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, 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 | Mentoring, Personal Growth, Team Building, Volunteerism
Through the newly established partnership between Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; the Omicron Iota Sigma Chapter along with the Blue Heart Foundation and Outdoor Outreach had the opportunity to spend the morning helping restore native habitats at the San Diego National Bay Refuge.
Leading African-American fraternity Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (Sigma) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) have joined forces to conserve America’s wildlife in a new way. The two organizations signed an historic memorandum of understanding establishing a partnership that will provide new opportunities for urban youth to experience the natural world and promote interest in conservation and the biological sciences.
The initiative commemorates American scientist, botanist, and inventor, George Washington Carver – a Sigma member who has inspired generations of youth to pursue careers in science. Cecil Shelton (Omicron Iota Sigma Chapter, Director of Social Action) would say “Today was not only about being able to give back to the community, it is about inspiring these young men, who not only get to experience the essence of hard work , but learn the importance of environmental preservation for all mankind.”
“Many Americans find it difficult to experience nature in an increasingly urban America. This has profound implications for the health and well-being of our citizens and the future of our nation,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe. “Sigma – with its rich history of community leadership and deep connection to the legacy of Dr. Carver – is the ideal partner for the Service as we work to create meaningful connections between young people and the great outdoors.”
Working as a collaborate team each organization laid mulch to prevent weeds, removed invasive species and watered native plants. Native vegetation at the Jonathan Sellers and Charlie Keever Outdoor Educational Activity Center was planted by school children from Imperial Beach. “The partnership with Phi Beta Sigma and Outdoor Outreach allows us to provide opportunities for these young African American men to learn about protected lands in San Diego and to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding them.” – Chantel Jimenez US Fish and Wildlife Service
It was an honor to restore and beautify the Memorial that honors the lives of two friends whose lives were taken to soon. Jonathan Sellers- and Charlie Keever will be remembered forever and remind us that a child’s life is precious. Joe McLeod COO of Outdoor Outreach would later say “The Blue Heart Foundation youth and Phi Beta Sigma Brothers embraced our motto of Play, Learn, Serve and Share today. Together we had a great day of service learning at the USFWS South Bay Wildlife Refuge. Thank you everyone for your strong character, determination and positives attitudes!!”
The group then made their way to Coronado Tidelands Park where we had lunch; afterwards everyone took to the opportunity to hit the water Paddle boarding on the Bay. Isaiah Coleman from Blue Heart would say “It was deeply satisfying to help with work on the beautification project. Seeing the bright colored Navanacs along the shore was alarming, but new.”
by April | Career Development, Mentoring, Team Building
Saturday March 26, 2016 – On a clear morning 15 young men from the Blue Heart Foundation’s mentoring program had the opportunity to get a taste ot what it takes to be a fire cadet. On an event coordinated by Fire Captain Jason Shanley the young men would suit up and spend the day going through training activities such as using a Telpher Line(aka as a “zip line”) to repelling out of a three story window and put on Search and Rescue with fire gear, through a “maze” otherwise known as the confidence course.
After going over a safety procedures and protocols lead by the men the from the San Diego Fire Department and more specifically Brothers United ( African-American Firefighters). Capt. Shanley thought it was important to “show who these youngsters “how we get down” at the Fire Department” He would later say “It’s important to the Fire Department to open up opportunities and be more diverse. Through these exercises it is my expectation that the kids would arrive on time, and come ready to assist wherever they can. We will definitely have fun, and they should get a LOT of life lessons from each component of the stations (i.e. Teamwork, Confidence, and Trust)”.
The day was filled with excitement, fun and challenges as each young man took their turns repelling out of the three story building. You could see the anxiety and anxoiusnous on each young man’s face as the firefighters tied them up and they began to climb out of the window. Isaiah Coleman would say “Though, I may not want to be a firefighter this was a great experience.”
Later teams would switch roles from repelling to the confidence course; the confidence course requires 
firefighters to navigate through a maze of obstacles with a “Blacked out” helmet using only each other and a firehouse as guidance. Brandon Rosete would later say “ It was crazy and I was nervous going through the maze but I learned to trust my teammates. So, I knew I cold get through.”
All in all this was an amazing eperience for each young man to sample a taste of cadet training. The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Cadet Program was organized in 1983 for young men and women, age 16 to 21, who are interested in learning about a career in Fire Suppression and Emergency Medical Services. This program is not intended to be a direct recruiter of future firefighters, but rather gives young men and women an inside look into the Fire and Emergency Medicine profession.
The purpose of the Fire Cadet program is to help young people make the decision of whether they want to pursue a career in Fire Suppression. The Cadets attend mandatory training classes and are encouraged to participate in a ride-along program. This program helps Cadets gain experience as they observe firefighters and assist the Department in a non-hazardous capacity. In addition to Fire Department-related responsibilities, Fire Cadets are also encouraged to take Fire Science classes, and go on outings and camping trips organized by the Cadet leaders.- See more at: https://www.sandiego.gov/fire/careers/cadetprogram#sthash.y8S7mwSs.dpuf
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.
by April | Mentoring, Team Building
In order to avoid being “Grinchy” we took in America’s favorite holiday fable as it returned for its 17th joyous year!
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!is a wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book. Back for its 17th incredible year, the family favorite features the songs “This Time of Year,” “Santa for a Day” and “Fah Who Doraze,” the delightful carol from the popular animated version of How 
the Grinch Stole Christmas! Celebrate the holidays as the Old Globe Theatre is once again transformed into the snow-covered Whoville, right down to the last can of Who-hash.
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.
Lastly, you can never know what may impact a child’s life. Not all learning occurs most effectively within the walls of a school building. 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 child’s life. There’s nothing like seeing a group of young men excited for Christmas.
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.”
