Target : "Shop With Heroes"

It was another year collaborating with Target for the “Shop with Heroes” event. 25 lucky students from the Matt Garcia College and Career Academy were recipients to have a special Christmas shopping time with some local heroes; Fairfield Fire Fighters and City of Fairfield Police. It was such a great morning! 

We thank the Fairfield Police and Firefighters for their generous time and even some of them pitching in to help with some of the shopping expenses; so very generous of them! 

Thank you to our local Target store and employees for making this a very special holiday event for some really special students! Last be not least…thank you to the parents who got their children up extra early for this special event, we always appreciate the parents, siblings, and/or guardians who are willing to bring the lucky students!!

May the new year bring good health, peaceful days, and much hope for the future to each and every one of our local heroes and their families, as well as the students and all of their families! Thank you again Fairfield Target for another year of generosity and spreading the holiday cheer!!”

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
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Fairfield Downtown Tree Lighting

The Fairfield Downtown Tree Lighting on December 5th was absolutely MAGICAL this year. The street outside the window of The Matt Garcia Foundation office looked like a winter wonderland as endless “snow” fell, leaving the kids in awe. The lines for the hot chocolate, cotton candy and popcorn were huge as our wonderful volunteers scrambled to make sure no one went without, and our rock painting table was always full of happy children. Everyone seemed to have a fabulous time! So much laughter and love were present, along with a strong sense of togetherness and community. We couldn’t be happier with the evening! We would like to thank EVERYONE who came out to help and those that stopped by to visit our little corner of the city. You are all AWESOME!

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
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A Note...

I am Teresa Courtemanche, President of the Matt Garcia Foundation and the mother of Matt Garcia, who was shot and murdered. I also co-facilitate our Homicide Survivors Support Group (HSSG) alongside another courageous mother, Rita Edmonds-Norris, the mother of Chad Norris, who was also shot and murdered.

Our tagline captures the heart of our group:

“We are the group that nobody wants to belong to, but we are so grateful to have it.”

HSSG exists because the loss of a loved one to homicide is unlike any other. Rita and I lead from lived experience, creating a space of trust, understanding, and compassion for those navigating this complex and lifelong grief.

We are deeply grateful to Andy Ramirez, Vice President of the Matt Garcia Foundation, and his wife Katrina, for their generous $1,000 donation to HSSG.

Their support makes a meaningful difference and helps sustain our group as the only homicide survivors support group in Solano County with a licensed clinical social worker present each month.

The Ramirez family’s commitment to the Foundation spans many years. Andy’s steady leadership, Katrina’s generosity, and their daughter Isabella’s hands-on involvement—including helping with monthly PAL pizza deliveries—reflect a family devoted to service and community.

Thank you, Andy, Katrina, and Isabella, for standing with us and for supporting healing, hope, and connection for those who need it most.

Teresa Courtemanche
President

January Highlights

• January 4: World Braille Day (celebrates Louis Braille) 
• January 5: National Bird Day (awareness for endangered birds) 
• January 11: Human Trafficking Awareness Day
• January 14: World Logic Day
• January 17: International Mentoring Day & World Waterfowl Day 
• January 19: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday
• January 24: International Day of Education
• January 27: Holocaust Remembrance Day (International Day) 
• Last Monday: World Leprosy Day 

Fun & Food Days 

• January 3: National Chocolate-Covered Cherry Day 
• January 10: National Houseplant Appreciation Day 
• January 16: International Hot and Spicy Food Day 
• January 20: National Penguin Day 
• January 26: Bubble wrap appreciation day
• January 28: National Lego Day
• January 29: National Puzzle Day

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
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Happy January 1st

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
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Why Social Health Is Key to Happiness and Longevity | Kasley Killam | TED

You know it's important to take care of your physical and mental health. But what about your social health? Social scientist Kasley Killam shows how feeling a sense of belonging and connection has concrete benefits to your overall health — and explains why it may be the missing key to living a longer and happier life.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
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Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
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