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Building Connection through the Community Living Room

In a world where emotional well-being is increasingly recognized as a vital part of overall health, supportive, non-clinical spaces are essential. Thanks to a series of grants from the Community Vision Fund—a fund administered by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region—Ebb & Flow Connections Cooperative has been able to bring these spaces to life. After piloting pop-up Community Living Rooms across the Fox Valley, the initiative found a permanent home in downtown Appleton this past Fall, providing a welcoming place for connection and emotional support. 

The idea for the Community Living Room originated from Ebb & Flow Connections Cooperative founders Lynn McLaughlin and Karen Iverson Riggers who introduced eCPR to LEAVEN.  Staff quickly recognized a deeper need where people seeking financial help were also in emotional distress. This led to the creation of a dedicated listening space at LEAVEN’s community resource center. Encouraged by its success, Ebb & Flow Connections Cooperative explored how to expand this support system beyond LEAVEN. With the help of a six-month planning grant, their research confirmed a strong community demand for accessible spaces where people could engage in meaningful conversations and receive emotional support. The result: the Community Living Room. 

Lynn McLaughlin and Karen Iverson Riggers, founders of Ebb & Flow Connections Cooperative

“At the core of the Community Living Room, we believe no one should have to navigate life’s challenges alone. Thanks to the support of the Community Foundation, we’ve been able to create a space where support is accessible to all—without barriers,” said Lynn McLaughlin, co-founder of Ebb & Flow Connections Cooperative and the Community Living Room. “Their belief in the mission of the Community Living Room has empowered us to foster a community where people can come together, feel seen, heard, and valued, and for that, we are profoundly grateful.” 

Since opening, the Community Living Room has welcomed individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering connections and strengthening community ties. Whether through casual conversations, peer support, or simply a space to pause and reflect, this initiative has made an impact on the lives of many.  

Community Living Room pop-ups take shape in different ways. Some are regularly scheduled events, while others arise in response to emerging community needs. Whether it’s a coffee chat, an ice cream social, or a casual gathering, these events help break down barriers to connection. At each event, trained listeners provide one-on-one or small group interactions, ensuring that everyone who attends feels heard and supported. 

“By supporting programs like the Community Living Room, the Community Vision Fund is helping create a more connected and emotionally resilient community, ensuring that individuals across the area have access to spaces where they can find comfort, understanding, and a sense of belonging,” stated Carolyn Desrosiers, Director of Community Engagement for the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region. 


Emotional CPR is a public health initiative that equips individuals with the skills to support those in emotional distress. Rooted in trauma-informed care, counseling, and peer support principles, eCPR focuses on helping individuals feel heard, validated, and connected. Training empowers participants to recognize emotional crises, respond with empathy, and foster mutual healing within their communities. 

Visit communitylivingroom.org for a complete list of upcoming Community Living Room gatherings. To learn more about eCPR, listen to the Voices from the Valley podcast. 

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