Close to our Hearts
Thank you all so much for wanting to celebrate our wedding with us! It is really all of you, our family and friends, who make this day special. JT and I feel so blessed to have you in our lives. We understand that a registry is customary and often people feel the desire to gift the married couple. Since we feel so blessed already, we ask that you please not feel obligated to buy any gifts-therefore we do not have a registry. Many of you are traveling from far away to celebrate with us and that effort is gift enough!
Should you still wish to make a contribution, we humbly ask that you consider donating to a charitable organization instead. Below, we have listed a few non-profits that are close to our hearts; a small contribution to one of them would be more meaningful than any gift.
New Directions for Veterans
A non-profit, field based organization that directly addresses the homeless and mental health crisis of veterans in Los Angeles (full disclosure, J.T. works for this organization and therefore can vouch for it).
Action Against Hunger
Particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic crisis, the amount of children and adults experiencing food scarcity is tragic. Action Against Hunger is a highly reputable organization that works directly with local food banks to combat this devastating and growing issue.
Together We Rise and Gift of Adoption Fund
As an adoptee myself (Alexandra), I know first hand the gratitude and impact of adoption. However, adoption and the foster care system is extremely underfunded, the adoption process can be very confusing and expensive (often only accessible to the wealthy), and children often get tragically lost in the system. Together We Rise and the Gift of Adoption Fund are two organizations that directly fight to improve the lives of children in foster care, and streamline the adoption process to be more equitable for people who desire to build their families through adoption.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
As therapists and as people who have personally struggled with mental health, we know the impact that treatment and access to care has on an individual and community level. While I (Alexandra) worked at the Suicide Prevention Center, I noticed that this was often the first place people would turn to for help, because there is still so much stigma and lack of access to resources. It is organizations like the Suicide Prevention Center (local to Los Angeles) and it's national partner, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, that save thousands of lives, and often act as the gateway for people getting the life saving mental health treatment they need.
We know there are thousands of wonderful organizations that do groundbreaking work, and this list is by no means exhaustive. If there is an organization that is close to your heart, and you feel called to donate, we would be honored. Additionally, we want to make it clear that a donation is by no means expected :)
Much love and appreciation,