During Covid-19, socializing face-to-face was made incredibly difficult. Though everyone suffered from a lack of interaction, two groups that possibly felt it most were children and seniors, considering these two stages in life are usually high in active socializing....
Any big decision implies an investment and plenty of preparation. Planning a vacation, for example, requires thinking about where you want to go, where you’re going to stay and how much it will all cost, on a small scale. A well-organized trip leaves you lots of space...
There are many interesting sports you can do when reaching your golden years. Biking, trekking and walking are just a few examples. But, if you’re a competitive and playful folk, tennis might be the best option for you! Let’s check out some of its main benefits....
Have you been considering the idea of living in an active adult community? You may have gathered that these places tend to be calm, secure and harmonious neighborhoods, though it’s important to be informed about the specific regulations of ‘55+’ communities: 80% of...
Dogs are social and affectionate animals that adore human company, great for a retiree who wants to receive and give love. Also, they are proved to be great for one’s emotional and physical health. A walk in the park with a dog can change your mood for the rest of...
Happy Volunteer Week! In honor of this week dedicated to giving back, we wanted to share with you how are employees gave back this year!
Blue Heel Development and our employees are committed to celebrating and contributing to local organizations who make a positive impact on our community. With the challenges times many are facing this year, our employees each chose a charity to pay forward the generosity that we’ve received to benefit others.
“My family continues to support StepUp Ministry in Raleigh, a non-profit organization that teaches adults and children employment and life skills to develop stable careers and improve their lives. In such a challenging time for so many, StepUp and similar training organizations are ever more important to the people of our local communities.” – Whitt
StepUp inspires adults and children at economic risk to take responsibility for every aspect of their lives through holistic programs, meaningful relationships, and compassionate accountability.
The majority of StepUp financial support is from local individuals in Wake County. StepUp is an interfaith, ecumenical ministry that invite individuals of all backgrounds and beliefs to join our mission of adults and children transforming their lives through employment and life skills training.
“As longtime volunteers with the Interfaith Food Shuttle, our family chose to support their mission of helping our neighbors who are facing food insecurity. The organization provides hunger relief, community health education, urban learning gardens and agricultural education to our local community. “- Bryna
The Food Shuttle recovers and distributes nearly 6 million pounds of food per year, and teaches skills for self-sufficiency including culinary job skills, shopping, and cooking healthy on a budget, and how to grow food. Approximately 36% of what they distribute is fresh produce. This food comes from retail food donations, the Food Shuttle Farm, and volunteer food drives.
They feed people through programs such as BackPack Buddies, Mobile Markets, Grocery Bags for Seniors, School Pantries, our Mobile Tastiness Machine, and by partnering with over 100 local agencies in neighborhoods throughout their service area to reach people at their point of need.
“We are grateful that as a family our children have a safe home and are supported and encouraged to reach their full potential. Unfortunately, that’s not true for many youth in Raleigh. It’s difficult to comprehend the helpless feeling of being a child stuck in a terrible home circumstance without anywhere to turn to for help. This is why our family chose Haven House, which provides a place of refuge for young people in difficult circumstances. “ – Kyle
Haven House Services is the place where youth who need help find it. Founded in 1973, Haven House operates 11 programs that help more than 1,200 youth in need each year overcome their challenges and find a path to success. Whether they are experiencing homelessness, a crisis at home or school, gang involvement, or problems involving the juvenile justice system, they help youth identify their goals, connect with needed resources, and build skills needed for long-term success.
“We chose the YMCA because their mission is to empower young people and inspire action throughout communities. They work locally to provide resources to help children and adults build relationships and provide a better future for themselves and their families. The YMCA’s focus is in helping the community. We think the feeling of community is so important, especially now. We would like to help them in continuing their mission to give kids the opportunities we have and support them in making a better future for themselves” – Julie
Every day, the Y supports kids, adults, seniors, and families with programs that protect, teach, connect, heal, nourish and encourage. They are committed to help everyone reach their potential through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.