Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Supporting Our Youth Makes a Big Impact on Communities


When we support our youth, we are reducing crime and strengthening our communities. This is why our Seven Half Marathons project is so important, so we can have the biggest impact by providing a full year of mentorship to the most at-risk group, homeless teens. Will you make a donation, providing these young people with access to compassionate care programs?

Monday, December 28, 2020

Seven Half Marathons - A Chance to Unite a Community



The Seven Half Marathons project is more than a race. It’s a chance for communities to unite and give people a sense of belonging. That sense of belonging is exactly what homeless teens are missing as they are without a strong support network and at greater risk for trafficking abuses.

Every dollar raised goes directly to these teens, providing them with mentorship and setting them on a path to permanent housing. 

Will you support their journey? Donate to at-risk teens here: https://mattgarciafoundation.org/community

Thursday, December 24, 2020

Raymond Courtemanche Will Run for a Cause Dear to His Heart


Meet our community partner, brother Raymond Courtemanche! Tomorrow he will start running seven half marathons in just seven days to raise awareness for homeless youth. This cause is dear to his heart as he himself was homeless from ages 16 - 19. With every dollar pledged for his runs, you give urgently needed assistance to local teens so they are set on a path to permanent housing. Will you support this community initiative?

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

The Seven Half Marathon Fundraiser Hopes to Raise Awareness for Homeless Youth


This year’s Seven Half Marathon fundraiser is intended to raise awareness for homeless youth. Starting on December 25, community partner Raymond Courtemanche will run each half marathon in just seven days, totaling 24 hours of running. This signifies an entire day of homeless youth sleeping outside without any resources. Can you imagine the hardships these teens face?

With all of the funds raised from the Seven Half Marathon project, we can provide a year’s worth of mentorship and compassionate care to the at-risk youth of our community and help them on a betterpath. Will you make a pledge to support our mission?

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

You Can Help Keep Matt's Dream Alive - Donate to the Seven Half Marathons Initiative


Matt Garcia’s dream was to be the change in the world we live in. Through the Seven Half Marathons project, we are bringing his dream to life by providing a full year of mentorship to homeless and trafficked teens. Did you know that 800,000 youth go missing annually in the U.S.to the sex trafficking trade? With your support, we know we can make a difference in the lives of many at-risk young people. Will you help us with our bold mission?

Donate to the Seven Half Marathons initiative here: https://mattgarciafoundation.org/community

Monday, December 21, 2020

Seven Half Marathons Begins This Week - Have You Made Your Pledge Yet?


This week marks the first day of the Seven Half Marathons fundraiser! Have you made a donation or a per-mile pledge yet? Each dollar raised goes directly towards a year of free mentorship for homeless youth. Your support helps them get off of the streets and into compassionate coordinated care. Will you become a sustainer of this new initiative?

Donate to the initiative here: https://mattgarciafoundation.org/community

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Help Homeless and Trafficked Teens through the Seven Half Marathon Fundraiser



Through this year’s Seven Half Marathon fundraiser with community partner Raymond Courtemanche, our goal is to raise enough to provide one year of compassionate coordinated care for homeless and trafficked teens.

What is compassionate care? It is an opportunity to meet the basic needs of at-risk teens, build a trusting relationship with them, and invite them to use longer-term services and support tools.

With your assistance, we can help countless young people get back on their feet. Will you make a per-mile pledge to support them?

Monday, December 14, 2020

7 Half Marathons in 7 Cities in 7 Days



We are honored to work with community partner, Raymond Courtemanche, on a fundraiser for homeless and trafficked youth. In just seven days, he’ll complete seven half marathons in seven cities across Northern California to raise awareness for homeless youth, and he needs your help!

Raymond’s ultimate goal is to provide a year of mentorship and compassionate care to these at-risk teens. Will you make a donation to support this cause?

Friday, December 11, 2020

Stand Up For Everything That Matters To You


"Whatever you BELIEVE IN – LIVE THAT. Don’t be scared of the opinions of others. If they don’t stand tall with you, they aren’t right for you."

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Why Accountability Is Key to Being a Better Leader


If you're looking to be a better leader in all aspects of your life, you have to hold yourself accountable. Accountability is keeping your commitments to people. Holding those commitments will build deeper, more meaningful relationships and when you build deep relationships with people, you create loyalty and trust. Once you create loyalty and trust, people will never want to let you down because they know that you'll never let them down.

Saturday, December 5, 2020

Don't Compare Your Life Journey To Another


Don't Compare Your Life Journey To Another (Must Watch Motivational Video)

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Giving Tuesday - Help Keep The Dream Alive


 
Today we unite in a worldwide celebration of generosity. 

Together We Give
Right now, people around the globe are coming together: showing kindness and generosity by giving their voices, time, money, goods, and more to support communities and causes. 




Matt Garcia was a man with a vision. He was the youngest city councilman elected in the state of California in November 2007. Matt was a great young leader and inspiration to all who knew him. Matt was only 22 years old… but, he lived more in those short years than many adults can even imagine. He led by inspiration, with integrity and ambition. 

