Finding purpose and being of service can help bring solace and peace following the pain of loss, and provide opportunities to channel powerful emotional energy for good. No act of kindness is ever too small, and the ripple effect that is generated can inspire feelings of goodwill, hope, and healing in those it reaches.Whenitcomestofindingacause,organization,or persontolendyoursupportdon’tforgettodo your homework, then listen to your heart…
Heart-Centered Organizations
that Bring Hope and Healing
Tohelpgetyoustarted,wehavelistedbelowsome wonderfulorganizationswesupport--Perhapsthey will stir your heart as well…WORLDCENTRALKITCHENisthefirsttothefrontlines, providingfreshmealsinresponsetohumanitarian, climate,andcommunitycrises.TheWorldCentralKitchen (WCK),foundedbyChefJoseAndres,respondstonatural disasters,man-madecrises,andhumanitarian emergenciesaroundtheworld.TheWCKisateamof foodfirstresponders,mobilizingwiththeurgencyofnow togetmealstothepeoplewhoneedthemmost. Deployingamodelofquickaction,leveraginglocal resources,andadaptinginrealtime,theyknowthata nourishingmealinatimeofcrisisissomuchmorethana plateoffood—it'shope,it'sdignity,andit'sasignthat someonecares.WEFEEDPEOPLE,aRonHoward directeddocumentarypremieredinMayof2022,and takes you behind the scenes of the beginning of WCK. UNITED24wasfoundedin2022byUkrainianPresident VolodymyrZelenskyytoraisefundsandsupportforthe Ukrainedepartmentsthatneedthemthemostincluding departmentofdefense,andforhumanitarianand medical aid related programs. see video hereWORLDVISIONwasfoundedin1950byBobPierceand sincethattimehascontinuetoprovidehumanitarian needsandsupporttochildrenandfamiliesinneed.TodaytheyoperatearegionalbaseinRomania,which hasprovidedthecloseproximitynecessarytoquickly assist and support Ukraine during this crisis. MEDECINSSANSFRONTIERS/DOCTORSWITHOUT BORDERS DoctorsWithoutBorders/MédecinsSansFrontières(MSF) caresforpeopleaffectedbyconflict,diseaseoutbreaks, naturalandhuman-madedisasters,andexclusionfrom healthcareinmorethan70countries.Whendisaster strikes,itsteamsofdoctors,nurses,logisticians,and otherstaffareoftenamongthefirstonthe scene—sometimesarrivinginamatterofminutes. Becauseofitsfinancialindependenceteamsareableto freelyevaluatemedicalneeds,reachcommunitiesin need without restriction, and directly provide high quality medical care.INTERNATIONALMEDICALCorp(IMC)wasfoundedin 1984byDr.BobSimontorespondtothehumanitarian crisisinAfghanistan.Sincethen,hehasexpandedhis teamtoensurecommunitiesaroundtheworldhaveaccesstoessentialhealthcareservicesandcritical supplies.It’sMission-todeliveremergencymedicaland relatedservicestothoseaffectedbyconflict,diasterand disease,nomatterwheretheyare,nomatterwhatthe conditions.Theyalsotrainpeopleintheircommunities, providingthemwiththeskillstheyneedtorecover,chart theirownpathtoself-reliance,andbecomeeffectivefirst responders themselves. see video hereHELPINGPARENTSHEALisanon-profitorganization dedicatedtoassistingbereavedparents.Through supportandresources,HPHaspirestohelpindividuals shiftfromastateofemotionalheavinesstohopefulnessandgreaterpeaceofmind.HPHgoesastepbeyond othergroupsbyallowingtheopendiscussionofspiritual experiencesandafterlifeevidenceinanon-dogmatic way.HPHwelcomeseveryoneregardlessofreligiousor non-religious background and encourages open dialog.ASPCATheAmericanSocietyforthePreventionofCruelty toAnimals®isanationalleaderinanimalrescueand protection.TheASPCAworkstosaveanimalsfromacts ofanimalcrueltyincludingdogfighting,puppymills, hoarding,neglectandothercruelsituations.Itprovides foranimalsinneedofmedicalcareandbehavioral rehabilitation,andhelpsthousandsofanimalseachyear findlovinghomes.TheASPCAalsorespondsto energencieswhendisasterstrikesandfightsforstronger laws to protect animals.St. Jude Children’s Hospital openeditsdoorsin1962to treatthemostchallengingchildhoodcancersand pediatricdiseases.FamiliesneverreceiveabillfromSt. Judefortreatment,travel,housing,orfood,sotheycan betterfocusonhelpingtheirchildlive,regardlessofthe durationorthecostofcare.ThegoalofSt.Judeistoby 2030,cureatleast60%ofchildrenwithsixofthemost commonkindsofcancerworldwide-providingcutting-edge treatment at no cost to families.
