by April | Community, Volunteerism
We had an amazing day supporting San Diego County Fire Fighter’s as they climb the Hilton stairs in memory of the 403 Emergency Responders who paid the ultimate price on 9/11. Rising early Saturday morning, young men from the Blue Heart Foundation set out to volunteer at a stair climb held to honor firefighters, police and other emergency personnel killed in the collapse of the World Trade Center towers on Sept. 11, 2001.
The San Diego Firefighter 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb challenged firefighters, police, military personnel and civilians to ascend 110 stories at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel. It began at 7 a.m.
Each year, approximately 100 firefighters die while serving their communities. Many more die from cancer, heart disease, neurological disorders, stroke, and other injuries and illnesses suffered as a result of their service. But we worked together to honor these sacrifices and care for the firefighters who assume these risks and the families who share them.
Each volunteer assisted by helping with setup, passing out water and then taking the trek up the stairs to challenge themselves as well as pay homage to those that paid the ultimate price that day. We climbed in the memory, and honor of the 343 FDNY Brothers, 23 NYPD Brothers and Sisters, and 37 Port Authority Brothers and Sisters, and to raise awareness of the sacrifices made by firefighters everywhere.
Funds raised benefited FirefighterAid (formerly the San Diego Firefighters’ Benevolent Fund,) the 501(c)(3) charity which cares for Firefighters and families through sickness, distress, and death.
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, 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 | 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 | Community, Volunteerism
HEART was honored to have the opportunity to volunteer, support and attend KuumbaFest San Diego, San Diego’s longest running and premier celebration of African-American expression, culture, and heritage.
Kuumba (Swahili for “creativity”) Fest brings together community leaders, local performers and celebrities for an annual audience that averages 5,000. From gospel to hip-hop and theater to dance, San Diego’s Kuumba Fest present a wide showcase of arts that celebrate Black American culture in all its variety. Kuumba Fest will offer a three-day festival that includes educational workshops, hip-hop dance and speech competitions, performances of plays, Late Night Live (San Diego’s version of Late Night at the Apollo), and as always, a gospel concert finale.
HEART volunteered and attended Friday Evening’s event “A Night of Positive Images” which included:
• B.A.M. presentation
• Original man and woman
• Parade of history procession
• Royal court awards ceremony
• Best dressed contests & raffle
• Legacies: the play
KuumbaFest is San Diego’s longest running and premier celebration of African-American expression, culture, and heritage.
We believe that the three day festival provides youth a means of social development, cultural enrichment and self-empowerment.
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.
by April | Volunteerism
The San Diego Alpha Foundation Inc. hosted the Multi-Cultural Festival in partnership with the Port of San Diego, Commission for Arts and Culture, the World Beat Cultural Center, Pazazz and many other Community organizations. The Festival is free and open to the public and is being held at San Diego’s beautiful downtown waterfront park at the corner of Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway.
For the second consecutive year we assisted with the setup and breakdown of this wonderful event. We also had an information booth setup and were able to take part in the sights and sounds of the festival which was a Fun event that the whole family should participate!
The Multi-Cultural Festival Highlights included:
Beautiful Downtown Water-Front Park
Traditional Heritage Music and Dancing
Multi-Cultural Entertainment on Main Stage
Global and Ethnic Markets
Local and Regional Vendors
Children’s Area and Activities
Multi-Cultural Story Tellers
Finally this Festival showcased San Diego’s rich cultural diversity and traditional heritage through live music, dance performances, storytelling, children’s activities (drum circles, face painting and crafts), and a wide range of ethnic vendors. The Festival highlighted a myriad of multi-cultural entertainment from Native American, Asian, Cajun, Latin, Jazz and Afro-Cuban bands. To find out how you and your organization can participate please visit their website at: www.sdmulticultural.com or contact us at the phone numbers listed above or email us at: cyjames3@yahoo.com. We look forward to seeing you on January 14, 2017, 11:00 am- 5:00 pm
The San Diego Firefighter 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb challenged firefighters, police, military personnel and civilians to ascend 110 stories at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel. It began at 7 a.m.
Each year, approximately 100 firefighters die while serving their communities. Many more die from cancer, heart disease, neurological disorders, stroke, and other injuries and illnesses suffered as a result of their service. But we worked together to honor these sacrifices and care for the firefighters who assume these risks and the families who share them.
Each volunteer assisted by helping with setup, passing out water and then taking the trek up the stairs to challenge themselves as well as pay homage to those that paid the ultimate price that day. We climbed in the memory, and honor of the 343 FDNY Brothers, 23 NYPD Brothers and Sisters, and 37 Port Authority Brothers and Sisters, and to raise awareness of the sacrifices made by firefighters everywhere.
