ignitetheheartsnyla-blog

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Ignite The Hearts Project Secret Santa

Ignite the Hearts is launching its first ever Project: Secret Santa. Our Goal is to surprise 100 Children/Teens/Families located in local area shelters and surrounding communities in the Tri-State in need with Christmas gifts this year. You can chose to either donate a new unwrapped gift or send a monetary donation to help us raise towards this project. 22 Families are currently on our list to receive surprise gifts this year. 15 families have been referred to us by local organizations as families in need this Christmas. HELP FULFILL A CHRISTMAS WISH, UNITED WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Read the full article

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IGH Project Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving can be a day for family, being thankful, and celebrating our nation’s history. Doing these things can be so much more difficult for those facing food insecurity, hunger or homelessness. 1 in 7 adults face food insecurity in America everyday, and a holiday that is renowned for large meals is particularly difficult to endure. Those in need are closer than many of us realize, and every individual can have a profound impact on families near them this Thanksgiving. That is why Ignite the Hearts is hosting Project Thanksgiving for the second consecutive year. The project will provide boxes filled with food and cooking supplies to families facing food insecurity or homelessness in transition shelters and through personal connections like churches. By sharing the donation link and/or making a donation yourself can be the difference between a family being able to celebrate or not this year. The article below provides a list of five ways that you can make a difference on Thanksgiving, including but not limited to donating online or giving to a food bank. Remember that everyday, not just holidays, millions of Americans are not sure where or if they will get their next meal or if they can feed their families. Nobody should have to worry about these fundamental needs, and IGH among other organizations will continue to work to alleviate these struggles. http://www.takepart.com/article/2015/11/25/5-ways-you-can-help-hungry-thanksgiving Read the full article

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Project: Thanksgiving

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October Box of Love

On October 20th, 2019, we launched our first Box of Love event. Box of love is a community effort to provide food care packages to families in need. Our project runs monthly and also provides special seasonal gifts throughout the year. Our team donates these supplies to local churches, shelters, and to families in need. This month we were able to provide 8 boxes to 8 families in need. Each box contained the following items: bread, peanut butter, jelly, tuna cans, box of pasta, cereal, cookies, mash potatoes, macaroni and cheese, pasta sauce, and more. Special thank you to our volunteers Veronica Fernandez and Hannah Bouchard for decorating each box and to our volunteer Ana Melian for donating the art supplies. Read the full article

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October Operation Handy Pack

This month, we launched our first Operation Handy Pack Event. Operation Handy Pack is a community effort to provide sleeping bags with food and essentials to individuals in need. Once a month our team collects over twenty of these backpacks and passes them to the homeless in the tri-state area and Skid Row. October 27th, 2019 was a very emotional day for many of the staff in Ignite the Hearts.  It was raining and very cold. The majority of us did not think that we would succeed in finding anyone through this weather condition. As we drove through Paterson, Jersey City, and Newark, we were surprised to see so many individuals in need. Many of them only had the clothes on their backs. Operation Handy Pack is not a long-term solution, but it does provide hope during moments such as this one. Our team witnessed so much pain and love on this day. I still visually remember handing a woman a handy pack under a bridge. Simultaneously, another volunteer passed one to a man nearby. When the man thanked us, he saw the young woman that I was with. This gentleman immediately grabbed his handy pack and shared his food and cleaning wipes. He did not know her, but he gave all he had to help her. That small act of paying it forward warmed my heart. I hope one day to be able to save them. To be able to give them everything they need to get back on their feet. Next month, we will be launching our second handy pack event. We at ignite the hearts encourage you to volunteer or to donate to this project. Read the full article

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Boxes Of Love - 10/20/2019

Its that time again and we are excited!!! We will be handing out 8 decorated Boxes of Love on October 21st to families in need. Each box will contain $25 gift card as well a $25 non perishable items. We hope to increase the amount in each box through your support in the future. Read the full article

