Don’t ever think you’re too young or too old to change the world. We have been inspired by the continuing efforts of a young Massachusetts teen, Ava Joy, who has used her artistic talents and giant heart to spread love while also raising money for those in need. She is one of our true Ambassadors of Kindness!

Ava has devised many projects over the years to fundraise for special causes including homelessness, sick children, and animal shelters. But watching the news during the COVID-19 pandemic inspired her to do something for frontline workers in her state.

With her mom’s help, Ava created a red, white and blue beaded bracelet and the Love America Brands website to raise money to support frontline workers through the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund. She is close to reaching her $2000 goal and may add other products to her brand soon.

We love wearing our bracelets as a reminder of Ava and how good deeds have far-reaching effects!

Our friends at Sing for Hope may be best known for providing pop-up pianos to neighborhoods around New York City, but their healing arts programs in schools and in adult care facilities are a huge part of the organization’s mission.

While the COVID-19 response prompted the halt of in-person workshops, arts-based healing workshops continue virtually with many of Sing for Hope’s partner organizations like nursing homes and senior centers.

Find out more about Sing for Hope’s resources for educators and healthcare workers, too! We’re so proud of Sing for Hope for keeping the music (and art) alive during the toughest of days.

Since 1963, Starfish Family Services has supported underserved families in Metro Detroit with early childhood education, behavioral health wellness, and parenting programs. While the COVID-19 pandemic caused its 18 centers to close, Starfish still serves over 4000 children and their families.

Through weekly food distribution (in cooperation with Gleaner’s Community Food Bank), drive-thru diaper and formula distribution, online preschool programs, and teletherapy sessions for Starfish clients, this organization stays present for its families.

Read more about its programs, other resources for families during the pandemic, and how to donate here.

While we struggle to deal with how a pandemic affects us personally, we can’t forget the girls around the world who need not only continued access to education, but help to manage even basic needs.

She’s the First continues to support girls’ education and make their voices heard worldwide through their partner organizations, and explains the unique challenges girls face when cut-off from schools and mentors during a global pandemic.

We encourage you to watch the video and visit their website for more information and ways to donate.

Our dear friends & founders of Sing for Hope, Monica Yunus and Camille Zamora, appear on CBS Sunday Morning. Watch and marvel at how Sing for Hope’s Pop-Up Pianos give New Yorkers the opportunity to connect with one another, and later bring the beauty of arts education to school children.

Jharana and Sirjana are two She’s The First Scholars from Nepal, and they have organized a 5K to raise awareness about working towards equality for girls.  This event took place on August 26, and this coincided with the 95th Anniversary of American women winning the right to vote.  To make the run more personal, each participant wore a tag on their backs in an effort to raise awareness for something that they believe in.

Video Credit: https://www.shesthefirst.org/raceforequality/

Join Marie Forleo and Tammy Tibbetts, founder of She’s the First, as they talk about girls’ education, the power of community and the power of following your dreams.