The Nature Connection Honored With Climate for Freedom Award

The Nature Connection Honored With

Climate for Freedom Award

by the Concord-Carlisle Human Rights Council

The Nature Connection was honored with the “Climate for Freedom” Award by the Concord-Carlisle Human Rights Council (CCHRC) at the Council's annual Human Rights breakfast on December 5, 2016. Nature Connection Executive Director Sophie Wadsworth was the featured speaker at the event, held at the Trinitarian Congregational Church in Concord.

The Climate for Freedom award is given biannually to an organization for its work in promoting a climate of respect for individuals and their families, and for advancing human rights on the local level.

"I was humbled and honored for The Nature Connection to be recognized by the CCHRC for this award," said Wadsworth. "The Council's mission to uphold the precious truth that all individuals deserve basic human rights truly resonates with our work. At The Nature Connection we believe that everyone deserves access to nature -- regardless of their abilities or circumstances. Nature is our birthright. Everyone can benefit from nature’s healing power."

CCHRC Co-Chairs Ronni Olitsky and Rob Morrison presented the award, which was given to The Nature Connection for work using therapy animals and natural materials to help create bonds between at-risk individuals and the greater community.

"The patience and kindness shown by the organization's staff and volunteers bring joy and empathy to the youth and elders they serve," said Olitsky. "The Nature Connection creates a climate of openness and discovery. It is a model of compassion for all of us."

Founded in Concord in 1983, The Nature Connection brings the healing power of nature to some of the most vulnerable individuals in our communities. With live animals and natural materials, the non-profit organization delivers therapeutic programs to at-risk youth, people with disabilities, and elders in institutional settings throughout Greater Boston. Partner sites include special needs schools, at-risk youth programs, Alzheimer’s care facilities and nursing homes. Local partners include Concord Park Assisted Living, The Gardens Memory Support Assisted Living at Newbury Court, Minute Man Arc, and The Walden Street School.

The Nature Connection is actively seeking volunteers and advisors who believe in the healing power of

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nature and want to share it with others. For more information, or to get involved, please visit our website at www.nature-connection.org.

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PHOTO CAPTION:

Sophie Wadsworth, Executive Director of The Nature Connection, accepts the Climate for Freedom Award from Rob Morrison (left) and Ronni Olitsky (center), Co-Chairs of the Concord-Carlisle Human Rights Council. Photo CCHRC