Moving into this new year, we continue to highlight “People Who Move Us” from our blog series. These philanthropic individuals and their nonprofit organizations work hard to better the lives of others – while addressing social and environmental issues. We support these extraordinary people who live their lives by the belief that “it is better to give than to receive.”
Making a green impact.
What better way to get a fresh start for this new year. Help the environment while also giving back to the community.
Brent Green, true to his name, has always been fascinated by greenery. His “Green Revolution” led him on a mission to transform the bare, hard concrete sidewalks of Los Angeles into vibrant, shady, tree-lined streets – one young tree at a time. He began to plant trees on his own Mid-City street back in 2003. Since then he plants as many trees as his age each year.
Founded by Judi Shils, Turning Green is a nonprofit that seeks to promote all aspects of an eco-conscious lifestyle while empowering grade school through college students across the United States and around the world. Supported by an impressive list of partners and a strong social media following, Turning Green encourages our future leaders to create positive change, impacting not only personal but also global environmental health.
Widening kids’ worlds with books.
Books give young readers the opportunity to know another life different from their own.
Rebecca Constantino founded Access Books, a nonprofit organization that provides quality books to public schools and libraries in communities where the majority of students live at or below poverty level. Since 1999, Access Books refurbished over 325 libraries and donated around 1.9 million books with volunteer help. Access Books also collaborates with partners to host fun, literacy experiences for students, schools and families in underserved communities.
Self-proclaimed “book pusher” Elizabeth Dragga is changing thousands of young lives with the help of The Book Truck. Her nonprofit organization works to break the cycle of poverty by increasing the literacy rates of foster care and low-income kids. By providing access to free books, the mission is to increase literacy skills which leads to building better futures for our youth.
Changing the lives of both dogs and humans.
There is nothing like a dog to boost one’s spirits.
Tamar Geller and her Operation Heroes & Hounds rescue “unadoptable” dogs from local animal shelters and pair them with U.S. veterans who are having trouble adjusting to civilian life. Through The Loved Dog Method, Tamar’s mindful and nurturing approach to dog training, both the ex-service members and dogs rehabilitate together. They experience transformations that help heal their emotional wounds. They also gain new life skills, making them more comfortable and at ease in social situations.
Teo Alfero created Wolf Connection, an educational sanctuary and wilderness retreat center that brings people together with rescued wolves. With the help of Wolf Therapy®, they reconnect with nature and learn to be of service by responsibly caring for another being. They work towards becoming the kind of person they want to be. The wolves help them constructively focus on their impulses, feelings and emotions. They learn to forgive and give others (and themselves) a second chance.
Greatly affected by the first time she visited a dog shelter, Yoko Furuno founded DogzHaus, a nonprofit dog rescue. DogzHaus prioritizes rescuing dogs who are on the brink of being euthanized or who are owner-surrendered. The DogzHaus team works to find their dogs permanent, loving homes with qualified owners. They educate the public about the benefits of adopting rescue dogs. The team works to raise awareness on the importance of spaying and neutering. Instruction is provided on proper dog care and training (per breed) to current and prospective dog owners.
Throwing their arms around the world.
A show of compassion to fellow humans can spark a chain reaction of goodwill.
Mohamed Bzeek has been a Foster Parent to many terminally ill children for over 30 years. Opening his home and heart, Bzeek devotes his life to ensuring these children are cared for and loved. As part of the foster care program, Bzeek works closely with the Department of Children and Family Services. His care for these children goes beyond the work of a full-time job.
John Francis created the annual international holiday called Fathers Eve ® to give dads a chance to network with each other. They learn and pass along parenting techniques, give and get good advice, and share “dad” stories. It’s not just an opportunity for dads to connect and bond, it is also about doing good for the community. Fathers Eve events have raised money for nonprofit organizations that provide support and advocate for fathers, no matter what their circumstances.
Young Khloe Thompson is dedicated to serving her community. She distributes her homemade ‘Kare Bags‘ filled with essential toiletries to homeless women as part of her project Khloe Kares. Her mission is to make the world a better place by showing her neighbors, especially those in difficult situations, that they are loved.
And last but not least… saving lives.
A huge shout out to our essential frontline workers who put their own lives at risk to care for and save their fellow Americans. We salute these heroes and their valiant efforts. Not only do they continue to display such admirable dedication, but also an unyielding amount of courage. Many thanks to all our essential frontline workers. We don’t know where we would be without you.
Inspired to make a difference? Show some love and support.
Perhaps the key to a happier 2022 is to perform acts of kindness and generosity. Simply do a good deed. Get involved in your community. Volunteer and/or make a tax-deductible financial donation to any of the causes that moves you:
people who move us
Finally, support our essential frontline workers by getting vaxxed and boosted.
