The Unseen Force that Shapes Our World
Have you ever stopped to consider the invisible threads that connect us all? The bonds that transcend borders, languages, and cultures, weaving the fabric of our shared existence. It's easy to overlook, yet undeniably powerful. Today, we invite you to join us in a reflection on the often underestimated force that shapes our world: community.
As we explore the profound significance of community in this edition of Feel Good News, we'll delve into how it drives our mission, multiplies our impact through partnerships, and empowers us to create lasting change together.
Community is at the Heart of Our Mission
Our mission at Leaders2Give centers around community and a tenet we stand by is "helping is helping." We firmly believe that when individuals come together, regardless of their backgrounds or resources, they can create a profound impact on the world. This philosophy is the driving force behind our nonprofit.
Partnerships that Multiply Impact
One of the key ways we embody our commitment to community is through partnerships. We collaborate with other charitable organizations and community groups whose work aligns with our mission, purpose, and values. These partnerships allow us to combine our strengths, share resources, and magnify our collective impact.
Why Community Matters
Strength in Numbers: When people unite for a common cause, they become a force to be reckoned with. Together, we can tackle complex issues and make a meaningful difference.
Diversity of Perspectives: Communities bring together individuals with diverse backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. This diversity fosters creativity and innovation, leading to more effective solutions to social challenges.
Support and Solidarity: Being part of a community provides a support system. It reminds us that we're not alone in our efforts, which can be a powerful motivator during challenging times.
Long-lasting Change: Community-driven initiatives tend to have a lasting impact because they are deeply rooted in local knowledge and engagement. They empower individuals to take ownership of their community's well-being whether it be a local or more global definition.
Get Involved in Our Community
We invite you to become an even more integral part of our community at Leaders2Give. There are many ways to get involved:
Volunteer: Join our dedicated team of volunteers who work tirelessly to make a difference.
Donate: Your financial support allows us and our Partners to continue vital work so you can make a difference in the lives of those who need a hand up.
Spread the Word: Share our mission with your friends and family, and help us expand our community.
Partner with Us: If you represent a charitable organization or community group that is aligned with our purpose and shares our values, let's explore the possibilities of collaboration.
As the summer months slowly wane, we eagerly anticipate the return of our vibrant expat community to Baja California Sur Mexico. It's a wonderful time to reconnect with old friends and embrace the sense of belonging that community brings. We invite you all to check out the incredible charitable work that has been continuously going on. There are exciting initiatives, events, and volunteer opportunities waiting for you to dive into.
For those who have yet to experience the warmth and camaraderie of our community, we extend a special invitation to come visit and discover the incredible sense of belonging it offers. It really is a magical place!
Together, let's make the upcoming months a time of renewal, not just for the weather but for our collective commitment to giving back.
Community is the heartbeat of Leaders2Give. Together, we are stronger, more resilient, and capable of creating lasting change. We thank each and every one of you for being part of our community and for your unwavering support in our mission to make the world a better place.
JJJ
Now, let's turn our attention to the incredible work our partners have been doing. Their updates highlight the impact we can achieve when communities, local or global, come together.
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PARTNER UPDATES
Líderes Para Dar / John Gullo Home for Children
We are thrilled to share an exciting update on the construction of the John Gullo Home for Children, a project made possible by your incredible generosity and unwavering support.
Phase 1 is Almost Complete!
Phase 1 of this meaningful project, which encompassed the construction of foundations, walls, and roofing for all four buildings – the girls' dormitory, boys' dormitory, common areas, and staff quarters – is almost finished. This significant milestone brings us one step closer to providing a safe and nurturing environment for the children who will call this place home.
Phase 2 is on the Horizon!
Now, we are gearing up for Phase 2, which includes critical components like masonry and finishes, doors and windows, septic systems, perimeter fencing, painting, and more. Your continued support is invaluable as we embark on this next stage of the project.
What Lies Ahead …Phase 3
After Phase 2, we'll move on to the creation of a shade pavilion, landscaping, and adding those special finishing touches that will make this home a haven for children in need.
Operational Sustainment
Beyond construction, we'll focus on raising funds for the ongoing operation of the home, ensuring it remains a place of love and care.
Naming Rights Opportunities Still Available!
For those who wish to leave a lasting mark on this project, naming rights are still available for visible areas within the facility. Your name or the name of a loved one can be forever associated with the care and support provided to these deserving children.
Stay tuned for updates on the progress here and across our social channels. Together, we are making a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most.
New Creation Kids (NCK) Children’s Home
As summer draws to a close, it's that time of year again when eager young minds are gearing up to head back to school.
This exciting journey has started for the children living at Nuevo Creaction also. Most of these children attend the nearby school, just a short walk away.
