She Helps Everyone: Milford Hero

MILFORD, CT — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. Together with Ring, we’re working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Elisa Kingsley who nominated Joan Smeland of Milford.

Hero's job: Massage Therapist, Coach, Founder of Walks With Buddy INC

Relationship to nominee: Friend

Reason for recognition: Joanie organized events for Suicide Prevention, Walk Milford Challenge, food drives, Stuff-a-Purse for Women of Domestic Violence.

One thing to know: She is kind, compassionate and helps many people.

>> Do YOU have a local hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here. Read about other heroes from across Connecticut here.

All photos included in this post are owned by identified third parties who have given Patch the right to use explicitly for the Patch Local Heroes series.