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More Than 3,000 Underserved Children Attend Fred Jordan Missions' "Care For Kids" Back-To-School Event on Skid Row

On September 28th, 2019, in Los Angeles, Foot Locker, Disney, In-N-Out, and Paul Mitchell, teamed up with Fred Jordan Missions for one of the largest Back-to-School Giveaways on the streets of Skid Row. More than 3,000 underprivileged children received new athletic shoes, clothes, backpacks full of school supplies, lunch from In-N-Out Burger and Paul Mitchell haircuts. Over 100 Foot Locker associates, dressed in their signature black-and-white striped uniforms, personally fitted each child with new sneakers under a huge 50-foot Striped balloon and then walked each to tables piled with gifts of new clothing, backpacks, school supplies and hygiene kits. Disney surprised children with different gifts and treats throughout the day, while In-N-Out served the children and their parents a delicious burger hot-off-the-grill. To round out the experience, participants will visit Paul Mitchell's tent where stylists will cut and style each child's hair. This event kicks-off the Mission's "Season of Caring" which brings hope to the streets of Skid Row bringing holidays, food, clothing and toys for homeless children and their families. We all have seen the news or heard the stories of the situation in Los Angeles. According to the Los Angeles County Office of Education, 63,000 children are homeless; meaning that one in 45 students do not have stable housing. The event has helped more than 105,000 underprivileged children for the past 30 years, giving them the tools they need to be successful in and out of the classroom. News Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/more-than-3-000-underserved-children-on-skid-row-to-attend-foot-locker-and-fred-jordan-missions-care-for-kids-back-to-school-giveaway-300927266.html Read the full article

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Couple Throws Party For Homeless Kids

https://youtu.be/dXJ5jeCFBK4 Mary Davis and her husband throw parties for That is because Mary and Ari throw parties for homeless children in the family shelter in Los Angeles. No they aren't party planners, but the can sure throw a bash! All of their parties include decorations, DJs, dancing, live animals, face painting, clowns and more. Some of these children have never had a birthday party before. Unfortunately the idea for these events came after Mary and her husband Ari Kadin suffered a personal tragedy — the loss of their baby to miscarriage. The two were always passionate about serving the homeless community and thought they could process their grief by giving back to kids living in Skid Row. “Skid Row is not a place for a child,” Mary said. “There’s garbage everywhere, there’s defecation, it’s basically a horror,” Ari said. Mary, Ari and the rest of the Worthy of Love volunteers throw their birthday parties on the roof of the building. The events started small in 2014, with just 15 children and party favors Mary and Ari bought from the dollar store. The two continued the parties every month, and slowly Worthy of Love grew into the large-scale organization it is now. Today, Worthy of Love spends about $6,000 on each party, relying heavily on volunteers and donations. “No matter who you are, you’re still a part of this community and you need to assist in the growth of this community, that’s what we’re trying to instill in our daughter,” Ari said. Source: WCNC https://www.wcnc.com/article/syndication/heartthreads/couple-throws-parties-homeless-children/507-ffc00138-0cab-40f8-a9f8-0873a3b5b9d7 Featured Image Source: Mykle Parker Photography/ Worthy of Love Read the full article

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Love Anyway: A film to heal what's tearing us apart.

This is a great film which talks about how we are connected more than ever due to social media, awareness discussions, and more. However even through all those connections we are more divided than ever before. It teaches us how to love those who may seem difficult to love. It will educate you in how we can offer help in the simplest ways. Love Anyway is the story of one family that moved to a war zone and learned how we can heal what’s tearing us apart. Narrated by Kristen Bell Original score by The Brilliance Directed by Broomstick Engine Sound design by Jason Begin Animated by Chad Clendinen Edited by Jamie Pent // Select footage courtesy of NBC News (nbcnews.com) Select footage courtesy of OX Creative (oxcreates.com) “See the Love” and “Does Your Heart Break?” courtesy of The Brilliance (thebrilliancemusic.com) Read the full article

