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Springtime is a busy one for ours girls training in hospitality and culinary arts. That’s because graduation festivities are abound! Saint Elizabeth Girls’ Academy opens its doors to hosting area festivities, along with SEGA’s own graduation celebration.

The girls in our culinary and hospitality programs gain practical hands on experience. Careers in the hospitality field are desired, and from cooking to serving girls become self-sufficient by following jobs in this industry. One of our graduates opened her own restaurant, and another her own food truck.

I have first-hand knowledge of the dedication to learning at SEGA. During my 2011 visit, the girls hosted a celebration but this was not any celebration, their every last move was being judged for exams. Whew, the pressure! But, the girls were calm cool and collected and pulled off the event without a hitch. 

Education – training and gaining skills – that’s why we reach out to supporters. Your financial commitment allows us to continue to provide a hand up for these girls.

Peace and Love,

Cristen

Did you know a $240 donation provides a year’s worth of education, food and shelter for a girl?

Hope for Hearts joined Nevada’s Big Give last week. So how did Nevada rank? Well, 4,482 donors came together to raise $554,182. Although the giving day did not double funds from the previous year, it was a gallant effort.

Enough money was raised on our site to support more than one girl at St. Elizabeth Girls’ Academy (SEGA) for a years worth of education, meals and roof over her head.

We were all BIG winners, but Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals had the most donors with 507 raising $29,426. The top dollar amount went to Sierra Nevada College with $61,296. You can visit Nevada’s Big Give to see participating charities.

It is important to support giving days, yes, goals were not met, but many charities received new support, and it’s the perfect way for Nevadans to come together. We look forward to next year.

Thank you to all the volunteers and donors who made Nevada’s Big Give a wonderful experience. Thank you for the support of our girls at SEGA.

Peace and Love,

Cristen

There is a fantastic philanthropic opportunity happening in our state on next Thursday, and I am proud to say Hope for Hearts will join the cause. Nevada’s Big Give is a one-day online giving initiative. The goal is to raise more than $800,000.

Let’s help spread the word and in one 24-hour period, grow philanthropy in Nevada. As supporters of Hope for Hearts, it’s a great chance to introduce our charity to your network. This will bring awareness to our cause, but I also encourage you to explore the many note-worthy causes participating this year. April 25 is about lifting up Nevada and showing the world our giving spirit.

The giving takes place at one central website,nvbiggive.org, but click here to go to Hope for Heartsdirect.

Kudos to NevadaGIVES for creating such a high-visibility promotion. Not only will it bring 24hoursofunprecedentednonprofitgiving, but also for the charities involved there are incentives. There are two ways for Hope for Hearts to raise additional funds thanks to NevadaGIVES.

1.      Land Hope for Hearts in the top three nonprofits by number of unique donors, and our charity will receive an additional cash prize.

2.      Throughout April 25, 2013, random donors will see added dollars to their nonprofit donation selected—some will be $100 and others will be higher.

I invite you to join me in support of Hope for Hearts on this giving day. It’sourstate’sbiggest-­‐ever dayofgiving,andit’syourchance to makeareal impact. It’s as simple as: Point. Click. Give.

Peace and Love, and Giving

Cristen

I had a theme going this week on Hope for Hearts social media pages – quotes. Yes, quotes from a saint, newscaster, philosopher, musicians and so on.  Quotes on volunteerism – it makes the world go around.

April is national volunteer month. A time to help others, as well as a time to reflect and appreciate those who give effortlessly. What is amazing about volunteerism is that there are so many ways to do it, and sometimes, without even realizing it – such as lending a hand at church or coaching a little league team.

Since 1989, the number of people who volunteer has increased by 60 percent. Volunteers play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life, and advocating for those who cannot.

Take note of two things you can do this month. 1) Make time to recognize the important role volunteers play in our society. Their acts of selfishness deserve astanding ovation. 2) Check out opportunities to provide a hand up in our community, or take your adventure on the road:

Volunteermatch.org —Matches users to volunteer opportunities with over 70,000 nonprofit organizations. 


Americorps — Each year, AmeriCorps offers 75,000 opportunities for adults of all ages and backgrounds to serve through a network of partnerships with local and national nonprofit groups.       

Global Volunteer Network –connects people with communities in need, with a particular focus on vulnerable women and children.

Peace and Love,

Cristen

Today some of us are celebrating Easter. We are celebrating a man who I choose to walk with daily, who came to earth more than 2000 years ago, and died so that we might live forever. Like many holidays, sometimes the meaning behind Easter gets lost in the celebration of Easter bunnies, baskets and egg hunts.

I like the eggs. They are a great representation of Easter because an egg hatches new life. The true meaning of Easter is new life.

Easter in Uganda, although not widely celebrated, holds a special place in the heart of Ugandan Christians. At St. Elizabeth Girls’ Academy (SEGA), Easter weekend is filled with special celebrations. A special dinner, worship songs and more. In a special way, SEGA represents the message of Easter. I find this quote fitting for our girls who are choosing to lead a new life when they commit to life at SEGA.

“The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances.” –Robert Flatt

I am thankful for the Resurrection and the life that is to come for our girls.

Peace and Love, and Easter eggs

Cristen