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Community is Built Here
Let’s Get Social Raleigh Foundation (LGSRF) is a Black- and veteran-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a mission to #EndLoneliness, reduce burnout, and relieve stress by creating accessible opportunities for adults to connect, build relationships, and experience belonging.
Through play, nature, movement, conversation, and shared experiences, we build access to social connection and create pathways to belonging.
We believe connection is a community responsibility. Social wellness isn’t just about having friends or finding something fun to do. It’s about creating opportunities for people to engage with one another, build supportive relationships, and participate in the communities where they live.
Rooted in the philosophy of Ubuntu, “I am because we are,” we carry it forward as “My well-being is connected to your well-being.” This belief guides our work and reminds us that individual well-being and community well-being are interconnected.
When people connect, relationships grow, belonging takes root, and communities become places where people feel supported and engaged.
Advancing Social Wellness Through Play, Nature & Human Connection
Connection Knows No Boundaries
Social wellness doesn’t end at a neighborhood boundary. We believe that connecting people across neighborhoods strengthens the social trust associated with healthier, safer communities.
By bringing together people, organizations, and communities across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, we’re expanding access to belonging. When people have meaningful ties beyond their own block, unfamiliarity can give way to familiarity and isolation to support, helping neighborhoods become places where people feel seen, supported, and invested in one another.
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We’re More Than Social.
We’re SOULFUL!
Modern life can easily become home-work-sleep-repeat, leaving little room for experiences that support well-being: movement, recreation, laughter, exploration, meaningful connection, and joy.
We interrupt that cycle. Through our programs, we create opportunities for adults to step out of routine, try something new, and connect with people in welcoming, engaging environments.
Because well-being isn't only about managing what's wrong. It's also about having access to the experiences, relationships, and community that help us thrive.
That's what makes our work soulful.
Calendar Of Events
Find your community
Cousin Meetup Exploring our Black Roots in RaleighSat, Oct 24Location is TBD
House Party! Trivia & Karaoke Game Night! @ 101 Kitchen!Thu, Oct 29101 Kitchen
Hills & Pullups: Veterans Day EditionSat, Nov 07Shelley Lake Park | Near Sertoma Art Ctr
Let's Talk About It: Coming Home: Veterans' Day EditionWed, Nov 11Partake Raleigh
Veterans VS Everybody RECESSSat, Nov 14Laurel Hills Park
Michele created Let's Get Social Raleigh because she believes no one should have to navigate life or heal alone.
She knows that everyone is fighting their own battles, and no matter how strong we are, we all need community. Michele often says, “Most of the ills that plague us as individuals and as a community can be healed if we build more bridges than walls.” For her, play, nature, and authentic connections are those bridges.
After 20 years of service as a Marine, including 2 combat deployments and a Joint Task Force, Michele experienced firsthand the impact that PTSD, anxiety, and depression can have on a person's well-being. But even while managing those challenges, it was loneliness that nearly took her life.
That experience changed everything. But instead of giving in, she found healing in the things that always brought her the most joy. Nature offered her calm, play brought back laughter, and community gave her the freedom to live her truth and purpose.
She wanted others to tap into their own healing journey—and that’s how Let’s Get Social Raleigh evolved into the grassroots organization it is today.
From Michele Paul, Founder & Wellness Advocate
Our Social Well-Being Programs
How We Build Connection, Belonging, & Joy
Adult Recess
Play-based experiences that help adults reconnect with joy, reduce stress, and build meaningful relationships.
Hike & Chill
Nature-centered experiences that encourage movement, conversation, and community.
Cousins Picnic in the Park
A community-centered gathering that creates opportunities for adults to slow down, build relationships, share experiences and experience the comfort of belonging in community.
Book Club
Thoughtful conversations that foster reflection, connection, and a deeper sense of community.
Let’s Talk About It
Facilitated conversations that create space for vunerability, understanding, and connection.
Veterans Day Recess
A play-based experience honoring veterans by creating space for connection, camaraderie, joy, and community beyond miitary service.
House Party
Small-group gatherings designed to cultivate trust, belonging, and authentic human connection.
Adult Recess Festival
A large-scale celebration of play, joy, and community that helps adults reconnect with themselves and each other.
