CASA of San Luis Obispo County

The mission of CASA San Luis Obispo County is to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the court system. They have served the Central Coast since 1993 and are a local partner of National CASA which oversees a network of over 1,050 local community program offices supporting volunteers serving children. 

CASA provides programs to recruit, train and support volunteers in their work with abused children. The goal is to ensure each and every child grows up in a safe, nurturing, and permanent home. 

According to their website, "Approximately 100 CASA volunteer advocates are actively working on cases in our local community at any given time. Many of your friends and neighbors have either had experience as a CASA advocate, know someone who is or has been, have attended a CASA event or have some other involvement with our organization." 

"We rely on the support of our local community to continue providing advocacy for children in need. Generous individuals and philanthropic groups assist CASA through donations and grants. Many businesses provide financial support to CASA through sponsorships and donations. But the need is still great for funding, as the number of children in our local community who are waiting for a CASA advocate remains high. Please consider supporting CASA with your tax-deductible donation."

Wise Whale

Hidden Harvest

Written by: Shannon Fissori 

One thing that always frustrates me is when things go to waste.  Doesn’t matter whether it’s time, money or anything else.  When there are great needs in our communities and problems can seem overwhelming, sometimes solutions can be as simple as utilizing resources already available to us.

 

Hidden Harvest is an organization that has modeled itself on this philosophy.  

Based in the Coachella Valley of California, their mission is to tackle the burdens of poverty and food insecurity that so many people struggle with everyday.  

They do this by employing low-income farm workers at higher wages to harvest produce that would otherwise be left to rot in the fields.

The USDA estimates that 25-30% of all food crops are left in the fields after harvest due to factors ranging from overproduction to cosmetic imperfections.  Despite this apparent abundance, more than 40% of the Valley’s children live at or below the federal poverty line.  By employing the working poor to rescue these fruits and vegetables, Hidden Harvest not only provides free and nutritious food to vulnerable populations but also gives them economic opportunities to become more self-reliant.  Talk about win-win!

 Hidden Harvest also operates other programs including free produce markets at senior centers and housing locations.  Their goal is to make sure fixed-income seniors don’t have to choose between paying for the prescription drugs they need and the healthy diet they want.

Nutrition and cooking classes are offered as well.  Educating the public on these subjects can further combat rising health problems such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension and obesity.

Learn more about this great organization and get inspired to find your own ways to make sure nothing is left to waste.

Remembering Rosa Parks

Written by: Jane Cozby 

For those who don’t believe that one person can make a difference, let’s remember Rosa Parks today, on what would have been her 100^th birthday. 

It was 1955 in Montgomery, Alabama. Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat for a white passenger and it spurred a city-wide bus boycott. This boycott helped launch a nationwide effort to end segregation of public facilities.  

One brave stance, by one brave woman, turned out to be an enormous turning point in the civil rights movement.

“Each person must live their life as a model for others.” ~Rosa Parks

American Heart Month

Written by: Jane Cozby 

February is American Heart Month.  What better time to refresh our knowledge of the warning signs and risk factors of cardiovascular disease.  

This increased awareness can help prevent a heart attack or stroke from occurring.  Sadly, my father didn’t know that he was at risk.  In 1980, he died suddenly of a heart attack.  He was only in his 50s.  Our family was devastated by his unexpected death. 

He was a vibrant, strong and fit man.  He ate well, exercised and was rarely sick.  There were no warning signs to identify that he may be unhealthy. No obvious need to see a doctor.   It wasn’t until after he died, that we came to learn of a strong family history of heart disease. With this knowledge, we can now take a pro-active approach to our health and try to stop this disease from becoming part of our future.

It’s important to remember that heart disease does not discriminate.  It affects women as well as men.  In fact, it is estimated that 43 million women in the U.S. are affected by heart disease. About ten years ago, the American Heart Association created National Wear Red Day® and the Go Red for Women  challenge to increase awareness of this issue and dismiss the falsehood that cardiovascular disease only happens to men.  