Sharing StoriesWe each have amazing stories to share. Personal experiences of triumph over tragedy, of the transformative power of grief, of hope and healing, and of the ripple effect generated by acts of kindess, generosity, support and compassion. If you would like to share a heartfelt and inspiring personal story as a guest on an upcoming episode of Shared Tears Podcast - Ripple Effect, please contact us for more information.
Lifted VoicesJust as the experience of grief is unique to the individual, so is each personal story of tragedy and loss. In an effort to raise public awarenness, some feel compelled to speak out, in spite of or fueled by their grief and personal story, and become important voices for change and reform. We welcome open and frank discussions about the difficult but important topics and collective challenges of our time. Let’s not become complacent or stand silent, but instead lift our voices and share our stories as a force for good. If you would like to share your personal story or expertise, as a guest on Shared Tears Podcast - Ripple Effect, please contact us for more information.
Ifyouwouldlikeusto includeyourheart-centered organization,oracredible organizationyousupport, pleasecontactusherefor more information!
World Kindness Day, was celebrated this year on Wednesday, November 13 and was an opportunity to celebrate and promote good deeds in our communities, reminding us of the power and impact of small acts of kindness. It was established in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement, a coalition of nations dedicated to inspiring individuals towards greater compassion. The inspiration behind this day stems from a belief in the essential goodness of humanity, aiming to promote a more harmonious world through acts of kindness. Let’s continue the spirit of spreading kindness, and “paying it forward” this holiday season!Paying It ForwardThe concept of "paying it forward" revolves around repaying a good deed by doing a good deed for someone else, rather than for the original benefactor. This ripple effect of kindness can create a chain reaction that benefits countless people.The Healing Effects of Being KindIt may surprise you to learn that engaging in acts of kindness has been found to benefit not only the recipient, but also the giver. Scientific studies have reportedly shown that being kind can:Reduce Stress: Acts of kindness can increase your own feelings of well-being.Boost Happiness: Helping others can release endorphins, creating a "helper’s high."Improve Health: Kindness has been linked to lower blood pressure and increased heart health.Spreading Kindness and Paying It Forward - This Holiday SeasonThere are countless ways to spread kindness this holiday season. Here are just a few ideas!Volunteer with Local Charities: Offer your time to food banks, shelters, or any local organization that could use an extra hand.Compliment Strangers: A simple "I love your outfit!" can brighten someone's day significantly.Support Local Businesses: Pick up your morning coffee from a local café or buy your groceries from a farmer's market.Donate: From toys for children in need, to clothes, books, or money, every bit helps this time of year.Host a Holiday Kindness Event: Organize a community picnic, a charity run, or a neighborhood clean-up.Buy Coffee for the Person Behind You: A small gesture that could make someone's day.Help a Colleague: Offer to assist them with their workload or guide them with a project.Leave a Positive Review: Boost a local business by sharing your positive experience online.Kindness and the Golden Rule"Treat others as you would like to be treated,” -- The Golden Rule, is a timeless principle that exists across various cultures and religions. It encapsulates the essence of kindness, encouraging empathy and understanding among individuals. By practicing the Golden Rule, we foster environments where kindness becomes a natural reflection of our daily interactions.Imagining a World of KindnessImagine a world where kindness and care are at the forefront of every action. A world where people consistently choose compassion over indifference. This vision can become a reality if each of us commits to spreading kindness, every day in some measurable way.Call to Action: In the spirit of the Holiday Season, why not challenge yourself to perform one act of kindness each day? Together, let's spread kindness and make a positive impact in our communities and beyond. Remember, your small act of kindness can have a ripple effect, creating a chain reaction of positivity in its wake. Happy Holidays Everyone!
