Technology for SPHERE: A Gift from the Ridgefield Thrift Shop

The Ridgefield Thrift Shop recently presented SPHERE, Inc. with a grant to provide tablets to its members in need of technical assistance. Every SPHERE member will be able to participate in SPHERE's programs, whether in-person (following all safety protocols) or remotely from their home.

SPHERE's programming is vital to its members' health, safety, and happiness and a source of pride for the Ridgefield, CT community. The organization's programming pre-pandemic was in-person classes at one of the Town and community partners' facilities. Due to the pandemic, SPHERE had to shut down its eight programs and cancel its annual live performance, which acts as a fundraiser for the organization. The pandemic also caused increased social isolation without the ability to perform/interact with our community partners and be together as a group.

SPHERE's Board quickly moved as many classes as possible and gatherings online to continue engaging members, acknowledging that isolation is a problem within its community. By going virtual, SPHERE continued to combat loneliness, anxiety and promote greater well-being for its organization.

SPHERE found it challenging to engage with all its members because of a lack of technology or difficulty accessing the internet. This grant will allow SPHERE to gift members tablets to access all remote and in-person classes from now on.

"We are so appreciative to our longtime partners at the Ridgefield Thrift Shop," says Lori Berisford, SPHERE President. "2020 was incredibly difficult to navigate within our community. This grant will provide essential technology to our members to stay connected at all times, which is crucial for SPHERE as we move forward."

The Ridgefield Thrift Shop has been a great friend to SPHERE. Many members and volunteers donate their time to help at the store, and it is SPHERE Performing Art's favorite shop for costumes. Past generous grants from The Ridgefield Thrift Shop gave SPHERE the funds to purchase their very own bus and maintenance of the SPHERE van.

"SPHERE is grateful for our partnership with The Ridgefield Thrift Shop and its compassionate mission that donates all revenue to local charities. We are thrilled to be a recipient of their 2021 Grant and look forward to our continued partnership in the future,” Berisford remarked.

SPHERE’s mission is to enrich and enhance the lives of adults with disabilities through education, recreation, and the arts while fostering and nurturing relationships between our members and our communities. To volunteer, donate, or learn more about SPHERE, visit www.spherect.org.