Tag Archives: give back

Patricia Heaton on supporting mobile clinic Claris Health

Patricia Heaton steps out to support Claris Health–an organization dedicated to providing free and low cost healthcare to people in need.

By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist

Patricia Heaton has taken center stage as one of America’s favorite TV moms for the last couple of decades starring on hits “Everybody Loves Raymond,” and “The Middle.” The Emmy-winning actress is now the lead on the new CBS sitcom “Carol’s Second Act” where she plays a divorcee in her fifties who begins a new career. While the veteran actress remains one of the most in demand people in Hollywood, she still finds time to give back.

Heaton recently attended the Claris Health City Lights Gala, which raised over $200,000. The organization has created a custom mobile unit vehicle that will visit 27 sites monthly throughout Los Angeles County. The areas the mobile clinic will be visiting are known for limited access to health care and a high mistrust of the medical community. The first stop will be in Compton on Oct. 27 at Shields for Families.

“I’ve been a supporter of Claris Health for many years and love their unique approach to care,” Patricia Heaton said. “They provide compassionate, non-judgemental support to women and families in need. This mobile clinic will go the extra mile reaching those who lack access to healthcare and need to know they are not alone.”

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Claris Health’s mission is to equip and care for women and their families before, during, and after pregnancy and sexual health choices. Patients who come to Claris are provided with information regarding pregnancy options and ongoing support through direct services and a network of over 190 committed community partners. Free and low-cost services include medical care, education, support, and community resources. Claris continues to expand its scope of services while implementing innovative, evidence-based programs that respond to overall individual and community health needs.

“Shields for Families is very excited for the mobile unit… healthcare is an important part of our treatment model, and we work diligently to incorporate health into all elements of treatment. The mobile unit will allow direct access to health care, and allow us to assist all of our families with developing skills to ensure health care and routine check-ups become a regular practice in their lives. We look forward to our continued partnership, and seeing all of our families take advantage of this amazing opportunity!” – Danielle Lowe, Youth Services Director, Shields for Families stated.

In the last year, 1,700 patients have been seen and Claris Health has served over 7,000 men, women & teens throughout Los Angeles with their services.

About Claris Health:

Claris Health is a Los Angeles based 501(c)3 organization that educates and supports women and men facing an unintended pregnancy or other sexual health issues. Claris Health’s story began over 40 years ago when a small group of women were inspired to start an organization that offered life-changing services to women, men, and families. Their mission from the start has been to equip and care for individuals and their families, before, during, and after pregnancy and sexual health choices. The organization provides free or low cost medical, support, therapy, parenting and educational services to women, men and families with children under the age of five.

Local Volunteer Shares How We Can Help the Cancer Support Community

Looking for an impactful way to give back locally? The Cancer Support Community helps people face the challenges of cancer and always needs volunteers.

By: Kaylie Defilippis

Cancer is likely something we will encounter at some point in our life. Whether it’s someone we know, or something we will struggle with ourselves, the disease has the ability to affect us all.  But there are organizations to help cancer patients and their families like the Cancer Support Community (CSC) that offers free programs to those in need.  Laurie Peterson, a volunteer and board member from the Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara chapter, spoke with The Voluntourist about how to get involved.

The Voluntourist: Can you tell us a little bit about what Cancer Support Community is and how they help those fighting cancer as well as cancer survivors?

Peterson: Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara is located in Westlake Village, CA.  Our mission is to ensure that adults and children impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and supported
by community. We offer support groups led by licensed facilitators, educational sessions, and health and wellness programs. Our programs are free of charge to anyone affected by cancer, including patients, caregivers, loved ones and children. Our emotional support and educational programs are designed to address the loss of control, hopelessness, and social isolation that cancer patients
and their families often experience.  We also have Kids and Teens Circle.  One of our kids said it best, “Kids Circle has really helped me get through my Dad’s cancer. In fact, Kids Circle is the only place, except for home, that I feel comfortable talking about cancer.” In addition to our support groups and education, we offer monthly workshops and seminars, as well as fun activities like yoga, Zumba, and a walking group.

The Voluntourist: What made you want to begin volunteering with CSC?

Peterson: One of my closest friends, Gail, was diagnosed at age 39 with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Her prognosis was very grim. She started attending support groups at the Cancer Support Community and she told me, “This place is saving my life”. While the doctors treated her disease, CSC was treating her soul by giving her hope. Gail often said, “People here are like me and they understand me. We laugh, we cry and we laugh some more”. I told Gail that I would start volunteering in her honor and I never looked back. Gail’s miraculous recovery gave me the incentive to start volunteering and it has truly become my passion. After years of volunteering, I have also joined the Board of Directors, a caring, diverse group of people who really care about this community and our participants.

