News & Awards

2026 NAAEI award recognizes excellence in apartment industry workforce developments BOSTON, Mass. (June 30, 2026) – Connected Communities Foundation and WinnCompanies announced today that their Maintenance Apprenticeship Program has been named the recipient of the 2026 National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI) Anthony V. Pusateri Comprehensive Program Award. The award was presented during the National Apartment Association’s Excellence Awards Apartmentalize

Imagine getting a call that changes your routine overnight. A parent needs help after a fall. A spouse begins to forget important details. A loved one can no longer manage daily tasks alone. For millions of Americans, this is not a hypothetical situation. It is everyday life. Caregiving often begins quietly. A quick check-in turns into daily visits. Small tasks

At Connected Communities, we’ve always believed in the power of resident services to strengthen both people and communities. Across the affordable housing industry, this impact has long been visible through increased housing stability, stronger community connections, and more effective property operations. What has often been missing is comprehensive data to fully quantify that impact. Two newly released reports help close

The Creating Solutions for Independence (CSI) Program at Prospect Heights is a dynamic community engagement and youth development initiative made possible through a partnership between the Pawtucket Prevention Coalition, Connected Communities, Winn, and Omni Development Corporation. Watch how CSI is making an impact at Prospect Heights: This work is more important than ever as recent data shows a shift in

In October, an anonymous donor stepped forward with a simple but powerful act of generosity – ensuring fresh produce deliveries at Wellington Community could continue through the winter and into January, when families often feel the strain of rising food costs and limited access most acutely. That initial act of care didn’t stop there. Moved by the impact, the same

On January 25, 2022, a devastating fire at the Pines of Perinton displaced more than 65 residents and destroyed 19 homes in Fairport, New York. Families lost not only their apartments, but the sense of safety and stability that comes with home. The impact of the fire made one thing clear: recovery would require more than repairs – it would

Pilot Initiative Shows Strong Early Outcomes — Helping Residents Avoid Eviction and Achieve Housing Stability BOSTON, Jan. 6, 2026 — Connected Communities today announced early results from its Coordinated Eviction Prevention (CEP) program, operated with grant funding from Massachusetts General Hospital in partnership with WinnCompanies, Urban Edge, Madison Park Development Corporation, Nuestra Comunidad Development Corporation, Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation

A unique partnership between Snowden House and Sunshine Children’s Rehabilitation is helping residents pursue careers in healthcare. The collaboration offers free Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training to Snowden residents, equipping them with the skills needed for success in the field. The training program spans three weeks, after which participants receive CNA certification. Graduates are guaranteed employment with Sunshine Children’s Rehabilitation,

Delivering over 10,000 pounds of farm-fresh produce to residents, this partnership tackles food insecurity and brings families together. Access to fresh, healthy food is essential—but not always easy for families in affordable housing communities. That’s why our partnership with Full Belly Foods has been such a meaningful initiative for Connected Communities. Food insecurity remains a critical issue across the country.

On September 25th, we proudly celebrated the graduation of Cohort 5 of the Maintenance Apprenticeship Program, with 16 apprentices walking across the stage to mark the completion of a journey defined by dedication, growth, and opportunity. For Director of Workforce Initiatives, Saraugh Fitah, the milestone reflects much more than certificates and titles—it represents the fulfillment of the program’s mission. What