by April | Community, Team Building
The Blue Heart Foundation in partnership with the Old Globe Theater provided a night out for the youth and families from the HEART mentoring program. HEART (Higher Education And Rising Together) is a locally based mentoring program that is focused on the empowerment and education of under-served youth. Our program is based on nine (9) core competencies which fall under three categories: 1) Abilities, 2) Applications, and 3) Character. One piece of our program is to expose youth to events they may not normally have the opportunity to see and in the instance we viewed “Camp David,”
What would happen if you placed a born-again Christian, a pious Muslim and an orthodox Jew behind closed doors for thirteen days to try to find peace for their nations? This is the question Gerald Rafshoon, former President Jimmy Carter’s media advisor, posed to Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Lawrence Wright. The resulting theatrical piece, “Camp David,” directed by Molly Smith and now playing at the Old Globe is a fascinating and illuminating depiction of an unparalleled moment in history, the forging of the 1978 Camp David Accords, a diplomatic triumph, which, though imperfect and incomplete, has preserved peace–at least the non-presence of war–between Egypt and Israel during the ensuing three decades. Beyond the considerable historical impact and value of the play, which is enjoying its West Coast premiere, it is an immensely absorbing and personal portrait of three political figures, each driven by his own sense of humanity and higher purpose in an effort to achieve a lasting peace.
We believe culturally enriching field trips matter. They produce significant benefits for students on a variety of educational outcomes that schools and communities care about. The effects of field trips to see live theater demonstrates that seeing plays is an effective way to teach academic content; increases our youth’s tolerance by providing exposure to a broader, more diverse world; and improves the ability of students to recognize what other people are thinking or feeling. These are significant benefits for students on specific educational outcomes that schools pursue and communities respect. Especially when considered alongside our community service efforts.
You never know what may impact a child’s life. Not all learning occurs most effectively within the walls of a school building or classroom. Going on enriching field trips to cultural institutions makes effective use of all of a community’s resources for teaching children. You can never know what may impact a young man’s life… There’s nothing like seeing a group of young men engaged in a play that touches on both societal and historical issues.
by April | Community, Volunteerism
MAY 28th was volunteer day at Sharia’s Closet whose goal is to alleviate clothing needs in San Diego County, seeking to fulfill their mission of providing free clothing to people in need. What a turn out with over 50 volunteers showing up to help carry out their mission. Volunteers are the backbone of Sharia’s Closet. We could never achieve what we do without the unfaltering commitment of time, support, skills, creativity and knowledge generously shared by so many.
Volunteering provides many benefits to both mental and physical health.
- Volunteering increases self-confidence. Volunteering can provide a healthy boost to your self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. You are doing good for others and the community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment. Your role as a volunteer can also give you a sense of pride and identity. And the better you feel about yourself, the more likely you are to have a positive view of your life and future goals.
- Volunteering provides a sense of purpose. One can find new meaning and purpose in their lives by helping others. Whatever your age or life situation, volunteering can help take your mind off your own worries, keep you mentally stimulated, and add more zest to your life.
- Volunteering combats depression. A key risk factor for depression is social isolation. Volunteering keeps you in regular contact with others and helps you develop a solid support system, which in turn protects you against stress and depression when you’re going through challenging times. Working with others has been shown to improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety.
Sharia’s Closet clothing room provides for the needs of families as well as many homeless and destitute people in our area. When people come to their programs they offer them a clean change of clothing. Most needs are: Jeans, sweaters, underwear, shoes, warm coats and business attire for those reentering the workforce. If you are considering a food or clothing drive at your congregation, organization, workplace or school, please let us know. They will work with you to launch a successful drive that will bless those we serve.
Lastly, Mrs. Linton (Sharia’s Closet Founder) remarked “Thank you to each and every one of you. The impact of your hard work is felt by the children and families we are able to help. Our success is your success. We can’t thank you enough for your time spent with us today. I want to say thanks to Tracy Morris and The Blue Heart Foundation for having a big part in today’s Volunteer day.We will be helping to sort and fold clothes for people in need and any other help requested”
by April | Community, Team Building
May 19, 2016 – We participated in our first Padres Game of the year against the San Francisco Giants which was a huge success as we partnered with the San Diego Padres Charity Ticket Program. Identified as a charity group to partner with the Padres we were sure to take full advantage and had 100% participation. Some of our guys were featured twice during the game with live shots on FriarVision.
Olijah (HEART Member) stated ” I had a great time watching the Padres with the group; it was even cooler when we were on the big screen!!! and when asked his thoughts about being on Friarvision; Olijah exclaimed “That was a great experience, I never thought that would happen to me!” all while smiling ear to ear.