Matt’s dream involved supporting the youth and creating places for them to go and things for them to do; Changing a culture of violence and crime in the city through youth involvement. By uniting a community all people will have a sense of belonging and responsibility to the city of Fairfield. Matt’s life was cut short, but his legacy, work and heart live on. 

The Matt Garcia Foundation was established to carry out Matt’s dream. We are dedicated to the work and efforts that Matt started and hope that we can inspire others to be the change in this world we live in, just as Matt inspired us. 

Matt’s vision has guided us, but we need continued support from all of you to make his dream a reality.
A commitment to changing a culture of violence and crime in Solano County.
Together we can continue Matt’s efforts and make his dream our reality.
The Matt Garcia Foundation “Dream Team" pledges to live Matt’s legacy.

Sunday, November 29, 2020

Deep Theory #1: Ardipithecus - Supporting the Matt Garcia Foundation


Our very own board member, Zach Young, is creating a comic book with his friend! Due to the pandemic and cancellation of the annual MGF golf tournament, he’s donating 25% of the proceeds to The Matt Garcia Foundation, but he can’t do it without you! The comic book is set to launch around November 17th on Kickstarter.

Kickstarter is a crowd-funding platform that brings creative projects to life ONLY with the help of its supporters by reaching a set goal. If the goal is not met, no funds will be raised. Zach and his friend have been working tirelessly on this project to make sure it’s of the highest quality and that it makes it into your hands. With your contribution, you’re able to make their dreams come true AND you’re helping to keep Matt’s dream alive!

Remember, 25% of all proceeds will go to the Foundation. Be sure to visit their Kickstarter website to be reminded.

You can find more info about Deep Theory Studios on their website or follow them on Instagram @deeptheorystudios.

Unique rewards are also included on different levels of contribution so don’t miss out!

Thursday, November 26, 2020

Happy Thanksgiving!


"If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness. It will change your life mightily." 

— Gerald Good

Friday, November 20, 2020

3 Questions to Ask Yourself About Everything You Do | Stacey Abrams


How you respond after setbacks is what defines your character. Stacey Abrams was the first black woman in the history of the United States to be nominated by a major party for governor -- she lost that hotly contested race, but as she says: the only choice is to move forward. In an electrifying talk, she shares the lessons she learned from her campaign for governor of Georgia, some advice on how to change the world -- and a few hints at her next steps. "Be aggressive about your ambition," Abrams says.

Sunday, November 15, 2020

Don't Try to Please Everyone. You're Not Pizza!


You. Cannot. Please. Everyone. Don't even try it! Don't be boring. Don't be taken for granted. Basically... don't be pizza. Instead of being a people pleaser, take pleasure in finding YOUR people.

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

If You Think They Are Holding You Back: WATCH THIS


If You Think They Are Holding You Back: WATCH THIS (Toxic Family and Friends) 

What did you learn from this story of the boy and his mentor? How do you deal with toxic family or friends?

Sunday, November 8, 2020

You Can Help Support The Matt Garcia Foundation Through AmazonSmile!

Click the logo above to start shopping!

You can help support The Matt Garcia Foundation by shopping through AmazonSmile.

  • Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to The Matt Garcia Foundation whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.
  • AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same Amazon Prime benefits.
  • Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com.

Thursday, November 5, 2020

Hacking Your Brain for Happiness | James Doty | TEDxSacramento


Dr. James Doty explains the neurological benefits of Compassion. "Project Compassion" has now turned into a leading research and educational institution and the only institution solely focused on the study of Compassion, Altruism and Empathy.

Monday, November 2, 2020

How Do I Be Positive ALL THE TIME?


How Do I Be Positive ALL THE TIME? - Motivational Speech by Fearless Soul.

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Jason Silva on Compassion | Brain Games


Jason Silva ponders whether our brains are instinctively empathetic.

Sunday, October 25, 2020

The Science of Kindness


There are scientifically proven benefits to being kind! It is contagious, teachable, and makes you feel all fuzzy inside.

Thursday, October 22, 2020

You are NOT your PAST or your MISTAKES


You are NOT your PAST or your MISTAKES (2020) - Motivational Speech by Fearless Soul

Monday, October 19, 2020

Helping Others Makes Us Happier -- But It Matters How We Do It


Research shows that helping others makes us happier. But in her groundbreaking work on generosity and joy, social psychologist Elizabeth Dunn found that there's a catch: it matters how we help. Learn how we can make a greater impact -- and boost our own happiness along the way -- if we make one key shift in how we help others. "Let's stop thinking about giving as just this moral obligation and start thinking of it as a source of pleasure," Dunn says.

Friday, October 16, 2020

This Is Why We Suffer! Deepak Chopra


"We know nothing. Everything we know is made up. It is a human construct. We don't question: What is the source of this experience"

Saturday, October 10, 2020

Make An Impact


"When you were born, you cried, and the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a manner that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice."

Sunday, October 4, 2020

You Can Help Support The Matt Garcia Foundation Through AmazonSmile!

Click the logo above to start shopping!

You can help support The Matt Garcia Foundation by shopping through AmazonSmile.

  • Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to The Matt Garcia Foundation whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.
  • AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same Amazon Prime benefits.
  • Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com.

Friday, October 2, 2020

Adopt-A-Street


On Saturday, September 26th, we had our first social distancing clean-up since February. It was wonderful to see so many of our volunteers come out for a few hours to pick up trash. It was an added bonus to see the Matt Garcia Foundation's Adopt-A-Street sign located at 601 Texas Street.

We are thankful to be a positive influence in our city. We also know that we adopted downtown over 12 years ago when we decided to pick up where Matt left off. After his death in September of 2008, Raymond and I walked downtown and began to pick up trash as Matt had done nearly every weekend. This was our way to honor our Matt and help ourselves begin to heal. It became a thing! We are eternally grateful that it did. We are honored to be recognized by the City of Fairfield.

If you would like to come out and help We would love to see you. We meet at 9:00AM on the last Saturday of each month (weather and covid-19 permitting) at 601 Texas Street (across from the downtown Starbucks).

Thank you all for all that you do!

Sincerely,
Teresa Courtemanche (Matt's Mom)

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

What is Compassion?


What is compassion? We'll look at what compassion means and examples you might notice it in your own life.

Friday, September 25, 2020

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

The World Would Be A Better Place if We All Lived This Way! (Motivationa...


Speaker: Josiah Ruff 

"N.O.N. J.A.R. Living in a state of complete NON-JUDGEMENT, NON-ATTACHMENT... and NON-RESISTANCE to whatever shows up in your life."

Saturday, September 19, 2020

What Being a Mentor is All About


Holistic Health and Wellness Expert, Leanne Jacobs, discusses how to become a mentor and what the leadership roll is really about.

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Sunday, September 13, 2020

The Bridge Between Suicide and Life | Kevin Briggs


For many years Sergeant Kevin Briggs had a dark, unusual, at times strangely rewarding job: He patrolled the southern end of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, a popular site for suicide attempts. In a sobering, deeply personal talk Briggs shares stories from those he's spoken — and listened — to standing on the edge of life. He gives a powerful piece of advice to those with loved ones who might be contemplating suicide.

Friday, September 11, 2020

A Doctor Speaks on Teen Suicide Prevention


A doctor gives us guidance on things to do regarding teen suicide prevention.

Monday, September 7, 2020

Instead Of Killing Myself, I Called A Suicide Hotline


WARNING: This video contains language about suicide

When author Joel L. Daniels experienced suicidal thoughts on a bus in the Bronx, New York, he wasn’t sure what he should do. He was panicking, but he decided to call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Now, he says that phone call saved his life.

Friday, September 4, 2020

Thank You To Those Who Donated to Those Affected by the LNU Complex Fire!


We want to take this opportunity to also thank those who donated a total of $1900.00 cash to those affected by the LNU Complex Fire. Thank you, Marcy, Kathy, Vince, Sheila, Susie, Greg, and Tracy. The Matt Garcia Foundation was able to match that total and purchase gift cards. 

The Matt Garcia Foundation Board of Directors has committed to match dollar to dollar up to $2500.00. Any additional funds raised beyond $2500.00 will be used to Help Keep the Dream Alive for 2020 and beyond.

Saturday, August 29, 2020

You Can Help Support The Matt Garcia Foundation Through AmazonSmile!

Click the logo above to start shopping!

You can help support The Matt Garcia Foundation by shopping through AmazonSmile.

  • Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to The Matt Garcia Foundation whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.
  • AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same Amazon Prime benefits.
  • Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com.

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Creative Ways to Get Kids to Thrive in School | Olympia Della Flora


To get young kids to thrive in school, we need to do more than teach them how to read and write -- we need to teach them how to manage their emotions, says educator Olympia Della Flora. In this practical talk, she shares creative tactics she used to help struggling, sometimes disruptive students -- things like stopping for brain breaks, singing songs and even doing yoga poses -- all with her existing budget and resources. "Small changes make huge differences, and it's possible to start right now ... You simply need smarter ways to think about using what you have, where you have it," she says.

Monday, August 17, 2020

If You're Different: BE DIFFERENT


"You can not... EVER... live the life of your dreams by settling for someone else’s idea of what you should be doing with your life."

Friday, August 14, 2020

3 Myths to Happiness | Brian Tracy


Just as the natural physical state is health and vitality, the natural emotional state is peace and happiness. Your feeling of inner happiness is there to tell you what you should be doing more or less of. Let's talk about the three major myths about happiness that each of us has to some degree.

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Sunday, August 2, 2020

Where Does Compassion Really Come From?



Can compassion be learned? The answer is yes! Sometimes, all it takes is truly paying attention to the people around us.

Thursday, July 30, 2020

Creating A Community And Finding Purpose


Stephen Thompson walks you through his journey from being a ward of the state at age nine to Silicon Valley Executive and how he created a community to pave the way.

Monday, July 27, 2020

The Power of Laughter


Few things are more beneficial to a person's overall well-being than laughter. In fact, a good sense of humor is not only an indicator of better mental health, it's an indicator of better physical health as well.

