 |
In this issue: 
|
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of welcoming a group of our Santa Rosa site's neighbors for a visit. We invited them to learn more about Ceres and our program in Santa Rosa, and to taste our food.
After we talked, and they enjoyed their lunch, Kevin and Clare, two of the Teen Leaders who'd helped prepare the beautiful, delicious and nourishing meal, stepped in to introduce themselves. Kevin and Clare shared with us some of the ways they as Teen Leaders help the Santa Rosa kitchen run smoothly. Kevin told us he's grateful for what he's learned about how to be a leader in the kitchen. Clare shared that she's used what she's learned at Ceres to change the way she eats, and that she is healthier as a result.
After they left, I asked our guests what they'd thought about the food. The reactions were very positive, with a number of people expressing their surprise at how delicious our signature Beet Burgers were (despite their initial skepticism). But for many of the guests, Clare and Kevin impressed them more than the food. The teens' stories, commitment to making a difference (they've both served for more than two years) and ease in front of a crowd all shone.
Thank you for all you do to support Clare, Kevin, and 400 more amazing youth to find their place in our community and to become the leaders our world so needs.
In Gratitude,
Cathryn Couch
Executive Director
|
|
Nutrition to Manage Pain and Lower Inflammation
|
|
by Thais Harris, NC
Nutrition Education Manager, Ceres Community Project
One major reason for pain is inflammation (inflammation also precedes development of diabetes, auto-immune conditions and other diseases - even cancer). So taking a look at inflammation and doing everything we can to reduce it is of extreme importance today, especially since inflammation can be largely attributed to our modern lifestyle. "Specifically, dietary triggers (fructose, wheat and industrial seed oils), stress, poor sleep, gut dysbiosis and environmental toxins all cause inflammation on their own. When combined together, they are an explosive mix" (Chris Kresser, 2010).....
Read the full article here.
|
|
Recipe of the Month
|
|
 |
Roasted Curried
Cauliflower & Squash
Here's a tasty anti-inflammatory recipe that you can easily incorporate into your diet.
We love to hear from you when you've tried our recipes. You can post your experiences here on our
Facebook page.
|
|
Free Nutrition for Wellness Classes
|
West County Health Clinic patients can take advantage of free Nutrition for Wellness Classes offered by Ceres.
Classes are now at a new location in Sebastopol's Gravenstein Health Center. |
 |
If you're a patient of the West County Health Clinics, call (707) 887-0290
and sign up for the classes - they are free for patients!
Come learn about topics like "Eating to Manage your Blood Sugar," "Whole Foods Diet on a Budget" and more, plus enjoy a healthy snack.
_____________________________________________________
|
Share Your Ceres Experience
|
|
Take 5 minutes to rate Ceres, and you'll help more donors and volunteers choose Ceres.
Great Nonprofits is like the Yelp of the nonprofit world.
Share your experience as a volunteer, client or donor and you can inspire others to join in and widen the circle of people working together to build community, mentor youth and nourish our neighbors in health crisis.
|
|
|
|
Volunteer Appreciation Party
|
|
|
Chef Tina leads volunteers through the new Santa Rosa kitchen.
Photo by Kim Stuffelbeam
|
Ceres just wouldn't be Ceres without the hundreds of volunteers who share their skills and time every single week in our kitchens, office and garden. Our volunteers are the heart of Ceres, and the reason our clients feel the love and care of their community as the navigate the rocky territory of critical illness.
Once a year, we put on a party to celebrate our fabulous volunteers. It's an afternoon filled with good cheer and camaraderie, and of course, with great food!
Thanks to the incredible dedication and generosity of our volunteers, Ceres touches an ever-growing circle of clients and their families, plus young people, with nourishment, connection, new skills and better health.
Huge thanks to each and every one of our volunteers at all of our locations.
If you or someone you know are interested in becoming an
adult or
youth volunteer, click the green links to find out more.
|
|
Santa Rosa Kitchen Adds 3rd Cooking Day
|
Just a few months in at one of our newest program sites, we've added a third meal program cooking day on Mondays, allowing more teens a chance to get into the kitchen this summer and prepare meals for their neighbors.
