Thinking back and moving forward.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge our accomplishments, and thank everyone who has been a part of our community in 2017. But first, let’s look back at how we got started, so we can better understand where we want to go in the year ahead:
 
How it all started.
About 2 years ago, I had a baby and lost my job due to outsourcing, almost simultaneously. As an extremely career focused person, I really struggled with this huge life change. To cope, I turned to gratitude and helping others, but unfortunately it was almost impossible to find volunteer opportunities I could participate in with a new baby in tow. A problem solver at heart, I joined forces with another mom to organize our own family-friendly community service events. What began with a simple Toys-for-Tots drive at a local fire station in December of 2016, spawned regular monthly events where families take action, have fun, socialize, and support a variety of meaningful causes.

With every event, I’ve been able to reach out to my fellow community members and hear your stories. I’ve met the new mom, who was like me, feeling isolated post-partum, desiring to connect with other new mothers. I’ve talked to parents whom, though grateful for how fortunate their kids are, want them to understand that not everyone is as such. I’ve chatted with dads looking for interesting ways to connect with their kids on the weekends after a long work week. I’ve discussed the needs of non-profits looking for unique ways to recruit champions for their cause, awe struck to see such young kids offering support. But most importantly, I’ve witnessed families like yours take the time to disconnect from devices, get out in your community, connect with each other, and make a real difference for those in need.

A beacon of light.
And in 2017, there was certainly no shortage of needs to be met. Through all the disasters, negative news, and political divide, I hope that Tomorrow's Heroes Today has been a beacon of light and hope for a better tomorrow, and a resource for you and your family to actually take steps toward achieving one. I know it has for me, just like I hoped it would two years ago. And though at the time I really had no idea how I was going to get there, I just knew I had to lace up my boots and start moving forward. So I did, and I couldn’t be more proud of the result.

Let’s look at all we have accomplished over the last year, and all with our babies and young kids in tow ! We have:

• Assembled care packages for the homeless with personalized notes, through Alpha Project
• Crafted hand-made Valentines for elderly Meals-On-Wheels recipients
• Cleaned-up the beach with I Love a Clean San Diego
• Learned the importance of pollinators and support local non-profit ButterflyFarms.org
• Collected and sort clothes for newborns in need with Gently Hugged
• Honored injured and ill military families with Fisher House San Diego
• Supported the Rancho Bernardo Branch of the San Diego Public Library
• Helped collect supplies for, and learn about Helen Woodward Animal Center's foster pet program
• Created a collective art piece for families staying at Ronald McDonald House, San Diego
• Donated Halloween costumes for refugee families with Second Families
• Sent personalized thank you notes to Pearland Police Department first responders helping those affected by Hurricane Harvey
• Created cards for overseas military and homeless veterans with Cammies & Canines
• Collected toys for Toys-for-Tots and honor Poway Fire Fighters

We did all of this together, and it wouldn’t have been the same without each and every one of you.

Moving Forward.
So for 2018, let’s continue to work together to make it an even better year. What causes you’d like to support? What events you’d like to see? What resources, tools and inspiration do you need to be able to continue to take action in your community?
 
Cheers to a wonderful New Year, and to continuing to empower Tomorrow’s Heroes, Today!

-Sarah
Founder, Tomorrow’s Heroes Today
Empowering kids to make a difference in their community.