Friday, July 24, 2020

The Power of Positivity | Brain Games


See firsthand how positive and negative reinforcement can affect a player’s game on the court.

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Why Compassion Matters | Dr Julian Abel


Compassion is more than just something that is a nice afterthought. It is measurably transformative in improving our well being and health outcomes. Each of us has an incredible compassionate potential.

Dr Julian Abel spent his clinical life as a palliative care specialist doctor. He has developed a special interest in compassionate communities, initially as part of supporting people undergoing experiences of death, dying, loss and care giving.

Over the last 4 years he has worked with Frome Medical Practice applying the compassionate community approach to healthcare in general, with some startling results. He is Director of Compassionate Communities UK, a charity which aims to share the lessons learnt in both palliative care and primary care more broadly.

Saturday, July 18, 2020

Stand Up For Everything That Matters To You


"Whatever you BELIEVE IN – LIVE THAT. Don’t be scared of the opinions of others. If they don’t stand tall with you, they aren’t right for you."

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

My Secret to Staying Focused Under Pressure | Russell Wilson


Athletes train their bodies to run faster, jump higher, throw farther -- so why don't they train their minds, too? Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson talks about the power of "neutral thinking," which helps him thrive under pressure (both on the field and off) -- and shows how you can use this mindset to make the right moves in your own life.

Sunday, July 12, 2020

You Can Help Support The Matt Garcia Foundation Through AmazonSmile!

Click the logo above to start shopping!

You can help support The Matt Garcia Foundation by shopping through AmazonSmile.

  • Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to The Matt Garcia Foundation whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.
  • AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same Amazon Prime benefits.
  • Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com.

Thursday, July 9, 2020

3 Secrets of Resilient People | Lucy Hone


Everyone experiences loss, but how do you cope with the tough moments that follow? Resilience researcher Lucy Hone shares three hard-won strategies for developing the capacity to brave adversity, overcome struggle and face whatever may come head-on with fortitude and grace.

Monday, July 6, 2020

Character Education: Compassion


This video is focused on the virtue of compassion. This virtue means being aware of others’ needs and acting to help them.

Friday, July 3, 2020

Why Accountability Is Key to Being a Better Leader


If you're looking to be a better leader in all aspects of your life, you have to hold yourself accountable. Accountability is keeping your commitments to people. Holding those commitments will build deeper, more meaningful relationships and when you build deep relationships with people, you create loyalty and trust. Once you create loyalty and trust, people will never want to let you down because they know that you'll never let them down.

Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Our Search for Purpose & Meaning


Speakers:
Tyrone Stokes, Josiah Ruff, Leonard Sicilian, Libo Mngomezulu

"It’s impossible to feel dread when you have a compelling future... a powerful mission or vision in front of you. It’s hard to drudge through life when there is MEANING attached to your future...

You can’t live in darkness when you believe your future is bright. Perhaps the problem then, is that many of us believe the FUTURE will not be better than the PAST.

Without meaning life is useless and worthless. Without meaning we give up on life. We can NOT GIVE UP on life and we can not give up on our best life."

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Why Students Should Have Mental Health Days | Hailey Hardcastle


School can be rife with stress, anxiety, panic attacks and even burnout — but there's often no formal policy for students who need to prioritize their well-being. Hailey Hardcastle explains why schools should offer mental health days and allow students time to practice emotional hygiene without stigma. Follow along to learn how she and a team of fellow teens transformed their advocacy into law.

Sunday, June 21, 2020

Rediscovering Hope Through Self-Forgiveness


Even as a high school football star, Billy fell into a dark tunnel. Within a 9-month period, Billy’s two most important people were killed and he felt responsible for both deaths. He found his light switch after 20 years of incarceration, which led him to rediscover hope through self-forgiveness.

"I see myself as caring, earnest, loyal and full of life. I want to bring happiness to a person’s day. If I notice someone isn’t happy or feeling well, I want to make him smile. I find joy and passion in team settings; I love to work with others. What got us where we’re at does not need to define us. I love sports and working out."

Thursday, June 18, 2020

Don't Try to Please Everyone. You're Not Pizza!


You. Cannot. Please. Everyone. Don't even try it! Don't be boring. Don't be taken for granted. Basically... don't be pizza. Instead of being a people pleaser, take pleasure in finding YOUR people.

Monday, June 15, 2020

Friday, June 12, 2020

To Overcome Challenges, Stop Comparing Yourself to Others | Dean Furness


When you stop comparing yourself to others, you can accomplish great things, says wheelchair athlete Dean Furness. He shares how, after losing the use of his legs in an accident, he discovered a powerful new mindset focused on redefining his "personal average" and getting better little by little.

Tuesday, June 9, 2020

You Can Help Support The Matt Garcia Foundation Through AmazonSmile!

Click the logo above to start shopping!

You can help support The Matt Garcia Foundation by shopping through AmazonSmile.

  • Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to The Matt Garcia Foundation whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.
  • AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same Amazon Prime benefits.
  • Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com.

Saturday, June 6, 2020

6 Acts of Kindness That Will Inspire You



"Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping."

