by April | Community, Team Building
H.E.A.R.T. had the opportunity to visit the Musuem of Tolerance in Los Angeles, CA. During this event there are many things that occurred that benefited the youth, the quality time shared with each other, the opportunity to see something they had not experienced before, the opportunity to meet one of the holocaust survivors (William Shaffer); the sit down lunch at Roscoe’s, and of of course, the anaconda finale.
The Museum of Tolerance (MOT) is the educational arm of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, an internationally renowned Jewish human rights organization. The only 
museum of its kind in the world, the MOT is dedicated to challenging visitors to understand the Holocaust in both historic and contemporary contexts and confront all forms of prejudice and discrimination in our world today.
Established in 1993, the MOT has welcomed over five million visitors, mostly middle and high school students. Visitors become witnesses to history and explore the dynamics of bigotry and discrimination that are still embedded in society today. Through interactive exhibits, special events, and customized programs for youths and adults, the Museum engages visitors’ hearts and minds, while challenging them to assume personal responsibility for positive change.
Perhaps no other institution offers such a motivational mix of historical discovery and personal empowerment. I believe these children’s lives were changed and can only have a positive impact going forward. Let’s work to be sure they have the opportunity to grow uninhibited. After all doesn’t every child deserve a childhood. 
by April | Community, Team Building
August 2nd, 2014 – We are proud to have attended and support Tamera Hill’s Play “I Never Heard my Father Speak,”. Everyday, thousands of children across America never hear the voice of their father. The children of our generation and past generations are yearning to hear their father speak. This play not only brings awareness, but depicts a powerful story of a common family dynamic we are all too familiar with, a fatherless home! “I Never Heard my Father Speak,” is not just a powerful story about putting families back together but it’s about healing and restoration for those who have never heard the voice of a father. We have to bring awareness to this epidemic. Yes, epidemic!
One of the most profound social problems is the widespread father absence in the lives of children. Fathers play a unique and irreplaceable role in the lives of their children. Father absence is a serious problem because 
of the profound life challenges many children experience, who grow up without a father in their lives. Studies have shown the consequences of absentee fathers on children are: living in poverty, greater risk of drug use, early teen pregnancy, educational problems, health problems, emotional and mental health problems, and being victims of child abuse. Our prisons are full of individuals who grew up without a father.
As Tamera proceeds to make this powerful play into a movie that will help America see and experience first hand the the damaging results of fatherless homes, and the affects it can have on our children. “I Never Heard my Father Speak,” will tell the story from a father, child and mother’s viewpoint. We will see the story through their eyes. This is not just a story, but a movement to put father’s back into the lives of their children. Help us make that a reality and donate today at GOFUNDME
by April | Community, Volunteerism
The Blue Heart Foundation and The Pat on the Back foundation and made a Super pair as they combined to bring 21 children and chaperones Comic-Con International, July 24-27, at the San Diego Convention Center to where children can be Super Man or Wonder Woman for a day. Orchestrated by the always focused and detailed Dion Sayles, Patrick Turner (POTB) and Tracy Morris (TBHF) spent the day along with other volunteers guiding through the excitement and fun that is Comic-Con.
Comic-Con has become a signature summertime event for San Diego; it is the largest comics and pop culture event in the United States, attracting thousands of artists, celebrities and fans of comic books, movie memorabilia and all things related to pop culture.
Along with panels, seminars, and workshops with comic book professionals, there are previews of upcoming feature films, portfolio review sessions with top comic book and video game companies, and such evening events as awards ceremonies and the Masquerade; a costume contest, and the Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival, which showcases shorts and feature length movies that do not have distribution or distribution deals.
In all it was an experience that will not be forgotten by children that otherwise would not have had the opportunity to witness such a unique event. Both organizations strive to provide children with experiences that are both educational and fun. Many of the children that are served are members of the foster care system or from undeserved at-risk areas. Patrick and Tracy are passionate in assisting children by exposing them to a wide variety of “field trips” in order that they may break out of their 
comfort zone.
by April | Community, Team Building
One mission on The Blue Heart Foundation is to ensure that underserved children and families have the opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of the San Diego Fair. Children from our partner organizations are able to partake in all the sights, sounds and FOOD that the San Diego Fair has to offer.
We believe that we should use opportunities like this to strengthen our bonds as a community, helping to add to work/life balance. For as we grow we must also bond creating a more cohesive unit. Events like this throughout the year to enrich the community experience as well as invite family and friends to get to interact with the our organizations as well as each other.
This year we had the opportunity to include the Pat On The Back Foundation, Children of Sickle Cell – San Diego, New Alternatives group home, Christian Worship Center Youth 
and families from the National Pan Hellenic Council of San Diego. With multiple organizations joining us as well as youth from the H.E.A.R.T. mentoring program we had an exciting day where fun was had by all. Many of these children had never been to the fair with one exclaiming “Wow… this is so exciting, I can’t believe we’re here!” Please be sure to support us as we work to change children’s lives across San Diego. Be sure to assist as we work to bring children’s dreams to reality by donating and supporting our work. You may donate here via PayPal
by April | Community
On June 14th, 2014 – The Urban League of San Diego County celebrated its 23rd Annual Golden Pyramid Scholars Program on Saturday, June 14th, 2014. The event took place at San Diego Concourse, Golden Hall. The program was designed to identify, recruit, nurture and support students who are striving to achieve academic and economic excellence. The communities’ goal is to ensure that its future parents, politicians, scientists, carpenters, doctors, and professors are identified early and supported continuously in their quest to achieve excellence.
In partnership with several community based organizations, more than $215,000 in scholarships were presented to Golden Pyramid Scholars who represent African American and other underrepresented populations. The scholarship partners included College Bound; Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Omicron Iota Sigma Chapter; The Pat on the Back Foundation, San Diego State University; San Ysidro Health Center; and Rudolph Johnson Scholarship Fund, Neighborhood House Association & Urban League of San Diego County. Additional thanks goes to our military personnel who volunteered their time to help with logistics and crowd management.
The Golden Pyramid Academic Scholars Awards program provided participating organizations and businesses an opportunity to connect with more than 1,300 high-achieving underrepresented youth and their families. This year’s program attracted more than 2,529 people. Participants were encouraged to enroll in one of our year-round youth programs such as Project Ready (College Readiness Programs for males and females 11-17). The Golden Pyramid Scholars Program features encouraging messages which promote academic achievement, civic responsibility and professional success. The programs emphasis on academic achievement and career success attracts aspiring, influential teens and young adults, ages 8-18 along with loyal parents/grandparents/guardians of all ages. These consumers bring a mindset perfect for marketing certain consumer brands, career opportunities and social campaigns that appeal to this trend-setting demographic.
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