We partnered with the San Diego Padres Major League Baseball’s “Commissioner’s Community Initiative” and MLB Player’s Association “Players Give Back” to donate complimentary tickets to deserving non-profit organizations who serve children within the Padres focus of LIVE (children’s health), LEARN (education) PLAY (recreation), and SERVE (military and first responders).
Though the Padres lost to the San Francisco Giants, it did not diminish the excitement of the group, all had a fabulous time staying until the last out was recorded. We look forward to our next trip to Petco Park and have to thank Christina Papasedero and the community relations and Padres Foundation for the opportunity. Shani McGowan (Parent) framed the event perfectly when he said “All the kids had a great time last night, they just wish the Padres had gotten more hits… This was the first baseball game for many of them and I’d like to thank the Padres for the opportunity.”
by April | Community, Education, Volunteerism
April 30th, 2016 – The Urban League of San Diego County celebrated its 25th Annual Golden Pyramid Scholars Program. 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.
Members of HEART had the opportunity to not only receive awards for academic excellence with cumulative GPA’s of 3.0 and above. These dedicated, service minded young men arrived as early as 7:00 AM to provide assistance in any and every way possible. Tasks given to these young men included but were not limited to award recipient registration, door assistance, ushering and event coordination as well as handing out brochures. All 20 members in attendance received the highest accolades from the San Diego Urban League’s Young Professionals
In partnership with several community based organizations, The Blue Heart Foundation provided access to more than $50,000 in scholarships and grants. Scholarship partners included, San Diego State University; San Ysidro Health Center, and 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 11-18).
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.
by April | Community, Team Building
April 23, 2016 – It was chilly, early Saturday morning as HEART (Higher Education And Rising Together) rose to the challenge and volunteered to walk for babies… After raising $1,900, HEART also contributed throughout the day. Setting up tents, moving tables, carrying water and any other opportunities where we could lend a helping hand. As HEART Member Dallas Edge stated “Volunteering benefits the community as it shows you support it and its people”.
When you walk in March for Babies, you give hope to nearly half a million babies born too soon each year. The money you raise supports programs in your community that help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies. And it funds research to find answers to the problems that threaten our babiesimage
One cool moment was after helping Jack in the Box set up their tent Jack in the Box CEO Leonard Comma stopped by to take a photo op with us. As we walked and talked the route around Balboa Park we stopped to take a few pictures, selfies and admired the beauty of the scenery…I’m always amazed and inspired when the young men from HEART show up for volunteer service… After all how often do you see high school teens show up for volunteer work at 6 AM!!!
“All we have is each other and we have to constantly give back to our community, whether it’s money,time, or expertise. It’s the only way we will get better.” says HEART member Bernard Richardson…Of course after a hard days work we had a barbecue and simply enjoyed a day in the sun… What a Great Day! The Blue Heart Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 organization, find out how you can contribute or join us by contacting us via email at theblueheartfoundation@gmail.com
by April | Community, Team Building
Thanks to the Grandparents Association sponsored in program to SeaWorld… Dress will be HEART T-Shirt and Jeans.. (B We will be going on a joint trip with Dr. Jam’s Mentoriring your Hoodies in case it gets cold.) Cost is $20 total and you may want to bring snacks.
What would happen if you placed a born-again Christian, a pious Muslim and an orthodox Jew behind closed doors for thirteen days to try to find peace for their nations? This is the question Gerald Rafshoon, former President Jimmy Carter’s media advisor, posed to Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Lawrence Wright. The resulting theatrical piece, “Camp David,” directed by Molly Smith and now playing at the Old Globe is a fascinating and illuminating depiction of an unparalleled moment in history, the forging of the 1978 Camp David Accords, a diplomatic triumph, which, though imperfect and incomplete, has preserved peace–at least the non-presence of war–between Egypt and Israel during the ensuing three decades. Beyond the considerable historical impact and value of the play, which is enjoying its West Coast premiere, it is an immensely absorbing and personal portrait of three political figures, each driven by his own sense of humanity and higher purpose in an effort to achieve a lasting peace.
We believe culturally enriching field trips matter. They produce significant benefits for students on a variety of educational outcomes that schools and communities care about. The effects of field trips to see live theater demonstrates that seeing plays is an effective way to teach academic content; increases our youth’s tolerance by providing exposure to a broader, more diverse world; and improves the ability of students to recognize what other people are thinking or feeling. These are significant benefits for students on specific educational outcomes that schools pursue and communities respect. Especially when considered alongside our community service efforts.
