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.

5 Life Lessons That Will Make You Truly Rich (My Dad Taught Me This!)

My Father Taught Me These 5 Lessons That Will Make Anyone Truly Rich:

NUMBER1: WORK HARD BUT DO NOT PUT MONEY FIRST
NUMBER 2: GIVE WITHOUT EXPECTATION
NUMBER 3: BE PRESENT
NUMBER 4: LIVE WITH INTEGRITY
NUMBER 5: SMILE, LAUGH AND DO NOT TAKE LIFE TOO SERIOUSLY

What is Compassion?

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

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.

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.

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.

A POWERFUL Story About ANGER and LETTING GO (The Snake and Saw Story)

A POWERFUL story about ANGER and LETTING GO (The Snake and Saw Story)

The Science of Kindness

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

The Power of Habit: Small Changes That Make a Big Impact | Brian Tracy

Our habits exhibit an enormous amount of influence in our lives. Controlling your habits is a lot easier than you realize and making these small changes will make a big impact on your life. If you are looking to form a new habit, keep watching and follow these important 7 steps to help you get there.

Understand THIS and You'll Be OK

Understand THIS and you'll be OK - Even on your WORST DAY you are a living MIRACLE.

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.

DIY - The Compassion Game | Brain Games

Dr. Sri Sarma explains a calming exercise to help stretch your compassion muscles.

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."

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.

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.

This is For Everyone Going Through Pain Right Now

We can't lose HOPE in our darkest moments. All moments pass, good and bad. Whatever you're going through: KEEP GOING. Do not lose hope. Better days are coming!

Alex Smith: An NFL Quarterback on Overcoming Setbacks and Self-Doubt | TED

Former NFL quarterback Alex Smith almost died after a particularly rough tackle snapped his leg in 2018 -- yet he was back on the field just two years later. In this inspiring talk, he shares his hard-won insights on overcoming fear, self-doubt and anxiety that could help anyone endure life's challenges. (This talk contains graphic images.)

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.

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.

I Wonder If Today Will Be a Day I Look Back on with PRIDE or REGRET

I wonder if today will be a day I look back on with PRIDE or REGRET

Join Us for Our Monthly Community Cleanup on October 30!!

October 30, 2021

9:00am – 11:00am

Meet by the open field by 700 Texas Street

The Matt Garcia Foundation doesn't want to complain about this, we want to create solutions to problems. It is with this spirit that we began our Monthly Community Cleanups.

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 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.

Join Us for Spooktober Fest 2021!!

 

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.

Jason Silva on Compassion | Brain Games

Jason Silva ponders whether our brains are instinctively empathetic.

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."

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.

How to Be Optimistic During Challenges | Brian Tracy

We all face challenges, but it is our reaction to those challenges that determine how quickly we can overcome them. Your ability to find an optimistic view of challenges will impact your overall success, so to ensure you know how to be optimistic during hardships keep watching this video.

It’s Not Too Late to Sign Up for The Matt Garcia Foundation 11 th Annual Golf Tournament

DRIVE TO KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE

11th Annual 2021 Golf Tournament

Monday, October 11, 2021

Green Valley Country Club, Fairfield, CA

Join us for a fun day of golfing, food and socializing to raise money for The Matt Garcia Foundation community youth outreach programs.

For more information email us at mgfgolf@ffinest.org

CLICK here for Sponsorship & Registration Details

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.

Kindness 101 with Steve Hartman: Service

Steve Hartman teaches an online class about service.

DRIVE TO KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE - 11th Annual Golf Tournament

DRIVE TO KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE

11th Annual 2021 Golf Tournament

Monday, October 11, 2021

Green Valley Country Club, Fairfield, CA

Join us for a fun day of golfing, food and socializing to raise money for The Matt Garcia Foundation community youth outreach programs.

For more information email us at mgfgolf@ffinest.org

CLICK here for Sponsorship & Registration Details

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.

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.

