The Homicide Survivors Support Group offers a compassionate space for those affected by violent loss. Together, we share our grief, support one another, and honor our loved ones. Our mission is to foster healing, resilience, and hope in the face of
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Saturday, May 9, 2026
How do you know you’re not dreaming? - Daniel Gregory
Bizarre things happen in dreams: you fly, or conjure an all-you-can-eat buffet out of thin air, or get chased by witches through the halls of your school. But the strange things that happen in dreams don’t seem strange at the time. So, how do you know you’re not in a dream right now? Is there a way to prove that you're awake? Daniel Gregory digs into the philosophical theories of wakefulness.
Lesson by Daniel Gregory, directed by Daniel Stankler.
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Orange Creamsicle Protein Smoothie
5 ingredients and 5 minutes is all that is standing between you and this dreamy Orange Creamsicle Protein Smoothie. It's bursting with orange flavor and is incredibly creamy.
PREP TIME: 5 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 5 minutes
Ingredients
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup almond milk
1/4 cup greek yogurt
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1/4 banana
1/2 cup ice
Instructions
1. Add all the ingredients to the blender.
2. Blend on high for 30 seconds.
Sunday, May 3, 2026
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Outstanding Youth of the Month
Emily Reyes Rubio
Emily brings light and positive energy into our after-school program every single day. She is charismatic, supportive, funny, and incredibly hardworking, which makes her a wonderful presence among both her peers and instructors. Her positive attitude and sense of humor help create a welcoming and enjoyable environment for everyone in the program. Her grades reflect not only how intelligent she is, but also how much effort and determination she puts into her work.
She approaches challenges with persistence and always strives to improve and learn more. Emily consistently demonstrates responsibility, focus, and a strong commitment to reaching her goals.
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Last Saturday Community Service Day
When: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Time: 9:00am – 11:00am
Where: Matt Garcia Foundation Office, 717 Texas Street, Fairfield, CA 94533
The Matt Garcia Foundation will provide gloves, garbage pickers and buckets for collecting the trash.
Students can earn community service hours. Lunch provided after the cleanup.
For more information www.FFINEST.org
To receive updated information on volunteering opportunities, sign up for our text alerts. Text: 81010 | Enter: @mgfv
Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website
Monday, April 20, 2026
Friday, April 17, 2026
PAL Pizza
This month, Raymond stepped in to deliver our Pizza 4 PAL to our friends at Fairfield PAL.
A special thank you to Andy, who faithfully delivers pizza each month and helps make this simple but meaningful tradition possible. It is always a blessing to continue showing up for our youth in ways that remind them they are seen, supported, and cared for.
Grateful for our partnership with Fairfield PAL and for everyone who helps us continue creating these moments of connection and consistency for our community.
Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Third Thursday Craft Event
There is something special about watching creativity bring people together.
Our 3rd Thursday Craft Day at the Matt Garcia Foundation was filled with smiles, conversation, and simple moments that matter.
This month our friend Dana brought little Josie, and she completely stole our hearts creating a special bag for each of her family members. She carefully made one for everyone, each with its own personal touch—a beautiful reminder of how much love can be poured into something handmade.
A special thank you to Vince and Sheila for being such faithful monthly participants and helping bring creativity and heart to our craft days at the Matt Garcia Foundation. Your presence and support help make these gatherings so meaningful each month.
These monthly gatherings are about more than crafts—they are about creating space for connection, kindness, creativity, and community for all ages.
We are grateful for every person who continues to show up, share time together, and help keep Matt’s spirit of love and community alive.
Join us every 3rd Thursday of the month at the Matt Garcia Foundation—we would love to have you with us.
Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
2nd Tuesday of Every Month
The Homicide Survivors Support Group offers a compassionate space for those affected by violent loss. Together, we share our grief, support one another, and honor our loved ones. Our mission is to foster healing, resilience, and hope in the face of
Sunday, April 5, 2026
Friday, April 3, 2026
What would happen if you didn’t drink water? - Mia Nacamulli
Water is essentially everywhere in our world, and the average human is composed of between 55 and 60% water. So what role does water play in our bodies, and how much do we actually need to drink to stay healthy? Mia Nacamulli details the health benefits of hydration.
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Health and Safety Corner
Drinking water is essential for your health!
According to the Centers For Disease Control, drinking enough water every day is important for health. Drinking water can prevent dehydration, which may cause unclear thinking, mood change, overheating, constipation, and kidney stones. Water has no calories, so replacing sugary drinks with plain water can help reduce caloric intake. Water is also in certain fruits, veggies and other healthy drinks (such as watermelon, oranges, spinach).
How much should you drink?
Women should drink about 2.7 liters daily and men should drink about 3.6 liters. Keep in mind, some of the daily required water intake can come from other healthy drinks and fruits. However, it is recommended to make sure that the majority of your daily fluid intake comes from pure water.
