SOAR Together Grows, Announces Array of Community Events in September

SOAR Together Has an Array of September Community Events Scheduled as the Nonprofit Grows in its Second Year to Meet Mental Wellness Needs

Ridgefield, CT – 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, announces a series of events aimed at bringing people together to promote positive social connections.

"SOAR’s mission in-action centers on unique 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 where loneliness and mental health are openly discussed and community members feel empowered to seek out opportunities to connect. This wide and deep health epidemic impacts all of us, crossing age, gender, and geography, thus our measured growth through partnerships to meet the great need for innovative ways to connect socially."

SOAR Together invites residents across Fairfield County to join our September events, and each Sunday we will hold our SOAR Strolls at 10am at our beloved locale of Sherwood Island. It’s a beautiful time of year for those from towns across Fairfield County (and beyond) to enjoy connecting with others who enjoy the sights and sounds of an ocean backdrop. Mostly social time with a gentle stroll, Sundays are a wonderful time to bond, laugh, refresh, and regroup for the week ahead. 

SOAR Together is looking so forward to our monthly Social Seats on Wednesday, September 4th at 9:30am at The Garden House at Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center. The program has grown so much in its first five months that we’ve moved to a larger venue.  It's a wonderful opportunity to spend time connecting with community members of all ages while enjoying breakfast catered by Early Bird Café and Starbucks, a tour of the Museum’s exhibits, and of course, heading home with gifts of flower arrangements. Please RSVP to Ginger at gsmith@soartogetherct.org if you’d like to attend.

On Saturday, September 7th, SOAR Together will be participating in The Fitness Expo sponsored by Fairfield County Bank, an event in which we are proud to take part as members of the wellness community. We look forward to seeing those whom we know and meeting new community members to share about SOAR’s mission and programs while immersing in Flower Power love and social sparking.

SOAR Together extends an invitation to all community members to join us on Saturday, September 21st at 10am at Town Hall for the second monthly Ridgefield Walk & Talk, along with partner Ridgefield Running Company. Get in leisurely steps while chatting with fellow community members in the scenic setting of Main Street Ridgefield, with a stop at the Farmer’s Market and post-walk gathering at Deborah Ann’s Sweet Shoppe to enjoy delectables and support local farms and eateries. The locale is beautiful and uplifting connections will leave you invigorated.

Please also join us on Saturday, September 28th from 1-2:30pm at Triangle Community Center in Norwalk 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 we feel deeply passionate, as we know how much service and connection both lead to changed lives. We have had an increase in requests from community members about volunteer opportunities, thus have posted weekly opportunities to help rescue flowers on our site (https://www.soartogetherct.org/volunteer). For those who would like to help cut/clean flowers or offer other volunteer assistance, please email Ginger directly at gsmith@soartogetherct.org

“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 even changed outcomes for those with whom have been blessed to spend time. Our intention is to touch more lives this season, promote the right kinds and degrees of connection, and keep moving the social needle in the right direction.”

SOAR’s vision is to improve health and life outcomes in communities throughout Connecticut. SOAR is an acronym which stands for the four interrelated needs met by their programs: Social, Occupational, Artistic, and Recreational. For more information about SOAR Together and to view the full schedule of their events, please visit https://www.soartogetherct.org and https://www.soartogetherct.org/calendar