Wise Network CT CEO Karen Ford Bell outlines growth, programs and search for a permanent home

Karen Ford Bell, CEO of Wise Network CT, said the organization began in 2018 with a small living-room meeting and has expanded into a community nonprofit that runs leadership training, school partnerships and annual community events.

"We started one night in my living room," Bell told host Dr. Keshia Powell on the Dr. Powell Show, describing the group’s early practice of members giving short presentations about their lived experiences and skills. From that origin, Bell said the group developed programs for families, led volunteer work at Community First School in Hartford, and added regular health activities such as yoga and an annual climb of Talcott Mountain.

Why it matters: Bell characterized Wise Network CT’s work as addressing access gaps — including childcare and mental-health support — that can prevent women from taking part in community and leadership programs. Expanding programming and removing practical barriers are central to the group’s stated mission of ‘‘inspiring, supporting and empowering women and children in the community.”

The organization’s core leadership program, Bell said, grew from monthly Zoom conversations and now includes a curriculum with four prongs taught by two coaches: communication, time management, networking and self-awareness. Bell told the host younger participants asked for more self-awareness and communication training, which shaped the current design.

Wise Network CT also runs direct community services, Bell said. She described an annual Thanksgiving meal program for families at a homeless shelter she referred to as "my sister's place," and a back-to-school event that for four years has provided book bags and supplies on Main Street at the West Indian Club. "We cook a full Thanksgiving meal for every family at my sister's place," Bell said.

Bell said the organization is expanding its leadership work this year to add mental-health and financial-education elements. "Mental health and that health piece are synonymous," she said, urging simple daily movement and peer support to help reduce stress for women balancing caregiving, work and household responsibilities.

Looking ahead, Bell said Wise Network CT seeks a donated building within the next three to five years to house a gym, program rooms, a venue and on-site babysitting so childcare would not be a barrier to participation. "We're looking for a building in the next three to five years," she said, describing on-site babysitting as a way to help women attend programs.

Bell invited listeners to support the group and noted practical ways to help: Wise Network CT’s website (www.wisenetworkct.org) is under reconstruction, and the group can be found on Instagram and Facebook as "wise network CT." She also asked for sponsors and attendees for the organization’s annual fundraising brunch, scheduled for May 16, which will include a speaker and entertainment.

The interview closed with a call for volunteers and donations; host Dr. Keshia Powell asked listeners to reach out through the website or by email (powertherapysolutions at gmail.com) to learn how to help.

What’s next: Bell said programs are expanding this year and she hopes community partners and sponsors will step forward to support the group’s growth and facility search.