This means it's time to purchase new uniforms, shoes, and backpacks, pay tuition for those in highschool, and prepare for what is hopefully an enriching academic year.
We want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible donor community. It is through your unwavering generosity that Leaders2Give can ensure that every eligible child in our community has the opportunity to attend school.
Many of the children placed at New Creation Kids have never attended school before. Some are not eligible due to learning or behavioral challenges but a great majority attend and it's vital for their future development. Your financial support doesn't just provide the essentials listed above; it opens doors to knowledge, dreams, and a brighter future for these young minds and their community. Together, we are empowering the leaders of tomorrow!
Thank you for making education accessible and inspiring hope in the hearts of our children. Let's make this school year an amazing journey filled with growth, learning, and success. We currently have only a year of funds in the account to cover the minimum operational costs at New Creation Kids so if you can find it in your heart to make a donation to help us ensure another year of funding, this is the perfect time to do so.
Wishing all our young scholars an incredible academic year ahead!
The East Cape Health Center
Each year, the East Cape Health Center has the privilege of participating in a youth program created by the local DIF and parents from the community. Known as "Curso Verno," the kids summer program, held after the school term ends, keeps the participants physically active and learning a host of skills including swimming, soccer, art, and English.
As part of this valuable program, the East Cape Health Center invites the children into the clinic where they are able to tour the facility, learn about the services offered, meet with medical and dental professionals, and hopefully leave inspired to one day enter the medical or dental field themselves. Of particular interest to many of the participants was the opportunity to view live bacteria under the microscope and, of course, to sit in the new ambulance -- budding chemists or paramedics perhaps?
The East Cape Health Center is truly a leader in medical education for the youth in the East Cape. Twice yearly, they offer health screening programs in the schools. Their goal is to help detect illness as a preventative measure and to encourage healthy habits which the kids can take back to their families.
Feeding The Hungry
Poor is more than a state of being. It is also a feeling …an invisible, oppressive mantle you always carry around your neck. It’s feeling beaten down every day, even on “good” days when you don’t notice it as much. It’s the unrelenting stress of putting out proverbial fires, deciding which is more important when you finally get a little cash: paying your rent, your utilities, or getting some food?
Sometimes there’s a sense of blame around poor people, like they actively choose this lifestyle. However, nobody says “Hey! Let’s struggle to obtain even the most basic of needs!” Financial devastation is cruel.
Poverty often strikes unexpectedly and when it does Feeding the Hungry is ready to step in and lend a hand.
If you would like to join with the people who make a dramatic difference in the lives of the least fortunate, please contact Ben and Harriet Purkey purkeybh@gmail.com or Gordon and Joy Blackie gordonandjoy@gmail.com They would be delighted to have your help.
SNAP - Spay, Neuter, and Prevention
Last month, SNAP shared their excitement about participating in a youth leadership development program. Here's an update on the incredible day that unfolded.
Karla Martinez, a community outreach team leader at SNAP, had the privilege of engaging with this enthusiastic group of fourteen young individuals aged 12 to 15 all of whom embodied the qualities needed to be future leaders in the community. Through discussions and interactions, the kids delved into SNAP's mission and the significance of prevention in controlling the animal population.
To enhance their learning, a special field trip was organized for the kids taking them to Cortez Rescue. Here, they were immersed in a hands-on experience that allowed them to engage with Dra. Maria, the veterinarian at the rescue. The kids eagerly asked questions about animal care and discovered potential career pathways. Amidst the laughter and curiosity, the furry companions – those resilient dogs awaiting their forever homes – provided the teens with an outpouring of puppy kisses, fostering an atmosphere of affection and learning.
The day continued with the kids being divided into small groups, all of them embracing the unconditional love of the rescued dogs. This heartfelt connection facilitated a deeper understanding of animal care, preparing them for a life filled with responsibility, compassion, trust, patience, and respect. As they navigated through activities like preparing the dogs for adoption and engaging in an agility course, the youth exemplified the potential for growth that comes from interactions with pets.
SNAP firmly believes this exchange is a two-way street – just as pets offer invaluable life lessons to children, kids too bring a wealth of compassion and growth to the animals within their families. This synergy is at the core of why SNAP is a perfect partner for our work with children.
If you share our passion for educational and leadership opportunities like these, we kindly ask you to consider making a contribution. A donation as modest as ten dollars can support a local youth in their participation in future educational programs offered by SNAP.
We're proud to share that SNAP efforts are yielding remarkable results. Over the past year, SNAP has achieved a staggering 22 percent increase in spaying and neutering animals, a testament to their dedicated community outreach teams that have effectively connected families with essential services, thereby breaking down barriers.
To Donate to Leaders2Give and any of our Partners, visit our Donate page.