Ginger Smith is a longtime macro-level social worker and self-proclaimed community-connector. In 2023, Smith founded SOAR Together because she observed a glaring issue in the social fabric of Fairfield County: an intergenerational community in desperate need of connection. While she stops short of calling herself “Pollyanna,” Smith has made it her mission to help end epidemic levels of loneliness and social isolation in and around Ridgefield. Striving to elevate levels of social contentment, one uplifting connection at a time, Smith believes that immersing people in the solution is what helps bring about the change.
“SOAR has enabled me to collaborate with other passionate, service-driven community members who want to be part of a positive change,” says Smith. That passion was inherited from Smith’s parents, who instilled care of community in their children at a young age. “My parents used to rescue flowers and create arrangements to deliver to patients at Norwalk Hospital every Tuesday,” Smith reminisces. So it was perfectly natural that when she started this nonprofit, flowers would play an essential role.
SOAR is an acronym for the four interrelated needs Smith's organization meets: Social, Occupational, Artistic, and Recreational. SOAR fulfills these needs through various programs, including, of course, one focused on flowers. Flower Power is a program wherein donated flowers (from Alice’s Flower Shop and The Hickories), and rescued flowers (from Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and Big Y), are picked up, arranged into bouquets, placed in white cups, and gifted. Smith hand-writes “You Are Loved” in red ink on each cup—red because seniors can better distinguish the color red over blue or green. The arrangements also include “Spark Cards” which are full of inspirational quotes and phrases, including, “Please always remember: you are strong, you are brilliant.”
These rescued bloom bouquets never fail to deliver a smile—and a much-welcomed boost of serotonin—to their recipients. “SOAR’s frequent deliveries of flowers always brighten the days of the members at Founders Hall,” says Stephanie Campbell, Director of Development. “But more than that, SOAR reminds seniors that they’re not alone. Ginger is directly addressing the loneliness pandemic and it's having a huge impact on the lives of seniors.”
Another program is Social Seats, which combines a service with a social connection. This program facilitates opportunities for intergenerational community members to connect with each other—while also supporting local eateries. Participants are invited to enjoy a free meal at a local restaurant (Wooster Hollow Café, Dimitri’s Diner, and Early Bird Café have all participated), with the meal paid for by other local charities or businesses (previous sponsors include Jesse Lee Church, Ridgefield Rotary, Ridgefield Lions Club, and EZ Moving).
“I’ve witnessed first-hand SOAR’s reaching out to the lonely in our society and how thankful these folks are for such loving support. I am very happy to be a SOAR supporter and Board Member,” says Joel Third.
SOAR Strolls and Walks and Talks are programs which vary in location. SOAR Strolls are monthly visits to Sherwood Island or Calf Pastures, while Walks and Talks are shorter excursions in and around Ridgefield. Both highlight the power of social connection, while also enabling participants to get in their daily steps. Volunteers from the Ridgefield Running Company are on hand for the walks in town, and afterwards, participants gather to enjoy a cup of coffee at a local shop, oftentimes Tazza.
Finally, there is Let’s Chat. This is a countywide program promoting impromptu social connections through Chatty Benches and community areas in restaurants, cafés, and public spaces.
In addition to these programs, there are three phrases that Smith emphasizes daily, “You Are Loved,” “Be a Spark,” and “Be You.” In Ginger’s words, “The world needs us just the way we are, and unabashedly so. We thrive as individuals and communities when we celebrate the beautiful, unique nature of each of our tremendous members.” She goes on to say, “I chose a far-reaching mission because of the inherent opportunities to partner with local organizations, companies, and public entities. It’s a team game each and every day to increase the overall health and well-being of a community.”
While SOAR Together is only in its sophomore year, Ridgefield residents have undoubtedly taken notice and are so thankful to have the program in town. Clem Saleeby, Member of the Ridgefield Commission on Aging, says, “SOAR’s events and conversation have brought happiness to our seniors who need socialization. The cups that say, ‘You are Loved,’ are so touching and appreciated.”
SOAR’s mission has led to partnerships across Fairfield County, funded by places like The City of Norwalk and the Fairfield County Community Foundation, but Ginger is particularly passionate about supporting the Ridgefield community where she's a member of the Ridgefield Rotary and Chamber of Commerce. Stephen Wooters, SVP at Fairfield County Bank, says “SOAR’s mission not only positively engages togetherness, it perfectly overlaps with and supports the many wonderful charities throughout the community.”
Smith has been instrumental in brightening the days of so many Ridgefield residents, and Fairfield County is so lucky to have her relentless spirit in our midst. Executive Director of Lounsbury House, Suzanne Brennan, says it best, “It has been an absolute joy to collaborate with Ginger Smith and SOAR Together. Her visionary initiatives embody the essence of what we all strive for in a caring community: genuine connection. In a world increasingly distanced and tied to technology, SOAR brings people together and creates spaces where they feel valued and heard.”
Kathy Graham, Vice President and Branch Manager at Fairfield County Bank, adds, “I am supporting this organization as I have seen first hand the difference these events are making in improving the lives of others. I am thankful for SOAR, which has achieved so much in only its first year. My hope is that others will also support this nonprofit so they can continue their important work.” Please visit soartogetherct.org to find out how you can get involved.
Smith wishes to thank the supportive team at Fairfield County Bank, the counsel and extraordinary venue Suzanne Brennan of Lounsbury House provides, First Selectperson Rudy Marconi for supporting SOAR's cause in the Ridgefield community, Joel Third for his leadership and support, Jesse Lee Church for sponsoring and hosting programs, Ridgefield Rotary for their camaraderie and generous support of SOAR's mission, Ron Herman of Wooster Hollow and Sunrise Cafes in helping launch both Social Seats and Let’s Chat, the National Charity League Ridgefield and Nutmeg Chapters for helping move SOAR's mission forward, Megan Searfoss and her team at Ridgefield Running for teaming up to address loneliness through physical and mental wellness, Karen and Tony of the social services team who are always on hand, the Commission on Aging members for their support and collaboration, Kate Fitzpatrick’s marketing and communications expert touch, Kathleen Menichelli and the team at Alice's Flower Shop in Bethel, the D'Amour family at Big Y, and The Hickories for kindly donating from their abundance of gorgeous flowers, Linda Hutchings from Community Food Rescue leaning in to help in an enormous way. Every day and in every way, the Ridgefield community has been a highlight of SOAR’s mission in-action.
“I am thankful for SOAR, which has achieved so much. My hope is that others will also support this nonprofit so they can continue their important work.”—Kathy Graham, FCB
“In a world increasingly distanced and tied to technology, SOAR brings people together and creates spaces where they feel valued and heard.”—Suzanne Brennan, Lounsbury House
SOAR carries the trademark on “Flower Rescue” as a concept! “Charitable services through planning and executing multigenerational outreach programs providing recycled flowers to spark social engagements for those at risk of loneliness and social isolation.”