Finding purpose and being of service can help bring solace and peace following the pain of loss, and provide opportunities to channel powerful emotional energy for good. No act of kindness is ever too small, and the ripple effect that is generated can inspire feelings of goodwill, hope, and healing in those it reaches.Whenitcomestofindingacause,organization,or persontolendyoursupportdon’tforgettodoyour homework, then listen to your heart…
Heart-Centered Organizations
that Bring Hope and Healing
Tohelpgetyoustarted,wehavelistedbelowsome wonderfulorganizationswesupport--Perhapsthey will stir your heart as well…WORLDCENTRALKITCHENisthefirsttothefrontlines, providingfreshmealsinresponsetohumanitarian, climate,andcommunitycrises.TheWorldCentralKitchen (WCK),foundedbyChefJoseAndres,respondstonatural disasters,man-madecrises,andhumanitarian emergenciesaroundtheworld.TheWCKisateamoffoodfirstresponders,mobilizingwiththeurgencyofnowtoget mealstothepeoplewhoneedthemmost.Deployinga modelofquickaction,leveraginglocalresources,and adaptinginrealtime,theyknowthatanourishingmealin atimeofcrisisissomuchmorethanaplateoffood—it's hope,it'sdignity,andit'sasignthatsomeonecares.WE FEEDPEOPLE,aRonHowarddirecteddocumentary premieredinMayof2022,andtakesyoubehindthe scenes of the beginning of WCK. UNITED24wasfoundedin2022byUkrainianPresident VolodymyrZelenskyytoraisefundsandsupportforthe Ukrainedepartmentsthatneedthemthemostincluding departmentofdefense,andforhumanitarianandmedical aid related programs. see video hereWORLDVISIONwasfoundedin1950byBobPierceand sincethattimehascontinuetoprovidehumanitarian needsandsupporttochildrenandfamiliesinneed.Today theyoperatearegionalbaseinRomania,whichhas providedthecloseproximitynecessarytoquicklyassist and support Ukraine during this crisis. MEDECINSSANSFRONTIERS/DOCTORSWITHOUT BORDERS DoctorsWithoutBorders/MédecinsSansFrontières(MSF) caresforpeopleaffectedbyconflict,diseaseoutbreaks, naturalandhuman-madedisasters,andexclusionfrom healthcareinmorethan70countries.Whendisaster strikes,itsteamsofdoctors,nurses,logisticians,and otherstaffareoftenamongthefirstonthe scene—sometimesarrivinginamatterofminutes. Becauseofitsfinancialindependenceteamsareableto freelyevaluatemedicalneeds,reachcommunitiesinneed without restriction, and directly provide high quality medical care.INTERNATIONALMEDICALCorp(IMC)wasfoundedin1984byDr.BobSimontorespondtothehumanitariancrisisin Afghanistan.Sincethen,hehasexpandedhisteamto ensurecommunitiesaroundtheworldhaveaccessto essentialhealthcareservicesandcriticalsupplies.It’s Mission-todeliveremergencymedicalandrelated servicestothoseaffectedbyconflict,diasteranddisease, nomatterwheretheyare,nomatterwhattheconditions. Theyalsotrainpeopleintheircommunities,providing themwiththeskillstheyneedtorecover,charttheirown pathtoself-reliance,andbecomeeffectivefirst responders themselves. see video hereHELPINGPARENTSHEALisanon-profit organizationdedicatedtoassistingbereavedparents. Throughsupportandresources,HPHaspirestohelp individualsshiftfromastateofemotionalheavinessto hopefulnessandgreaterpeaceofmind.HPHgoesastep beyondothergroupsbyallowingtheopendiscussionof spiritualexperiencesandafterlifeevidenceinanon-dogmaticway.HPHwelcomeseveryoneregardlessof religiousornon-religiousbackgroundandencourages open dialog.ASPCATheAmericanSocietyforthePreventionof CrueltytoAnimals®isanationalleaderinanimalrescue andprotection.TheASPCAworkstosaveanimalsfrom actsofanimalcrueltyincludingdogfighting,puppymills, hoarding,neglectandothercruelsituations.Itprovides foranimalsinneedofmedicalcareandbehavioral rehabilitation,andhelpsthousandsofanimalseachyear findlovinghomes.TheASPCAalsorespondsto energencieswhendisasterstrikesandfightsforstronger laws to protect animals.St. Jude Children’s Hospital openeditsdoorsin 1962totreatthemostchallengingchildhoodcancersand pediatricdiseases.FamiliesneverreceiveabillfromSt. Judefortreatment,travel,housing,orfood,sotheycan betterfocusonhelpingtheirchildlive,regardlessofthe durationorthecostofcare.ThegoalofSt.Judeistoby 2030,cureatleast60%ofchildrenwithsixofthemost commonkindsofcancerworldwide-providingcutting-edge treatment at no cost to families.
