Are you doing your fair share?
Philanthropy is the lifeblood of nonprofits throughout our community and across the country. Kindness funds help to the homeless and downtrodden; children, who in many cases, would have to do without; medical and health support for so many who are out of other options; and so much more.
Our Spotlight on Philanthropy is designed to show you the inner workings of programs touching our community and, hopefully, encourage you to take a closer look.
Featured Charitable Organization:
What does Extraordinary Lives Foundation (ELF) do?
The mission of Extraordinary Lives Foundation (ELF) is to improve children’s mental health and wellness and support families by providing educational tools, resources and awareness events.
ELF encourages adults to recognize symptoms, overcome the stigma and reach out for help. Through prevention, early intervention and holistic treatment, ELF believes many of the big problems facing today’s youth can be transformed within a generation.
There are four primary ways that ELF helps improve the mental health of children and their families:
–Host mental health awareness events.
–Create therapeutic tools for children.
–Provide educational resources for parents, parents to be and teachers.
–Bridge the gap between traditional and holistic healing options.
Mental health affects everyone, at all ages in all walks of life. ELF’s multifaceted approach is particularly focused on children but is designed to also reach families and their communities.
How many people are serviced and who are they?
ELF donates hundreds of Piggie Bear tools to several different children’s nonprofit organizations that serve at-risk youth including Families Forward, CASA, Laura’s House, YMCA, Illumination Foundation, CHOC Children’s Hospital, Camp Pendleton and Strong Families, Strong Children.
Click on photo for a larger image
Courtesy of Extraordinary Lives Foundation
(L-R) Rachel Popplewell, Sapphira Ha Roberson and Mara James when ELF donated 300 “The Power of Piggie Bear” books to Miracles for Kids
What services are available?
Currently, ELF provides The Power of Piggie Bear book and a Piggie Bear stuffed animal to help support children’s emotional wellness.
The HUGS for Life Healing Center is in the developmental stage and will bridge the gap between medical professionals and accredited holistic healers. The facility will be available to all wishing to seek holistic healing options to conquer their mental health challenges and ELF will raise funds to offer treatment options to low-income children and their families.
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Courtesy of Extraordinary Lives Foundation
(L-R) Mara James and Crystal Wishart when ELF donated 25 “The Power of Piggie Bear” coloring books to Laura’s House
Why give to ELF?
Now more than ever, children’s mental health challenges are on the rise. Your donation will directly benefit vulnerable children in need and will help increase their emotional intelligence and mental well-being.
How can you give to the ELF?
Donations are accepted via the nonprofit’s website at www.elfempowers.org and checks can be mailed to ELF, 26800 Crown Valley Parkway, Suite 460, Mission Viejo, CA 92691.
Can someone volunteer? If so, how? What opportunities are available?
Yes! ELF is always looking for volunteers to assist in outreach, miscellaneous projects and to “high five” attendees at their Mental Health Awareness events.
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Courtesy of YMCA at Hidden Hills, Laguna Niguel
ELF donated 50 “The Power of Piggie Bear” books and plush toys to the YMCA. The author Mara James read the book and Kim Gubner sang the “Piggie Bear I am Amazing” song.
Please describe any internal clubs, partnerships, leagues, college programs, etc.
Early Childhood OC, UCI, CHOC Children’s, First 5, United Healthcare and CalOptima.
What are the major fundraisers and when are they?
ELF hosts annual comedy night fundraisers and mental health awareness events. This year the nonprofit is also considering hosting a mental health awareness concert. Dates are TBD as well as virtual or hybrid/in person.
Names of the leadership group
ELF Board Members
Mara James – Founder & CEO
Rachel Popplewell – Vice Chairman
Martha Bowers – Secretary
Dan Zinn – Treasurer
Amy Betonte – General Member
Dr. Kevin Alexandar DBH, LPCC – General Member
Damion Young – Attorney
Lauren Perry McVicker – General Member
Jennifer Annes – General Member
Albert Ramos – General Member
ELF Advisory Board Members\
Dr. Kenneth James, M.D. OB/GYN and collaborator
Dr. Adrienne Matros, Psy.D. & Mental Health Advocate
Dr. Brett Patterson, Ph.D. CEU/CME Webinar Presenter
Dr. Lina Ponder, Psy.D. PPS, Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Jessica Borelli, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychological Science, UC Irvine
Sandy Avzaradel, Director, Early Childhood OC, ELF Advisory Board Member and moderator for webinars
Hoda Shawky, NP, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Susan Kenny, CASA Employee and ELF Advisory Board Member
Renata Ururahy, Dietician and Holistic Therapist
Amy Hamilton, Business Adviser
Sheryl Erani, Meeting Planner
Naresh Worlikar, Business Executive
Randi Johnson, Marketing Consultant
Carrie Cesario, Transpersonal Hypnotherapist
Chris DiFonso, MBA, Finance Professional
ELF
26800 Crown Valley Parkway, Suite 460
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
949.484.9366
Every small step can make a BIG difference!
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