Mister Rogers may have shared his mother's words to him as a young boy decades ago, but they are more relevant than ever as global Black Lives Matter protests continue following the death of George Floyd on May 25, after Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck for nearly 9-minutes, with the assistance of three other officers.

While some of the news coming out of the protests has been overwhelming at times, it's important to celebrate the acts of kindness and the displays of love being shared because, like Mister Rogers said, the helpers are always there.

Throughout the week, stories have circulated detailing inspiring moments happening around the world, from a community rallying around their neighbor who was scared to walk through his neighborhood alone to three childhood best friends coming together for a heartwarming reunion at a protest in Ireland.

Here are six acts of kindness that can possibly inspire you in your life to look for the helpers or even be the helper...


THE THREE BEST FRIENDS THAT ANYONE COULD HAVE

Childhood best friends Kiitan Amao, Moyo Badun and Sean Hill unexpectedly became a viral sensation when they all reunited at a protest in the small Irish town of Dundalk, with the three men being celebrated after two photos from their childhood and current day circulated online.

Kiitan told E! News that the response to their pictures "has been crazy." But he added he's happy because he and his childhood friends are able to show the world that "the support from [their] town was overwhelming."

As for what he hoped his friendship with Sean and Moyo represents, Kiitan wanted people to know "that if you just unite and love one another you can achieve so much."


A POWERFUL NEIGHBORHOOD WALK

When Nashville stylist Shawn Marqus Dromgoole took to social media to share his fear of walking in his own neighborhood, his neighbors and community rallied around him.

After one of his posts expressing his fear about leaving his home—"Today I wanted to walk again and I could not make it off the porch. Then I called my mother and she said she would walk with [me]. I still kept my ID on me and my phone in my hand but I walked."—was shared on the Nextdoor app, his neighbors showed up to walk with him.

"I was afraid to walk by myself in my childhood neighborhood, because I was afraid I wouldn't live to see another day," he captioned photos on Instagram. "When I shared this fear with my neighbors they said we will walk with you. This is only the beginning."


LOOKING OUT FOR ONE ANOTHER, ONE MEAL AT A TIME

Food is one of the biggest ways people connect and two co-workers in Queens are showing their support for the protesters in Brooklyn by feeding them.

"me and my co-worker made 400 meals & 200 trays of desserts for protesters in brooklyn who may not be able to have access to food during these chaotic times," Leo Dalesandro tweeted this week, along with photos of the meals they made. "gotta do whatever we can to help."

He's since started a GoFundMe, "Feeding the Fight Againt Racism," to raise funds for kitchen supplies and ingredients to continue providing as many to-go lunches as possible for protesters.


HAVING A BALL

In Philadelphia, teenagers Stephania Ergemlidze and Khalil Gardner dragged a basketball hoop around town as a way to unite protesters and police and provide a break from the tension.

'I've always used basketball to try to bring people together!," a sign they carried with the hoop read. "Today is a day I feel we need that most!"

"The main goal was to get the police and protesters working together and playing together which I am happy to say we saw glimpses of today!" Stephania, who organized the Dunking on Racism GoFundMe wrote on the page. "I don't know if what I'm doing is the answer, but I'm hoping it can at least do some kind of good for my brothers and sisters of the POC community as well as the philly community as a whole."


PROTEST PROPOSAL

"Making history while witnessing history."

While protesting in Raleigh, North Carolina, Xavier Young got down on one knee and proposed to Marjorie Alston, with Xavier telling E! News the proposal almost didn't happen as she's pregnant and he had prior obligations. "I didn't want her out there alone," he explained, before going on to say he was able to cancel his plans and "snuck" the ring in with the essentials he was packing.

And when he got down on one knee—"boom, proposal," as he told us—a photographer, Charles Crouch, just happened to be standing near the couple and documented the special moment.

Crouch later shared three of the photos he took that day, along with the caption: "Went downtown to the protest against police brutality. I was blessed to capture this proposal in the midst of what would become chaos."


THE POWER OF WORDS

Zay Jones, a wide receiver for the Las Vegas Raiders, took to Twitter to reveal his heartwarming interaction with an elderly white woman while he was shopping with his cousin.

While at the store, the woman approached the pair and said, "I'm from Minneapolis [and] I just want you to know that you matter."

"I could see [it] was very sincere and heartfelt," the NFL star later told Good Morning America, going on to say he asked for permission to hug her amid the coronavirus pandemic. "I just felt like that was the right thing to do. And in an instant, she just kind of fell into my arms and she just started crying."

After the encounter, Zay had taken to social media, with his tweets going viral and garnering over 826,000 likes. "i didn't get her name but i am grateful for the encounter," he wrote. "beautiful hearts still exist. be the example. be the light. love others."

Article Source: https://www.eonline.com/news/1158917/6-acts-of-kindness-that-will-inspire-you#photo-1095814

Sunday, May 31, 2020

5 Signs Your Mental Health is Falling Apart


It's Mental Health Awareness month! How is your mental health? And how do you tell whether your mental health is falling apart? Are you prone to suffer from a mental illness? What are the symptoms? What are the key signs of stress affecting mental health? How are you coping with stress lately?

