Heartworks in Action
The impact of showing up with acts of kindness
For over 20 years, Heartworks has been showing up in the spirit of compassion and connection. Our community of women are committed to looking inward at our own life struggles while giving outward in simple ways to families in the throws of life’s fragility. All women are welcome at our monthly Heartworks meetings to reconnect to themselves and offer love to the families who have been referred to us. The ways we show up are always personal to whatever a family could use most at any given time.
We only want to do what feels helpful! We begin by listening— to the family or someone who knows them well. Then we show up in whatever way will make even the smallest issue just a bit easier. Bagels that arrive on the front steps at the right moment, a driveway cleared during a snowstorm, a house cleaner showing up on the days of treatment, a handwritten note with a check for medical bills or parking and tolls paid for hospital trips.
Handwritten Notes
After 9/11 the handwritten notes received were like life preservers. Especially now in such an electronic age, we like to be old school and offer the power of handwritten connection.
Always Candle
The first Christmas after 9/11 when the Farrell’s were trying to get through the day, they lit a candle for John and carried it from room to room. There was magic in this. These are replicates of that candle and idea.
POSSIBLE PARTIES
We help when celebrations are necessary during seemingly impossible times of illness or grief (birthdays, graduations, holidays etc.)
Personal Gifts
Heartworks gives specific gifts connected to what a family could use at any given time and that helps in personal ways .
A Family Trip
This gives people something to look forward to and creates memories during hard times.
Holiday Decorating
In the Fall of 2001 Megan’s sister wanted the front stoop to have mums and pumpkins for the kids like they were used to, but who has the bandwidth for this during crisis? We take care of it.
Learning to be a Heartworker in Your Own Life
It is important to us that people learn to open their hearts in their own lives. Because we are so often asked how to do this work, we have created a list of ways to be a Heartworker when illness or grief affects someone you know. Share this list with friends, family anyone who wants to add a new dimension to their lives.
Slow down. Look inward. Be Intentional. Give from your own life experience. And pay attention to what unfolds.
Heartworks Meetings
Heartworks is a place for women to come and regain perspective, step out of the chaos and heal their deep- est struggles through receiving and giving. We join together during the year to pray over gifts, learn from one another and give to families in need.
Heartworks Fundraising
It is part of our work to sustain relationships with our generous donors by creating Heartwarming events throughout the year. These events are our biggest source of fund-raising and a chance to involve the whole community in the spirit of Heartworks..
Our Local Veterans
We support our active military and veterans as we owe everything to these men and women, and as a 9/11 based organization, we honor our local veterans when- ever we can. Specifically for the week before Memorial Day and Veterans Day and at our local VFW chapter at their monthly meetings.