November Newsletter | Sorogi Health
November is ‘One Community, One Fight: Breaking Barriers in Diabetes Care’
"There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about." – Margaret J. Wheatley
One Community, One Fight: A Sense of Togetherness
Every November, we recognize Diabetes Awareness Month as a time to reflect, educate and take action. This year, Sorogi is shining a light on a truth that is often overlooked: diabetes is not just an individual condition, but it’s a community issue.
Community has always been a broad and yet narrow word. It describes and emulates the overarching point of togetherness and unity. However, this month as we address the complexity of diabetes, I want us to deeply steepen our resolve for breaking barriers and that ultimately starts with us. At Sorogi, our theme this month, “One Community, One Fight”, reminds us that the fight against diabetes is a collective one. From local health educators to families, from churches to clinics, we all have a role in building a healthier community.
October Spotlight
Last month, Sorogi focused on budding health together, one choice, one conversation at a time. We explored how small, intentional changes in daily habits can create a powerful ripple effect for long term wellness.
Through our discussions and workshops, we reviewed common medications and supplements that people often take for chronic conditions, empowering participants to understand potential side effects, drug-nutrient interactions, and what to watch for when managing both diabetes and high blood pressure. By pairing education with community dialogue, we created a safe space where participants could ask questions, share personal experiences, and leave with actionable tools for healthier living.
Together, last month’s theme reminded us that we rise higher when we lift one another.
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.
Grocery Access Program (GAP) Now Approved under SNAP!
We’re thrilled to share that the DC Grocery Access Pilot (DC GAP) has officially launched as part of SNAP! This exciting initiative, developed through a partnership between DC Health, Martha’s Table, and Instacart aims to reduce barriers to healthy food access for residents with limited access to full-service grocery stores.
Through DC GAP, participants who attend eligible DC SNAP-Ed or Martha’s Table Health and Wellness classes will receive a free Instacart+ membership and Fresh Fund stipends to cover delivery and service fees. This program helps make healthy, affordable foods more accessible and supports better nutrition and health outcomes across the community.
Special thanks to all partners and leaders who helped bring this project to life, including Sorogi Health’s own Dr. Vivian Nnacho Ayuk, PharmD, CDCES.
All Things SNAP-ED: Grocery Tour and Healthy Cooking in Action
October was an active and inspiring month for Sorogi, filled with engaging nutrition and fitness programs that brought our community together. We hosted several live virtual classes, including Eating on a Budget, Total Body, Legs and Chest, and a Virtual Grocery Tour, empowering over 90 participants to make healthier food and fitness choices.
Our outreach team, led by PCAs Dorothy Cato and Jizelle Lobley, distributed over 200 flyers and pamphlets across local recreation and wellness centers to raise awareness about Sorogi’s services. We closed the month with a hands-on Live Cooking Demonstration at the Francis A. Gregory Library, where participants learned how to prepare a hearty lentil soup and explore balanced nutrition through MyPlate. Together, these events reflect our ongoing commitment to fight Diabetes.
Upcoming Grocery Store Tour
We’re excited to announce our upcoming Grocery Store Tour, designed to help participants make smarter, budget-friendly food choices in real time. This interactive experience will guide you through the aisles, highlighting affordable, healthy options and practical tips for reading nutrition labels.
A video version of the tour will also be available soon! You’ll be able to access it through our Community Page on the website and on our YouTube channel once it launches. So, stay tuned for updates!
Virtual Events
Throughout October, we hosted a virtual nutrition event on October 23rd at 6:00 pm EST. Check out the recipe in detail with the nutrition highlights below
Check out the recipe in detail with the nutrition highlights below
Recipe: Acorn Squash and Kale Salad with Turmeric Dressing
Ingredients:
1 acorn squash, sliced into half moons
8 cups kale, spines removed and chopped
2 apples, diced
1 Tbs olive oil
½ cup sunflower seeds, raw
Directions:
Prep
Chop off the stem of the squash, slice into half then use a spoon to scoop out of the seeds and flesh. Cut each side into ½ inch slices
Remove stems from kale, chop into bite sized pieces
Dice apple
Preheat the oven to 400 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
Make
Toss squash slices with 1 tablespoon olive oil to cat. Arrange slices on the baking sheet, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 12 minutes on each side until light golden brown
Put kale in a large bowel. Massage with fingers for 30 seconds until the kale turns bright green. Add diced apple and roasted squash. Toasts with enough dressing to coat and top with sunflower seeds.
Stay tuned for more opportunities to join us as we cook, learn, and grow together.
In Person Events
We hosted a virtual cooking demonstration last month on October 24th 11:00 am EST. Registered Dietitian Wintana Kiros outdid herself last month.
Check out the recipe in detail with the nutrition highlights below
Recipe: Hearty Lentil Soup – Instant Pot
Ingredients:
1 white onion, chopped
1 cup carrots, chopped
1 ½ cups celery, chopped
3 Tbs olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp basil, dried
2 tsp oregano dried
3 bay leaves
1 (24 oz.) petite diced tomatoes can or box
5 cups of water
1 lb red lentils
1 cup kale, thinly chopped
2 Tbs white wine vinegar
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
Directions:
Prep
Chop onion, carrots, celery. Thinly chop kale.
