Sabrina Lippman’s Post

Service, dedication, and grace at work.

Building Better Communities—what does that mean, exactly? To me, it is seeing this: our employee-owners came together to select the organizations we wanted to support, and our clients and friends helped determine how our support would be distributed. The best part is that these three organizations now have more resources to serve their communities.

The power of collaboration of between American Leadership Forum senior fellows: In a heartening display of community spirit, Habitat for Humanity Merced/Stanislaus Counties (senior fellows Anita Hellam & Ashlee Williams) has partnered with PG&E Corporation Foundation (senior fellow Michael Gaffney), Calvary Assembly of God Church, and local organizations to address the housing crisis following the severe storms and flooding that ravaged Merced and Stanislaus counties earlier this year. Habitat for Humanity Merced/Stanislaus Counties CEO Anita Hellam emphasized the devastation in various regions, with many survivors still residing in damaged structures or transitional housing. To support the long-term volunteers working on reconstruction projects, a unique collaboration emerged between Habitat for Humanity and the Calvary Assembly of God Church, led by Pastor Juan Ochoa. A grant from PG&E Corporation Foundation has made it possible to renovate a church-owned property in Merced, transforming it into temporary housing for volunteers. Michael Gaffney, Division Operations Representative of PG&E's Central Valley Region, celebrated the partnership and its reflection of shared values in fostering compassionate, resilient communities. This remarkable joint effort also includes contributions from Habitat for Humanity California, Habitat for Humanity International, First 5 of Merced County, and donations of materials and supplies to the Habitat ReStore. The project aims to provide a comfortable living space for dedicated volunteers traveling from across the nation to assist in rebuilding efforts over the next three years. #ALFseniorfellow #americanleadershipforum #collaboration #community

Having been a member for 10 years, I reconnected with the National Trust this weekend, exploring some of London’s most historic landmarks. On Saturday, I was expertly guided by stories about Rainham Hall, a rare survivor of Queen Anne-style architecture from 1729, remarkably occupied by over 50 families during its history. On Sunday, I visited Eastbury Manor House, with its stunning Elizabethan Tudor exterior and dramatic roofline of gables and chimneys. Stories of the unique design with several honey alcoves in the cottage garden, also known as "bee boles" or "honey murres." because sugar from the new world was so expensive. I ended the day at Sutton House, one of London’s last remaining Tudor houses, admiring its oak-panelled chambers, great hall, and tranquil courtyard garden. These houses, now a testament to England's heritage, were saved from demolition by passionate campaigners and continue to exist thanks to the unwavering support of volunteers. They preserve the architecture and the fascinating stories of those who lived there and the untold story of how wealth was fund. Reflecting on this, I thought about how history is taught compared to what we uncover. I recall my history lessons, where a recital of dates of events without context leaves out critical narratives. Why are we taught so much about the Tudors but rarely about how slavery funded and shaped the wealth and architecture in every major city in the United Kingdom? Programmes like A House Through Time by David Olusoga tell the often-hidden stories of real life, providing a more balanced perspective on history, such as the complex legacies of the 1920s and the impact of World War II. Bob Marley said it best: "If you know your history, then you would know where you are coming from, then you wouldn't have to ask me, who the heck do I think I am." My 5 Takeaways from the Weekend: 1. Look deeper than what you’re told. 2. Follow the money trail to uncover hidden truths. 3. Always stay curious. 4. Question the perspective of the storyteller. 5. Get out and explore history for yourself. This weekend reminded me of the value of preserving and questioning history while actively seeking out untold stories. Which National Trust property should I visit next? #NationalTrust #legacy #volunteers #slavery #DavidOlusoga #history

🌍 Creating Culturally Respectful Funeral Services Together 🌼 As we explore how to achieve access to culturally respectful funeral services in our region, it's essential to recognise the vital role our community plays in shaping the end-of-life and funeral space. Establishing constructive relationships with the institutions managing our vital community infrastructure is imperative. Should the community have a say in the outcomes of this work? Undoubtedly! Your perspective is very important and needs to be heard. Inspired by the Critical Shifts tool from the Tamarack Institute for Community Engagement, we can develop a common agenda to guide our collaborative efforts. This invaluable tool helps us: 💬 Identify specific problems and priority spaces for designing solutions. 💬 Build consensus to clarify our shared intent and focus. 💬 Confirm and prioritise specific and actionable changes to achieve together. We can create a more inclusive and supportive end-of-life care system by sharing information and collaborating effectively. 👉 Learn more about the Critical Shifts tool here: https://lnkd.in/gwfq4nwf Let's unite our efforts to ensure every community member can access the respectful and dignified services they need. Image Explanation: In 2023, artist Laura Woodward participated in Floating Land, (Noosa Regional Gallery and Noosa Council), engaging in a thought-provoking conversation about her installation, which explored the theme of "How do we hold these things together?" Set against the backdrop of Pomona Cemetery, the discussion centred on death, dying, and the environmental impacts of these topics. Yesterday, we received community feedback reflecting on the insightful dialogue regarding options and access to culturally respectful funeral services. This conversation aligns with the Critical Shifts tool, which can be instrumental in developing an effective process for identifying and prioritising solutions in our community. #CulturallyRespectfulCare #CommunityEngagement #EndOfLife #Funerals #Cemeteries #CollaborativeSolutions

