Local chef Bill Bracken took hardship and transformed it as a way to feed those in need in Orange County. It all started in 2011 when the recession was at its worst. Chef Bill Bracken lost his long-lived career cooking for the Four Seasons Hotel and found himself starting over again like many others throughout […]
Teddy Bear Hugs
This Tesoro High teen with scoliosis gives support and teddy bears to others like her On the outside, Brooke Walker always seemed like a happy, successful teenager — earning As in school, involved in extracurricular activities such as musical theater, choir, dance and hanging out with her friends. On the inside, life, or rather her […]
Sea Change
The Marine Protected Area Science Cruise offers underserved students hands-on science field trips. For some, it’s a chance to get out of class and do something different. For others, it’s a pivotal moment that opens doors to new opportunities and career choices. Either way, local students — many from Title 1 and underserved schools — […]
Goodwill Haunting
In a costume quandary? Pop some cash at the thrift shop down the road. Most people probably didn’t know there was an official day for it, but National Costume Swap Day is the second Saturday of October. Something many parents have already become proficient at, Costume Swap Day offers up the idea of a money-smart […]
Sharing Strength
Meymuna Hussein-Cattan creates a space for refugees through her Santa Ana-based organization, The Tiyya Foundation. For many years Meymuna Hussein-Cattan felt invisible, with no place to tell her story. And what a story it is. Survival. Starting over in a new world. Paving the way for her family — all thousands of miles from her […]
Giving Back Big
Local teen honored for her extreme dedication to the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Natalia Leon wasn’t sure she had enough to offer young kids who could benefit from extra guidance. After all, the Santa Ana resident was 15 at the time and still growing up herself. Fast-forward three years and not only has she […]
Teaching Kids to Give Back
With summer break coming up, it’s a good time to think about activities to teach children how to give back locally. Sometimes it can be uncomfortable for us to talk to our kids about giving back, because then we have to go into deeper conversations about why other families may need our help. By teaching […]
Getting Inspired in Israel to Build Real-World Relationships
A summer trip to Israel brings inspiration for building real-world relationships as we begin the back-to-school season. Our recent trip to Israel and Jordan was filled with landmark sites. I could show you gorgeous photos of the Ottoman-constructed Old City of Jerusalem, the astonishing building façade carved into a cliff face at Petra, our family […]
Toys for All Needs
Playfoam Playfoam Pals Fantasy Friends has a surprise in every container. In each of these fun, colorful and squishy Playfoam pods, there lies a Fantasy Friend who is waiting for your child to be their best friend. Not only that, but the Playfoam that hides the Fantasy Friend can be used to shape and sculpt […]
Family Volunteer Vacations
Family volunteer vacations balance doing good with having fun. For your next family trip, how about doing some good while also having fun. Sound intriguing? It’s called a “family volunteer vacation,” and thousands of people across the country are doing it every year. The trips can last for a few days or several weeks, but […]