For more info visit: cdc.gov
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Rotary Club Good Character Youth Award
On February 25th, 2026, Karen Reygoza, one of our own members of the Matt Garcia Foundation, was one of 20 local high school youth to receive the prestigious Good Character Award! Karen was nominated by Fairfield Police Activities League (PAL) Director Heather Sanderson.
In addition to Karen, the other outstanding PAL youth members who also received the Good Character Award are: Italia Faatsui-Gi, Mohammad Ammar Ajmerwala, Enrique Garcia and Oscar Chavez.
The Rotary Club of Fairfield-Suisun honors youth who demonstrate exceptional ethics, kindness and community service. The award aims to foster good mental well-being, and encourages positive and responsible citizenship.
Karen Reygoza sets a great example by being active with the Matt Garcia Foundation, exhibiting kind behavior, and helping others. Way to go Karen, we are so proud of you and the other award recipients for 2026!!
Sunday, March 22, 2026
Outstanding Youth!
Georgia Marie Teat is a 8th Grader with the Matt Garcia Career and College Academy
Georgia is a hardworking and dedicated student who brings positivity wherever she goes. In our after-school program, she is known for always having a smile on her face and making others laugh. Georgia is consistently helpful to staff and peers, demonstrating kindness and a strong sense of responsibility. She shines during art activities, where her creativity truly stands out, and she also shows a wide range of athletic ability. Most importantly, Georgia has shown true determination in her academic work, striving to do her best and continually grow. She is a wonderful role model and a valued student in our program.
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Monday, March 16, 2026
Friday, March 13, 2026
Health and Safety Corner
1. Home Heating systems:
During the cold winter months home heaters are in high use. They can also be very dangerous. Here are some safety tips to remember when using various types of home heaters, including space heaters, fireplace heaters, and central air heating systems.
Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from all heat sources including fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, space heaters or candles.
Never use an oven to heat your residence
Turn space heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed. Also, be sure to use space heaters in compliance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected annual be qualified professionals.
2. Carbon Monoxide poisoning:
Carbon monoxide, also known as CO, is called the “invisible killer” because it's a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. It is undetectable to the human senses, so people may not know that they are being exposed.
CO poisoning can occur when a fuel-burning appliance or machine, such as a furnace, heater or generator, is not working or vented properly.
Did you know:
Breathing in CO at high levels can be fatal. More than 150 people in the United States die every year from accidental nonfire-related CO.
For more information you can visit:
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/prevent-fires/heating/
or contact your local Fire Department.
Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Saturday, March 7, 2026
2nd Tuesday of Every Month, TONIGHT
The Homicide Survivors Support Group offers a compassionate space for those affected by violent loss. Together, we share our grief, support one another, and honor our loved ones. Our mission is to foster healing, resilience, and hope in the face of
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Sunday, March 1, 2026
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Saturday, February 28 : Last Saturday Community Clean Up
When: Saturday, February 28, 2026, 2026
Time: 9:00am – 11:00am
Where: Matt Garcia Foundation Office, 717 Texas Street, Fairfield, CA 94533
The Matt Garcia Foundation will provide gloves, garbage pickers and buckets for collecting the trash.
Students can earn community service hours. Lunch provided after the cleanup.
For more information www.FFINEST.org
To receive updated information on volunteering opportunities, sign up for our text alerts.
Text: 81010 | Enter: @mgfv
Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website
Monday, February 23, 2026
Assist-A-Grad Scholarship
Secure your future by applying for an Assist-A-Grad Scholarship.
The Matt Garcia Foundation - Keep the Dream Alive Scholarships are being offered through the Assist-A-Grad organization. You can find the full scholarship guide and application instructions at https://www.assist-a-grad.org/
Don't miss out on this chance to invest in your education!
Important Dates:
• Application Deadline: Monday, March 2, 2026
• Interview Period: April 1 - April 25, 2026 (Up to sponsors)
Friday, February 20, 2026
CPR in Action | A 3D look inside the body
This 3D animation was designed to share life-saving information with the general public to demonstrate the importance of good, effective CPR!
Monday, February 16, 2026
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
2nd Tuesday of Every Month, TONIGHT
The Homicide Survivors Support Group offers a compassionate space for those affected by violent loss. Together, we share our grief, support one another, and honor our loved ones. Our mission is to foster healing, resilience, and hope in the face of
Sunday, February 8, 2026
Our Vision & Values
OUR VISION:
“Every day we learn something new. Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day…It doesn’t have to be an “A” the next day, but let’s hope it improves.” – Matt Garcia
OUR VALUES:
Unity
Forgiveness
Compassion
Leadership
Respect for Diversity
Empowerment
Celebration of Hope
Transformation
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Encouraging Words
“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what
makes you come alive and then go do that.
Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
– Howard Thurman
Monday, February 2, 2026
What’s The Story of Groundhog Day? The History Behind the Tradition!
