Give and Go Prepared Foods’ Post

Children's growth depends on socialization and enjoyment. This summer is a great chance to spend some time with our little ones participating in activities that will benefit them in all areas, especially communication, cooperation, and teamwork. Here are some fun-filled suggestions for an awesome summer: Outdoor Sports and Exploration: Play sports like basketball, tennis, baseball, or soccer to develop teamwork and fitness. Go hiking, fishing, and toast marshmallows while camping for lasting memories. Enjoy scavenger hunts, park walks, or visits to botanical gardens and wildlife reserves. Arts, Crafts, Baking, and Cooking: Create a space for arts and crafts where kids can express their creativity through DIY projects, painting, sculpting, or drawing. Also, encourage children to participate in the kitchen by baking or cooking simple recipes. Reading: Visit the local library for storytimes, book groups, or summer reading programs. Volunteering: Inspire children to engage in volunteer work or community service, such as park cleanups, visits to assisted living facilities, or helping at animal shelters. Whatever you choose to do, we at #PavingTheWayFoundation hope you and your family have an amazing rest of your summer before the new school year kicks off!! #empower #prevent #educate #pavingthewayfoundation #PTWF Parent Tool Kit: https://lght.ly/0og5ah Our Website: https://lght.ly/lngdknn

November Planning for Spouses’ Clubs: Balancing Community and Connection As we move into November, it’s an ideal time for spouses clubs to plan activities that bring members together while making a meaningful impact. Here are some ideas for both enjoyable events and nonprofit initiatives that reflect the spirit of the season. Community-Building Activities: • Friendsgiving Gathering: Host a potluck to strengthen bonds and celebrate the season together. • Creative Workshop: Organize a seasonal craft event, such as wreath-making or DIY holiday decor, to encourage creativity and connection. • Outdoor Fall Excursions: Plan a group nature walk or hiking event to enjoy the autumn scenery. Opportunities to Give Back: • Thanksgiving Basket Initiative: Organize a food drive and assemble holiday meal baskets for local families in need. • Volunteer Day: Arrange a group volunteer day at a community shelter or soup kitchen to support those less fortunate. • Care Packages for Service Members: Coordinate a care package drive to send essentials and treats to deployed service members or veterans during the holiday season. By blending camaraderie with community service, you can make November a memorable and impactful month for our members and the broader community. Let us know what’s on your agenda this month! #SpousesClub #NovemberInitiatives #CommunityImpact #SeasonOfGiving

Blanchard Community Celebrates Easter 🐣🌷 Easter is upon us, symbolizing rebirth and bringing the warmth of global traditions to the heart of Blanchard Community. As a time of celebration and reflection, Easter around the world is marked by unique customs that highlight the diverse ways communities welcome spring. Let's explore some of these global traditions. A Global Mosaic of Easter Traditions 🌍  Easter is a rich tapestry woven from various cultural threads, each adding its own color to the festivities:  Italy: In Florence, the "Scoppio del Carro" or the Explosion of the Cart involves a spectacular fireworks display that ignites from a historic cart, symbolizing peace and good harvests.  Poland: The Polish celebrate "Śmigus-Dyngus" or Wet Monday, where people playfully splash water on each other.  Sweden: Easter in Sweden sees children dress up as Easter witches, going from door to door with paintings and drawings in the hope of receiving sweets.  Mexico: Semana Santa in Mexico is observed with solemn processions and vibrant, theatrical reenactments of biblical events. Embracing Easter in Personal and Professional Life  Personal Reflection and Renewal: Take this time to reflect on your personal growth and set intentions for the coming months. It's a period for cleaning out the old, both literally and metaphorically, to make room for new beginnings.  Community Involvement: Participate in or organize community events like egg hunts, parades, or charity drives. It's a meaningful way to strengthen bonds and make a positive impact.  Workplace Recognition: As a leader, acknowledge the diverse ways your team may observe Easter. Consider hosting a casual team event or encouraging team members to share their own Easter traditions. It's a beautiful way to foster inclusivity and respect for cultural diversity. Happy Easter, Blanchard! Let's make this year's celebration a global affair, full of joy, learning, and unity. 🌍🎉 Join us in the Blanchard Community (it's free!!) and share your story! https://lnkd.in/gDHAZ65p #Easter #GlobalEaster #CommunityJoy #Celebrations 

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Here are some ways to get engaged with our Y Community! 📌

💪🏈 Volunteering: The Backbone of Our Communities Today, I want to step out of the professional world and share something personal. As a coach for the Balingen Bucks, an American Football team, I’m proud to see our squad preparing for its first-ever league season next year. It’s an exciting journey made possible by the tireless efforts of volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to making local sports thrive. But here’s the reality: finding people willing to take on volunteer roles—whether as coaches, mentors, or helpers—is getting harder. And this challenge isn’t just limited to sports. Schools, cultural organizations, emergency services, and many other institutions are all feeling the pressure of too few hands to help. 🛠️ Have you noticed this trend in your own community? 🙋♂️ What motivates you to volunteer, or what might inspire you to start? Volunteering is about more than filling a gap—it’s about creating connections, building stronger communities, and shaping the future. Let’s open the conversation and share how we can all contribute, in big or small ways, to keep these vital organizations alive. #Volunteering #Community #AmericanFootball #BalingenBucks #MakingADifference