The Voluntourist: How is the Cancer Support Community able to cover costs so that patients do not have to? Is it run completely on donations, etc.?

Peterson: All of our programs are provided FREE of charge thanks to the generosity of corporations, foundations and individuals who believe in our mission. We rely on our donor community to keep our programs going. We receive no other funding.

The Voluntourist: How can people get involved with their local branches? What is the first step?

Peterson: It’s easy! Call your local Cancer Support Community and join the volunteer list.

The Voluntourist: What is required of CSC volunteers? Do they have to dedicate a certain amount of time a week or can they pick and choose which events to volunteer at?

Peterson: There are so many ways to get involved. We have volunteers that help in our office four or five hours a week and others who want to help run our fundraising events. We appreciate all the time, treasures and talents that our wonderful volunteers provide. We couldn’t do it without them.

The Voluntourist: If someone wants to volunteer, but can’t necessarily dedicate a lot of time to the organization, how can they make a difference?

Peterson: There are many ways to help if your schedule doesn’t allow. We have wonderful donors who give money, products or services.

The Voluntourist: What do you want people to know about the Cancer Support Community? How do you want the organization to be remembered?

Peterson: This is a very special community where people find support, hope and community. Anyone affected by cancer, including patients, caregivers, loved ones and children are welcome. Cost should never be a barrier to hope. We provide a home-like environment where people with cancer, families, and friends can come to gather information and support. Research shows that people who receive social support, in addition to standard treatment, can have longer, less stressful lives than those without a core, supportive community. I believe our mission statement says it all…”we exist so that no one faces cancer alone.”

Volunteering in New Orleans with Camp Restore

Looking for a responsible volunteering project in New Orleans? Camp Restore offers several programs for skilled and unskilled workers.

By Heather Newgen

In 2005 Hurricane Katrina swept through the Gulf Coast as a Category 3 storm, causing severe destruction along its path from New Orleans to Mississippi to Alabama, however, NOLA was hit the hardest after the levees failed due to poor engineering. As a result, over 1800 people died and the majority of the city flooded, causing an estimated $108 billion dollars worth of damage.

In the months following the catastrophe, support poured in worldwide and Camp Restore was an organization that was created in response to Hurricane Katrina. Years later is still working to rebuild the city with the help of volunteers.

“What began as hurricane relief has grown into efforts to address large-scale systemic challenges, such as restoring the wetlands that protect against hurricanes, supporting local schools and youth programs and helping new, innovative community nonprofits get off the ground. We achieve this through partnerships with more than 150 fellow nonprofits and churches,” their website states.

Camp Restore partners with over 80 local nonprofits, so there are plenty of volunteer projects that skilled and unskilled volunteers can do like working in a community garden, recycling Mardi Grad beads, rebuilding a home (if you have experience) and so many other projects.

Although Hurricane Katrina swept through the Gulf Coast in 15 years ago, pockets of New Orleans still needs assistance. Volunteers are always welcomed. There are several ways to give back and  Camp Restore is an organization that takes groups of volunteers or individuals who are traveling alone and want to make a small difference.

Affordable volunteer housing is offered and and available to those who prefer to stay on site at Camp Restore.

Check out the video to see what it’s like to volunteer in New Orleans and how you can give back.

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How ‘Hamilton’ Star Christopher Jackson Advocates for Autism

Christopher Jackson and his wife Veronica became advocates for autism and serve on the National Board of KultureCity, a nonprofit that helps provide sensory-inclusive rooms and support for families and individuals, following their son’s autism diagnosis in 2007.

By: Heather Newgen

Christopher Jackson is doing his part to ensure autistic people can enjoy a live stage show, which can oftentimes be a struggle for people on the spectrum. Autistics can find it difficult to engage in social settings and Jackson is doing what he can to support the community.

“As someone in the arts, I perform in certain venues and to be able to make all of these venues sensory inclusive so that a sibling, a spouse, a relative, a friend, they can participate. You don’t have to stay hidden away and feel like they can’t join the rest of society in the way that they want to. They can have the freedom to move about and if they happen to need some help in the midst of that we’re there to do that,” he told The Voluntourist at the 30th Anniversary of PBS National Memorial Day Concert where he paid tribute to the military.

WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 26: Broadway and television star Christopher Jackson performs at the 2019 National Memorial Day Concert at U.S. Capitol, West Lawn on May 26, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Capital Concerts Inc.)

His son, CJ, was diagnosed with autism at an early age, and Jackson and his wife made it their mission to help others.

“I’m involved with an organization called KultureCity and what we do is we go into concert venues, arenas and we build sensory inclusive rooms for folks who need that support. Children with autism, my son is autistic, but also soldiers–veterans who have sensory issues, PTSD, who want to go out and participate in the world, but sometimes need a break. We build sensory rooms where someone can just go and decompress a little bit and still be a part of it.”

