Sometimes, the best thing we can do for our health is simply spend time with people who understand us.
That’s exactly what the USANEO Chapter’s Connect-In the Community Meet Ups are all about—creating opportunities for people living with spinal cord injury and related disabilities, family members, caregivers, and friends to get together, have a good time, and build meaningful connections.
Our next Connect-In the Community Meet Up is coming up October 10 at 4:00 PM, and we’d love for you to join us!
đź“Ť Join Us!
đź“… Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
⏰ Time: 4:00 PM
đź“Ť Location: The Hooley Pub & Kitchen
Address: 10310 Cascade Crossing, Brooklyn, OH 44144
Come grab some food, enjoy some conversation, meet new people, and catch up with familiar faces. Whether you’ve been part of the USANEO community for years or this will be your first event, you are welcome here!
Why Is Connecting With Your Community Good for Your Health?
Community isn’t just about having something fun to do. Social connection is an important part of our overall health and well-being. The CDC recognizes social connection as an important factor in both mental and physical health.
Here are three reasons making time for community can benefit your health:
1. Connection Can Help Reduce Stress đź’›
Having people you can talk to, laugh with, share experiences with, or simply spend time around can provide valuable emotional support. Supportive relationships can help us cope with stressful situations and may improve our ability to manage stress, anxiety, and depression.
Sometimes you don’t need someone to fix a problem—you just need someone who gets it.
2. Community Can Help Combat Loneliness & Isolation 🤝
Loneliness and social isolation aren’t just feelings—they can have real effects on our health. The CDC reports that social isolation and loneliness are associated with increased risks for several physical and mental health conditions.
Finding a community where you feel welcomed, understood, and valued can create a sense of belonging and provide opportunities to develop meaningful relationships.
For members of the SCI community, connecting with others who understand the realities of life after injury can be especially meaningful.
3. Strong Connections Can Support a Healthier Life 🌱
Social connection has been linked with better overall well-being, healthier behaviors, better sleep, and longer, healthier lives. Community activities can also provide opportunities to get out of the house, participate in activities, learn from others, and stay engaged.
And sometimes, a simple invitation to meet up can be the first step toward a new friendship, a helpful resource, or a stronger support network.
Come Be Part of the Community!
You don’t have to navigate life after spinal cord injury alone. Your community is here.
Join us October 10 for an afternoon of conversation, connection, laughter, food, and friendship at the Hooley Pub & Kitchen in Brooklyn.
Ready to join us? RSVP today!
👉 Fill out the RSVP form here
And don’t forget to invite a friend! Know someone in the SCI community who could use a night out, a chance to meet new people, or simply some good conversation? Send them this article and encourage them to come along.
We can’t wait to see you there! 🧡
USANEO is committed to creating opportunities for connection, education, recreation, and support for people with spinal cord injuries and related disorders and their families and caregivers.
