Welcome to Connect 2 Rise, a community-driven initiative founded with a powerful vision: combating loneliness and social isolation through meaningful connections and support networks.
Our Story:
At Connect 2 Rise, we believe everyone deserves to feel connected, valued, and included, no matter their age, background, or circumstance. Inspired by the urgent need to address the growing epidemic of loneliness, Veronica Fields witnessed firsthand the trend of social isolation becoming a reality. Initially hopeful that people would seek out in-person interactions post-Covid, she opened a small co-working space. However, even as remote work trends decreased, the prioritization of real-life social connections diminished. This impact was evident across various sectors, from churches and school PTAs to volunteerism and workplace communities.
Refusing to accept this status quo, Veronica, having invested all her savings in her dream business, began hosting networking events. She discovered a growing number of individuals yearning for genuine connections. After every event, she would leave thinking she wished she could do more to help people build relationships and remove the cost burden of connecting. With her passion for positive change, she closed her business and launched a nonprofit dedicated to combating social isolation and loneliness. Understanding the profound impact of loneliness on mental, emotional, and physical well-being, Veronica was committed to making a difference, one meaningful connection at a time.
With the support of like-minded women dedicated to community-building, Connect 2 Rise Inc. was born.
How We Do It:
Whether through one-on-one, neighborhood-based networks, intergenerational exchange programs, virtual community platforms, or peer support networks, Connect 2 Rise offers a variety of opportunities for individuals to connect with others, share experiences, and build meaningful relationships.
Together, We Rise:
We believe that by coming together, we can break down barriers, foster empathy, and create a more inclusive and compassionate society. Thank you for joining us on this journey to change the way the world talks and thinks about loneliness.
Join Us:
Together, let's rise above isolation and build a community where everyone feels connected and supported. Welcome to Connect 2 Rise.
Our Mission
Our mission is simple yet powerful: to facilitate vital social connections for individuals of all ages, particularly during times when their social networks, circles, and close family may be diminishing or absent. Through a range of innovative programs, initiatives, and partnerships, we strive to create a culture of belonging and mutual support where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
Our VISION
To become a leader in the global movement dedicated to eliminating the stigma surrounding social isolation and loneliness, cultivating a world characterized by empathy and compassion. We aim to foster a connected society and world where every individual not only survives but thrives socially, emotionally, and mentally.
Meet Our Growing Team
Veronica Fields
CEO/Founder
Victoria Williams
Vice President/Board Member
Ramona Canakie
Treasurer/Board Member
Patrice Boyd
President/Board Member
Our strategic objectives for 2024-2026 are listed below as we aim to become a global leader in field:
Create Community Spaces and Events
Develop inclusive community spaces, such as cafes, libraries, or pop-up gathering spots, where people can come together for socializing, shared activities, and mutual support.
Organize regular events, festivals, and themed gatherings that celebrate diversity, foster connections, and create a sense of belonging for all members of the community.
Build Peer Support Networks
Establish peer support networks or buddy systems where individuals experiencing loneliness or social isolation can connect with others who share similar experiences and provide mutual encouragement, companionship, and understanding.
Train volunteers or peer mentors to facilitate support groups, one-on-one meetings, or online forums where participants can share their stories, offer advice, and receive emotional support.
Intergenerational Connection Initiatives
Develop programs that facilitate meaningful interactions between different age groups, such as intergenerational mentorship programs, shared learning experiences, and collaborative projects.
Establish partnerships with schools, community centers, and retirement homes to create opportunities for intergenerational connections through activities like storytelling sessions, workshops, and projects.
Community Engagement Campaigns
Launch public awareness campaigns to destigmatize loneliness and raise awareness about the importance of social connections for overall well-being.
Collaborate with local influencers, celebrities, and community leaders to spread messages of empathy, inclusion, and support through social media, public events, and community outreach efforts.
Virtual Community Building
Launch a virtual community platform that provides opportunities for individuals to connect with others who share similar interests, hobbies, or life experiences.
Offer virtual support groups, discussion forums, and interactive events to facilitate meaningful connections and provide emotional support to those who may have limited mobility or access to in-person interactions.
Volunteer Mobilization and Civic Engagement
Mobilize volunteers to serve as social connectors, community ambassadors, or event organizers who actively reach out to individuals experiencing loneliness and invite them to participate in community activities.
Engage residents in community-building initiatives, such as neighborhood clean-up projects, community gardens, or local advocacy campaigns, to foster a sense of ownership, pride, and social connectedness.
How You Can Help
Connect 2 Rise Inc recognizes the importance of collective action in creating lasting change. We invite individuals, corporations, and communities to join us in our mission.
Monetary Donations
Your financial support is a lifeline for our projects and initiatives.
Reserve Our Community Space
By reserving our space, you help generate much needed funding to support our programs.
Corporate Partnerships
Connect 2 Rise Inc welcomes partnerships with corporations that share.
Volunteer Your Time
If you're passionate about creating positive change hands-on.
Join us in the journey to empower communities
and transform lives.
We can be the change...
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Core Values
At Connect 2 Rise, we believe in fostering a culture of inclusivity where everyone feels welcome, valued, and respected regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances.
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