Project Paradise

Recently, Project Paradise pulled up a chair in East Hartford.

Our Director of Community Impact Jocelyn Cerda hosted a Community Conversation with Tyron Harris, Director of Human Resources for the Town of East Hartford along with residents, local leaders and stakeholders from across East Hartford, coming together over coffee to talk openly about what East Hartford needs and how we can help build it. The goal was simple: listen first. We wanted to understand the priorities of the community stakeholders who live and work here, and to shape the goals of our social equity plan around their voices rather than our assumptions.

What came out of the room was exactly what Project Paradise is about: honest conversation, real relationships and a shared commitment to leaving every community better than we found it. The needs residents raised will guide the equity work we carry forward across Connecticut, and this gathering is only the beginning of that partnership.

To everyone who shared their time and perspective: thank you. Paradise is something we build together.

Community Partner: – Town of East Hartford

Submissions are rolling in!

Over the past few weeks, our Project Paradise volunteers have been rolling up their sleeves to give back to the communities we call home. From sorting food at the local food bank to fulfilling a veteran’s wish by transforming their yard, our team has been making a hands-on impact. We’ve also helped bring a new community garden to life and joined Habitat for Humanity to paint, build, and create a home for a family in need.

Each of these moments reflects the heart of Project Paradise—creating meaningful change and leaving every place a little better than we found it.

Organizations: Food Banks for Central and Northeast Missouri, Charlie’s Wishes for Veterans, Habitat for Humanity Cincinnati, Show Me Habitat for Humanity, Edwin’s Leadership and Restaurant Institute

Our First Project Paradise Activation

On April 2nd, 12 members of the Shangri-La admin team kicked off our Project Paradise initiative by volunteering at The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri.

Together, they packaged more than 4,500 pounds of frozen corn — enough to provide 8640 servings of vegetables to individuals and families in our community.

It was an incredible way to launch our commitment to giving back, and we’re just getting started. #ProjectParadiseSL