Changing Lives, One Step at a Time

In the fall of 2022, Chris Goossens heard a story in the news about a boy in New York who gifted shoes to a classmate who was getting teased and picked on for wearing shoes that were nearly falling apart. Chris was touched and inspired by this incredible act of kindness. A self-proclaimed “Sneaker Head,” Chris decided to put his passion for good shoes and for helping others to good. That December, Chris, along with his girlfriend, Caty Chmura, started Shaping Soles.

Shaping Soles is dedicated to providing all types of footwear – including – shoes, sneakers, and boots – at no cost to individuals of all ages in need in the New England region. Chris and Caty believe that footwear is a basic necessity that every person deserves. When they aren’t working their nine-to-five jobs, Chris and Caty are picking up donations of brand new and gently used shoes, organizing them and reaching out to organizations, such as ImmaCare, that might benefit from their generosity.

On Monday, August 6, Chris arrived at ImmaCare’s administrative offices with nearly 40 brand new pairs of sneakers and nine gently used pairs of shoes. Their donation was all the more memorable since it also commemorated their 1,000^th donated pair of shoes!

“We’ve been anticipating this milestone since we founded Shaping Soles, and now that we’re here, it feels surreal,” Chris said. “What better place and people than ImmaCare? It seems like such a loving, caring atmosphere and we’re blessed to be able to contribute. Now, we’re reaching for donating 2,000 pairs, and then 3,000, and then the skies the limit. We know we’ll soon be back to ImmaCare with more.”

We cannot thank Shaping Soles enough for their meaningful donation to the clients we serve. One box of shoes went to clients served in our Emergency Shelter and a second box went to clients living outdoors who are served by our Mobile Outreach program. We look forward to continuing this amazing partnership!

Building Community Through Art

ImmaCare has partnered with Meg Lenzzo, Founder and Executive Director of Shine Your Light CT to provide healing experiences for residents with a goal to lower stress levels, encourage creative thinking, boost self-esteem, and build stronger relationships within the community.

Healing experiences offered include, but are not limited to, painting, mindfulness moments and meditation, sound healing, African Drum Circles, craft and specialty art workshops, and meal sharing.

According to CTData.org, over the past few years, Covid-19 has caused financial, physical and mental distress among the residents of Connecticut and the rest of the world. Recent research has found that anxiety levels, depression and overall mental health have deteriorated during the pandemic, with certain demographics of our population experiencing elevated risk. In addition, CTData.org reported:

• 62 percent of CT residents earning less than $15k reported feeling at least a bit anxious.
• 44percent of respondents earning less than $15k reported depression in the past two weeks.
• More than 1 in 3 adults experienced at least one day of poor mental health in the past 3 days.

Shine Your Light’s mission is to provide healing experiences to those who are most in need through the transformative power of art, yoga and diverse forms of expression. Programs and services empower individuals and communities to freely express themselves, process their emotions and enhance their coping skills, particularly when faced with adversity.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Many of us are facing challenges that can be stressful, overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Public health actions, such as physical distancing, can make us feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety. After a traumatic event, people may have strong and lingering reactions. Learning healthy ways to cope and getting the right care and support can help reduce stressful feelings and symptoms."



Recently, residents of ImmaCare’s Casa de Francisco had the opportunity to paint terra-cotta pots. This activity helped clients to focus on the present moment and ignite creative ideas and problem-solving skills, all while enjoying a therapeutic activity. Residents left feeling a sense of accomplishment....

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