her occupational therapy background and expertise in program development and management gained through her doctoral research and degree, Amy completed an initial community needs assessment to identify the goals, interests, and challenges of participants. This process helped shape the foundation of Community Connections and continues to guide the organization's participant-centered approach. Members are encouraged to identify personal goals, explore new opportunities, connect with community resources, and receive support in areas that may be difficult to navigate independently. As new participants join, new ideas, interests, and goals are continuously incorporated into future programming.
At the heart of Community Connections is a commitment to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where individuals can be themselves, build confidence, develop friendships, and learn more about their strengths and abilities. While personal growth and goal achievement remain important priorities, each monthly meeting is equally focused on fostering genuine relationships and building a stronger sense of community.
Programs and activities are directly driven by participant interests and identified needs. Through partnerships with local organizations and businesses, members have had opportunities to:
• Explore healthier lifestyle choices and inclusive fitness opportunities through a partnership with POUND.
• Learn about sensory-friendly wellness resources and self-care practices through a partnership with Moonlight Salon and Spa.
• Discover new hobbies and creative forms of self-expression through community drum circles hosted by Amanda McCord and the Warren Music Conservatory.
• Develop practical life skills such as money management and basic budgeting through educational workshops facilitated by Amy Castagnino-Sandberg.
In addition to educational programming, members regularly participate in recreational and social activities including Paint-N-Sips, gardening projects, holiday celebrations, crafts, games, community outings, and most recently, a fun-filled Community Connections Field Day.
Community Connections meets on the last Monday of each month from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Don Mills Achievement Center, located on the State Hospital grounds in Warren, Pennsylvania. Meetings are intentionally relaxed and welcoming, combining informal socialization with engaging activities, community exploration, and practical learning opportunities.
While the group is primarily geared toward young adults and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities, everyone is welcome. Family members, friends, caregivers, support staff, and community members are encouraged to attend and participate.
Sessions are facilitated by Amy Castagnino-Sandberg, Occupational Therapist, alongside dedicated board members Amanda McCord and Alice Fadale. Together, they bring extensive experience supporting individuals with disabilities and possess the certifications, training, and professional expertise necessary to serve a diverse range of community members.
As Community Connections continues to grow, so do the opportunities to learn, explore, connect, and thrive. We are constantly discovering new activities, building new partnerships, exploring new adventures, and creating meaningful community connections.
Whether you are looking to meet new people, pursue personal goals, learn new skills, or simply become part of a welcoming and supportive community, we invite you to join us.
Come make connections, discover opportunities, and build community with us.
For additional information or questions, please contact Amy Castagnino-Sandberg at [email protected] or (814)-706-9637.