Mental health has quickly become one of the most pressing social advocacies of its time. In spite of this, there’s still a startling number of people who fail to realize just how important mental health is. Here are 5 Signs Your Mental Health is Falling Apart.

Thursday, May 28, 2020

It’s Not Happening TO ME... It’s Happening FOR ME


Speaker is Josiah Ruff (for Fearless Soul)

“It’s not happening TO ME... it’s happening FOR ME”
If that is your belief...
If that is your conviction...
No matter what happens, you’ll get through it.
It can’t be just words. You have to trust that. You have to believe that.

The cells in your body react to everything your mind says. Many studies have shown negativity weakens your immune system.

Monday, May 25, 2020

NowThis Opens Up For Mental Health Awareness Month | Op-Ed | NowThis


Let's talk about mental health — because nobody deserves to feel alone.

Mental health issues plague a significant amount of people across the country — which is why Mental Health Awareness Month was created. Observed in May, it was started by Mental Health America in order to highlight affiliates and resources that people struggling with mental health can take advantage of. The entire initiative aims to show sufferers that they are not alone and that there are people out there who are willing to help them through what they’re feeling.

NowThis staff members have experienced a wide range of mental health ordeals, ranging from occasional anxiety to constant panic attacks. But they have also found various ways to deal with what they go through. Some found relief in a therapist who helped them combat the negative thoughts in their heads. Others found that taking medication helped. Some even adopted animals, who serve as furry friends as well as therapeutic resources.

Everyone is touched by mental health struggles, whether it’s in an individual sense or through a loved one. So, no one feeling anxious depressed should ever feel like they’re alone — or like they don’t have helpful resources on hand.

Saturday, May 16, 2020

May is Mental Health Awareness Month


Dr. Humberto Temporini talks with Deirdre about the signs of depression and when you should seek medical help.

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Helping Others Makes Us Happier -- But It Matters How We Do It


Research shows that helping others makes us happier. But in her groundbreaking work on generosity and joy, social psychologist Elizabeth Dunn found that there's a catch: it matters how we help. Learn how we can make a greater impact -- and boost our own happiness along the way -- if we make one key shift in how we help others. "Let's stop thinking about giving as just this moral obligation and start thinking of it as a source of pleasure," Dunn says.

Sunday, May 10, 2020

History of Mother's Day | History


Find out about the ancient roots and modern history of Mother's Day, which is celebrated on the second Sunday in May in the United States

Thursday, May 7, 2020

This Is Why We Suffer! Deepak Chopra


"We know nothing. Everything we know is made up. It is a human construct. We don't question: What is the source of this experience"

Monday, May 4, 2020

What Being a Mentor is All About


Holistic Health and Wellness Expert, Leanne Jacobs, discusses how to become a mentor and what the leadership roll is really about.

Friday, May 1, 2020

How to Motivate People to Do Good for Others | Erez Yoeli


How can we get people to do more good: to go to the polls, give to charity, conserve resources or just generally act better towards others? MIT research scientist Erez Yoeli shares a simple checklist for harnessing the power of reputations -- or our collective desire to be seen as generous and kind instead of selfish -- to motivate people to act in the interest of others. Learn more about how small changes to your approach to getting people to do good could yield surprising results.

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

You Can Help Support The Matt Garcia Foundation Through AmazonSmile!

Click the logo above to start shopping!

You can help support The Matt Garcia Foundation by shopping through AmazonSmile.

  • Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to The Matt Garcia Foundation whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.
  • AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same Amazon Prime benefits.
  • Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com.

Saturday, April 25, 2020

The Freedom of Forgiveness | Kenneth Goodrum


The Assistant Director of Student Conduct and Community Standards at Central State University advocates for forgiveness, if only for yourself.

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Why Celebrate Earth Day?


What are your favorite facts about Earth?

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, Live Science asked scientists to share their favorite facts about our home planet. These researchers marveled at everything from backward flowing rivers in Antarctica to the Giant Crystal Cave of Naica in Mexico, which one geologist called the "Sistine Chapel of crystals."

Thursday, April 16, 2020

The Best Of The Internet During COVID-19 | NBC News NOW


In difficult times like this, it’s important to stay positive and social media is actually helping, with more videos designed to make viewers smile. NBC News’ Gadi Schwartz takes a look at some of the funny gems he found online.

Monday, April 13, 2020

What is Compassion?


What is compassion? We'll look at what compassion means and examples you might notice it in your own life.

Friday, April 10, 2020

What Comes After Tragedy? Forgiveness | Azim Khamisa and Ples Felix


On one awful night in 1995, Ples Felix's 14-year-old grandson murdered Azim Khamisa's son in a gang initiation fueled by drugs, alcohol and a false sense of belonging. The deadly encounter sent Khamisa and Felix down paths of deep meditation, to forgive and to be forgiven -- and in an act of bravery and reconciliation, the two men met and forged a lasting bond. Together, they've used their story as an outline for a better, more merciful society, where victims of tragedy can grow and heal. Prepare to be moved by their unimaginable story. "Peace is possible," Khamisa says. "How do I know that? Because I am at peace."

