Wall of Impact
Jennifer Young - Teacher Crystal Lake Middle School
“Thank you for teaching my students about healthy food choices. They said they will miss the program and they really liked trying new foods.”
2023 SEED Program Student - Sawgrass Elementary
“Thank you for teaching us about how to keep our body healthy and what to eat that is good for you. I know my decisions can make a difference for the environment and my health now.”
A Spark of Hope Amidst the Doubt
In the heart of Heal The Planet's SEED (Sustainable Energy EDucation) Program, a classroom buzzed with the energy of young minds exploring their connection to self. As the mindfulness lesson unfolded, a serene atmosphere filled the air. Guided by gentle prompts, the students echoed affirmations of love, gratitude, and worthiness. Yet, amidst the harmonious chorus, a lone voice broke the tranquility. "I am not enough," a young girl whispered, her words carrying a weight that seemed to silence the room. Her vulnerability, raw and honest, resonated with her classmates and teacher alike. At that moment, a profound opportunity arose.
To nurture the young girl's self-esteem and empower her classmates, the SEED educator guided them to create personalized affirmation cards. These cards would serve as tangible reminders of their inherent worth and potential. The girl who doubted her value found solace in the simple yet powerful phrase, "I am enough." As she wrote these words on her card, a sense of calm washed over her. Armed with her newfound affirmation, the girl began to see herself in a different light. The doubt that had once clouded her mind was slowly replaced by a glimmer of hope. She carried her card home, a precious seed of self-worth nurtured in the classroom.
As the SEED program continued, the students' affirmations became more than just words - they were beacons of light, guiding them through challenges and reminding them of their strength. The girl who had once doubted her worth had become a testament to the power of self-belief. Her story served as an inspiration to her classmates, proving that even in a dim moment, a spark of hope can be ignited in us all.
Empower
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Empower • Inspire • Educate •
The Eco-Warrior with a Winning Streak
Aubrey Allen isn't your average 9-year-old. Sure, she loves lemonade stands and playing with friends, but her true passion lies in the heart of her garden. With a green thumb inherited from her great-grandfather, Aubrey spends countless hours nurturing a vibrant world of plants. This little eco-warrior isn't just growing flowers for fun. Aubrey sees gardening as a way to save the environment, one seed at a time. Whether it's her award-winning aloe, towering corn stalks, or cheerful impatiens, every plant plays a role in her mission.
Beyond the garden, this young entrepreneur is also the mastermind behind a thriving lemonade stand, whipping up delicious treats with real lemons and other goodies.
Two years ago, Aubrey's life took another exciting turn when she met Ayenza Matthews, Heal The Planet’s Wellness Director. Ayenza, a champion athlete herself, has taken Aubrey under her wing, teaching her the ropes of track and field. The high jump is Aubrey's favorite event, but she's also mastering shot put, turbo javelin, and sprints. With Ayenza's guidance, Aubrey is training to be a well-rounded athlete.
While Aubrey dreams of Olympic glory on the track, she also has a future in medicine in her sights, aiming to become a cardiologist. This well-rounded young lady is clearly on a mission to make a difference, both on the field and off. Animals and nature hold a special place in Aubrey's heart, and she plans to use her garden to give back to the community. Aubrey shows us that anyone, no matter their age, can be a true eco-warrior and Heal The Planet.
2022 SEED Program Student - Lyons Creek Middle School
“I learned that you do not have to be an older age to start helping the planet. I want to learn more ways to help the planet.”
Kellisha Owens - Young SEEDs In The Park Parent
“I LOVE Young SEEDs! I have three home-schooled children ages 4, 6, and 8. It's been such a blessing to have this program as part of our learning experience. All the women facilitating have such a beautiful light about them.”
The Numbers
13,795
CHILDREN IMPACTED by
SEED PROGRAM
13,370
COMMUNITY
EVENT ATTENDEES
69+
BEACH
CLEANUPS
157
WORKSHOPS
SINCE 2016
A Whisper, a Smoothie, and a Dream
The aroma of fresh fruit and buzzing energy filled the room at Deerfield Beach Middle School. It wasn't just another class; it was a SEED Program session, and something magical was brewing. Amidst the sea of eager faces, one student's comment hung heavy in the air. "I can't afford to eat healthy," they confessed, their voice barely a whisper, "but this smoothie?" they sipped thoughtfully, "It's the healthiest thing I've had all day." Adding, “Now that I am full, I don’t have to worry about what to eat at home.” The student’s words, though simple, painted a stark reality.
That day, the SEED Program went beyond teaching healthy eating. It addressed the hidden issue of food insecurity for many students, for whom school meals are often their only reliable source of nutrition. The SEED lesson's magic lay not just in teaching them how to whip up a delicious smoothie, but in reassuring them that healthy choices could be affordable, accessible, and even fun. As the session unfolded, another student's comment fueled the fire. "These recipes seem easy!" they exclaimed, excitement dancing in their eyes. But then, a shadow crossed their face. "But can I afford the ingredients?" The question echoed through the room, resonating with others who might share the same unspoken concern.
The SEED Program educator smiled warmly. "Absolutely!" she exclaimed, dispelling the worry. "These ingredients are budget-friendly, readily available, and pack a powerful punch of nutrients." Her words were more than just reassurance; they were a key to unlocking a world of possibilities. The session ended with a ripple of excitement. Beyond learning how to make a nutritious smoothie, they now understood that healthy food can be affordable and were planning their next delicious smoothie. The SEED Program wasn't just giving them knowledge; it was empowering them to become agents of change in their own lives, their families, and their communities.
The student who felt satiated for the first time from a smoothie, the ones who saw affordability in healthy choices – their individual stories were testaments to the SEED Program's transformative power. They were beacons of hope, each one radiating the potential for a healthier, brighter future, not only for themselves but for Broward County and beyond.
The revolution had begun, not with a roar, but with a whisper, a smoothie, and a dream nurtured by the SEED Program. Our unique program holistically teaches children about the power of choice and worthiness through the topics of mindfulness, nutrition, sustainability, and movement. Will you help us continue fostering these dreams? Your gift today can empower another student to experience the life-changing impact of healthy eating. Give today and be a part of this ongoing revolution for a healthier future.
Thank you to our amazing partners who have been instrumental in our success.
We invite other like-minded organizations to join us on this journey and make a lasting impact together.