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Children Living in Poverty

            I visually remember my father slowing down his vehicle on a very humid day in Los Angeles. As the vehicle came to a stop, we were approached by a young boy with a small bouquet of flowers. This boy could not have been more than ten years old. Behind him, was a mom, a daughter, and young baby with a basket filled with more flowers. My heart sank watching this family work tirelessly to make ends meet. It made wonder about the truth of children living in poverty.             According to Kenneth Keniston, Chairman and Executive Director of the Council on Children explained some of his major issues concerning children through statistics and research; for example, “One out of every three children live below the minimum ade­quate budget established by the Department of Labor, and each of these children must face the multiple scars of poverty.”  Millions of American children today remain hungry, malnourished, and live in abject poverty. He explains how the United States does not guarantee adequate health care to mothers and children. Increase in divorce rates, cultural deprivation, the disappearance of non-parental relatives from families, and the increasing proportion of children born to unmarried women are major issues that Keniston states as well.             I believe NO CHILD… NO HUMAN… should ever have to experience adversities such as homelessness and starvation.  I, also believe, that it is important to help children undergoing poverty, because this adversity can affect their development. According to Evans article, poor children confront widespread environmental inequities and are exposed to more family turmoil, violence, separation from their families, instability, and chaotic households. Poor children experience less social support, and their parents are less responsive and more authoritarian. Lastly, low-income neighborhoods are more dangerous, offer poorer municipal services, and experience greater physical deterioration. So, what can the average person do to help? At the moment… volunteer. Children enduring poverty need to be given support, access to health care, and a decent education system.  Volunteers can help educate children in after school programs. Volunteers can also have a huge impact on a child’s life simply by playing a sport or game with them, reading a book to them, checking in on them, and learning more about children living in poverty. Reference Evans, G., W. American Psychologist Vol. 59, Iss. 2, (Mar 2004): 77-92. DOI:10.1037/0003-066X.59.2.77 Keniston, K. Do Americans Really Like Children? Childhood Education. 52(1). Oct. 1975. pp. 4-12.Retrievedfrom:http://ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview/1290089379?accountid=13158 Read the full article

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Once homeless, this inspiring Atlanta man now owns his own convenience store

This Article demonstrates the power of spreading love and how helping others can change their life for the better. Benjamin Graham lived under a bridge with other homeless as he struggled with depression and a 17-year drug addiction. Today, he is the proud owner of Big Mouth Ben’s Convenience Store, selling souvenirs, sodas and sundries. He gives credit for his transformation to God and his wife Tanya. Source: https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/once-homeless-this-inspiring-atlanta-man-now-owns-his-own-convenience-store/991603864 Read the full article

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Driver on the Street: Tacoma man gives free haircuts to the homeless

Ignite the Hearts is all about spreading kindness and paying it forward in the simplest way. This article is a perfect example of that. According to the article, Trevonne Wilkins brings hope to the people on the streets of Tacoma by providing them with free haircuts. He understands that most of these people feel like the world has turned their backs on them. This article shows how a simple act of kindness, such as cutting someone’s hair, can inspire them to get back on their feet. To find their purpose, and to fight for their dreams. Source: https://q13fox.com/2019/09/23/driver-on-the-street-tacoma-man-gives-free-haircuts-to-the-homeless/ Read the full article

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Incredible turnaround of former Chester homeless man who's now a published poet

This inspiring article shares the story of a man who moved from his native Dublin, Ireland to the streets of Chester. Trevor MacCormack, a former homeless man, is now a published poet. Trevor talks about his experience and how he used writing to help him overcome adversities, drug addiction, and hopelessness. He is grateful for his friends and kind strangers who helped him turn his life around. Trevor wrote poems as a way of dealing with his situation but never showed anyone until he met former English teacher Campbell Russell and his wife Ann. Ann had set up The Meeting Place project to encourage vulnerable people to see they had skills and to build up their self-esteem. Source: https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/news/chester-cheshire-news/incredible-turnaround-former-chester-homeless-16995448 Read the full article

