Everybody Wants to Belong: What we learned when we asked people what they needed most.

When we asked the people we support what they wanted more of in their lives, unfortunately—but not surprisingly—many shared that they were struggling with loneliness.

Not everyone used those exact words. Some talked about wanting more friends. Others wished they had more opportunities to meet people who shared their interests. Some simply wanted more chances to get out, connect, and feel like they belonged.

We listened.

That's how our Self-Love & Relationships Group came to be at the Wellness Center. Together, participants have been exploring relationships, self-understanding, and the skills that help turn everyday interactions into meaningful connections.

Over the past several weeks, participants have been exploring what it means to understand ourselves and others a little better.Together, they talk about how what we see isn't always the whole story. Whether through social media, entertainment, first impressions, or everyday interactions, it's easy to assume we know what someone is experiencing. In reality, everyone carries thoughts, feelings, worries, hopes, and experiences that others can't always see.

Through conversations about Theory of Mind, participants explored an important idea: that every person has their own thoughts, feelings, experiences, and perspective. As a result, two people can experience the very same moment in completely different ways—and that's okay. They also explored the idea that thoughts aren't always facts, while feelings are always real and worthy of acknowledgment.

From there, the focus turned inward.

Individuals reflected on the relationships in their own lives and the people who bring them joy, support, comfort, and encouragement. Through writing and art, they created powerful representations of both their stressors and their sources of strength. Some even intertwined the two, revealing something many of us know to be true: while relationships can sometimes be complicated, they're also often what helps us get through hard times.

Of course, talking about relationships is only one piece of the puzzle.

Building them takes practice.

There were power poses, introductions, laughter, and a surprisingly competitive game of Getting to Know You Jenga. Participants practiced starting conversations, showing curiosity, asking questions, and building confidence in social situations.

Now they're preparing for the next step.

Soon, participants will put these skills into action at our upcoming Quick Connect Event—a welcoming experience designed to help people meet, practice conversation, discover shared interests, and build meaningful relationships in a supportive environment.

Think of it as speed networking for friendship, community, and connection.

But meaningful relationships aren't built only at the Wellness Center.

Throughout the Shared Wellness network, Program Specialists work behind the scenes helping individuals strengthen existing friendships, explore new interests, and create opportunities for connection in their homes and communities. Whether it's helping lifelong friends stay connected through music, supporting sports enthusiasts as they attend games together, or encouraging someone to try something new, they understand that belonging is built through shared experiences.

They are often the people quietly fostering relationships built on trust, creating opportunities for connection, and helping friendships continue to grow long after the activity, class, or event has ended.

Because everybody wants to belong.

And while loneliness is something many people experience, connection is something we can build—one conversation, one shared interest, and one relationship at a time.

"Loneliness is something many people experience, but meaningful relationships can be learned, practiced, and built over time. It's been incredible watching individuals discover their strengths and gain confidence in connecting with others."

— Leslie Healy, Quality Manager, Therapist, and Facilitator of the Self-Love & Relationships Group

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Want to Help?

We're currently looking for community members to join us at our upcoming Quick Connect Event.

You don't need any special skills—just a willingness to show up, share a conversation, and help create a space where new friendships can begin..