The first Friday in February marks a day where millions of people come together to wear red in commitment to fighting this serious disease.  Since the inception of this program, great progress has been made in the fight against heart disease.  The latest statistics reflect that 21% fewer women are dying from heart disease and 23% more women are aware that it is their number 1 health threat.

In recognition of American Heart Month, visit the American Heart Association website and utilize the risk assessment tool, take the America Goes Red Challenge, or simply share this important information with your friends and family.  Go Red and take charge of your health.

Go Red - Women's Heart Disease Awareness

TOMORROW - Friday February 1st is National Wear Red Day.  

All across America people will take women's health to heart by wearing red to show their support for women's heart disease awareness. 

Did you know heart disease is the leading cause of death for women? 

Each year, heart disease claims the lives of more women than breast and lung cancers combined. I was also surprised to learn a greater percentage of women die within one year of a heart attack than men. Learn more facts about women and heart disease here. 

Encourage those you love to participate tomorrow by sporting red. You can start the conversation, send an email to your coworkers or text friends and family! 

The Darius Goes West Foundation

Written by: Jane Cozby 

I’d like to introduce you to Logan Smalley & Darius Weems.

Logan is the founder of the Darius Goes West Foundation. The roots of the foundation began with Logan’s volunteer efforts at a summer camp for children with special needs. 

At this camp, Logan met Mario Weems who had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) - the number one fatal genetic disease of children.  He also met Mario’s  younger brother Darius, who was then 5. After seven years of summer camp, prior to Mario’s death, he asked Logan to look after Darius.  He couldn’t possibly know that this pledge would turn into a recorded 7,000 mile road trip and documentary that would help raise well over a million dollars for DMD research.  

DMD is a form of muscular dystrophy that worsens quickly. It occurs in about 1 out of every 3,600 male infants. Children with this disease are not expected to live beyond their mid-20’s.

It was Logan’s idea to take Darius, who was now 15, on a cross country adventure in attempt to get MTV to customize Darius’ wheelchair on the popular show, Pimp my Ride.  Logan, Darius and a crew of incredible friends departed Athens, Georgia and headed west to California.  They chronicled this road trip and turned it into a documentary entitled “Darius Goes West”.  

The film premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in 2005, where it earned its first of over 25 awards, while raising awareness for the critical need to find a cure for DMD and the importance of handicap accessibility in public facilities.

Darius just celebrated his 23^rd birthday, lives a fulfilling life, and continues to pursue his dreams.  He recently debuted his single Thank You for 23 on iTunes.  He possesses an incredible positive attitude and love for life. 

“Darius Goes West” is available on DVD and has evolved as part of the “Know About It” Program, which is a classroom series targeting middle/high school students.

Check out the foundation website to make a difference. 

All About You

What do YOU want to read about? 

Have you been positively impacted by a volunteer experience or exceptional non-profit organization? 

Please share your story! 

Would love to highlight specific members of your community making a difference where you live. 

Get creative, take a chance and send your ideas and submissions here. 

Thank you. 

Happy Monday

The RAK Foundation

The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation is about paying it forward- inspiring people to practice kindness and pass it on to others. Founded in 1995, the organization provides free educational ideas and resources to anyone willing to make the world a bit brighter with creative action. 

Thanks to RAK, educators can find lesson plans and classroom materials accessible online. Anyone can share personal stories of kindness and be motivated by other's experiences. 

RAK Week is February 11th - 17th 2013. Stories of unique service making an impact in communities around the world will be featured online. Participating is easy- do something kind for someone today. Big or small. Simple or involved. Make it part of your routine each day and see what happens. Positivity is addicting in the best possible way. 

Question

Choose Joy

Pacific Wildlife Care

Written by: Shannon Fissori
San Luis Obispo County, CA

As someone who grew up by the ocean and continues to marvel in the wildlife around it, I have a great fondness for those who dedicate their lives to preserve it.