Homes are more than just walls and roofs... they're the foundation of our stories, the keeper of our memories, and the legacy we leave behind. In real estate, we don't just sell properties, we create perpetual possibilities for generations to come. Every property we touch, every family we help find their dream home, and every generation that inherits the keys... is a testament to the power of perpetuity in real estate. Think about it - the homes we sell become the backdrop for countless memories, the foundation for families to grow, and the legacy for future generations to inherit. Let's build something that will make our ancestors proud, and our children grateful. Let's create homes that will be loved for generations to come! Building legacies that last a lifetime... and beyond! #PerpetuityInRealEstate #LegacyLivesOn #HomeIsWhereTheHeartIs #PerpetuityInRealEstate #LegacyBuilding #RealEstateInvesting"

Here's the link to the Rosalie Edge story:

The past weeks have been incredibly challenging for LA, but I've been deeply moved by the outpouring of support and compassion within our community. It's a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can shine through. In the midst of this chaos, with everyone trying to help in any way they can, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to even begin. We see a surge of information, a flurry of activity, and a multitude of voices all asking for attention. It's in moments like these that we need to take a deep breath, find our center, and focus on making our actions count. It's incredibly important to stay informed and rely on official sources for accurate information and guidance. Sharing verified updates from trusted organizations and government agencies helps prevent the spread of misinformation, ensuring that everyone is working with the same set of facts. In response to the wildfires, California has mobilized significant resources to support affected communities. Over 16,000 personnel, including firefighters and National Guard members, have been deployed, along with a vast amount of firefighting equipment. The state has also taken steps to streamline rebuilding efforts, provide temporary housing, and protect residents from price gouging. You can find detailed information about these initiatives in this article: https://lnkd.in/gt6MUc2P Donating to official relief efforts, whether it's through established charities or government-led initiatives, ensures that our resources reach those who need them most. These organizations have the infrastructure and expertise to distribute aid effectively, maximizing the impact of our contributions. Let's work together to make sense of this chaos, support each other, and rebuild our community. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to a stronger and more resilient Los Angeles. #LAresilient #WildfireStrong #CommunitySupport

Advantages in dealing with a locally family owned funeral home👇 1. ✅ **Personalized Service**: Family-owned funeral homes often provide more personalized and compassionate service. 🫶 2. ✅ **Community Focused**: They have strong ties to the local community and often participate in community events and support local causes. 🏘️ 3. ✅ **Trust and Tradition**: With a long-standing reputation in the community, they are trusted by generations of families. 🤝 4. ✅ **Flexibility and Customization**: They are often more flexible and willing to accommodate unique requests and customs. 🛠️ 5. ✅ **Attention to Detail**: Family members involved in the business often ensure meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of their service. 🎯 6. ✅ **Continuity of Care**: Families can expect consistent care from the same familiar faces over the years. 🌟 7. ✅ **Community Support**: Supporting a family-owned business means keeping money and resources within the local community. 💵 8. ✅ **Legacy and Heritage**: They often bring a sense of heritage and tradition, preserving the legacy of their family business. 🏆

There's been lots of talk about office-to-residential conversions recently - But not as much conversation about another class of building that's increasingly becoming emptier and emptier: Churches. "This landscape of faith is undergoing a dramatic transformation, as the United States is experiencing a “tsunami of church closings," reports Patrick Sisson in this piece from Bloomberg CityLab. In fact, housing consultant Rick Reinhard has estimated that up to 100,000 houses of worship — 25 percent of the total number of churches in the country — could shut over the coming decades. But while churches present unique opportunities, they also face a litany of challenges - from zoning to the architectural incompatibility of the historic structures. Read more here - https://lnkd.in/gC9VdNH9