Thanksgiving isn’t the only time of the year when the HAYVN coworking community puts more emphasis on giving and gratitude. Even as 2020 has been very different and difficult, we all have been so grateful for this renewed sense of reflection that the Thanksgiving holiday brings.
So, what is gratitude and why is it important? Practicing gratitude is the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation, and to return kindness. The benefits of gratitude are many.
According to Harvard Health, positive psychology research reveals that, “gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness.” The findings indicates gratitude helps people:
- feel more positive emotions
- relish good experiences
- improve their health
- deal with adversity
- build strong relationships
- helps people feel and express gratitude in multiple ways
Gratitude and giving back go hand in hand with each other. Giving back to our community is a HAYVN core value. It is evident in our coworking community and displayed by our members who act on their love and compassion.
By helping others, we affect ourselves in a positive way. Not only on certain parts of the year, but every day. It helps us become better people.
Giving Back Is Second Nature at HAYVN
For the HAYVN coworking community, giving back is much greater than simply fundraising, and volunteering. It’s woven into the fabric of almost everything we do.
HAYVN is about uplifting the community around us. We believe it’s our duty, as do the members of our coworking community.
HAYVN offers community programming and support throughout the year with free Zoom webinars, as well as members who provide services for business support, education, mind-body health, and more.
“We identify needs as they arise in the community, and we fill them,” Teresa Jandziol, the HAYVN Member Engagement and Community Outreach spokesperson added. “Our internship program filled a critical gap when other programs had to close. We also support members causes with free meeting space for non-profits.”
Teresa Jandziol, HAYVN Member Engagement and Community Outreach
A Coworking Community Gives Back
Everyone should be able to express their passion to do good for others. HAYVN members feel the same way.
Senior Citizens: Meleisa Holek, a program manager at SilverSource, coordinates events such as her church’s annual tag sale. She also raises funds for charities and causes that mean a lot to her.
“One of the things that attracted me to SilverSource was that my parents are now elderly, and I help them a lot,” Meleisa said. “SilverSource clients often don’t have family close by, so they rely on agencies to provide what they need. Many of our clients are lonely and isolated, especially now with COVID. That really touches my heart.”
Meleisa Holek, Program Manager at SilverSource
Some Stamford seniors live on very limited incomes and can’t pay for things like food and personal care items. Through the SilverSource Caring Connections gift program, local employees can sponsor a gift bag for $25 that includes essential care items for seniors.
“This will mean a lot to our clients who often feel like they have been forgotten,” Meleisa added.
Year-Round Giving: “I donate and get involved with non-profits all year round, not just during the holidays, said Nadia Fiorita, a licensed psychotherapist, and holistic wellness coach. “Our hard-working tax dollars can only go so far, so it’s important to help those who need it.”
Nadia Fiorita, Licensed Psychotherapist and Holistic Wellness Coach
Nadia focuses on charities and causes that she’s passionate about, or feels a connection, During the pandemic, she focused on Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.), which works to eradicate child sex trafficking. She also provides regular support to Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, a science-based advocacy organization that works to eliminate exposure to toxic chemicals and radiation.
“Their mission goes along with what I do on the prevention side of wellness,” Nadia explained.
Nadia and Meleisa, like many members of the HAYVN coworking community, believe that giving back to your local community is more than a one-time thing — it’s a year-round exercise in gratitude. Harvard Health got it right: Giving back is crucial to good mental health, especially during stressful times.
The spirit of gratitude and giving back lives every day of the year, not just Thanksgiving holiday. If we want to make the world a better place, we must do it face to face – even if that is online these days.
HAYVN Coworking
Founded in 2018, HAYVN is a flexible workspace for enterprising women (and men) to connect, create and grow. Along with a vibrant & engaged coworking community of entrepreneurs and business professionals, HAYVN is a business HUB, offering short- and long-term office space leases, meeting rooms rentals, and events to support local businesses. HAYVN is proud to be a Certified B Corporation™ and a CTNext partner. We believe in using the power of business to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy and have met the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. HAYVN’s workshops and signature programs encourage women of all colors and ages and acts as an incubator for developing skills and pursuing funding. HAYVN Launch incubator is a 2021 winner of the SBA's Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC), and the only 2021 winner in Connecticut.
Visit our beautiful safe ‘HAYVN’ in Fairfield County, CT at 320 Boston Post Road, Darien, CT, 06820. Arrange a private tour today, or to learn more about our health and safety response, read through our detailed guidelines here.
