Greetings,

 

      

 

     I love July 4th because of the sense of community it brings out in all of us. It is amazing to think of all of the communities that we belong to from a large scale to small. We are members of the world community which I often emphasize as I share my motivation for my charity work with others and reach out for support. But on this Fourth of July I am taking a step back to appreciate the smaller communities I am blessed to be a part of. I am so incredibly proud to be an American and I absolutely use this time July to reflect on this. But we cannot overlook the small communities we live in and thrive from everyday.     

     A couple of weeks ago I was fortunate enough to meet and have breakfast with Rick Doane, the Executive Director of Interfaith Social Services as he shared advice with me for my work assisting impoverished young adults. Interfaith Social Services helps individuals and families on the South Shore that are struggling to make ends meet. Allure Spa works closely with Interfaith Social Services in a program called Career Closet, which assists people in job interview preparation. Allure Spa helps by providing these individuals with haircuts and finishes to enhance their confidence when interviewing for jobs. Last week a client came in from the Career Closet program for a haircut before an interview. When he left it was clear that his polished outside look only helped reflect the ability he had to succeed on the inside. And as it so happens, he is now gainfully employed. I know this because immediately after his experience he told Rick Doane how thankful he was that the Allure Spa staff welcomed and supported him. I am proud to say that we at Allure Spa helped make a difference in this man's life. This shows that as Rick and I build our relationship; him advising me as Friends of The World Charitable Trust continues to grow and Allure Spa assisting Interfaith Social Services by participating in career closet, we are able to help our communities both small and large.

     If you would like help our community as we celebrate how blessed we are by The United States of America, another Interfaith Social Services' program is the Pantry Shelf Food Program. The Pantry Shelf Food Program distributes food to families in need every year. At breakfast Rick told me that in the summer months there is just not enough food for everyone. There is great need during these months because children are no longer in school and therefore, no longer provided regular meals daily as they were during the school year. Struggling families are expected to provide more food and often struggle to do so. If you want to make a difference and help Interfaith Social Services you can drop off food anytime at 105 Adams Street located in Quincy. For more information you can also visit their website at www.interfaithsocialservices.org.

     Let's celebrate our freedom together, because within this freedom, we have the choice and the ability to help ourselves and others. I wish everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July.

 

 

God Bless you all and God Bless America,

 

 

Sandra Ishmael