7 Things I Need To Tell You About Life

"Life is to be lived... lived before you die. Don’t waste a second of this precious gift You’re here for a reason, never stop asking WHY"

7 Things I Need To Tell You About Life:

1. Life is not meant to be so serious. Make time for fun, for joy, for play.
2. Circumstances will NEVER define you... unless YOU decide to let them.
3. If you don’t learn to control your mind, your mind will control you.
4. Make a PLAN... but go with the FLOW as well.
5. You’ll never be able to please everyone.
6. You won’t be happy if you’re being someone else trying to fit in with others - Be yourself and do it with pride!
7. Those who are stuck in their own misery will try and drag you into their dark hole. Don’t let anyone steal your joy.

DRIVE TO KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE - 11th Annual Golf Tournament

DRIVE TO KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE

11th Annual 2021 Golf Tournament

Monday, October 11, 2021

Green Valley Country Club, Fairfield, CA

Join us for a fun day of golfing, food and socializing to raise money for The Matt Garcia Foundation community youth outreach programs.

Registration forms will be sent out soon. For more information email us at mgfgolf@ffinest.org

CLICK here for Sponsorship & Registration Details

Coast & Creek Cleanup Day - Volunteers Needed!!

COAST & CREEK CLEANUP DAY

Saturday, September 18, 2021

9:00am – Noon

Volunteers Needed!

Please follow the instructions on the flyer to join us at our site location for Coast & Creek Cleanup Day 2021.

CLICK HERE for details and registration for the event.

Matt Garcia - Legacy

Matt Garcia's legacy lives in the hearts and minds of many. Councilmembers Scott Tonnesen, Doriss Panduro, and Vice Mayor Rick Vaccaro tell parents Raymond and Teresa Courtemanche how Matt impacted their lives. This is the first of a series of videos paying tribute to the fallen councilmember. #weservefairfieldca #mattgarciafoundation #wearefairfield #ffinest

Brené Brown: The Secret to Having Compassion

The popular researcher explains what compassionate people have in common — and why it wasn't what she expected.

September 1st is Matt Garcia Day!

On September 1st, 2008, my son, Fairfield City Councilman, Matt Garcia, was murdered. It is hard to believe that it has been almost 13 years since we lost Matt.

The City of Fairfield recognizes September 1st. as The Matt Garcia Day.

Matt LOVED Fairfield! Leading up to September 1st, be 1 of 100 and make a donation of $100.00 to receive your Iconic Memorabilia Shirt of Matt and embroidered STAND with FFINEST Hat and FFI♥U logo to HELP Keep Matts Dream Alive.

You can place your order here, shop.fairfieldiloveu.com, and/or purchase & pick up your orders at the FFI♥U Store, 3067 Travis Blvd, Fairfield, CA 94533

All Proceeds go to Support Youth, Help Stop Crime & Strengthen Our Communities. These are three campaign promises Matt made when he was elected.

Thanks for keeping Matt's Spirit & Legacy Alive as #WE live out Matt's campaign promises! I am so grateful for your support!

Matt's Mom, Teresa
President of the Matt Garcia Foundation

Join Us for Our Monthly Community Cleanup This Saturday!

August 28, 2021 

9:00am – 11:00am

Meet by the open field by 700 Texas Street

The Matt Garcia Foundation doesn't want to complain about this, we want to create solutions to problems. It is with this spirit that we began our Monthly Community Cleanups.

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 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.

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.

Our Annual Golf Tournament is October 11, 2021!!

Drive to Keep The Dream Alive

 Join us for a fun day of golfing, food and socializing to raise money for The Matt Garcia Foundation community youth outreach programs. 

Find out more at https://mattgarciafoundation.org/

What is Compassion?

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

You are NOT your PAST or your MISTAKES

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

September 1st is Matt Garcia Day!

On September 1st, 2008, my son, Fairfield City Councilman, Matt Garcia, was murdered. It is hard to believe that it has been almost 13 years since we lost Matt.

The City of Fairfield recognizes September 1st. as The Matt Garcia Day.

Matt LOVED Fairfield! Leading up to September 1st, be 1 of 100 and make a donation of $100.00 to receive your Iconic Memorabilia Shirt of Matt and embroidered STAND with FFINEST Hat and FFI♥U logo to HELP Keep Matts Dream Alive.