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Ingrid Charlery, Who Moved from Homelessness to Author of Her Experience, Speaks at Faith Lutheran

This article focuses on author Ingrid Charlery. On Sunday, September 22, 2019, Ingrid Charlery spoke at the Forum of Faith Lutheran in New Providence and told the members of Faith of her inspirational story, which she has authored in her book, “The Strength of a Woman! Through the darkness came light and strength.”   The book talks about her and her young daughter’s journey from a comfortable home onto the uncomfortable floors in shelters for the homeless.   Ms. Charlery shares how grateful she is for Family Promise, which serves individuals who have lost their housing and in which Faith Lutheran has participated for 30 years.   Ms. Charlery said, “The Strength of a Woman” was written to rebuild, empower, inspire and strengthen others going through depression and the thought of suicide.  I wanted to help others come out of the stigma that others put us in.  I want everyone to know no matter what obstacles that may come their way, Don’t Give Up.  God is able to pull through it.  I took all of my pain and turned it into a Gain.” Source: https://www.tapinto.net/towns/berkeley-heights/sections/religions-and-spirituality/articles/ingrid-charlery-who-moved-from-homelessness-to-author-of-her-experience-speaks-at-faith-lutheran Read the full article

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Man finishes third Edinburgh Kiltwalk for homeless charity despite battling cancer

This inspiring report shares the story of a man named Kevin Robinson. Battling a rare form of abdominal cancer, he fought through significant pain to raise money for the homeless. Explaining his reasons for taking on the challenge, he said: "It’s charity that has struck a chord with me. So, for the past couple of years, I’ve completed the Kiltwalk despite some challenging medical conditions. The Grassmarket Community Project provide lonely, isolated and vulnerable people with a central focus where they can not only receive mentoring, training and education in a nurturing environment, but the project develops skills which enable participants to develop to their full potential and create more positive life opportunities." Source: https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/kevin-robinson-edinburgh-kiltwalk-homeless-16923857 Read the full article

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Can Psychology Help Promote Peace?

Before I decided to become an actress, I was adamant that I would get my bachelor’s in psychology and become the next Dr. Phil. I would constantly remind my family that Psychology can save lives! I mean think about it! It can promote peace because its research has applied theories containing the origins of aggression, as well as theories specific to interpersonal violence within families; for example, frustration. These theories help us understand what causes violence, and it provides the first step towards promoting peace. There are many psychological theories that focus on the importance of promoting peace; for example, the Attachment theory. The Attachment theory may be helpful because it focuses on the idea of having a secure base in order to move out and explore the world. It makes sense! One of the most fundamental of human rights is the right to security and the Attachment theory focuses on this human right. Maslow, a personality theorist, emphasized the idea that basic needs were essential before self-actualization could occur.    In addition, I believe that both "top down" and "bottom up" approaches are needed. Top down approaches are important because it allows for governments and societal institutional settings to change societal norms; for instance, individual and family basic needs and the end to violence. The Bottom up approach is important as well because its efforts have improved individual and family abilities to promote peaceful conflict resolution and control aggression. Top down approaches contain societal agents; for example, law enforcement, laws against corporal punishment in school, social services, and legal services. These agents promote justice and peace. One of the six broad principles of top down approach states that, “Prevention of harm should be the foundation of policy and practice on behalf of children.” Bottom-up approaches also target processes within families/individuals to promote more peaceful transactions. See how it connects? References Andersen, M. A. & Collins, P. H. (2016). Race, Class & Gender: An Anthology. 9th Edition. Cengage Learning. Blau, Francine, Kahn, Lawrence. The Gender Pay Gap: Have Women Gone as Far as They Can? Academy of Management Perspectives (2007) 21, pp7-23 Buchanan, Ian. "Socialist Feminism." A Dictionary of Critical Theory. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press. Web. 20 October 2011 Read the full article