At the moment, we have about 50 teens who are active in the Santa Rosa program we launched in February. These teens prepare hundreds of beautiful organic meals each week to nourish 25 local families who are in a health crisis.
Also this week, we hosted three gatherings for office and residential neighbors to come and learn more about Ceres, and to taste our food. We're grateful for the warm welcome from the Santa Rosa community.
How exciting! Stay tuned for more to come from our growing Santa Rosa site.
|
Teen Leader Meeting
|
|
|
|
Teen Leader meeting circle activity
|
At Ceres, youth who've been volunteering for at least a year have a chance to become Teen Leaders. Being a Teen Leader is an important role and encompasses many different responsibilities, one of which is representing Ceres at events and meetings.
Teen Leaders receive special training at bimonthly meetings. This month our Communications Director, Deborah Ramelli, attended and led a discussion and activities to help teens get comfortable with speaking about Ceres in public. Exercises were tailored to help teens speak about our organization in a way that best represents their own experience and passion, while also accurately and completely describing what we do at Ceres.
In addition to these regular meetings, we hold an annual retreat for Teen Leaders, and two Teen Leaders sit as full voting members of our Board of Directors. Teens play an active role in shaping and sustaining Ceres, and making it a welcoming and empowering place for new teens coming into the program.
Find out more about volunteer opportunities for youth here.
|
|
Deborah leads the teens in a speaking exercise
.
Photos by Kim Stuffelbeam
|
|
Hops For Crops
|
 |
|
|
Photo by Joyful Braun
|
This summer, Lagunitas has generously chosen to benefit Ceres through their Hops for Crops program at select local farmers' markets.
In addition to their renowned beer, chic tote bags (perfect for eco-shopping) with the Hops for Crops emblem (see right) will also be available for purchase. And all the proceeds benefit Ceres!
Hops for Crops is only this summer, so don't miss a chance to go! Pick a farmers' market location near you and stop by the Lagunitas stand.
We hope to see you there!
Thank you Lagunitas, for choosing Ceres to "put the profit back into [our] nonprofit". For more info on Hops for Crops event dates and farmers' market locations, click through to our Hops for Crops page.
|
Summer is here! This season, if you find yourself craving a delicious salad, check out your local Whole Foods Market deli case and look for the "This Meal Heals" label. Salads with this label are adapted from recipes in our Nourishing Connections Cookbook, and every pint purchased generates a $1.00 donation to Ceres.
Stores throughout Northern California and also Reno, NV participate in this unique program.
Support Ceres and enjoy a healthy and delectable treat. What could be better?
Don't see our salads? Ask your local Whole Foods Market to start carrying them today!
|
Quote from Our Client Ilana
|
 |
|
" Thank you to all the angels and fabulous people at Ceres. You saved my life. The project is terrific. I was 95 lbs 5'7" when I started. I'm now 115 lbs. It pulled me through a very tough period of my life. I can't imagine how I would have gotten through this without all of these great, kind people. My eating habits have changed and I'm mostly a vegetarian now and get my protein from legumes and other sources. Meat is way too expensive for me so this is a win/win situation."
|
|
Upcoming Classes & Events
Please note the location of events, as this calendar lists events for our Alameda, San Rafael, Santa Rosa and Sebastopol locations.
You can also find our events listed on our website
here.
___________________________________________________
|
|
Volunteer Orientation - Santa Rosa
6:00 - 7:00 pm
Take the first step towards becoming part of the Ceres volunteer family.
If you are interested in attending, please visit the volunteer pages to learn more and register. Registration opens the first day of the month of that orientation
. (Parents of teens need not register.)
Invite friends on Facebook!
___________________________
__________________________
|
Healing Foods Basics - Sebastopol
6:00 - 8:00 pm
This class offers an overview of Ceres' nutrient-rich approach to healthy eating while providing a fun environment and loving community.
Healing Foods Basics is open to the public.
Space is limited, so please register early.
♥ Whole food nutrition basics
♥ Shopping strategies
♥ Foods to add and to avoid
♥ Eating well on a budget
♥ Healthy lifestyle choices
Space is limited, so please register early.
Invite friends on Facebook!
_____________________________________________________
|
|
|
Healing Foods Basics -En Espanol!
