Norwalk, CT September 16th, 2024 – Thanks to Mayor Harry Rilling and his leadership team, including Chief of Community Services, Lamond Daniels, Director of Human Services, AnaVivian Estrella, and City Council Member, Greg Burnett, SOAR Together was the recipient of a grant which will allow it to grow its outreach efforts in the City of Norwalk.
As the school year and change of seasons are upon us, bringing about shifts in daily rhythms, SOAR Together, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing levels of loneliness and social isolation in Fairfield County, will increase its delivery of services to help uplift residents and promote positive social connections. SOAR’s vision is to help improve health and life outcomes in communities throughout Fairfield County and is an acronym which stands for the four interrelated needs met by its programs: Social, Occupational, Artistic, and Recreational. SOAR’s programs include Flower Power, Social Seats, and SOAR Strolls.
"SOAR’s mission in-action centers on immersive programs and community collaborations designed to uplift, inspire and help foster supportive communities for those of all ages and varying interests,” says Ginger Smith, MSW and Founder of SOAR Together. We celebrate and create environments in which community members feel empowered to connect. This wide and deep health epidemic impacts all of us across life stage and geography, thus our goal of meeting this great need through innovative ways to connect socially."
SOAR Together will be partnering with Norwalk organizations and entities to deliver an increased number of flower arrangements through its Flower Power Program on a weekly basis thanks to the City’s grant support. SOAR also invites residents to join our SOAR Strolls events on weekend mornings at various locales in and around Norwalk. It’s a beautiful time of year to connect with others while soaking in the sights and sounds of the season. Mostly social time with a gentle stroll, SOAR
regroup for the week ahead. Please check our calendar for dates and locations: https://www.soartogetherct.org/calendar
SOAR Together also extends an invitation to all community members to join us on Saturday, September 28th from 1-2:30pm at Triangle Community Center at 650 West Avenue for our monthly Flower Power program. We gather the fourth Saturday of each month to immerse in flowers, color, and social connection while creating arrangements for ourselves as well as others in the community who can benefit from an uplift. SOAR’s mantra of “Service + Social Connection = Elevated Outcomes” is something about which the team feels deeply passionate, as we know service and connection both lead to changed lives. Our Flower Power programs are the perfect opportunity for attendees to be uplifted as they create arrangements and experience the joy of gifting to change the outcome of the recipient’s day.
“We are in the midst of an unprecedented time of reported loneliness and social isolation for those of all ages, yet I have witnessed an increased desire for connection since we delivered our first Flower Power arrangements and hosted our first events a year ago,” says SOAR Founder Ginger Smith. “I have witnessed and felt social sparks emanating from those contending with loneliness, smiles generated and changed outcomes for those with whom have been honored to spend time. Our goal is to touch many more lives through this incredibly generous grant opportunity from the City of Norwalk and to continue to promote increased levels of positive social connection.”
To learn more about SOAR Together and its programs in Norwalk, please contact Ginger Smith at gsmith@soartogetherct.org. For media inquiries, please contact: info@soartogetherct.org