July is Social Wellness Month
The quote of the month: “In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute.” - Thurgood Marshall
This July, we invite you to take small steps to strengthen your own social wellness. Join a Sorogi event. Reach out to someone you have not spoken to in a while. Attend a class or invite a neighbor to come with you. Because health is not just what we eat or how we move, but it is also how we connect.
Highlights from June:
Nourishing Communities, One Recipe at a Time
Last month, we were thrilled to continue or commitment to community wellness through several impactful programs. One standout movement was our Library Edition cooking demonstrations on June 14th, where we partnered with SNAP-Ed to showcase an unexpected crowd-pleaser: Fudge Black Bean Brownies. Yes, you read that right: brownies made with black beans! Packed with nutrition, naturally sweetened, and sugar-free, they offered a delicious example of how healthy eating can be both simple and satisfying.
We also hosted another hands-on cooking demonstration on June 28th, where participants learned how to prepare a Salmon Carrot Salad with Capers, a simple, budget-friendly recipe packed with protein and nutrients. This session focused on making healthy eating accessible using ingredients that can be found at most local grocery stores and approved under SNAP benefits.
Throughout June, we hosted two additional SNAP-Ed events aimed at encouraging participants to explore easy, wholesome meals that support chronic disease management and overall wellness. These events are part of our broader mission to empower individuals with tools and education for healthier living.
Check out some of our favorite moments from these events and stay turned for more exciting opportunities on the way!
Welcome to the Team!
We’re excited to introduce a new face at Sorogi this month! Please join us in Welcoming Ruth Demessie, who has joined as our new Sorogi Intern. Learn more about her in her own words:
“My name is Ruth Demessie. I'm a PhD candidate in Pharmacy Administration with a focus on Regulatory Affairs, passionate about navigating complex healthcare landscapes to improve patient access and safety. As a patient care advocate and dedicated clinical pharmacist, I promote patient-centered care and optimize medication therapy outcomes. With a foundation in clinical pharmacy practice, I aim to bridge the gap between healthcare policy, regulatory compliance, and patient care. My research explores the intersection of pharmacy administration, regulatory affairs, and healthcare policy, aiming to enhance patient care and outcomes.”
We’re looking forward to all the amazing things she’ll bring to our team!
New Partnership Spotlight:
Sorogi x Ounces of Care
We’re proud to announce our new partnership with Ounces of Care!
Ounces of Care is a leading resident service organization transforming how underserved communities access vital resources. Their mission is to connect organizations like Sorogi with the residents who need our services most – through program promotion, direct referral pathways, and the facilitation of onsite or virtual events, all at no cost to residents.
Together, we’re expanding our reach and impact, making it easier than ever for families to access the education, support and care they deserve.
Stay tuned for upcoming events and initiatives as we launch this powerful collaboration!
New Partnership Spotlight:
Sorogi x Ounces of Care
We’re proud to announce our new partnership with Ounces of Care!
Ounces of Care is a leading resident service organization transforming how underserved communities access vital resources. Their mission is to connect organizations like Sorogi with the residents who need our services most – through program promotion, direct referral pathways, and the facilitation of onsite or virtual events, all at no cost to residents.
Together, we’re expanding our reach and impact, making it easier than ever for families to access the education, support and care they deserve.
Stay tuned for upcoming events and initiatives as we launch this powerful collaboration!
SNAP-Education x DC Health – Empowering Healthy Living
We are proud to continue our collaboration with DC Health to bring SNAP-Ed approved nutrition and fitness education to eligible individuals in the DC area and beyond!
Stay connected with us @SorogiHealth across all platforms (Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, X/Twitter, and Facebook) for regular updates, helpful tips, and resources tailored to support a healthier lifestyle.
Exciting news: We are starting our in-person cooking demonstrations and fitness classes this summer! Missed some our sessions? Not to worry, make sure you follow us for the latest announcements and ways to get involved.
Enrollment for our July SNAP-Ed direct education cohort is beginning to open soon. Do not miss your chance to join us in creating simple, sustainable healthy habits.
Look Out for our June Blog Posts!
Blogs are posted on the 1st and 3rd weeks of each month!
July is Social Wellness Month. We encourage you to:
Take a few minutes to read our articles on health and wellness
Reflect on ways to support and encourage loved ones, especially in your community
Healthy Cooking Demonstrations
We hosted two virtual cooking demonstrations last month on June 3rd and June 17th at 6:00 pm. Registered Dietitian Wintana Kiros outdid herself last month. Check out the recipe in detail with the nutrition highlights below!
Chocolate Covered Fruit on a Stick Snack
Ingredients:
2 cups of pineapple, sliced
1 cup peaches, sliced
1 cup pear
¼ cup dark chocolate chips
1 tsp coconut oil
Wooded skewers
Parchment paper
Directions:
Place chocolate chops and coconut oil in a microwave – safe bowl [ we like using a Pyrex measuring cup]
Microwave for 30 seconds and stir
Continue to microwave in 15-30 second intervals until chocolate is melted. Watch carefully as microwaves can heat unevenly.
Skewer fruit and dip in chocolate.
Set on parchment lines baking sheet and refrigerate until chocolate firms up.
We’re now averaging 26 participants per session—thank you for your enthusiasm and support!
Our next virtual cooking demonstration is scheduled for July 24th, 2025, at 6:00 PM EST
Be sure to follow us @SorogiHealth on Instagram, Facebook, X/Twitter, and LinkedIn to stay informed about upcoming events!
Sign up for the Produce Plus Program
Sorogi is excited to be working with DC Health to improve participation in the Produce Plus Program. The Produce Plus Program aims to improve access to fresh produce. Participants get $40/month to spend on local fruits and vegetables of their choosing at select farmers markets and farm stands throughout Washington, DC. Registration is free. Click on FRESHFARM: Produce Plus Enrollment Form 2025 to apply. When prompted, use organization code Rx25.
Questions? Please email produceplus@freshfarm.org or call (202) 888-4834 Monday – Friday, 9am – 3pm to speak to a representative, or press 0 to leave a voicemail.
Several Programs
We offer a variety of programs designed to help individuals manage or prevent chronic health conditions:
Diabetes Prevention Program (Every Monday at 5 pm EST)
Diabetes Self-Management Program (Every other Wednesday at 6 pm EST)
Hypertension Management Program (Every other Wednesday at 6 pm EST)
Weight Loss Program (Every Saturday at 10:30 am-11:30 am EST)
SNAP-Ed Programs/Live Cooking Demonstrations (Every other Thursday at 6 pm EST)
Learn more and sign up here: https://programs.sorogi.com/
Summer Is HERE
We’re gearing up for a busy summer of community events and vending opportunities!
Follow us @SorogiHealth to see where we’ll be.
Stop by our booth, meet our team, and learn more about how we’re supporting community health.
Thank you!
Thank you for being a part of the Sorogi Health community. We’re excited for what is ahead!
Please feel free to give us a call at (202) 594-9994, visit our website, or stop by our office 4514 Benning Rd. SE Washington DC 20019. See you soon!
