Photo Credit: ShutterstockIt’s that time of year again! We love the fall and all that it brings. As we put the finishing touches on our tans, it’s also time to send the kids back off to school. We love spending time with the kids but for moms it also means more time to take care of YOU! And YOU time is so important. The new school year can mean new beginnings for everyone.Â
This is a great time to refocus on your health and well-being like getting back into healthy routines and scheduling those checkups and appointments we may have missed this summer. Remember, get your dental checkups scheduled twice a year. Prevention is key! This is also a great time to revisit other self-improvement options you may have been thinking about–straightening or perfecting your smile, a new workout routine with your trainer or a new nutritional program.Â
As our kids get excited to get back to school, let us introduce you to some amazing programs that help all kids live healthier and happier lives. Please check these out and consider starting the school year with a sense of giving. Remember, kids learn by example!Â
A huge thank you and congrats from us to these amazing organizations, founders, friends and teams for all that they do. We have had the pleasure of meeting many of you and you are an INSPIRATION. We looking forward to working with you on your journeys.Â
Annual drive to collect new backpacks and school supplies for homeless school kids living in shelter. Through the work of dedicated volunteers and generous supporters each year, they are able to distribute more than 3,000 backpacks stuffed with all the supplies a child needs to start the school year off right. In addition they have programs like Camp Homeward Bound and Bound for Success. Read more about what this dedicated group does and consider helping this cause.Â
Thousands of school-age kids in New York City are homeless. But thanks to over 180 wonderful sponsors and partners, they will begin the school year with brand new, filled backpacks—looking and feeling more like their housed classmates and less like a child in need. At this point in time it looks like they will need 18,000 filled backpacks. While Operation Backpack ®2016 is expected to be a success again, they are still in need of approximately 1,500 high quality backpacks that are suitable for high-school students. (See more here.)
As New Yorkers, we can’t begin the school year in September without remembering 9/11. Introduced to us by long-time board member Jessica Waring, Tuesday’s Children is an organization that was formed in the aftermath of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, to support victims’ family members. Over the last fifteen years, Tuesday’s Children has expanded to become a response and recovery organization to support youth, families and communities impacted by terrorism and traumatic loss globally. Read more about what this amazing organization is doing and contribute. Let’s go New Yorkers!
In the true spirit of international giving, Everyday Heroes Like You has multiple projects that help children and non-profits worldwide. They harbor philanthropic desire to truly make a difference. Incorporated in 2006, Everyday Heroes Like You immediately took flight with numerous projects all over the world. CEO and Founder, Erika Frantzve, has made it her mission to live out her calling and touch the lives of others by promoting various charitable foundations. Their projects include working with orphans through “Romanian Angels” and helping kids going through life-altering and emotional hardships through “Johnnys Locker.” Check out this humanitarian organization with true heart and consider contributing to their various causes.Â
Pencils of Promise is an international organization building schools and providing support for teachers and students worldwide. Through programs in Ghana, Guatemala and Laos, they’re changing what a learning experience can be for a child anywhere in the world. They have built 363 schools since 2009! Not only do they build safe schools, but they educate kids in safe water practices to avoid disease and provide scholarship programs. Educate the children of a community and you give that community the opportunity to change old patterns and thrive. We are such huge believers in educating kids to break cycles and break through. Please consider supporting this organization.Â