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Small Acts of Caring Bring Hope to Bay Area in Wake of Coronavirus Outbreak


During this time of stress and uncertainty because of the Coronavirus outbreak, we're highlighting the small acts of kindness happening in our communities. We went in search of people who are lending a helping hand in many different ways.

Saturday, April 4, 2020

Why It's Worth Listening to People You Disagree With | Zachary R. Wood


We get stronger, not weaker, by engaging with ideas and people we disagree with, says Zachary R. Wood. In an important talk about finding common ground, Wood makes the case that we can build empathy and gain understanding by engaging tactfully and thoughtfully with controversial ideas and unfamiliar perspectives. "Tuning out opposing viewpoints doesn't make them go away," Wood says. "To achieve progress in the face of adversity, we need a genuine commitment to gaining a deeper understanding of humanity."

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Top 10 Positive News Stories of 2020 That Give Us Hope


In trying times we could all use a little something to lift our spirits. For this list, we’ll be looking at some of the most noteworthy uplifting news stories from 2020 so far. Our countdown includes Quarantined Dance-Alongs & Sing-Alongs, Celebrities Opening Their Wallets, Mass Applause for Healthcare Workers, and more!

Sunday, March 29, 2020

Stay-At-Home Volunteer Project!

The Matt Garcia Foundation will be participating in the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership's Cesar Chavez Day of Action. 

Use any new or gently used t-shirts to create tote bags!

Learn how to here: tinyurl.com/w8kkwsz


Monday, March 23, 2020

Fred Rogers: Look for the Helpers


When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”

Friday, March 20, 2020

Keep Solano Clean and Green


In honor of Earth Day, The Matt Garcia Foundation will be joining other community members to “Keep Solano Clean and Green" at one of Solano County’s Earth Day Cleanup locations.

When? Saturday, April 18, 2020 from 9:00am to 11:00am

Where? Lower Ledgewood Creek (parking lot behind Home Depot).

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Help Keep The Dream Alive by Volunteering with Us!

Matt Garcia was committed to creating a positive change in our community. We want to continue Matt's efforts and further serve our community by adding an additional community service opportunity to each month. 



Saturday, March 14, 2020

CGI Animated Short Film: "Mr Indifferent" by Aryasb Feiz


Let’s take time to reflect on how we can make a difference. Let’s reach out to those who need help and volunteer for causes that change us for the better, just as they change the world.

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

3 Questions to Ask Yourself About Everything You Do | Stacey Abrams


How you respond after setbacks is what defines your character. Stacey Abrams was the first black woman in the history of the United States to be nominated by a major party for governor -- she lost that hotly contested race, but as she says: the only choice is to move forward. In an electrifying talk, she shares the lessons she learned from her campaign for governor of Georgia, some advice on how to change the world -- and a few hints at her next steps. "Be aggressive about your ambition," Abrams says.

Sunday, March 8, 2020

Make An Impact


"When you were born, you cried, and the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a manner that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice."

Thursday, March 5, 2020

Empowerment: It’s an Inside Out Process | Sharon Esswein | TEDxHilliard


Sharon Esswein is a firestarter. As an educator for the past 39 years, she has learned to identify the internal passion that burns within us all and cultivate it into a flame. Sharon is dedicated to sharing her skill to help others ignite sparks of passion. She lives in Hilliard, Ohio with her husband Larry where she is inspired daily by her family.

Monday, March 2, 2020

The Science of Kindness


There are scientifically proven benefits to being kind! It is contagious, teachable, and makes you feel all fuzzy inside.

Friday, February 28, 2020

Join Us Tomorrow For Our Monthly Community Clean Up!




When: Saturday, February 29, 2020, at 9am 

Where: Starbucks Downtown Fairfield 700 Jefferson St Corner of Jefferson & Texas (map)

Description: We meet every last Saturday of each month (weather permitting). We clean up different locations and neighborhoods. Please join us. All are welcome

At the Matt Garcia Foundation, we don’t want to complain about this, we want to create solutions to problems. It is with this spirit that we began our Monthly Community Clean Ups.

On the last Saturday of every month, volunteers get together and clean up a neighborhood in Fairfield. We pick up trash, work on landscaping paint windows, fix fences – all in an effort to improve our community. This is another example of a community coming together to help make a difference.

The Matt Garcia Foundation Dream Team is all about stepping up and stepping out of ourselves to serve others and our communities to be a part of the solution. Matt would say ” if you see a piece of garbage on the ground, please just pick it up” How simple is that! So, that is what we do.

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Saturday, February 22, 2020

You Can Help Support The Matt Garcia Foundation Through AmazonSmile!

Click the logo above to start shopping!

You can help support The Matt Garcia Foundation by shopping through AmazonSmile.

  • Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to The Matt Garcia Foundation whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.
  • AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same Amazon Prime benefits.
  • Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com.

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

How to Make Faster Decisions | The Way We Work, a TED series


In a world of endless reviews and options, it's easy to become paralyzed by indecision. Investor and writer Patrick McGinnis shares the dangers of "FOBO" -- the fear of better options -- and how to overcome it.

