SOAR Together, a Fairfield County nonprofit launched in 2023 to address epidemic levels of loneliness and social isolation, is proud to announce the launch of its first City Chapter, SOAR Together Norwalk, with Diana Herrera as its Director.
SOAR Together Norwalk programs, including Flower Power, Stroll & Stem, and Let’s Chat, are grounded in research that a direct correlation exists between positive social connections, increased levels of individual and community contentment, and improved health outcomes. SOAR’s mission is to help elevate levels of individual and community contentment through unique programs and community collaborations, all with an aim of uplifting social connection.The goal is for a reverberative effect to take place, with an exponential number of lives touched per number of program participants.
“SOAR’s fundamental aim is to meet people where they are, helping community members honor their unique social connection needs, and Diana Herrera has an inherent and beautiful gift of leadership by immersive and inclusive manner,” says SOAR Together Founder, Ginger Smith, adding, “Diana’s education in natural sciences and sociology from Cornell University and work in healthcare research at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical Schoolbolster her innate capacity as an empathic community leader.”
SOAR Together partners with local nonprofits and businesses with shared goals of social engagement and community outreach as primary means of reducing levels of loneliness and isolation. Thanks to grant support from The City of Norwalk and Big Y Family Markets, SOAR increased partnerships and programming throughout 2024-2025, with monthly Flower Power programs at Norwalk Senior Center, plant deliveries to Open Doors neighbors, bouquet deliveries to Person To Person, First Congregational Church, ElderHouse, and The Marvin, and an inaugural Sunday Stem & Stroll with Eco Evolution.
Diana Herrera first joined the SOAR team as a volunteer in search of finding deeper connection within her community. With perfectly aligned experience as a florist and small business owner of Diana Margarette Bouquets, Diana jumped on the opportunity to support the Flower Power program in Norwalk. Diana adopted increasing responsibility over time, leading to the natural progression of launching SOAR's first local Chapter. Diana revels in the opportunity to increase her contributions to SOAR by leading the launch of SOAR Together Norwalk as she grows her own business with the same values. With Diana at the helm of SOAR Together Norwalk, wheels are already in motion to increase the level and degree of social connection programs and community collaborations.
In Diana’s words, “I am overjoyed to have finally found an organization that aligns with how I want to be contributing to my community. I hope to keep spreading the joy in Norwalk and surrounding areas however I can, and SOAR has given me a perfect opportunity to do so.”
SOAR Together Norwalk will continue to develop new programming based on input from community members and Diana’s capacity to create innovative programming reflecting SOAR’s mission of intergenerational, inclusive programs.