Mince garlic
Make
Saute aromatics (5-7 min) Set Instant Pot to Saute (more/high). Add 3 Tbsp olive oil, onion, carrots, celery. Cook, stirring, until softened and lightly glossy (about 5-7 min).
Bloom spices (1-2 min) add garlic, 2 tsp dried basil, 2 tsp dried oregano. Stir 60-90 seconds until fragrant
Deglaze (key to avoid BURN) pour in ½ cup of the 5 cups water and scrape the bottom thoroughly with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits
Load the pot (later to prevent burn) Add 1 lb red lentils, remaining water (4 ½ cups), and 3 bay leaves. Stir to combine. Gently pair the 24 oz diced tomatoes on top and do not stir after adding the tomatoes (keeps thick tomato products off the bottom)
Pressure cooks lock lid, set valve to sealing. Cook high pressure – 5minutes. When done, natural release 10 minutes, then Quick Release the rest
Finish & wilt greens Switch back to Sauté (Low/Normal). Fish out bay leaves. Stir in kale and cook 2-3 minutes until wilted and tender. Stir in 2 Tbsp white wine vinegar, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper (adjust to taste). If you like it creamier, mash a few ladles of soup against the pot with your spoon and stir back in.
We’re now averaging 30 participants per session (virtually and in person)—thank you for your enthusiasm and support!
Our next virtual cooking demonstration is scheduled for October 23rd, 2025, at 6:00 PM EST.
Our next live cooking demonstration is scheduled for October 18th, 2025, at 11:00 AM EST.
Be sure to follow us @SorogiHealth on Instagram, Facebook, X/Twitter, and LinkedIn to stay informed about upcoming events!
🎙️ New Episode Alert!
Ever wonder if you’re really getting enough protein, or if plant-based diets can meet your needs? 🍎💪
Join Dr. Vivian Ayuk and Registered Dietitian Tariro Savoy on the Health Matters Podcast as they break down everything you need to know about protein. From essential amino acids to smart food combos that make complete proteins. They’ll bust common myths, share practical tips, and remind you that healthy eating should always be enjoyable.
Tune in to learn how to fuel your body, one bite at a time.
Running Toward Better Health: Our CEO Joins the Baltimore Festival Race
This past weekend, our CEO, Dr. Vivian Ayuk, laced up her running shoes and joined participants from across Maryland for the Baltimore Festival Race which is a celebration of fitness, community, and resilience.
The event brought together runners of all levels to promote health and wellness, two values that stand at the heart of Sorogi’s mission. Dr. Ayuk’s participation reflects our organization’s ongoing commitment to leading by example by showing that healthy living isn’t just something we talk about, but something we live every day.
“Health is a journey, not a destination,” Dr. Ayuk shared after crossing the finish line. “Moments like these remind us that we’re all capable of achieving great things when we challenge ourselves both physically and mentally.”
From cheering crowds to the vibrant energy of downtown Baltimore, the race was more than just a competition, it was a reminder of the power of community and collective action in building a healthier world.
We’re incredibly proud of Dr. Ayuk and all the participants who took part in this inspiring event. Together, we continue to run toward a future where wellness is accessible, inclusive, and celebrated.
Look Out for our November Blog Posts!
Blogs are posted on the 1st and 3rd weeks of each month!
November is ‘One Community, One Fight: Breaking Barriers in Diabetes Care’. We encourage you to:
Explore our resources highlight how we are working together to break barriers in diabetes care.
Reflect on simple, intentional ways to restore your energy and prioritize your wellbeing, one healthy habit at a time.
What’s New at Sorogi: Recipe Library & 1:1 Coaching!
At Sorogi, we believe wellness grows stronger when we support one another. That’s why this month we are rolling out new tools and program designed to help you take the next step forward:
Recipe Library Live!
Our brand-new recipe library is now available on the Sorogi Portal! Each recipe comes with step-by-step instructions, ingredients, amount of full nutrition facts, and options to adjust carbs, fat and protein. It has never been easier to create meals that can fit your goals and lifestyle.
1:1 Coaching!
We have officially launched our 1:1 session with our nutritionist and fitness instructors. These personalized meetings will help you fine-tune your wellness plan, understand your body’s needs, and feel more confident on your journey. Fitness classes offered every Tuesday at 6pm EST.
Recruitment is now open for our fall cohort. Visit sorogi.com to sign up and join us as we lift together toward healthier, stronger lives.
Our Programs
We offer a variety of programs designed to help individuals manage or prevent chronic health conditions:
Diabetes Prevention Program
Every Monday at 5pm EST
Diabetes Self-Management Program
Every Tuesday-Thursday at 6pm EST
Hypertension Management Program
Every other Monday at 6pm EST
Weight Loss Program
Every Saturday at 10:30AM-11:30AM EST
Nutrition Education
Every other Thursday at 6pm EST
Come Check us out!
We recently updated our website! Come Check us out at www.sorogi.com and leave us a comment on the contact page!
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 www.sorogi.com, or stop by our office 4514 Benning Rd. SE Washington DC 20019. See you soon!