He continued, “We also create sensory bags that have noise cancellation headphones, they have fidget toys that can help desensitize a little bit so that families, people who have sensory needs can be met. We also train the staff of the venues and arenas so that when someone is in distress, you have someone there who can guide them where they need to go and offer some sort of support.”

The Tony-nominated Broadway star who originated the role of George Washington in ‘Hamilton’ is all about using his platform to bring awareness to autism.

“People need help and people need to know they are regarded and that there’s a place for them. This helps us do that.”

To see Jackson perform at the National Memorial Day Concert click here.

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Cambodian Genocide Survivor Sunchea Phou Lauches YaY Novelty to Help Other Survivors

In 1975, the Khmer Rouge gained control of the Cambodian government with the goal of transforming the country into a communist state. For four years, millions of people were forced from the cities into labor camps where an estimated 1.7 million died–mostly men and people who were educated so the regime could dominate the population easier. Sunchea Phou is a Cambodian genocide survivor. This is her story.

By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist

“I was 5 or 6 -years -old and still remember the [gun] fire going back and forth over the buildings”, Phou revealed as she talked about what it was like to escape Cambodia during the genocide.

21 to 24 percent of the population was killed from starvation, torture, abuse and execution.

“My father is one of them who died. They took him to the killing field. We were told my brother was buried alive because he was sick and they don’t treat sick people. They just bury them. Another brother died after the war because there was no medical help,” she said.

Cambodian Genocide Cambodian genocide survivor Sunchea Phou delivers needed supplies to Cambodia
Photo courtesy of Sunchea Phou

Phou and her mother fled Cambodia, which saved their lives, but the two endured unthinkable circumstances along their journey.

“My mom and I escaped the country. We walked for a month. We went through the forest and crossed the Thai border to try to get into the refugee camp. Finally we got into the camp, but we were illegal. We had to worry about thieves coming almost every day. They were heavily armed coming into the refugee camp to either rape or rob people. You have to be alert every night. People would scream, “the thieves are coming,” and you have to grab whatever you can and run,” Phou told The Voluntourist at the International Travel Goods Show in Las Vegas.

“I remember one day I was so sick and tired that I told my mom, “You have to run. I need to sleep.” She dragged me out of bed and we had to run,” she continued. “For five years we lived in that camp. Some people don’t want to run. What they did in the evening after dinner, people would head to the ditch, which was full of pee and poo. Everyone would lay their mat down and sleep over it because they would be closer to the soldiers that way. The thieves wouldn’t come close to the soldiers. So every night they tried to move their families closer to them.”

Cambodian Genocide Cambodian genocide survivor Sunchea Phou delivers needed supplies to Cambodia
Photo courtesy of Sunchea Phou

Phou explained even if you make it through the horrible camp conditions, there was no guarantee you would be okay.

“There’s a lot of tragedy in the camps. We’re all illegal and you have to have an ID. The first wave, the first people who escape right after the war, gets the ID right away. The second wave gets ID right away. The third wave, the last people to escape the country, we cannot get the ID to get out.”

She added, “But here’s the thing. Even if you get an ID, you aren’t automatically immigrated. You have to pass an interview test. If you cannot pass the interview test, then you are sent back to Cambodia. Whoever passes the interview test is then sent to another camp where you have to pass a health test. If you cannot pass that test, you are sent back to Cambodia.”

Going back to Cambodia wasn’t an option for some, and to help their families have a chance of getting through the exhaustive interview process they sacrificed themselves.

Cambodian Genocide Cambodian genocide survivor
Photo courtesy of Sunchea Phou

“My friend was sick and he couldn’t get immigrated. He didn’t want to be a burden to his family so he hanged himself next to my room. My neighbor woke me up in the middle of the night and told me.”

Phou was a teenager when she made it out of the camp with her mom. The two began a new life, but again with many new challenges.

“It’s a long five years in the camp. When I was finally immigrated to Canada, we had no money and no education. We had two boxes of clothes, that’s it. I was put in school right away. I was 13 and they placed me in the 7th grade. I spoke no French at all and then after school I would help my mom sew because we didn’t have any money.”

Although Phou’s formidable situation was overwhelming, she beat the odds and excelled in school, which led to a career in design. She worked for powerhouse companies like REI, Eddie Bauer and Nike where she helped designed NFL uniforms for the Seattle Seahawks before launching YaY Novelty , a lifestyle and accessories brand with the most creative and colorful wallets, totes and newly created gratitude jars.

“I combined fun with function and sell expression. I’ve met a lot of people who can’t express themselves,” Phou said. In addition, “YaY is my solution to creating a product people need, but also helping other Cambodian genocide survivors.”

