by Ellen Andre

(Since it’s launch in October of 2022, InsideLowell has provided me the opportunity to shine the spotlight on a number of key organizations in our community. In fact, in the nearly two years that have followed, I’ve been able to introduce you to a dozen of these groups. Of course, with the passage of time, many have grown and evolved since we first told you about them. With that in mind, I felt it might be a good idea to update you on where they are today, and how people like you have helped them along the way. Thank you for your support!)

Organization Name: Power of Flowers Project

Address: Tewksbury Hospital Grounds – 365 East Street, Tewksbury, MA 01876

Executive Director: Michelle Silveira

How long has your organization been in operation: 15 Years

Mission: The Power of Flowers Project shares Hope and Happiness by providing a kind connection to seniors and veterans in care communities and those who receive meal delivery primarily in the Merrimack Valley of MA and Southern NH. Some of which include Assisted Living Facilities, Elder Services Agencies, and Veterans Services.

Accomplishments:

• We estimate that in the past 15 years, our volunteers have created and delivered nearly 170,000 bouquets to alleviate loneliness and isolation, all the while enhancing the mental and physical health of the senior population we serve. A true testament that our work is important!
• Our outreach efforts through social media and Community Engagement have resulted in increased awareness of the organization. We were the best kept secret in town!
• Over the past fifteen years, our outreach has grown exponentially by delivering over 14,000 signature bouquets yearly to residents in 20 communities located in the Merrimack Valley and Southern NH regions.
• We service 75 Care Communities three times each per year and everyone who resides in the care facility receives a bouquet. No one is left out!
• We have 150 active volunteers

How has the Program changed or Improved since 2 years ago:

• We have 5 new Board members who bring a wide range of expertise and live in the communities we serve
• Increased followers on Social Media
• We are attracting younger demographics who want to join our organization and make a difference

What are you most proud of in the last year: Reaching our 15 Year Anniversary!! A milestone for such a small non-profit organization who depends on the donation of flowers from many sources including memorial services, weddings, corporate events and retailers. We may be small, but we are making a difference in the lives of so many

What are 1 or 2 ways you have an impact that is different than your initial report: We compost donated flowers that are past their prime. We believe that nothing should go to waste, and as such we recycle baskets, containers, and glass/ceramic vases back to the floral industry. Since 2022, we have tracked our recycling program and to date we have saved over 10,400 pieces from the landfill.

Areas you’d like to expand or grow: Our outreach efforts through our paid workshops:

• We offer opportunities for corporate engagement by sponsoring on-site bouquet production workshops where employees make bouquets, select a care community, and help deliver the bouquets to that facility. We call them Kindness Connection – VIP Experience (VIP = Volunteer in Place) They are a fun teambuilding event and a great way to engage employees.

• Another avenue is our Buds & Blooms events (think of them as a paint party), which are bouquet creation nights, hosted for up to 40 people. These workshops offer a fun way to learn about our organization, connect people through laughter, creativity, and reach new volunteers, all while giving back and benefitting the elderly and veterans in our community. Each participant creates two bouquets: one to keep and one to donate to a care facility of their choice. We bring all the supplies, and ask that all partipants make a donation of at least $30 to the organization.

Biggest challenges today: Many people think because we receive donated flowers that we have no other costs involved. Like any other business we have overhead costs: rent, insurance, workshop consumables above and beyond the flower donations, maintenance and gas for our organization’s van.

How can the community help?:

• Spread the Word about Power of Flowers Project
• We welcome monetary donations, which include in memory and in honor of a loved one
• Floral donations from local events
• Host a Buds & Blooms event
• If you’re a Business owner consider hosting a Kindness Connection for your employees to give back

If people would like to learn more who should they contact or where can they go for more info?:

Contact: michelle@pofproject.org
Learn more: visit pofproject.org

What is the best way to make monetary donations?:

Power of Flowers Project
P.O. Box 1234
Tewksbury, MA 01876

Visit: https://pofproject.org/contribute/