Healthy Acadia, City of Ellsworth Partner to Support Business Response to Pandemic
For Immediate Release, Please
Date: September 21, 2020
Program Contact: Sonya Connelly, sonya.connelly@healthyacadia.org (207) 479-1164
Media Contact: Tracey Carlson, tracey@healthyacadia.org, (207) 667-7171 Ext. 112
Healthy Acadia, City of Ellsworth Partner to Support Business Response to Pandemic
Ellsworth. Healthy Acadia, in partnership with the City of Ellsworth, has hired a coordinator to connect local businesses to supportive resources during this COVID-19 pandemic. Sonya Connelly is serving as Ellsworth Business Outreach Coordinator this fall as part of the City of Ellsworth’s state-funded Keep ME Healthy initiative. Working with City staff, she provides proactive education and support to Ellsworth businesses regarding best COVID-19 public health practices and helps to identify any challenges and resources needed by businesses, including access to personal protective equipment (PPE) for their staff and their patrons.
Connelly, who has lived, worked, and volunteered in Ellsworth for the last five years, has developed strong community connections through her customer-facing work. “I have gotten to know so many people, and I so appreciate the relationships I've developed,” said Connelly. “I have volunteered with Healthy Acadia over the years and have always been so impressed with the support it gives our communities. I was thrilled when the opportunity came along to work with Healthy Acadia and City Hall. I want to be a part of helping Ellsworth walk through this pandemic.”
Connelly has extensive experience in the nonprofit world in the area of community development and counseling, as well as the corporate world in human resources and training. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Indiana Wesleyan University and earned her Master’s in Counseling from Asbury Theological Seminary. She looks forward to connecting with Ellsworth business owners and to supporting the community.
“I'm inspired by this community and want our small businesses to know how much they are needed and vital to us. I feel so lucky to be a part of a team that is striving to keep this community safe and supported.” Connelly will be reaching out directly to individual businesses and business owners in Ellsworth, and can also be reached by email at sonya.connelly@healthyacadia.org or by phone at (207) 479-1164.
Healthy Acadia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that engages in a broad range of initiatives to build healthier communities and make it easier for people to lead healthy lives across Washington and Hancock counties, Maine. Learn more at www.HealthyAcadia.org.