(Comidas Curativas Basicas) - Santa Rosa
6:00 - 8:00 pm
This class offers an overview of Ceres' nutrient-rich approach to healthy eating while providing a fun environment and loving community.
Healing Foods Basics is open to the public.
Space is limited, so please register early.
|
♥ Whole food nutrition basics
♥ Shopping strategies
♥ Foods to add and to avoid
♥ Eating well on a budget
♥ Healthy lifestyle choices
Healing Foods Basics is open to the public.
Space is limited, so please register early.
Healing Foods Basics details and registration here.
Invite friends on Facebook!
_____________________________________________________
|
Adult Volunteer Orientation - San Rafael
5:00 - 6:00 pm
Ceres continues to grow in Marin County, and invites adults to attend an orientation to learn about the volunteer roles.
This orientation will take place at:
Ceres Marin Kitchen
4308 Redwood Highway, Suite 100
San Rafael, CA 94903
Note: The kitchen is in "The Vineyard" on Frontage Road between Freitas Parkway and Smith Ranch Road.
Reservations are essential due to space limitations.
Call 415-488-5053 or email
[email protected]
Invite friends on Facebook!
____________________________________________________
_
|
Youth Volunteer Orientation - San Rafael
5:00 - 6:00 pm
Ceres continues to grow in Marin County, and invites teens to attend an orientation to learn about the volunteer roles.
This orientation will take place at:
Ceres Marin Kitchen
4308 Redwood Highway, Suite 100
San Rafael, CA 94903
Note: The kitchen is in "The Vineyard" on Frontage Road between Freitas Parkway and Smith Ranch Road.
Reservations are essential due to space limitations.
Please contact Rebecca Schilling, Teen Program Coordinator, to reserve your space at 415-450-5251 or email [email protected]
Invite friends on Facebook!
____________________________________________________
_
|
Volunteer Orientation - Sebastopol
6:00 - 7:00 pm
Take the first step towards becoming part of the Ceres volunteer family. If you are interested in attending, please visit the volunteer pages to learn more and register. Registration opens the first day of the month of that orientation
. (Parents of teens need not register.)
Invite friends on Facebook!
___________________________
__________________________
|
|
|
|
Aug
24 |
|
Rupa & The April Fishes - Freestone Benefit Concert
6:00 - 9:00 pm
Rupa & the April Fishes, a multi-lingual, world fusion band, are performing an evening benefit concert for Ceres. The concert will be held at the beautiful Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary. Tickets are all-inclusive with dinner catered by Ceres, wine from Thumbprint Cellars, and Cedar Enzyme Footbaths provided by Osmosis.
This event will take place at:
Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary
209 Bohemian Highway,
Freestone, CA 95472
Reservations are essential due to space limitations.
Invite friends on Facebook!
____________________________________________________
_
|
Youth Volunteer Orientation - San Rafael
5:00 - 6:00 pm
Ceres continues to grow in Marin County, and invites teens to attend an orientation to learn about the volunteer roles.
This orientation will take place at:
Ceres Marin Kitchen
4308 Redwood Highway, Suite 100
San Rafael, CA 94903
Note: The kitchen is in "The Vineyard" on Frontage Road between Freitas Parkway and Smith Ranch Road.
Reservations are essential due to space limitations.
Please contact Rebecca Schilling, Teen Program Coordinator, to reserve your space at 415-450-5251 or email
[email protected]
Invite friends on Facebook!
____________________________________________________
_
|
Healing Foods Essentials at Sonoma Valley Hospital
6:00 - 8:00 pm
If you have already taken the Healing Foods Basics class and would like to know more, this class is for you.
In this class, we will delve a little deeper into:
♥ Anti-inflammatory Foods
♥ Fats: which to use and how to cook them properly
♥ Managing your blood sugar
This class involves a hands-on portion, and we will make a healthy dish together!
Healing Foods Essentials is open to those who have taken a Healing Foods Basics class.
Space is limited, so please register early.
Invite friends on Facebook!
