Our Story

Our Story

Blooms that Brighten is a unique and innovative Flower Therapy™ program creating joy, smiles and kindness … one little green vase at a time. It incorporates research-based elements that help promote physical and emotional health. Since it’s 2008 grassroots beginning, Blooms that Brighten volunteers continue compassionate hands-on activities with residents of Williamsburg's senior care communities. 

With buckets of fresh flowers and recycled vases, volunteers arrive to work one-on-one with senior care community residents.

Residents actively engage in creating floral arrangements for themselves and others.

During the workshops, seniors delight in the sight, smell and touch of fresh flowers. As favorite flowers are chosen and pleasant memories from their lives are shared, it is a time well spent for all. 

Thanks to an incredible group of volunteers and their engaging and interactive Flower Therapy™ program, seniors experience joy, smiles and kindness … one little green vase at a time.

Making Smiles One Little Green Vase at a Time

You Can Make A Difference!

Good mental health is essential to healthy aging. Loneliness and depression can have a negative impact on one's overall health and sense of well-being. Each visit, we witness the positive impact of our program, from the simple “thank you” spoken by a memory care resident, to the smiling faces of the residents as vases are filled with flowers – our mission touches lives.

As the population ages, care communities are expanding to keep current with future needs. Our Flower Therapy™ program becomes even more important in managing quality of life for seniors as they move into “new” environments seeking ways to renew spirits.

100% Volunteer organization, governed by dynamic directors and supported by awesome community partners.

Board of Directors

  • President:

Marty Taylor 

  • Vice President: 

Jane Doucette

  • Treasurer:

Paul Doucette

  • Secretary:

Diane Race

  • Steering Committee:

Jane Doucette

  • Facility Coordinator:

Marty Taylor

  • Flower Coordinator:

Ruth Cobb

  • Volunteer Coordinator:

Gail Beers

  • Publicity Coordinator:

Chris Day

  • Member at Large:

Jennifer Henning     

  • Member at Large:

Rodney Bolyard

  • Member at Large:

Nataly Williams


Community Partners

  • Harris Teeter - (Flower Donation)
  • Trader Joe's - (Flower Donation)
  • Fresh Market - (Flower Donation)
  • Williamsburg Floral & Gifts
  • Junior Woman's Club of Williamsburg
  • Northampton Women's Club
  • Printwell, Inc.
  • Unitarian Universalist Association
  • Web Development Technology Partners, inc. - wdtp.com
  • Williamsburg Presbyterian Church (Gift of Christmas Program)