Non-Profit Spotlight | Brandy Jemcuzra & Sarah Pirtle | Seeds of Caring

We are excited to take the month of February to highlight women making an impact in our community through the work they do in non-profit organizations. We asked these women to share one thing…why they are passionate about their work. We are inspired by their responses, and we know you will be, too! Today are thrilled to highlight our friends Brandy Jemcuzra and Sarah Pirtle who are dedicated to making a difference through the amazing work they do at Seeds of Caring!

Brandy:
Our children are our future, and if we want that future to include a kinder, more compassionate community, then we must begin with children. Every day I am energized by the life-changing work of Seeds of Caring. The five year old who was inspired by one of our volunteer events and spearheaded an effort to make 100 worry dolls for kids entering foster care because, in her words, “the kids can tell the dolls all their problems and then they don’t have to worry about them anymore.” As kids engage in Seeds of Caring’s service, social action, and community-building events, they develop a heart for giving back and a seed of caring is planted within them. From making sack lunches for the hungry to sharing music and games with seniors, our kids have so much to give! At every event, I see the aha moments in young minds, I see hearts open, and I see tiny hands determined to build a better community for all of us. I recently asked my four year old daughter if she knew why Mommy spent so much time with Seeds of Caring and she said “because Seeds of Caring teaches kids to be helpers, and the world needs more helpers.” Yes it does, and I am truly honored to be part of this important work.

Sarah:
As a mother of three young children, I know this to be true: What we tell our children, what we re-tell and reinforce for them during these early developmental years, will stay with them for a lifetime. That’s why I believe so wholeheartedly in the work Seeds of Caring is doing to imprint upon the hearts, hands, and minds of Columbus-area children ages 2-12 that kindness matters–and that they are fully equipped at this age to share it with the people and communities around them. I have seen firsthand the “lightbulb” go off for so many kids, including my oldest: that they are powerful. That they have the power to create change for good. And that has the potential to transform the places we live, work, and grow for generations to come. It is a true honor to be part of the two-woman team launching this effort for kids and families in our city.