You can place your order here, shop.fairfieldiloveu.com, and/or purchase & pick up your orders at the FFI♥U Store, 3067 Travis Blvd, Fairfield, CA 94533

All Proceeds go to Support Youth, Help Stop Crime & Strengthen Our Communities. These are three campaign promises Matt made when he was elected.

Thanks for keeping Matt's Spirit & Legacy Alive as #WE live out Matt's campaign promises! I am so grateful for your support!

Matt's Mom, Teresa
President of the Matt Garcia Foundation

How Your Brain Responds to Stories -- and Why They're Crucial for Leaders | Karen Eber

How do the world's best leaders and visionaries earn trust? They don't just present data -- they also tell great stories. Leadership consultant Karen Eber demystifies what makes for effective storytelling and explains how anyone can harness it to create empathy and inspire action.

Kindness 101 with Steve Hartman: Compassion

Steve Hartman and his kids teach a lesson about compassion.

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?

What Makes A Good Leader | Brian Tracy

Certain qualities, characteristics, and habits form a good leader. I'm sharing five essential traits that will help you become a good leader and improve your leadership skills. Keep watching to learn exactly what makes a good leader.

Save the Date: Our Annual Golf Tournament is October 11, 2021!!

Drive to Keep The Dream Alive

 Join us for a fun day of golfing, food and socializing to raise money for The Matt Garcia Foundation community youth outreach programs. 

Find out more at https://mattgarciafoundation.org/

September 1st is Matt Garcia Day!

On September 1st, 2008, my son, Fairfield City Councilman, Matt Garcia, was murdered. It is hard to believe that it has been almost 13 years since we lost Matt.

The City of Fairfield recognizes September 1st. as The Matt Garcia Day.

Matt LOVED Fairfield! Leading up to September 1st, be 1 of 100 and make a donation of $100.00 to receive your Iconic Memorabilia Shirt of Matt and embroidered STAND with FFINEST Hat and FFI♥U logo to HELP Keep Matts Dream Alive.

You can place your order here, shop.fairfieldiloveu.com, and/or purchase & pick up your orders at the FFI♥U Store, 3067 Travis Blvd, Fairfield, CA 94533

All Proceeds go to Support Youth, Help Stop Crime & Strengthen Our Communities. These are three campaign promises Matt made when he was elected.

Thanks for keeping Matt's Spirit & Legacy Alive as #WE live out Matt's campaign promises! I am so grateful for your support!

Matt's Mom, Teresa
President of the Matt Garcia Foundation

The Real Risk of Forgiveness–And Why It’s Worth It

Forgiveness is tricky. Everyone says you should forgive, but no one will tell you how, exactly, to do it. And is it always possible—even for something as traumatic as gun violence?

In this vulnerable and heartfelt talk, writer Sarah Montana takes us through her journey of forgiving her family’s killer. She offers an inside look at what we risk when we choose to forgive and a hopeful glimpse of the freedom that lies on the other side of grief.

Sarah Montana is an NYC based writer, editor, and branded content producer. She has ghostwritten book proposals for celebrity experts, some of which have been sold to publishers for six figures. She creates and shapes content for authors and business owners, including ebooks, reality TV pitches, articles, memoirs, and marketing copy. She is also a playwright and creates her own original content. Her most recent play, The Girl, The Ghosts, and the Minotaur was selected for a staged reading at Life Jacket Theater Company’s 2017 Proof of Concept Reading Series in New York City.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.

Meet Your Councilmember - Doriss Panduro

As one of our city's newest councilmembers, Doriss sees a lot of areas where Fairfield can make improvements and is ready to get to work!

Summer Night Out is July 17th - RSVP Today!!

The Matt Garcia Foundation invites you to Summer Night Out - a night full of painting, open mic, light drinks and snacks, and community. Be sure to RSVP to get an art kit!

To RSVP visit:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-night-out-tickets-161551209015

The Power of Positive Thinking | Brian Tracy

Many years ago, Dr. Norman Vincent wrote the book "The Power of Positive Thinking" and said, "If you think in a positive way, you'll have positive results and you'll be happy most of the time." I couldn't agree more. Those who think more positively and about what they want will be more successful.

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.

Save the Date: Our Annual Golf Tournament is October 11, 2021!!

