Working with and supporting local non-profit organizations is near and dear to my heart. I was raised with an awareness of the needs of others around me and the importance of stepping in to make a difference in people’s lives. In adulthood, my charitable giving journey began with a poster that caught my eye. While I was waiting to meet a client at Starbucks, I was perusing the bulletin board where I came across a poster that was recruiting volunteers to make a difference in children’s lives through the foster care system. It wasn’t a special post, but it spoke to me. I couldn’t let it go.
A few days later I filled out the application, completed the fingerprint and background clearances, and became a state-appointed Foster Care Review Board (FCRB) member. We interview all the interested parties in foster cases and put forth recommendations to the assigned judge based on our findings. It is truly an incredible blend of heart-breaking and heart-warming work, and an amazing experience that I am so proud to be a part of. It is truly my honor to be the voice and an advocate for these children, who oftentimes don’t have one. And they are ALWAYS looking for new volunteers to serve as board members and/or CASA representatives. Check them out here!
"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
-Aesop
In my career, my charitable giving journey began with the creation of our strategic philanthropic program called Operation Give Back which focuses on four core areas: Children, Health, Homelessness and Animals. A portion of every commission we earn is contributed to one of these local charities on behalf of our clients. We also host contribution drives throughout the year to collect essential items for these amazing organizations. The Inspired Living Real Estate Collective is committed to giving back in our own backyard! We are honored to serve these incredible organizations and support their missions to make our communities better, stronger and more connected! We cheerfully contribute to creating community!
Our first charity partner was The Foster Alliance (formely known as
Arizona Helping Hands) which was a natural extension of my work as an FCRB Board Member. They collect needed essentials as well as items that bring joy and a smile to foster kids’ faces, which are then provided to foster families. Their vision is simple: ‘Every child in foster care is safe and loved.’ They have TONS of volunteer opportunities that can be as simple as lending a hand in their warehouse for a couple of hours, to helping out at their special events and drives, hosting a collection drive on their behalf or more regular service roles in their office or warehouse.
Check out how to become a volunteer here!
They support homeless women who are pregnant. Logically, it makes sense to help women be successful parents to prevent their children from ever having to enter the foster system. “Maggie’s Place welcomes pregnant and parenting women and their children into a safe and loving community, providing life-changing programs and ongoing services to help them to become self-sufficient.” The amazing success stories that come out of these homes and the lives changed, perhaps even for generations to come, is what makes this such a special place. They truly provide a hand up rather than a hand out by equipping these women to be successful parents and members of society. They also have lots of volunteer opportunities that require different levels of security/background checks that
you can check out here!
The Arizona Pet Project Helps Keep Pets With Their Families Who Are Facing Hard Times
They are different from any other pet organization out there. By keeping pets with their families, it helps lessen the trauma that families are already enduring as well as keeps these beloved animals out of shelters and possible euthanasia. “Our unique approach and revolutionary programs are focused on improving and saving the lives of both people and pets by keeping pets with the families who love them.” The Arizona Pet Project has a lineup of fun events and fundraisers throughout the year that
they need volunteers for - or if you can’t commit to volunteering, come out and support them by
attending their amazing events!
AZ Pet Project's 21st Annual HERO Awards - March 2nd
The Joy Bus Diner provides healthy meals to cancer patients who are fighting cancer alone. Volunteers deliver the meals and stay and provide companionship and conversation. These connections are vital for these people who otherwise may have no one. I lost my mom to cancer when I was 20 and the impact of that has never left my soul. Supporting others who are fighting this battle is incredibly important to me, knowing all the pain and challenges it brings.
“Our sole purpose is to relieve the daily struggles of people with cancer by delivering a fresh and healthy meal with a friendly face.” This one is easy! Simply go and have a delicious meal at The Joy Bus Diner and you are supporting this amazing cause! Of course, there are lots of other ways to help including enjoying a delicious craft beer that is dedicated to this organization. The Joy Bus WOW Wheat by Four Peaks Brewery. They are also featured at lots of great events and festivals around town throughout the year that
they need volunteers for. Or decorate the bags that the meals are delivered in, host a collection drive, host a shift in the diner
there are so many ways to get involved!
All of these organizations are run by some of the most amazing people that I have ever met and while I chose them, I really feel like they found me. It is an honor to support them in their inspiring missions! If everyone aligned themselves with a cause that is meaningful to them, think of the change we could create in the world! Get involved and serve a cause you care about! No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted!
To find out more about our events and contribution drives, and our volunteer days browse our events calendar below.
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members"
- Coretta Scott King