Pacific Wildlife Care is facility in San Luis Obispo County whose mission is to rehabilitate and return injured or orphaned wildlife to their natural habitat. Going beyond this commitment, they also work to educate the public to value and respect wildlife and the environment we share with them.

Like many non-profit organizations, PWC relies heavily on donations and volunteers. They offer a wide variety of volunteer opportunities ranging from office help, phone hotline support and center cleaning to animal care and transport. There’s something for everyone!

Please consider making a contribution today.

Go Team Davis!

 

Written by: Allison Olson
Davis, CA

In 2008, my life changed in ways I couldn’t possibly imagine. I got involved with my local Special Olympics team, Team Davis. What I didn’t know then was that Team Davis offered so much more than athletics to their participants and their volunteers.
Team Davis is a non-profit based in Davis, California that provides athletic, social, nutritional, and community outlets for people with disabilities.

There are many Special Olympics teams participating in many different sports throughout California. But Team Davis goes above and beyond the call of service for this often over-looked community.
 

I began my involvement by coaching track and field, preparing our athletes for the Special Olympics Summer Games. My involvement grew from there, as I began coaching everything I could, from soccer to golf to cross country to basketball. The more I was around our Team Davis members, the happier I was. I realized that I was getting more out of my camaraderie and friendship with the Team Davis athletes than they could possibly be getting from my coaching abilities. But my lack of coaching skills did not matter. Team Davis and their participants are the happiest, most capable, most caring, and most upbeat people in spite of their special needs. As the Team Davis motto states, “Seeing the ABILITY in disability.”

As I mentioned, Team Davis also offers more than just athletics. They have a quarterly dance and numerous other social opportunities. They have a team garden where they learn about nutrition and healthy eating. They participate in many community events and even partner with UC Davis on occasion.

Team Davis is such a huge part of me now, I can’t imagine life without it. I would encourage everyone to find their own “Team Davis.”

Start by looking up the local Special Olympics team or your city’s Alternative Recreation department. It will change your life and will mean the world to those participating.

Audrey Advice

Hi friends! Will be taking a week away from the interwebs to move from the CA Bay Area to the Central Coast. Could not be more excited to live near family and start a new adventure. Make it a wonderful week. Christy 

Zealous Good - helping your goods do great

Meet Brittany Martin Graunke, Founder & CEO of Zealous Good.

While working at United Way of Metropolitan Chicago she discovered a vexing issue - many people want to be charitable but money is tight.

Her solution? Donate items people no longer need to groups that do. Items include furniture, electronic equiptment, clothes and more.

How? By creating a website connecting donors to local non-profits with matching needs. In under 2 years Zealous Good has connected donors with over 150 non-profits, enabling $468,540 in contributions.

Get a jump start on your spring cleaning! Consider quality items you no longer use then hop online to be linked with deserving organizations serving others. Check out the easy to follow guide. Are you affiliated with a non-profit that could use donations? Start linking with donors now.

While Zealous Good is based in Chicago, anyone anywhere can donate gift cards or ship items their way. Inspired? Organize a donation drive where YOU live or become an online advocate. Simply support Zealous Good on Facebook and share this post with friends, family and co-workers. It's easy and cost only your time...maybe 5 minutes.

Brittany's courage and creativity turned an idea into action. The greater Chicago area is a better place to live and serve others thanks to her dedicated team.

Be Brave

Spotlight on...Half the Sky

Written by: Shannon Fissori 

Arroyo Grande, CA 

While women make up half the world’s population, they comprise 70 percent of the world’s poorest people.  As a woman not a part of that figure, this is heartbreaking to me.  To think simply being born a girl increases your chances of being targeted for violence or exploited for sex trafficking is just as sad.

This can change.  There are many ways to shift the tide of oppression against women around the globe.

Education has proven to be one of the most effective ways to lift women out of poverty.  Investing in a girl’s education has a ripple effect over the entire community.  An increase in education typically leads to greater job opportunities, higher wages and a general tendency to marry later and have fewer children.  Income equality for women often lifts whole families out of poverty due to the fact that women are more likely to spend money on nutrition, medicine and housing - thus resulting in healthier children.

