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.
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.
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
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