_____________________________________________________
|
Harvest of the Heart
|
|
|
Sept 17
|
|
5:00 - 9:00 pm
Join us for our biggest fundraising event of the year: Harvest of the Heart, in the beautiful Ceres Community Garden, Sebastopol. This country fair themed celebration will have you tapping your toes as you wander through our garden reception enjoying small plates from local chefs--and Ceres own Teen Chefs--paired with Sonoma County's finest beverages. Bid in the Silent Auction, or try your hand at the Cake Walk.
Then, be seated for a harvest season feast under the stars, prepared and served by Ceres teens and Daniel Kedan of Backyard Restaurant, Forestville. Thrill to a Live Auction including an Un-Belize-able vacation package, A VIP Warriors package, and much more.
_____________________________________________________
|
Volunteer Orientation - Sebastopol
6:00 - 7:00 pm
Take the first step towards becoming part of the Ceres volunteer family. If you are interested in attending, please visit the volunteer pages to learn more and register. Registration opens the first day of the month of that orientation
. (Parents of teens need not register.)
Invite friends on Facebook!
___________________________
__________________________
|
Youth Volunteer Orientation - San Rafael
5:00 - 6:00 pm
Ceres continues to grow in Marin County, and invites teens to attend an orientation to learn about the volunteer roles.
This orientation will take place at:
Ceres Marin Kitchen
4308 Redwood Highway, Suite 100
San Rafael, CA 94903
Note: The kitchen is in "The Vineyard" on Frontage Road between Freitas Parkway and Smith Ranch Road.
Reservations are essential due to space limitations.
Please contact Rebecca Schilling, Teen Program Coordinator, to reserve your space at 415-450-5251 or email
[email protected]
Invite friends on Facebook!
____________________________________________________
_
|
Healing Foods Basics - Sebastopol
6:00 - 8:00 pm
This class offers an overview of Ceres' nutrient-rich approach to healthy eating while providing a fun environment and loving community.
Healing Foods Basics is open to the public.
Space is limited, so please register early.
♥ Whole food nutrition basics
♥ Shopping strategies
♥ Foods to add and to avoid
♥ Eating well on a budget
♥ Healthy lifestyle choices
Space is limited, so please register early.
Invite friends on Facebook!
_____________________________________________________
|
More Ways to Support Ceres
|
|
*Join Our Kale Club*
Become one of our monthly donors and you'll automatically be enrolled in our Kale Club.
Kale Club membership perks include a monthly email with a collection of delicious and healthy recipes from the Ceres kitchen!
|
*Purchase the Ceres Cookbook*
Ceres'
Nourishing Connections Cookbook is filled with
delicious and healthy recipes...
PLUS read about how Ceres came to be, and benefit from the extensive section outlining Ceres' Food Philosophy and hands on strategies to empower you to make healthy change in your life. More details and sample recipes here.
|
*Whole Foods*
Visit Whole Foods Market and enjoy a delicious, healthy deli salad or soup adapted from Ceres' Nourishing Connections Cookbook.
Ceres receives a $1.00 donation for every pint purchased. Look for special signage in these Whole Foods locations:
Santa Rosa (Yulupa)
Coddingtown
Sebastopol
Petaluma
Sonoma
Blithedale
Novato
Mill Valley
San Rafael
Napa
and other Northern California locations!
|
*Community Cards*
Earn funds for Ceres when you shop at Oliver's Markets, Petaluma Market, Fircrest and other local markets.
Pick up your eScrip Community Card the next time you shop, and designate Ceres as your beneficiary. The markets will donate 3-5% of your spending to us.
|
*AmazonSmile*
You can easily support Ceres through the purchases you already make on Amazon.com.
Visit Smile.Amazon.com to choose Ceres as your beneficiary organization and then access Amazon via Smile.Amazon.com every time you shop.
The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Ceres.
|
|
|
OPERATING PRINCIPLES
Heart Centered & Love Guided
We are committed to expressing love, trust, respect and integrity in our lives, work and organization.
Everything Matters
Nothing is left out. We work to have every action and choice lead to the greatest positive impact.
Young People are the Future
Young People are intelligent, responsible, capable, creative and caring, and must be central participants in shaping our collective future.
The Universe has a Purpose
Everything is connected, and life continually invites us to experience gratitude, abundance, connection, community and healing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