Gender equality has come a long way but much work remains to be done.  Our mothers, daughters and sisters around the world continue to need our help. 

To learn more about issues impacting women today, organizations working to improve their lives and ways you can help, please check out the Half the Sky movement here.

Volunteer Match

You want to fulfill a 2013 resolution. You are a student and need community service hours. After a lengthy tv marathon you realize you need to get off the couch...where can you find opportunities to volunteer near you? Right here. 

Enter your city or zip code. Oodles of options pop up. Narrow your search by clicking on issue areas you're interested in from dozens of choices. Define your own adventure in service. You have more talent and energy than you know. Make a difference in your own backyard. Prepare to be surprised by what you find. 

Bright Side

ONE HOPE WINE

Attention all wine lovers! Contribute to causes you care about by enjoying a fantastic variety of vino. That's right...you can work wonders thanks to One Hope Wine.  

When you purchase award winning wine from their online market  a portion of your purchase goes to the ONE HOPE Foundation. The ONE HOPE Foundation donates 100% back to partner non-profit organizations . 

You decide where you want to make a difference. 

AIDS 
Autism 
Breast Cancer 
Childhood hunger 
Children's hospitals 
Children with disabilities 
Environmental efforts 
Medal of Honor Foundation 
Providing access to clean water 
U.S.Troops & Veterans 

Red wine guy or gal? Featured varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. Available white wines include Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. 

You can also shop for California sparkling wine...which makes for an excellent gift. My birthday is in February by the way!  

26 Acts

NBC News correspondent Ann Curry with women and children in Darfur, an experience that motivated her to encourage simple acts of kindness across the world in response to those lost in the Newtown, Connecticut shooting. You can read Ann's story in her own words here. 

"If you do good, you'll feel good" - Ann Curry 

Join 26 Acts on Facebook

Gratitude

Children's Resource Network of the Central Coast

Written by: Shannon Fissori 

It’s the little things that often seem so big.  Clothing, diapers, school supplies.  They may seem insignificant to many of us but it’s hard imagining life without them.  Unfortunately, due to tough economic times or difficult circumstances, many children in our communities go without these essential items.  Fortunately, there are amazing organizations like the Children’s Resource Network of the Central Coast that help bridge that gap.

This network is a dedicated partnership of volunteers, businesses and family advocates who work collaboratively along with local schools, government agencies and other non-profit organizations to help struggling families.  By collecting and distributing clothes, shoes, school supplies, blankets, diapers and basic household items they provide an invaluable resource to children in our community who are homeless, in foster care or have parents who are financially disadvantaged.

The great thing about their model is that anyone can get involved.  Parents can pass on gently worn maternity clothes to young pregnant mothers.  Students can participate in school drives to collect backpacks for other students.  It fosters a sense of community while helping those in need.

Click here to learn more about the work they do and how you can get involved.

Spotlight on... Breast & Ovarian Cancer Prevention

Preventing breast and ovarian cancer is the mission of one motivated woman named Lindsay Avner. This is her story. 

"At 23 years old, Lindsay Avner became the youngest patient in the country to bravely opt for a risk-reduction double mastectomy with reconstruction.

After losing her grandmother and great-grandmother to breast cancer before she was born, and watching her mother fight both breast and ovarian cancer when she was only 12, Lindsay underwent genetic testing at the age of 22. The test revealed she carried a mutation on the BRCA1 gene, indicating she had up to an 87% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer and up to a 54% chance of developing ovarian cancer. Vowing to not let breast cancer strike her as it had three generations of women before her, she chose to act by taking proactive measures with her breast health."

She has since founded Bright Pink - the ONLY national nonprofit organization focusing on the risk prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women while providing support for high-risk individuals. The talented team at Bright Pink is changing lives. Check them out! 

Lindsay truly inspires me to take a proactive approach to health and share early detection strategies with the ladies in my life.

You can learn more about Lindsay & Bright Pink from their feature in The Everygirl.