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.
Spring 2026 activity schedule
| Date | Activity | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 26 | Welcome Back Night | EHS Building | 5-6:30 PM |
| February 2 | Stations/Minute-to-win-it | Student Activities Center | 5-6:30 PM |
| February 9 | Snow Tubing | SnowSnake (Harrison) | 5-7 PM |
| February 16 | Inclusive Rec | Finch Fieldhouse | 5-6:30 PM |
| February 23 | Bowling Night | Riverwood Resort (1313 E. Broomfield) | 5-7 PM |
| March 2 | No CTC for Participants (Volunteer planning session) | ||
| March 9 | No CTC (CMU Spring Break) | ||
| March 16 | Inclusive Rec | Finch Fieldhouse | 5-6:30 PM |
| March 23 | Friendship Dance | Finch Fieldhouse | 5-6:30 PM |
| March 30 | Swimming Night | Student Activities Center | 5-6:30 PM |
| April 6 | CMU Athlete Night | Indoor Athletic Complex | 5-7 PM |
| April 13 | Inclusive Rec | Finch Fieldhouse | 5-6:30 PM |
| April 20 | Hopewell Ranch Horse Therapy | Hopewell Ranch (6410 W Leiter Rd, Weidman, MI | 5-6:30 |
| April 27 | End of Year Banquet | University Center Rotunda | 5-8 PM |
