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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 Vision: To dismantle attitudinal, physical, and structural barriers to promote social inclusion through education, awareness, and advocacy in the greater Mt Pleasant community and beyond.
CTC Mission: To positively engage with the disability community by creating an environment focused on fostering friendship and educating and advocating for inclusion and accessibility.
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, Teacher and Special Education Professor JoDell Heroux, 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 by clicking the button below.
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 by clicking the button below.
Fall 2026 activity schedule
| Date | Activity | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 21 | Welcome Back Night with Inclusive Rec | Finch Fieldhouse | 5-6:30 PM |
| September 28 | Petting Zoo and Farm Market | Anderson & Girls Orchard (Meet in EHS lobby for bus) | 4:30-6:30 PM |
| October 5 | Jump Station | Jump Station | 5-6:30 PM |
| October 12 | No CTC (Fall Break) | ||
| October 19 | Inclusive Rec | Finch Fieldhouse | 5-6:30 PM |
| October 26 | Papa's Pumpkin Patch | Papa's Pumpkin Patch | |
| November 2 | Midway volunteer check-in meeting | French Auditorium (EHS 118) | |
| November 9 | Swimming Night | Soaring Eagle Waterpark | 5-6:30 PM |
| November 16 | Student Activity Center | Student Activity Center - NIRSA Room | 5-6:30 PM |
| November 23 | Inclusive Rec | Finch Fieldhouse | 5-6:30 PM |
| November 30 | Talent Show | French Auditorium (EHS 118) | 5-6:30 PM |
| December 7 | Movie and Pajama Night | French Auditorium (EHS 118) | 5-6:30 PM |