Sunday, February 16, 2020

Thursday, February 13, 2020

Strangers Surprise 104-year-old Marine with Thousands of Valentine's Day Cards


The daughter of a 104-year-old World War II veteran went on social media to ask if people would send her father 104 Valentine's Day cards. But he ended up getting thousands more. John Blackstone explains.

Monday, February 10, 2020

Friday, February 7, 2020

How You Treat People Is Who You Are! (Kindness Motivational Video)


"No matter how educated, talented, rich or cool you believe you are, how you treat people ultimately tells all. Integrity is everything."

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Saturday, February 1, 2020

How We Can Help the "Forgotten Middle" Reach Their Full Potential | Danielle R. Moss


You know the "forgotten middle": they're the students, coworkers and regular people who are often overlooked because they're seen as neither exceptional nor problematic. How can we empower them to reach their full potential? Sharing her work helping young people get to and through college, social activist Danielle R. Moss challenges us to think deeper about who deserves help and attention -- and shows us how to encourage those in the middle to dream big.

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Character Education: Compassion


This video is focused on the virtue of compassion. This virtue means being aware of others’ needs and acting to help them.

Sunday, January 26, 2020

Self-Worth: 20 Ideas to Build Your Self-Esteem


You are AMAZING, so you have every reason to be confident in yourself. In this video I’m going to give you 20 quick and easy ways to boost your self-worth so you can feel as incredible as you actually are. It's time to be happier and more confident in who you really are!

Thursday, January 23, 2020

Join Us on Saturday For Our First Community Clean Up of the Year!




When: Saturday, January 25, 2020, at 9am 

Where: Starbucks Downtown Fairfield 700 Jefferson St Corner of Jefferson & Texas (map)

Description: We meet every last Saturday of each month (weather permitting). We clean up different locations and neighborhoods. Please join us. All are welcome

At the Matt Garcia Foundation, we don’t want to complain about this, we want to create solutions to problems. It is with this spirit that we began our Monthly Community Clean Ups.

On the last Saturday of every month, volunteers get together and clean up a neighborhood in Fairfield. We pick up trash, work on landscaping paint windows, fix fences – all in an effort to improve our community. This is another example of a community coming together to help make a difference.

The Matt Garcia Foundation Dream Team is all about stepping up and stepping out of ourselves to serve others and our communities to be a part of the solution. Matt would say ” if you see a piece of garbage on the ground, please just pick it up” How simple is that! So, that is what we do.

Monday, January 20, 2020

Help Keep The Dream Alive by Volunteering with Us!

Matt Garcia was committed to creating a positive change in our community. We want to continue Matt's efforts and further serve our community by adding an additional community service opportunity to each month. 



Friday, January 17, 2020

You Can Help Support The Matt Garcia Foundation Through AmazonSmile!

Click the logo above to start shopping!

You can help support The Matt Garcia Foundation by shopping through AmazonSmile.

  • Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to The Matt Garcia Foundation whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.
  • AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same Amazon Prime benefits.
  • Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com.

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Why Credibility is the Foundation of Leadership


Why would anyone follow you? Barry Posner asserts that we follow people we believe are credible – competent, honest, forward-thinking, and inspirational. People will not believe the message if they don’t believe in the messenger.

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

How to Turn a Negative Situation into a Positive One | Brian Tracy


The great business of life is to eliminate negative emotions. I’ve spent more than four-thousand hours studying how to turn negative situations into positive ones, and what I’ve discovered is that negative emotions are the single biggest enemy that any of us have. If we had no negative emotions, our lives would be wonderful -- as would our relationships, our health and everything else. Watch this video and learn how to eliminate negative feelings and take control of your emotions.

Sunday, January 5, 2020

How You Can Use Impostor Syndrome to Your Benefit | Mike Cannon-Brookes


Have you ever doubted your abilities, feared you were going to be discovered as a "fraud"? That's called "impostor syndrome," and you're definitely not alone in feeling it, says entrepreneur and CEO Mike Cannon-Brookes. In this funny, relatable talk, he shares how his own experiences of impostor syndrome helped pave the way to his success -- and shows how you can use it to your advantage, too.

Thursday, January 2, 2020

We Are In Need Of Your Support!


Dear Neighbor,

Because of your ongoing financial support, we have been able to invest thousands of dollars and volunteer hours back into our communities. This has been done through multiple youth programs, crime awareness activities, individual student education scholarships, youth sport team sponsorship and serving various community needs.

Note: Our Downtown Community Cleanups alone totaled 1500 Hours of volunteer time, mostly by youth, and removed almost two tons of trash and recyclables in the City of Fairfield.

We Are In Need Of Your Support!
We appreciate you helping us sustain my sons Life and Legacy, the late Fairfield City Councilman, Matt Garcia. We lost him on September 1st 2008 when he was taken from us too early at only 22 years of age. Your support will help us Keep the Dream Alive for the Year 2020.

Please visit our website to make a New Year Tax Donation to Help Keep the Dream Alive!

Thank you,

Teresa, Matts Mom