Getting creative may not be everyone's cup of tea but giving back to the community certainly is.
Locals Mo and Jen Casas own the Temecula franchise location of Board and Brush, a creative studio whose goal is to help customers become DIY masters. From signs to a variety of other woodworking projects, this can be a great experience in studio with friends or as a team building activity.
However, the local business owners don't just help make woodworkers. Through their involvement with the US Naval Sea Cadet Youth Leadership Program, Mo and Jen dedicate their time and resources to helping young individuals develop leadership skills, discipline, and a sense of purpose.
The Casas became involved in the program when their kids were members, 2014 and 2017 respectively. While their children are no longer students of the program, it's the mission of the organization as a whole that has kept them involved for so long.
“This work is hopefully building the next generation’s leaders," says Jen.
Mo serves as the Director for Leadership and Retention, with Jen assisting him. They strive to bring a leadership training focus to work with cadets that are moving towards roles of leadership and needed to learn practical ways to solve problems and manage conflict resolution.
"It's the biggest blessing of our life to see these students develop," they said. "To help them figure out how to take care of 'their people' as leaders."
In this season of Thanksgiving, what are you thankful for?
"We are most definitely most grateful for my family and health. Without them life wouldn't be nearly as wonderful".
These young people are phenomenal. They just haven't had the tools to see what they can offer not only themselves but their communities.
The Sea Cadets is a national nonprofit organization focused on building up youth leadership and is sponsored by the Navy and Coast Guard. The organizations helps youth and young adult members to learn valuable life skills such as multitasking, prioritizing, working under pressure and service. They aim to help students be prepared to conquer the unique challenges of today.