Easter is known as a season of renewal and rebirth, if you will, and our work with surviving spouses and children is no different. We are constantly looking to improve and add to the programs and opportunities we provide our families. From a personal standpoint I try to incorporate my experiences within the educational realm and as a parent to make sure we are assisting in a way that will provide unique programs that are needed within the Gold Star community… Programs that are at the heart of our mission and focus on career, educational and financial initiatives. As such, there is currently a lot going on behind the scenes of the Sugar Bear Foundation. Through support from our amazing scholarship sponsor, RF-LAMBDA, we are working on a new national STEM program for Gold Star children/teens and an educational support page. Additionally, a support page for Gold Star spouses by their fellow survivors and consultants that will address their interests, challenges, and even provide some sources of inspiration!
As an organization, it is important we not only refine our existing programs but are constantly evolving. This is important as we look for the best ways to serve our families and meet their ongoing needs. So, we have added our new Gold Star Registry Application. The Registry will serve as a means of providing direct communication and making sure our families know of new and ongoing opportunities that are tailored to their specific needs.
We are seeing success and a growing interest with many of our opportunities, such as the Coaching Scholarship, Tutoring, Resume and Financial Assistance Programs. Within this newsletter we featured some of our Coaching Scholarship recipients in honor of Gold Star Spouses Day. To say these women are amazing would be an understatement as they exhibit courage and resiliency in their life after loss. True heroes in their own rights and I am honored to have had the opportunity to work with them.
Through careful research, we knew our Financial Assistance Program was needed in our community and we spent the last few years directing our fundraising towards the goal of launching this program. We were not only correct in our assessment but since the program’s inception we have been able to help by making payments towards, rent, car repairs, utility, tax, credit card, and medical bills. We are happy to provide this assistance as a means of not only recognizing the sacrifices these families have made but to also help remove any burdens due to losing their heroes. Our next goal is to add a similar program for Gold Star children, and we look forward to sharing soon.
None of our endeavors would be possible without the support we receive both through financial means and the volunteers that assist us through our Ambassador Program. I am personally grateful to these Marines and civilian friends who serve by sharing our mission and the Sugar Bear Memorial Virtual Run event information. Mario constantly reminded me to count our blessings and to always look at the positive side of life. I am so blessed for these wonderful individuals who are truly helping us grow. It also does not hurt to have the absolute best team of consultants and Board Members. Yes, I am lucky!
As always, I welcome you to join our mission by reaching out with any ideas or assistance you may be able provide. If you haven’t already, we hope you will sign up for Sugar Bear’s Virtual Memorial Run as a means of supporting programs for Marines, Gold Star spouses and children. In doing so you help us honor Sugar Bear’s legacy of service in a truly impactful manner.
Thank you,
Jennifer Carazo
Gold Star spouse and Chairman
