Share the Spirit 2023 stories. Thank you for reading these stories of help and hope.

 

From stories to action: Share the Spirit readers respond!

A partial list of those who have donated to help their neighbors in need. Travis Busa, left, and Julie Parker, read a book to their 17-month-old, Elliott Busa at their home in Berkeley, Calif., on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023. Busa ...

Share the Spirit: ‘Bags of Hope’ nourish families holding vigil over loved ones in the hospital

The Network of Care also provides important job training for special needs adults Bruce Tenshi Zablan and classmates in Bruce Ellison’s special education class at Deer Valley High assemble “Bags of Hope” for The Network of Care at Deer Valley ...

Share the Spirit: The Berkeley Baby Book Project is working to close the readiness gap

This nonprofit sends free books to young children every month, providing early stepping stones for academic success 17-month-old, Elliott Busa, reacts as he checks out a book from his bookshelf at their home in Berkeley, Calif., on Tuesday, Oct. 10, ...

Share the Spirit: Girls on the Run inspires self-confidence and strength in girls — at the age it’s needed most

“There is a secret sauce to Girls on the Run that I have not encountered anywhere else in my life.” Girls on the Run participants Quinn Kemper, 10, left, and Graci Bueter, 10, run in pairs during a Girls on ...

Share the Spirit: Woman’s career goal back on track thanks to Rubicon Programs

Agency helps provide economy opportunities, training many with criminal records for new lives Warnisha Smith worked with attorneys from Rubicon Programs to help remove a mistake from her criminal record. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group) By HARRY HARRIS | [email protected] | Bay Area ...

Share the Spirit: Goodness Village sparks creative energy for formerly unhoused neighbors

Livermore-based nonprofit serves the Tri-Valley’s chronically homeless population Artists Tiffany Bailey, left, and Scott Donovan, right, at Goodness Village on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023, in Livermore, Calif. Goodness Village provides the Tri-Valley’s formerly unhoused neighbors a safe and supportive community ...

Share the Spirit: “Dad, you came!” This Contra Costa nonprofit is helping struggling families thrive

Child Abuse Prevention Council’s work promotes healthy family dynamics before abuse can take place Teodora Soto, holds her son Gabriel, 2, as they enjoy an afternoon at a playground in Oakley, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 12 2023. Teodora spoke about ...

Share the Spirit: Richmond nonprofit gives a boost to immigrant families looking to better their children’s lives

Brighter Beginnings offers a range of services for parents and their kids Brighter Beginnings Family Partnership Program Coordinator Claudia Rivera, left, visits with Blanca Panigua-Rodriguez and her son Mauricio, 2 at their apartment in Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday, Oct. 24, ...

Share the Spirit: How one Concord garden made a world of difference, and a reason to get out of bed

Bayberry nursing home residents find community in LITA gardening program Resident Lynn Jaeger plants flowers in the garden at the Bayberry Skilled Nursing & Healthcare Center in Concord, Calif., on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023. To the left is LITA of ...

Share the Spirit: This San Mateo man — a former inmate — is now saving lives

Cherry Hill Sobering Center in San Leandro is offering a lifeline to those in need Anthony Bass works as a program manager at Horizon Services’ Cherry Hill Sobering Center on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, in San Leandro, Calif. (Aric Crabb/Bay ...

Share the Spirit: Opportunity Junction helps job seekers find careers

Nonprofit provides job training and bolsters career skills Diane Aleman, an agency program coordinator for Contra Costa Health Services, gives out COVID-19 tests and other health information to community members in front of the Las Montañas Supermarket in Concord, Calif., ...

Share the Spirit: Stepping out of the darkness and into the light

Michelle Walker’s life changed with the help of Bay Area Rescue Mission Michelle Walker looks on from the balcony of her building apartment in Richmond, Calif., on Saturday, September 30, 2023. Walker was homeless and addicted to drugs, but now ...