Drive to Keep The Dream Alive

 Join us for a fun day of golfing, food and socializing to raise money for The Matt Garcia Foundation community youth outreach programs. 

Find out more at https://mattgarciafoundation.org/

September 1, 2021 : Matt Garcia Day

On September 1st, 2008, my son, Fairfield City Councilman, Matt Garcia, was murdered. It is hard to believe that it has been almost 13 years since we lost Matt.

The City of Fairfield recognizes September 1st. as The Matt Garcia Day.

Matt LOVED Fairfield! Leading up to September 1st, be 1 of 100 and make a donation of $100.00 to receive your Iconic Memorabilia Shirt of Matt and embroidered STAND with FFINEST Hat and FFI♥U logo to HELP Keep Matts Dream Alive.

You can place your order here, shop.fairfieldiloveu.com, and/or purchase & pick up your orders at the FFI♥U Store, 3067 Travis Blvd, Fairfield, CA 94533

All Proceeds go to Support Youth, Help Stop Crime & Strengthen Our Communities. These are three campaign promises Matt made when he was elected.

Thanks for keeping Matt's Spirit & Legacy Alive as #WE live out Matt's campaign promises! I am so grateful for your support!

Matt's Mom, Teresa
President of the Matt Garcia Foundation

Join Us for Our Monthly Community Cleanup This Saturday!!

June 26, 2021 

9:00am – 11:00am

Meet by the open field by 700 Texas Street

The Matt Garcia Foundation doesn't want to complain about this, we want to create solutions to problems. It is with this spirit that we began our Monthly Community Cleanups.

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 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.

Happy Father's Day!

 

Happy Father's Day from the Matt Garcia Foundation

The Science of Kindness

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

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.

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.

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."

September 1, 2021 : Matt Garcia Day

On September 1st, 2008, my son, Fairfield City Councilman, Matt Garcia, was murdered. It is hard to believe that it has been almost 13 years since we lost Matt.

The City of Fairfield recognizes September 1st. as The Matt Garcia Day.

Matt LOVED Fairfield! Leading up to September 1st, be 1 of 100 and make a donation of $100.00 to receive your Iconic Memorabilia Shirt of Matt and embroidered STAND with FFINEST Hat and FF I LOVE U logo to HELP Keep Matts Dream Alive.

You can place your order here, shop.fairfieldiloveu.com, and/or purchase & pick up your orders at the FFILOVEYOU Store, 3607 Travis Blvd, Fairfield, CA 94533

All Proceeds go to Support Youth, Help Stop Crime & Strengthen Our Communities. These are three campaign promises Matt made when he was elected.

Thanks for keeping Matt's Spirit & Legacy Alive as #WE live out Matt's campaign promises! I am so grateful for your support!

Matt's Mom, Teresa
President of the Matt Garcia Foundation

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.

Do Not Give Up On The Person You Are Capable Of Becoming

Do Not Give Up On The Person You Are Capable Of Becoming (Inspirational Video)

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.

How to Be Optimistic During Challenges | Brian Tracy

We all face challenges, but it is our reaction to those challenges that determine how quickly we can overcome them. Your ability to find an optimistic view of challenges will impact your overall success, so to ensure you know how to be optimistic during hardships keep watching this video.

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.

The Power of Positivity | Brain Games

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

Join Us for Our Earth Day Community Cleanup Tomorrow!!

April 24th 9:00am – 11:00am

Located 'on the green' at the corner of Jefferson & Texas Streets

Fairfield, CA 94533

To protect your health and slow the spread of the coronavirus, we will be follow the most recent guidance from the Center for Disease Control, available here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html

• If you are sick in any way, DO NOT come out to the cleanup.
• Maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet from everyone you encounter, even if you are wearing a mask.
• ALWAYS wear gloves.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Unfortunately, you may find used gloves, masks, and other personal protective equipment (PPE) among litter. DO NOT PICK UP ANY PPE without a grabber.

The Matt Garcia Foundation will proved gloves, grabbers and buckets for collecting the trash.

For more information visit www.FFINEST.org

To receive updated information on volunteering opportunities, sign up for our text alerts.