Sharing StoriesWe each have amazing stories to share. Personal experiences of triumph over tragedy, of the transformative power of grief, of hope and healing, and of the ripple effect generated by acts of kindess, generosity, support and compassion. If you would like to share a heartfelt and inspiring personal story as a guest on an upcoming episode ofShared Tears Podcast - Ripple Effect, please contact us for more information.
Lifted VoicesIn an effort to raise public awarenness, some feel compelled to speak out, in spite of or fueled by their personal story, and become important voices for change and reform. We welcome open and frank discussions about the difficult but important topics and collective challenges of our time. Let’s not become complacent or stand silent, but instead lift our voices and share our stories as a force for good. If you would like to share your personal story or expertise, as a guest on Shared Tears Podcast - Ripple Effect, please contact us for more information.
Healing Hearts Farm Sanctuary (HHFS) is a 501(c)3 non-profit farm animal rescue and sanctuary located in the rolling hills of Tehachapi, California. Dedicated to helping animals that are neglected, abused, unwanted or slaughter bound, HHFS provides a compassionate and safe refuge. Its mission is to foster healing through building connections between animals, people, and nature.
World Kindness Day, was celebrated this year on Wednesday, November 13 and was an opportunity to celebrate and promote good deeds in our communities, reminding us of the power and impact of small acts of kindness. It was established in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement, a coalition of nations dedicated to inspiring individuals towards greater compassion. The inspiration behind this day stems from a belief in the essential goodness of humanity, aiming to promote a more harmonious world through acts of kindness. Let’s continue the spirit of spreading kindness, and “paying it forward” this holiday season!Paying It ForwardThe concept of "paying it forward" revolves around repaying a good deed by doing a good deed for someone else, rather than for the original benefactor. This ripple effect of kindness can create a chain reaction that benefits countless people.The Healing Effects of Being KindIt may surprise you to learn that engaging in acts of kindness has been found to benefit not only the recipient, but also the giver. Scientific studies have reportedly shown that being kind can:Reduce Stress: Acts of kindness can increase your own feelings of well-being.Boost Happiness: Helping others can release endorphins, creating a "helper’s high."Improve Health: Kindness has been linked to lower blood pressure and increased heart health.Spreading Kindness and Paying It Forward - This Holiday SeasonThere are countless ways to spread kindness this holiday season. Here are just a few ideas!Volunteer with Local Charities: Offer your time to food banks, shelters, or any local organization that could use an extra hand.Compliment Strangers: A simple "I love your outfit!" can brighten someone's day significantly.Support Local Businesses: Pick up your morning coffee from a local café or buy your groceries from a farmer's market.Donate: From toys for children in need, to clothes, books, or money, every bit helps this time of year.Host a Holiday Kindness Event: Organize a community picnic, a charity run, or a neighborhood clean-up.Buy Coffee for the Person Behind You: A small gesture that could make someone's day.Help a Colleague: Offer to assist them with their workload or guide them with a project.Leave a Positive Review: Boost a local business by sharing your positive experience online.Kindness and the Golden Rule"Treat others as you would like to be treated,” -- The Golden Rule, is a timeless principle that exists across various cultures and religions. It encapsulates the essence of kindness, encouraging empathy and understanding among individuals. By practicing the Golden Rule, we foster environments where kindness becomes a natural reflection of our daily interactions.Imagining a World of KindnessImagine a world where kindness and care are at the forefront of every action. A world where people consistently choose compassion over indifference. This vision can become a reality if each of us commits to spreading kindness, every day in some measurable way.Call to Action: In the spirit of the Holiday Season, why not challenge yourself to perform one act of kindness each day? Together, let's spread kindness and make a positive impact in our communities and beyond. Remember, your small act of kindness can have a ripple effect, creating a chain reaction of positivity in its wake. Happy Holidays Everyone!