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 2025 Activity Schedule

DateActivityLocationTime
January 27Winter Welcome EHS 118 (French Auditorium) 5-7 PM
February 3Tennis & Togetherness Night! Finch Fieldhouse Gym5-6:30 PM
February 8Polar Plunge O'Kelly's/Wayside Central 11 AM
February 10Snow Tubing Spectacular! Snow Snake 5-7 PM
February 17Reach New Heights with Inclusive RecFinch Fieldhouse Gym5-6:30 PM
February 24Cozy Connections Night EHS 118 (French Auditorium) 5-7 PM
March 3Obstacle Fun FrenzyFinch Fieldhouse5-6:30 PM
March 17St. Patricks's Day Party!EHS 118 (French Auditorium) 5-7 PM
March 24Inclusive Sports Spectacular Finch Fieldhouse5-6:30 PM
March 31CMU Teams Day IAC (300 E Broomfield St., Mt. Pleasant) 5-7 PM
April 7Sensory Scavenger HuntFinch Fieldhouse 5-6:30 PM
April 14Nature Night Island Park 5-7 PM
April 21CTC and Inclusive Rec Field DayFinch Fieldhouse 5-6:30 PM
April 28End of Year Banquet Bovee University Center 5-8 PM