Where Did Groundhog Day Come From? The History Behind the Tradition
Saturday, January 31, 2026
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Saturday Community Clean Up, January 31st
When: Saturday, January 31st, 2025
Time: 9:00am – 11:00am
Where: Matt Garcia Foundation Office, 717 Texas Street, Fairfield, CA 94533
The Matt Garcia Foundation will provide gloves, garbage pickers and buckets for collecting the trash.
Students can earn community service hours. Lunch provided after the cleanup.
For more information www.FFINEST.org
To receive updated information on volunteering opportunities, sign up for our text alerts.
Text: 81010 | Enter: @mgfv
Sunday, January 25, 2026
Quote of the Month
“It isn’t where you came from. It’s where you’re going that counts.”
-Ella Fitzgerald
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Monday, January 19, 2026
National Quality of Life Month
Since January is National Quality of Life Month, a good way to start is to focus on how to save a life in an emergency.
Are you certified in CPR and First Aid? FYI, some of the CPR standards changed in late 2025 so it might be a good idea to renew your certification if your card is expired.
Also, if you’re not familiar with the “Stop The Bleed” training, the course is very simple and the life saving steps you learn are truly life saving. bleedingcontrol.org
Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
2nd Tuesday of Every Month, TONIGHT
The Homicide Survivors Support Group offers a compassionate space for those affected by violent loss. Together, we share our grief, support one another, and honor our loved ones. Our mission is to foster healing, resilience, and hope in the face of
Saturday, January 10, 2026
Target : "Shop With Heroes"
It was another year collaborating with Target for the “Shop with Heroes” event. 25 lucky students from the Matt Garcia College and Career Academy were recipients to have a special Christmas shopping time with some local heroes; Fairfield Fire Fighters and City of Fairfield Police. It was such a great morning!
We thank the Fairfield Police and Firefighters for their generous time and even some of them pitching in to help with some of the shopping expenses; so very generous of them!
Thank you to our local Target store and employees for making this a very special holiday event for some really special students! Last be not least…thank you to the parents who got their children up extra early for this special event, we always appreciate the parents, siblings, and/or guardians who are willing to bring the lucky students!!
May the new year bring good health, peaceful days, and much hope for the future to each and every one of our local heroes and their families, as well as the students and all of their families! Thank you again Fairfield Target for another year of generosity and spreading the holiday cheer!!”
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Fairfield Downtown Tree Lighting
The Fairfield Downtown Tree Lighting on December 5th was absolutely MAGICAL this year. The street outside the window of The Matt Garcia Foundation office looked like a winter wonderland as endless “snow” fell, leaving the kids in awe. The lines for the hot chocolate, cotton candy and popcorn were huge as our wonderful volunteers scrambled to make sure no one went without, and our rock painting table was always full of happy children. Everyone seemed to have a fabulous time! So much laughter and love were present, along with a strong sense of togetherness and community. We couldn’t be happier with the evening! We would like to thank EVERYONE who came out to help and those that stopped by to visit our little corner of the city. You are all AWESOME!
Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website
Sunday, January 4, 2026
A Note...
I am Teresa Courtemanche, President of the Matt Garcia Foundation and the mother of Matt Garcia, who was shot and murdered. I also co-facilitate our Homicide Survivors Support Group (HSSG) alongside another courageous mother, Rita Edmonds-Norris, the mother of Chad Norris, who was also shot and murdered.
Our tagline captures the heart of our group:
“We are the group that nobody wants to belong to, but we are so grateful to have it.”
HSSG exists because the loss of a loved one to homicide is unlike any other. Rita and I lead from lived experience, creating a space of trust, understanding, and compassion for those navigating this complex and lifelong grief.
We are deeply grateful to Andy Ramirez, Vice President of the Matt Garcia Foundation, and his wife Katrina, for their generous $1,000 donation to HSSG.
Their support makes a meaningful difference and helps sustain our group as the only homicide survivors support group in Solano County with a licensed clinical social worker present each month.
The Ramirez family’s commitment to the Foundation spans many years. Andy’s steady leadership, Katrina’s generosity, and their daughter Isabella’s hands-on involvement—including helping with monthly PAL pizza deliveries—reflect a family devoted to service and community.
Thank you, Andy, Katrina, and Isabella, for standing with us and for supporting healing, hope, and connection for those who need it most.
Teresa Courtemanche
President
Friday, January 2, 2026
January Highlights
- January 4: World Braille Day (celebrates Louis Braille)
- January 5: National Bird Day (awareness for endangered birds)
- January 11: Human Trafficking Awareness Day
- January 14: World Logic Day
- January 17: International Mentoring Day & World Waterfowl Day
- January 19: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday
- January 24: International Day of Education
- January 27: Holocaust Remembrance Day (International Day)
- Last Monday: World Leprosy Day
- January 3: National Chocolate-Covered Cherry Day
- January 10: National Houseplant Appreciation Day
- January 16: International Hot and Spicy Food Day
- January 20: National Penguin Day
- January 26: Bubble wrap appreciation day
- January 28: National Lego Day
- January 29: National Puzzle Day
Thursday, January 1, 2026
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