Have you heard Rachel Platten's "Fight Song?" It's a huge summer hit and makes me feel all kids of powerful every time I listen to it (see below for the embedded video)!
There's a line in the chorus: I might only have one match, but I can make an explosion. Fight Song reminds us that a single word can make a heart open and that a small boat on the ocean can send big waves into |
In my first ever feature on an individual person, I'm so excited to share Michele Rosa's story. I met Michele through the Life Vest Inside Kindness Ambassador group (learn more about the group here!). As we shared messages, I realized that she is the perfect example of the person Rachel Platten sings about-- someone who uses her match to start an explosion of inspiration.
When her stepson died from health issues caused by multiple suicide attempts, Michele started the Brad Sargent Mental Health Charitable Institute to help others heal by raising awareness about mental health issues, expanding access to early identification of these disorders and helping to increase family involvement in the mental health of children. She explains:
Brad battled depression and bipolar after his mom died and the system failed him. We did everything we could, but he would either check himself out of facilities or they didn't think he needed help and would use that revolving door. We turned the tragedy of his death into helping others and it helps us heal. We are still mourning the loss, but now we are also helping people in Brad's name."
In June, the group took part in a Zumba and Line Dancing event to stop Elder Abuse. Funds supported the Kasem Cares Foundation. In July, the group has been collecting pajamas for Lala & Mimi's Pajama Project. Created by a pair of twin sisters (who were in the 4th grade!), the organization collects new pajamas to provide to New Jersey children ages newborn to 18. With 19% of New Jersey children living under the poverty line, these girls wanted to make sure their peers had the simple comfort of a pair of cozy pajamas at bedtime.
Now, Michele is relocating out of state-- and is bringing with her the goal of not only continuing her initiatives in New Jersey-- but expanding them in her new home of Louisiana as well. Talk about a woman on a mission!
If you'd like to support Give Back Girls NJ or the Brad Sargent Mental Health Charitable Institute, please visit the websites (linked above) or Facebook pages (linked here). Michele has also generously offered to serve as a resource if you are looking to get a similar community/service group started in your area! You can reach her by email here.