Text: 81010 | Enter: @mgfv

Restore Our Earth 2021

EARTH DAY 2021

AS THE WORLD RETURNS TO NORMAL, WE CAN’T GO BACK TO BUSINESS-AS-USUAL. 

From April 20-22, join the world’s leaders for Earth Day 2021. Together, we can prevent the coming disasters of climate change and environmental destruction. Together, we can Restore Our Earth™.

Home Fire Safety is Still Important!

In the midst of one of the worst pandemics in history, it’s easy to forget other important safety tasks that could save your life. One that comes to mind is fire safety in the home. According to the United States Fire Administration, the risk of dying in reported home structure fires is 55% lower in homes with working smoke alarms than in homes with no alarms or none that worked.

You should have at least one smoke alarm installed on each level of your home, preferably near sleeping areas. Test the alarms regularly and change the batteries twice per year. Also, have a fire escape plan and practice it regularly. For more fire safety information, contact your local fire department.

Solano County Earth Day Celebration!

More Info HERE

Each year, the Solano Resource Conservation District coordinates with Solano County’s Earth Day Cleanup Event. This year they decided to feature the Matt Garcia Foundation during their campaign. They recognize the work the Foundation has put in to keep Solano County clean and green.

They are doing a virtual event that will take place from April 19th till April 24th. During this event, the Solano County Earth Day Celebration, they encourage us to clean up trash, locally.

The Matt Garcia Foundation will continue to serve our community by keeping Solano clean and green. We hope you choose to do so as well. #KeepSolanoClean&Green

Along with that, if you visit their social media @cleanupsolano you will find tips and solutions that you can incorporate into your life for sustainability that will not only make a difference during Earth week but your everyday life.

The Matt Garcia Foundation is looking forward to connecting with you again on April 24th, which will be when we do neighborhood clean-ups. Stay tuned with the Foundation to learn more.

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.

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.

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."

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.

The PAL Career Cafe is Accepting Applications

The Fairfield PAL Career Cafe is taking applications the last student cohort!

Get your fresh blend of job skills—and earn a $1,200 stipend in only 80 hours!

The PAL Works! Career Café Program prepares local teens to build job skills and a career road map that will enable them to get a head start in the employment sector and career development. Teens selected for the program receive 60 hours of job exposure and 20 hours of strengths-based training. Fellows who successfully complete the program are eligible for a $1,200 stipend scholarship. Certain eligibility requirements apply.

For more information or to request an application, please call 422 6288 or email us at hsanderson@fairfield.ca.gov. Incomplete applications cannot be accepted. This program is made possible with support from the Solano County Community Investment Fund.

The Fairfield PAL Program is open to Fairfield, Suisun, and Travis Students enrolled ages 13-18 who are enrolled in school. Memberships are FREE and can be applied for at the Fairfield Community Center by calling (707) 428-7435.

PAL uses traditional recreational programming to create an environment that draws young people to support the development of the social and emotional skills required to promote a positive self-identity and become productive and engaged members of our community. By offering teens programs they are interested in and choices, it becomes possible to slip in pro social skill building and development utilizing youth development practices and techniques.

For more information about these PAL activities, please call 707-422-6288 or visit the program’s webpage at www.fairfield.ca.gov/pal under the Quick Links or follow us in real time by visiting the program’s Facebook page at @Fairfieldpal1, Twitter at @pal-fairfield, and Instagram at ff_pal_center

Community Day Clean Up

Safety is our number one priority, so the Matt Garcia Foundation has cancelled February’s community day clean-up due to the widespread of COVID-19 in Solano County. Although we cannot meet this month, we encourage you to take time to individually clean-up your own neighborhoods. Stay safe by wearing a mask and disposable gloves while picking up trash. Please check the Matt Garcia Foundation website for any changes in future community clean-ups and other events.

To receive updated information on volunteering opportunities, sign up for our text alerts.

Text: 81010

Enter: @mgfv

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.

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.

A POWERFUL Story About ANGER and LETTING GO (The Snake and Saw Story)

A POWERFUL story about ANGER and LETTING GO (The Snake and Saw Story)

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.

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."

