Stories & Perspectives

Connected Fox Valley is more than a set of findings or recommendations. It is a living story about how people in Northeast Wisconsin experience connection, belonging, and isolation in their everyday lives. Throughout early 2026, this page will host a narrative series that brings the work to life through weekly storytelling. Each piece will blend lived experience, community voices, and public health insight, grounding the research in what is real and felt across our region.

Rather than releasing a single, dense report all at once, these stories will unfold slowly over time. Each week, a new narrative will be published that explores different dimensions of social connectedness, from neighborhoods and transportation to identity, aging, youth belonging, mutual aid, workplaces, and the spaces where people gather. Together, these stories form a collective portrait of our community, showing what strengthens connection, where barriers exist, what has been tried, what has fallen short, and what we are learning along the way.

We invite you to check back often, or follow Connected Fox Valley on Facebook to receive updates as new stories are released. This work is meant to spark reflection, conversation, and shared understanding. If you have thoughts, concerns, or a story idea you would like to share, we welcome your voice. Please reach out directly to Wendy Harris at wendy@newmentalhealthconnection.org