APRIL 2025 NEWSLETTER

Hearts Aligned provides financial assistance, family support and advocacy to low-income families with a critically ill child and living in Santa Barbara County.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT

As we move into spring, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended and supported our 3rd Annual Hearts to Hearts Valentine’s Luncheon. Thanks to your incredible generosity, we raised over $200,000—a milestone that will allow us to continue providing much needed financial assistance and family support to low-income families in Santa Barbara County who are caring for a child with a serious illness.


As we enter April, we are already supporting over 35 new families in the first three months of this year. Unfortunately, illnesses that impact children do not take a break but we are here to make sure that families get the support they may need during these difficult times. Your support helps us do just that!


Recently, we were one of six nonprofit organizations to receive a grant from Dignity Health (Common Spirit) for their Community Health Improvement Project. Read below how we will be making an impact with North County families.


We are fortunate to have the support of 2 wonderful organizations that are helping Hearts Aligned raise funds for families. Grassini Family Vineyards and the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors (SBAOR) are both sponsoring events throughout the year that will benefit Hearts Aligned.


April is National Volunteer Month! We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible volunteers who make our mission possible. Your dedication, compassion, and generosity bring hope and support to families navigating the challenges of having a critically ill child. 


We are deeply grateful for your continued belief in our mission and for standing by our side as we expand our reach to serve even more families in need.


With gratitude,



Vivian Solodkin

Visit heartsaligned.org

DIGNITY HEALTH

COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

Dignity Health Central Coast recently awarded $468,000 in funding to six nonprofit organizations serving San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties, and we are thrilled to announce that Hearts Aligned was one of the recipients!


With this generous grant, Hearts Aligned will provide comprehensive services to 50 North County families with a critically ill child. In addition to offering up to $2,500 in financial assistance per family, we are deepening our collaboration with three valued partners to expand our support:



  • Mothers' Helpers will supply essential baby items such as strollers, cribs, car seats, and clothing.


  • LEAP will work with us to provide diapers through their diaper bank, helping families manage this often costly necessity.


  • Family Service Agency will offer counseling and family support for those seeking additional emotional and mental health resources.


These partnerships will strengthen the safety net for families, demonstrating the power of a community coming together during challenging times. We are excited to continue making a lasting impact and look forward to sharing the positive outcomes with you!



2025 GRASSINI GIVES BACK

Grassini Family Vineyards has chosen Hearts Aligned as their 2025 Charity as part of their Grassini Gives Back. We are hoping to raise $75,000 through this fundraising effort! 


Grassini Gives Back is their annual fundraising initiative dedicated to supporting local nonprofits that make a real impact in the lives of those in need. Since its inception, this program has raised nearly $870,000 for a variety of incredible organizations.


Fundraising efforts will take place throughout the year! Visit one of their tasting rooms in downtown Santa Barbara or the Santa Ynez Estate and purchase one of their featured wines that impacts the work we are doing at Hearts Aligned.


Visit Grassini Family Vineyards for more information

https://www.grassinifamilyvineyards.com/grassini-gives-back

Grassini Give Back Campaign

2025 SBAOR GOLF TOURNAMENT

The Santa Barbara Association of Realtors is hosting their Beach Party Charity Golf Tournament on May 30, 2025 at Glen Annie Golf Course.


This is an opportunity to partner with SBAOR and support Hearts Aligned. All proceeds earned from the tournament will benefit Hearts Aligned families with critically ill children.


Sponsorships are available at their website and there are still spots for foursomes to play (Seas the Day Sponsorship)!

SBAOR Golf Tournament

HYPOALDOSTERONISM

Have you heard of hypoaldosteronism? Many have not as it is a rare pediatric metabolic disorder that affects the body's ability to regulate sodium and potassium levels, leading to imbalances that can have serious consequences. Children with this rare disorder children can experience dehydration, low blood pressure, and life-threatening complications if not managed properly.


Adrian is one of those babies born with this condition. He has been hospitalized several times since birth with all the symptoms described but also becoming alarmingly lethargic.


Managing hypoaldosteronism requires lifelong medical care, frequent doctor visits, and strict adherence to medication and dietary guidelines. For low-income families, the cost of treatment including transportation to specialized medical facilities, and daily management can be overwhelming.


For Adrian and his mom, the strain has been very challenging because mom, doesn't have a car which means she often doesn't get to the hospital until several days later. The emotional toll of not being by her son's side is immense, leaving her feeling helpless.


Hearts Aligned has helped Adrian and his mom with transportation referrals, baby items, diapers and other household expenses. We

provide essential support for families dealing with pediatric illnesses, including rare metabolic disorders like hypoaldosteronism. By offering financial aid, emotional support, and access to essential resources, we ensure that no family has to face these challenges alone. Your donations help us continue this crucial work.


Together, we can improve the lives of children with hypoaldosteronism and other critical illnesses while also providing hope for their families.

 

Hearts Aligned Inc. | 805-679-5505 | www.heartsaligned.org

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