Halloween is more than costumes, candy, and haunted houses. At its core, Halloween is a time when people come together to celebrate community in all its diversity and creativity. This holiday provides a unique lens through which we can see the impact of community building and explore how our shared experiences bring us closer, strengthening bonds and fostering a sense of belonging. One of the most cherished traditions of Halloween is trick-or-treating. On this night, neighborhoods transform into lively, friendly spaces where families venture door-to-door. Each doorstep represents an opportunity for connection. As a leader, I often think about the importance of these interactions, especially in fostering a sense of safety and openness within communities. Halloween gives us a reminder that community engagement can be simple yet powerful. These connections form the backbone of resilient communities that support one another not only in celebration but also in times of need. Halloween is a great equalizer; everyone can participate in their way. Costumes, decorations, and festivities don’t require a specific skill or background, making it easy for people to join in. Just as we strive to be inclusive in our community-building efforts, Halloween naturally invites diversity and individuality, encouraging everyone to feel welcome. In this way, Halloween is a model for creating inclusive spaces where each person feels valued for their unique contributions. Halloween also brings forward the importance of safety in our communities. Families feel confident letting their children explore the neighborhood, which points to a trust that’s been built over time. Community-building efforts often focus on creating spaces where individuals feel secure and supported. As we engage with our neighbors during Halloween, we’re reminded of the importance of safe, trusted environments in fostering a thriving community. Questions to Consider: How Can We Extend the Halloween Spirit Year-Round? As a leader in development, I encourage us to think about how we can carry the sense of community Halloween fosters throughout the year. Consider these questions as we aim to build stronger, more connected neighborhoods: How can we create more opportunities for engagement in our communities? Are there regular events or meetups we could establish to foster interaction and mutual support? How can we ensure safety and trust within our communities? Are there specific initiatives or strategies we could adopt to ensure that everyone feels secure and confident in their community? Halloween is a wonderful reminder of the joys and benefits of community. Let’s take this holiday spirit and use it to inspire ongoing efforts to create welcoming, resilient communities. When we engage with one another, we help build a foundation of trust, inclusivity, and connection that can endure long after the jack-o’-lanterns are put away.

🌲 What I learned Volunteering at Scout Camp 🌲 During the past weekend, I had the opportunity to reflect on my summer. I volunteered as an adult leader at Camp Royaneh, a scout camp nestled deep in the Redwoods. At the closing campfire, the adult leaders were recognized. 🔥 But I took away something even more meaningful. A couple of years ago, one of my scouts twisted his ankle on the first day! 🙀 He was slower than everyone else. Discomfort and frustration! 🙁 Faced with navigating the large camp on crutches, he considered asking his parents to pick him up. 🤕 But fellow scouts, adults, and camp staff rallied around him, offering him support and encouragement. “We see and recognize your struggle – keep going!” Ultimately, he chose to stay and to push through, ending the week feeling very proud. He had grown through overcoming adversity. 🙌 Can you remember something similar at work? When faced with an unexpected setback, a new team member might decide that "this is not for me" OR that "I am going to get through this." Peers and leaders – we all can have significant influence.  But it takes effort, just like slowing down to accompany a fellow scout on crutches. #Perseverance #Teamwork #YouthDevelopment #GrowthMindset

Excited to share a brand-new video from our recent event at the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless Community Garden with Jovia Financial Credit Union members volunteering. It was an event full of laughter, hard work, and heartwarming moments. Shoutout to our award-winning junior community volunteers who took part with Deborah Mazza and Christine Bentley, Bailey Riekkinen, Simone Williams for taking the time to be interviewed. 🔹 Our team dove into action—rolling up sleeves, tackling weeds, and turning weeding into quite the workout! 🔹 Engaging with community members, genuine smiles, and stories that remind us why we do what we do—it's all about human connections. 🔹 Midway through, vibrant activities shined, with lots of weeding and even more laughter. 🔹 Behind-the-scenes footage showcased teamwork in action, like a reality show with more soil and fewer drama queens. 🔹 Wrapping up with unforgettable moments leaving everyone grinning from ear to ear. This video reflects our hard work and passion for community outreach. Proud to be part of a team making a real difference, one weed at a time! Watch the full video and share your thoughts. What's your favorite part, and how can we enhance our community outreach? Your feedback matters! Let's keep those green thumbs moving and brains thinking! 💡 #CommunityEngagement #TeamWork #JoviaFinancialCreditUnion #CommunityRelations #Marketing #LICHCommunityGarden #GardenAdventures

Blending families and traditions during Christmas can be a rewarding yet challenging experience. It’s important to find balance and respect everyone’s existing customs, while also introducing new traditions that represent your unique family. Consider incorporating an activity that brings everyone together, like decorating a shared tree or volunteering as a family. Be mindful of kids who may feel torn between their biological parents; make them feel supported and encourage open communication. Remember, blending families is a journey, and each year will bring new ways to celebrate together. If you’d like advice on managing shared holiday arrangements, reach out to us. #UmbrellaFamilyLaw #BlendedFamilies #HolidaySeason #NewTraditions #FamilyLove