Creativity Connects Ridgefield
What fuels a vibrant, connected, and creative community? What makes people feel good about living in Ridgefield?
When locals share the creativity that they uncover in the nooks and crannies of their community it brings about connectivity and makes us all feel good. Believe it or not, you discover creativity every day as you walk, shop, work, and play in Ridgefield.
Meet Denise Qualey, social worker, Managing Director of Kids In Crisis and Ridgefield volunteer.
Tell us about an organization in your town that makes you feel good
I have many organizations that make me feel good and so happy I landed here in Ridgefield to raise my family. One close to my heart is the Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield. The programs and facility are wonderful but what really warms my heart is the staff. They are so passionate and committed to knowing each child and young person they come across, Our community is blessed to have them there to support our kids during good times and tough times.
Another organization that means so much to me and we can all take pride in, is Compassionate Ridgefield. Compassionate Ridgefield was initiated by a group of Ridgefield residents who know that living in a compassionate community improves lives. It says something about our town that it was immediately embraced by the town leadership and the community. It's who we are. The ultimate goal is to create a Ridgefield where every person-no matter their age, ethnicity, gender, religion, political or sexual orientation- feels welcome and respected.
Where do you go for inspiration and creativity?
I chair the Ridgefield Youth Commission and there is nothing more inspiring to me than seeing our young people trying to make a difference for our community. I love visiting the Kindness Mural located on the outside of the Teen Barn on Governor Street and remembering all the different people in our community that came together for a very snowy week to create a lasting message of kindness. I enjoy visiting the garden that was carefully built under the mural by a local Eagle Scout.
What do you love about your community?
What I love most is the people and how quickly when help is needed there is always someone that says we can do something about that.
Creativity Connects Ridgefield is made possible by LIFEWTR.
The views and opinions expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of HamletHub or LIFEWTR.