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. From it’s 2008 grassroots beginning, Blooms that Brighten has grown to over 30 volunteers bringing a compassionate hands-on activity to senior care community residents, memory care and Hospice House. 

With buckets of fresh flowers and recycled vases, volunteers arrive weekly 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 week, 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 a dynamic

Board of Directors and supported by awesome community partners.


2020 Board of Directors

Mary Ellen McGuire, Executive Director and Board Chair

Rodney Borland, CPA, Treasurer, Moss and Riggs, PLLC

Dawn Michelle, Secretary, Choice Connections

Rebecca Andersen, at large, Visiting Angels

Jenifer Henning, at large, EdgeworthPark

Elgin Morris, at large, Williamsburg Floral & Gifts

Pat Overton, Resource Coordinator

Marty Taylor, Senior Care Community Coordinator

2020 Community Partners

Fresh Market

Harris Teeter (Richmond Rd)

Harris Teeter (John Tyler Hwy)

Morrison’s Flowers and Gifts

Trader Joe’s

Williamsburg Floral and Gifts

Bucktrout Funeral Home

Nelsen Funeral Home

Junior Woman’s Club of Williamsburg

Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists

Toano Women’s Club