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You can’t turn on your television, look at your smart phone, or power up your computer without being bombarded with information about coronavirus.   As overwhelming as it is, it’s understandable.   Globally, we’re experiencing something deeply unsettling.  This event is shaking up reality as we know it and, as humans, our brains are wired to try to make sense of the world around us.   So, in an attempt to understand it, we talk about it and consume and share information about…

According to the popular holiday song, it’s the most wonderful time of the year!   The time of year we are surrounded by family, gifts, and lots of food.   Although we often get caught up in the frenzy and celebration of it all, it is also the time of year we take a moment to reflect on the year gone by and count our blessings; finding moments of gratitude, warmth and comfort in this busy time of year. In the busyness…

This year marks our fifth year giving hope to children through our Back 2 School Program.   It is an honor to continue serving children and families in the South Florida area of the U.S. as well as in the Poltavskiy region of Ukraine. Education is one of the most powerful ways to reduce poverty in the long-term.  However, many families face hurdles that most of us cannot even imagine to providing their children with the tools and resources they need…

Yesterday was International Children’s Day and Heightened Hearts was, of course, ready to celebrate! Anyone who is familiar with our organization knows that children are our focus and at the heart of everything we do.   Nearly every program and every service we offer is with the future success and happiness of children in mind.  Though we do have programs for elderly with no family and some adults without children who are in very difficult situations, the core function of our…

Occasionally, I’m asked what gives me my motivation to do this work. Where did I learn the values and beliefs that drive me every day to do more, to provide more? This Mother’s Day, I recognize my own mother and the amazing job she did instilling in me the attributes that have helped me lead Heightened Hearts. I want to say “thank you” to her for all that she provided – without the influence of her on my life, Heightened…

As we sit and reflect on the work that Heightened Hearts has done this year, we can’t help but be amazed by the dedication of our wonderful and giving volunteers. None of our good deeds would be possible without the help of those who are more than willing to give back with no thought of receiving something in return. While many of our volunteers participate in “hands on” service – creating and distributing food baskets, helping make repairs to people’s…

The holidays can often be the most difficult time of the year for those in need.   It is during this time that Heightened Hearts strives to not only meet basic needs but, also to put a smile on the face of those we serve.   Thanks to our dedicated funders and volunteers, this year’s Holiday Program was no exception. Three times per year, in both South Florida, USA and Poltavskiy Region of Ukraine, we offer different versions of a food program. …

As the founder and director of Heightened Hearts, I have had the privilege of operating our foundation from our home office here in Miami, Florida. Much of the good work that we do takes place locally – however, as someone who came to Florida from the Ukraine, I know how deeply the people of my home country are in need of help as well. Luckily, friends of Heightened Hearts from around the world have stepped in, and we have been…