20% of the proceeds help the remaining Cambodian genocide survivors still living in Cambodia.

“Many of the survivors are in their 80s and there’s no help for them. The Cambodian genocide killed all the husbands and kids, so there’s nobody to take care of them. Several rely on their neighbors to get food every day. They live in terrible conditions. There’s holes in their roofs. They sleep on the ground so when it’s flooded, the sewer and rain water mix together and [it reaches their bed]. It’s a nightmare. I went there personally and I want to create a nursing home where they don’t need to worry about where they’re going to get three meals a day.”

Phou helps the people of Cambodia as much as she can and considers herself lucky. “I was able access education, but a lot of people they send back to Cambodia and they couldn’t escape. Their life was much harder.”

She has personally funded the construction of a new school, delivered food and supplies to needy families in Cambodia and is working towards building the nursing home for survivors.

For more information on Phou and YaY Novelty, visit www.yaynovelty.com

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How a Team of Hair and Makeup Artists Helped Puerto Rico “Feel Human Again”

While Puerto Rico officials are still forced to make calls for aid amid food, clean water and power shortages due to Hurricane Maria, volunteers are stepping up to help the island in unconventional clever ways. Lou Rod Cueva, Founder and CEO of MLR Artist Management, and his creative team of professional hairstylists, makeup artists, and manicurists, are some of those volunteers.

By Heather Newgen

Lou Rod Cueva in Guayama, Puerto
Photo by: Nathan Alan

“My family, including my grandparents and mother, were both impacted by the hurricane. It broke me. This project was so meaningful and purposefully because it hit so close to home. I promised them that we would do something about this,” Cueva told The Voluntourist.

So he gathered members of his agency and headed to Puerto Rico to give back, but not in the typical way you’d expect. His team gave free makeovers to locals and the response was incredible.

Nathan Alan
Photo by: Lou Rod Cueva

“Everyone we were in the presence of was so warm and welcoming and fun,” Sparklle Thames, a makeup artist said.

Sparklle Thames in Guayama, Puerto Rico
Photo by: Lou Rod Cueva

“I feel like our industry is about glamour and vanity, but we have huge hearts and we like to make people feel good. That’s why I’m in the profession I’m in. There’s nothing better than seeing someone smile or giving them confidence or just making their day, and that’s why I was very excited to be part of this trip,” Brandy Castillo, a hairstylist told us.

Brandy Lazaro Castillo with the stylish Gloria Colón in Guayama, Puerto Rico.

She continued, “Being in Guayama was phenomenal. Everyone was so sweet, so kind and so open and so thankful. They were so patient, even after such a crisis and they were so loving and caring. It was a beautiful thing to see. I’m very blessed to be a part of this.”

Cueva, who launched his Boston-based company in 2010 added, “A lot of times when you think about giving service after such devastation, you think about rebuilding a home or getting water supplies or food supplies–those are the basic needs to survive. We’re not necessarily building houses here. We’re not in those types of industries or trades, but we were able to use a trade that we specialize in. We were able to create a project where we’re providing comfort, we’re providing luxury services that is the first that’s taken away from individuals because they’re trying to make ends meet.”

Photo by: Nathan Alan

And he’s right. Most people would never think of using skills like these artists have to volunteer after a natural disaster, which is what makes this effort that much more inspiring and remarkable.

Cueva explained how he came up with the idea.

“We were using a trade that doesn’t get a lot of respect sometimes,” he said. “We feel as a group there’s more to this story than just cosmetics it’s about looking good and feeling good. I think Dove has really championed that. These people were going weeks and weeks and weeks without taking a proper shower or having access to cosmetics or grooming supplies. Having them feel human again, and having them feel that pride–Puerto Ricans are very strong people. They take pride in their appearance. It can be hurtful to them when they don’t feel confident because of the devastation. We really wanted to bring that back to them and I think we achieved that goal.”

Cassandra Lisi Photo by: Lou Rod Cueva

In two days, the team serviced between 150-200 people, which included Jetblue employees who worked tirelessly to help people in Puerto Rico right after the hurricane hit the island.

MLR Artists giving free makeovers to a local community in Puerto Rico
Photo by: Nathan Alan

“What I have to offer is great. It doesn’t necessarily seem like an important thing, but it was important. I saw the look on these people’s faces. Me massaging lotion on their face and adding powder and some lipstick was important, almost as important as being able to build something with my hands,” Thames said.

One of the many sponsors who donated products for the event
Photo by: Nathan Alan

In addition to the complimentary grooming services and makeovers, several sponsors like UNITE, Color Wow, Pinrose Scents, Elizabeth Grady, The Cue, Blo Blow Dry Bar-Sound End, and Trinity Church of California donated items for gift bags that were given to people. And Jetblue Airways comped the artist’s flights to Puerto Rico.

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