About SOAR
SOAR Together, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Fairfield County, Connecticut
Grounded in proven research that a positive correlation exists between social connection and feelings of belonging, SOAR’s in-person and virtual programs serve those at risk of loneliness and social isolation through active engagement. While the cure for loneliness and social isolation is social engagement, there are nuances to the degree engagement is beneficial to individuals based on unique needs and personal limitations -- SOAR exists to help people find their own contented place of social connection.
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The benefits inherent in SOAR's immersive, educational, and spiritually-fulfilling workshops are undeniable, with attendees experiencing joy, connection, and an uplifting sense of belonging to a cohesive movement bringing about positive social change. The epidemic of loneliness and social isolation we are experiencing as a country (and around the world) is a social and health epidemic which can be healed through measured, thoughtful, systematic means coupled with a unique, personal approach infused with positive, spiritual uplift -- this is SOAR's trademark.
SOAR's specific model of program delivery centers on ensuring each and every aspect of a SOAR workshop is filled with equal parts education, purpose, connection, and most importantly, a lasting sense of togetherness which impacts attendees' future interactions as they head out the door -- this leads to individual and community healing and the ending of this epidemic one positive social engagement at a time.
We don't always know who is struggling in the silent grips of this epidemic, thus while we know we can't be all things to all people, we never tire of being a vehicle for change, a glue that helps bind, a door of communication open where one was closed, a spark of light in someone's darkness. We are all-in and completed signed up to meet this epidemic face to face and conquer it with love.
Our Name
Our Mission
SOAR is an acronym which stands for the four interrelated categories of needs the organization and its specific programmatic designs meet: Social, Occupational, Artistic, and Recreational.
Who We Serve
First and foremost, SOAR serves anyone who seeks out our services due to feelings of loneliness and/or being socially isolated. In terms of populations SOAR regularly serves, they include those at highest-risk of social isolation and loneliness, including: older adults, those in hospice/palliative care, adults with disabilities, patients in treatment, at-home caregivers, and students/young adults struggling with social isolation due to personal/life challenges.
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Our Core Values
Love – we believe love is the most fundamental core value and the foundation of all things good
Dignity – we believe everyone should be treated with respect and honored for who they are
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Responsibility – we believe each one of us has a role to play in protecting the earth and each other
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Belonging – we believe everyone should feel they belong and are loved
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Service – we believe in the power of service to help others while enhancing one’s sense of self
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Kindness – we believe change happens one act of kindness at a time, no matter how big or small
SOAR’s mission is to end epidemic levels of loneliness and social isolation through innovative in-person and online programming as well as community partnerships which promote social engagement and a sense of belonging for at-risk populations.
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Our Vision
SOAR's vision is to measurably improve the health and wellness of individuals in need of social connection through unique, novel programming and collaborative partnerships designed to include, engage, enlighten, and uplift.
How We Partner
Awareness-Building/Advocacy/Grassroots Community Partnerships/Public-Private:
Given the size and scope of SOAR's mission which impacts individuals across every demographic, from age to race to geography to income, the only way to dial down epidemic levels of loneliness and social isolation locally and to-scale is for SOAR to partner with community constituents and organizations (nonprofits, businesses, schools, after school programs, healthcare providers) that are serving those most at-risk of loneliness, social isolation, or both. SOAR is constantly seeking out those with like missions, those whose program delivery is innovative and energetic, and those whose passion to serve others shines through in everything they say and do.
Our Purpose-Driven Model
"We're in it Together" Today's reality is that most people know what it feels like to struggle with feelings of loneliness. The SOAR team feels strongly that empathic feelings of understanding make for the perfect people to help move our mission forward, as serving others has proven time and again to positively correlate to uplifted moods and increased self-esteem. It's a simple model in terms of execution and delivery with complex outcomes in terms of healing on the part of the giver and receiver.
Those in cancer treatment making arrangements to deliver to shelters for those facing housing insecurity? Absolutely. Kids feeling socially isolated in school settings putting flower arrangements together to go out for a weekly delivery to a skilled nursing facility or to those in their own families and neighborhoods? Again, the answer is absolutely.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
SOAR is fundamentally committed to providing equal access to employment and service opportunities for all who want to help further our mission of ending epidemic levels of loneliness and social isolation. We actively seek those who are currently unemployed or underemployed for whatever presenting reason, whether a personal hardship, intellectual or developmental disability, gap in employment, or educational level. We believe every individual has the capacity and inherent skills to create positive social connections and engagement, design flower arrangements, and help SOAR grow and thrive as a business through their unique talents and contributions as SOAR Team Members.
Please contact us at info@soartogetherct.org to inquire.