Last November, on a sunny Saturday morning in LA, the Joyful Heart Foundation joined philosophy to raise awareness about the need for domestic violence support services throughout California. Facing one of the worst state budget crises in history, the State of California eliminated their domestic violence services budget, forcing many shelters to turn away or cut services to families in need.

To respond to the crisis, philosophy and the Joyful Heart Foundation brought together more than 75 volunteers, including advocates, JHF Board members, survivors and supporters to assemble 600 “healing and wellness kits, one for every domestic violence shelter bed in Los Angeles. The kits were designed to meet the immediate needs of women in shelters and also to inspire them with a sense of joy and possibility in the midst of this crisis.

The kits included :

• a personal message from Mariska Hargitay
• philosophy’s Joyful Heart charity shower gel
• apparel by Beyond Yoga, Liz Claiborne and Michael Stars
• a journal from Compendium and a pen from TransPerfect
• tote bag, provided by art of grace
• terry cloth robe by Baltic Linen
• a LUNA bar

Create Your Own Service Event

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Facing issues as daunting and pervasive as sexual assault, domestic violence or child abuse can be overwhelming. The scope of these problems is so large that it can feel there is simply no way to have an impact. But you can make a difference.

• Call your local domestic violence shelter to ask them for a wish list. Often they’ll request items like toiletries, diapers, laundry detergent, school supplies or make-up.
• Host a drive at your school, your workplace, your sorority or in your neighborhood, asking people to donate wish list items. Encourage those who donate to write a short note of encouragement to accompany their donation.
• Deliver the collected items to the shelter of your choice as a show of support and solidarity. Sometimes the smallest actions have the largest impact. That’s what we call making a joyful noise!