The holiday shopping season typically kicks off on Black Friday, but with shipping delays, global supply chain issues, and large crowds expected at big-name retailers, experts are urging shoppers to shop early and shop local. Although online shopping has become the norm for many during the pandemic, supporting neighborhood businesses is convenient, reduces your environmental impact, and strengthens the local economy. Shopping local this holiday season can also mean supporting children, youth and families in our community that need it most.
Over 50 businesses in Ventura County have joined Homes with Heart VC’s Businesses with Heart (BWH-VC) initiative to support our youth-in-care and help keep our families together. Because of these incredible businesses, children, youth and their families receive discounts on products and services. Many Businesses with Heart partners, such as Original Tommy’s Hamburgers, also provide teens, older youth and their family members with mentorship, guidance, and employment opportunities.
“Being a Businesses with Heart partner is so rewarding as it allows us to be involved in the community and partner with other like-minded organizations that hold similar values,” said Karina Ajanel, Human Resources Generalist at Original Tommy’s Hamburgers, “Through providing jobs for older youth and their family members, we hope to provide meaningful hands-on experience and skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives.”
Businesses with Heart partners come from a diverse range of industries including automotive, education, food, real estate, retail, health and beauty, and more.
“We are so grateful to our Businesses with Heart partners for the impact they make on the youth and families in our community,” said Jaci Johnson, Program Coordinator III in Recruitment at County of Ventura, Human Services Agency, “Supporting these small businesses that give so much to our families in need is a wonderful way to put your money where your heart is this holiday season.”
To learn more about becoming a Businesses with Heart partner or to find a list of participating partners, please visit www.homeswithheartvc.org/bwh.
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About Homes with Heart VC
Homes with Heart VC is a progressive brand designed for Ventura County Children & Family Services. Recognized as a best practice leader statewide in the family recruitment and support component of child welfare, Ventura County Children & Family Services’ Homes with Heart VC was developed to increase the amount of loving resource families who are ready to take in children in need in Ventura County. This initiative provides resource families with ongoing support services, trauma-informed training, and mentorship to enhance the safety, permanency and well-being of Ventura County’s youth and families.
Learn how Ventura County Children and Family Services’ Homes with Heart VC is making a difference throughout Ventura County, www.homeswithheartvc.org.
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