Creating a Chain Reaction of Positivity

November is National Gratitude Month and it encourages us to embrace the power of gratitude. Gratitude helps people refocus on what they have instead of what they lack. According to the Health University of Utah, research shows that people who express gratitude are more likely to share with others freely, offer emotional support and assistance, and forgive more willingly. When showing you appreciate someone, you are encouraging them to respond in nice ways towards others creating a chain reaction of positivity.

This is what SPIRITT families had to say about us:

• We want to thank all the people that makes this possible. It's a lot of help for everyone thank you. And God bless all the staff.
• Muchas gracias por este apoyo y ayuda que nos brindan y esperamos que sigan ayudando a muchas personas y ninos como nosotros. (Thank you very much for the support you offer and i hope you continue helping many more people and children like us. )

Here are some ways you can cultivate gratitude today:

• Land Acknowledgment: Recognize that we occupy land originally and still inhabited and cared for by Native American Tribes. LA County is still inhabited and cared for by the Tongva, Tataviam, Serrano, Kizh and Chumash Peoples.
• Self-appreciation: Daily, practice saying five good thins about yourself. It may be awkward or difficult at first, but over time it will become easier.
• Make someone feel special: Tell a person how much you value and appreciate them.
• Find a gratitude buddy: Find someone to share your daily practice with. Set aside a few minutes a few times a week to share what you are grateful for.

Each year, SPIRITT provides essential social services to more than 13,000 economically and socially vulnerable children and families. SPIRITT offers programs in three key categories: Integrated Behavioral Programs, builds parent skills and resiliency, and connects families to community resources. SPIRITT's continuum of care services include therapy, educational programing, in-home family based services and community outreach.

Here are a few simple ways you can positively impact SPIRITT Families today. Consider making a financial contribution to SPIRITT so we can continue providing valuable life changing services.

• Adopt a SPIRITT Family for the holidays and provide holiday gifts and or food.
• Organize a Toy or Food drive for SPIRITT Families.
• Donate gift cards that SPIRITT families can use this holiday season. (Amazon, Target, Walmart, Stater Bros. gas cards, fast food restaurants).

For more information please contact: Brenda Olivas, Community Development Manager, at (562) 783-9160 or email at brendao@spiritt.org.