Franklin Connects Launches Community Effort to Reduce Loneliness and Increase Belonging
Photo couresty of the City of Franklin
Franklin, TN, Mayor Ken Moore and The Refuge Center for Counseling have announced the launch of Franklin Connects, a new community initiative focused on reducing loneliness and increasing a sense of belonging among Franklin residents.
The initiative was announced Monday, June 15, 2026, at the Carousel of Dreams at The Factory at Franklin, on the first day of Loneliness Awareness Week. Franklin Connects will offer programs, resources, training opportunities, and events designed to help residents have meaningful conversations and build stronger community connections.
During the launch event, Moore said Franklin Connects was created as a proactive way to address loneliness as the city continues to grow.
“Loneliness has become a major mental health topic, and Franklin is no different from other communities,” Moore said. “As our community continues to grow, so does the potential for people to feel isolated. Franklin Connects was created as a proactive approach to address loneliness and help people find meaningful ways to connect.”
Franklin Connects grew out of Find Hope Franklin, a collaborative effort launched in 2020 to address mental health and substance use challenges in the community through education, resources, and training. The new initiative builds on that work by focusing specifically on loneliness and social isolation.
Amy Alexander, CEO of The Refuge Center for Counseling, also spoke at the launch event and discussed the loneliness epidemic affecting communities across the country.
“In our digital-driven world, people are becoming disconnected from others,” Alexander said. “I’m proud that Franklin has the vision to recognize this. We are an inviting and welcoming community, and, through Franklin Connects, we are going to help our fellow citizens find ways to plug in and find connections they never knew existed.”
Franklin Connects Offers Resources and Local Connection Tools
The initiative includes a new website, FranklinConnects.org, which serves as a central hub for resources and opportunities to get involved. The site includes a brief three-question assessment to help people gauge their level of loneliness, educational resources, a community events calendar, and a growing directory of local clubs, sports leagues, educational classes, churches, and community organizations.
Franklin Connects is also developing a community training program for churches, civic organizations, businesses, and other groups. The training will feature mental health and community engagement experts and will offer practical strategies for recognizing loneliness, supporting people experiencing isolation, and creating environments that foster connection and belonging.
“Happy to Chat” Benches Encourage Conversation in Franklin
As part of the initiative, eight “Happy to Chat” benches are being placed throughout Franklin to encourage conversation and interaction in public spaces. One bench has been installed at the Carousel of Dreams by Ken Means at The Factory at Franklin. Franklin Connects lists additional bench locations as The Refuge Center, Williamson County Public Library, The Village at Church of the City, Williamson Health, McEwen Northside, Meridian Cool Springs, and Berry Farms.
Shared Meals and Community Events Are Part of the Effort
Franklin Connects is also partnering with Folx Table, a shared dining experience that brings people together over a meal. Guests are seated in groups of four to six at local restaurants and matched to encourage conversation, with guided prompts designed to help participants move beyond small talk. While participants cover the cost of their meal, Franklin Connects will cover the Folx Table participation fee for the first 50 guests who register through FranklinConnects.Org.
In the fall, Franklin Connects plans to host a community engagement fair featuring charitable organizations, civic groups, volunteer opportunities, and local clubs seeking new members. The event will give residents a way to discover organizations that align with their interests and find opportunities to become more involved in the community.
“We want everyone in our community to know they have a place and a way to connect with others,” Moore said. “By creating opportunities for meaningful interaction, we can strengthen relationships and build a healthier, more connected community.”
For more information about Franklin Connects, upcoming events, and available resources, visit FranklinConnects.org.
