This year has flown by and I cannot believe we are starting to prepare for the holiday season. Despite all the sadness, anxiety, and uncertainty during the pandemic we have remained vigilant in sustaining our programs and expanding our opportunities. So, as I reflect, I feel incredibly blessed since we reached our goals and more. This comes from the amazing support we have received from our donors, our educational sponsor, RF-LAMBDA, and our partner organizations.
I recently had the opportunity to tour the future site of our first retreat for spouses in North Carolina. We are partnering with an amazing organization, Eagle Rock Camp which serves veterans and their families struggling with trauma. Lynn, the founder, and President is a fellow widow with whom I instantly connected through our shared experiences, faith, an immense desire to give back. This will be Eagle Rock’s first retreat for the Surviving spouse community, and I am excited for the curriculum we are creating as well as the possibilities to grow this program.
Additionally, we have two new opportunities for our spouses. First, from a dear friend and another fellow widow. Susan Hannifin-McNab, an author, educator, and social worker is offering both personal and group support sessions for our spouses dealing with trauma and grief. Susan created the A2Z Toolbox to assist survivors dealing with loss. Susan will join our free Coaching Program with Sarah Davis as a means of providing career, educational and emotional support to our spouses. Additionally, we are working with Patriots Path to provide a Career Transition course specifically for Gold Star/Surviving spouses. This is a wonderful addition to our work because it will serve as an excellent resource for our spouses looking to rejoin the workforce, contemplating a career change, or simply exploring employment options.
With the holiday season approaching, we are very grateful to share we will once again be the recipient of the Merry Margaritas Auction Fundraiser. If you or your business would like to contribute with an auction item, please contact Admin@thesugarbearfoundation.org. Additionally, we are also seeking donations for our holiday gift card drive. Funds will again be used to purchase gift cards for our families that are in need this holiday season.
Finally, we are thrilled to announce Gold Star daughter, Sarah Lee is our 2021 RF-LAMBDA Memorial Scholarship recipient. We are so happy to assist Sarah with her educational endeavors. Please make sure to check out Sarah’s story. If you are a Gold Star son or daughter needing assistance with your educational goals, make sure to check out the requirements. None of this would be possible without the incredible support we receive from RF-LAMBDA. Aside from the scholarship, they help us provide virtual tutoring, college consulting, and this month’s College Planning Workshop among other opportunities.
As always, thank you for helping us continue Sugar Bear’s legacy of service while giving back to the families who have given their all. If you would like to provide some specific support or have an idea to assist us with our mission, please contact Admin@thesugarbearfoundation.org.
Thank you,
Jennifer Carazo
Gold Star wife and President/CEO