7 Things I Need To Tell You About Life

"Life is to be lived... lived before you die. Don’t waste a second of this precious gift You’re here for a reason, never stop asking WHY"

7 Things I Need To Tell You About Life:

1. Life is not meant to be so serious. Make time for fun, for joy, for play.
2. Circumstances will NEVER define you... unless YOU decide to let them.
3. If you don’t learn to control your mind, your mind will control you.
4. Make a PLAN... but go with the FLOW as well.
5. You’ll never be able to please everyone.
6. You won’t be happy if you’re being someone else trying to fit in with others - Be yourself and do it with pride!
7. Those who are stuck in their own misery will try and drag you into their dark hole. Don’t let anyone steal your joy.

Community Day Clean Up

Safety is our number one priority, so the Matt Garcia Foundation has cancelled February’s community day clean-up due to the widespread of COVID-19 in Solano County. Although we cannot meet this month, we encourage you to take time to individually clean-up your own neighborhoods. Stay safe by wearing a mask and disposable gloves while picking up trash. Please check the Matt Garcia Foundation website for any changes in future community clean-ups and other events.

To receive updated information on volunteering opportunities, sign up for our text alerts.

Text: 81010

Enter: @mgfv

Kindness 101 with Steve Hartman: Service

Steve Hartman teaches an online class about service.

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.

Why Do We, Like, Hesitate When We, Um, Speak? - Lorenzo García-Amaya

Why do we fill pauses in speech with words like “um,” “uh,” and “like”? Dig into the hesitation phenomenon to find out their linguistic significance.

For as long as we’ve had language, some people have tried to control it. And some of the most frequent targets of this communication regulation are the ums, ers, and likes that pepper our conversations. These linguistic fillers occur roughly 2 to 3 times per minute in natural speech. So are ums and uhs just a habit we can’t break? Or is there more to them? Lorenzo García-Amaya investigates.

Lesson by Lorenzo García-Amaya, directed by Yael Reisfeld.

Kindness 101 with Steve Hartman: Compassion

Steve Hartman and his kids teach a lesson about compassion.

How Your Brain Responds to Stories -- and Why They're Crucial for Leaders | Karen Eber

How do the world's best leaders and visionaries earn trust? They don't just present data -- they also tell great stories. Leadership consultant Karen Eber demystifies what makes for effective storytelling and explains how anyone can harness it to create empathy and inspire action.

Nelson Mandela and the Science of Forgiveness

After Nelson Mandela passed, the world lost not only an international icon of peace and reconciliation, but also someone with the unique ability to truly forgive. Casting aside his anger and resentment to those who held him imprisoned for 27 years, he went on to achieve greatness and influence the lives of millions of people. Trace looks at the science behind this power of forgiveness.

Brené Brown: The Secret to Having Compassion

The popular researcher explains what compassionate people have in common — and why it wasn't what she expected.

5 Life Lessons That Will Make You Truly Rich (My Dad Taught Me This!)

My Father Taught Me These 5 Lessons That Will Make Anyone Truly Rich:

NUMBER1: WORK HARD BUT DO NOT PUT MONEY FIRST
NUMBER 2: GIVE WITHOUT EXPECTATION
NUMBER 3: BE PRESENT
NUMBER 4: LIVE WITH INTEGRITY
NUMBER 5: SMILE, LAUGH AND DO NOT TAKE LIFE TOO SERIOUSLY

The Power of Habit: Small Changes That Make a Big Impact | Brian Tracy

Our habits exhibit an enormous amount of influence in our lives. Controlling your habits is a lot easier than you realize and making these small changes will make a big impact on your life. If you are looking to form a new habit, keep watching and follow these important 7 steps to help you get there.

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.

Understand THIS and You'll Be OK

Understand THIS and you'll be OK - Even on your WORST DAY you are a living MIRACLE.

The Story of Martin Luther King Jr. by Kid President

Once upon a time, there was a man named Martin Luther King, Jr. He taught us that things won't always be awesome, but your response can be. Remember, things don't always have to be they are. We can change them! Kids can change them. This Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, celebrate the promise of change with Kid President.

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.

I Wonder If Today Will Be a Day I Look Back on with PRIDE or REGRET

I wonder if today will be a day I look back on with PRIDE or REGRET

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.