Programs & Services

SOAR’s online and in-person programs are referred to in-short as “GIGS” (Gathering In Groups) and will be held throughout each week from Mondays through Saturdays.  In-person programming takes place in lower Fairfield County, CT., and online programming is available to those with internet connectivity.    

True to SOAR’s vision of programming designed to measurably engage, enlighten, and uplift, each week will be associated with an elevated theme around which programs are centered (ie. Believe, Pay it Forward, Thrive, Stronger Together).  SOAR’s programming embraces the precept of inclusion both by being available to those of varying backgrounds as well as learning about and celebrating different cultures and ways of life.  As such, SOAR themes will also highlight months honoring specific groups and teach participants about holidays throughout the year.

Online GIGS:  Each online GIG will be held via Zoom and co-hosted by the SOAR Founder along with instructors across a variety of subject matter, including: art, music, dance, cooking, cultural history/celebrations, animal/nature visits, and guided tours.  The optimal size for an online GIG is 15-30 participants, which allows ample opportunity for individuals to share and participate while providing enough time for instructors to address their subject matter.  Activities will last for 45-50 minutes and wrap up with a 5-10 minute “SOAR Session” led by the Founder to conclude each gathering with guided discussions focused on engagement and mood elevation.    

In-Person GIGS:   Gatherings will be held in Lower Fairfield County several times each week to fill an important role of connecting with others face-to-face in an environment specifically created for those who may otherwise have limited access to group activities and social engagements.   Gatherings will focus on SOAR’s acronym of four categorical needs -- Social, Occupational, Artistic, and Recreational.  Activities will last for 60-90 minutes on-average and many will include a “SOAR Session” check-in targeting mood elevation.

• “SOAR Socials” are scheduled as less structured gatherings to help provide opportunities for social connection in the evenings and on weekends, such as gathering at a coffee shop, ice cream parlor, music concert, or book signing.

• “SOAR Serves” are gatherings focused on the importance of serving others and the joy it brings both those who give and receive.  SOAR has already begun its “Flower Power Program,” through which floral arrangements are created and delivered to those in-need of uplifting, and will grow/scale its scope as more participants are included. 

• “SOAR Soothes” are in-person gatherings aimed at providing calming, therapeutic activities such as art, music, and animal-assisted therapy.  Gatherings will focus on instruction in the given subject matter as well as engagement, expression, and connection.

• “SOAR Satisfies” are in-person gatherings centered on cooking and nutrition, which may include a cooking class taught by a local chef, a visit to a local farm to learn about vegetable gardening, or a class held at a local library by a nutritionist.   

• “SOAR Strolls” are in-person gatherings geared towards recreation/movement to provide participants important opportunities to engage in physical activity and experience the outdoors with others. Participants will gather at local parks and beaches to spend time moving together and bonding in natural environments.