The thirteen weeks of summer have now passed. We hope you all enjoyed time with family / friends and are ready to launch into a new season.

As the days shorten, we return to our bi-monthly Pause for Purpose discussions, often led by special guests who bring their purpose-filled life experiences to share with us every other Wednesday at 4:00 PM. Hear their stories, the discovery of purpose, and joy in the work they perform.

Join decorated retired NYPD Sergeant Frank Ferrara for an inspiring session that delves into a remarkable 30-year career in law enforcement.

With over 25 commendations for bravery and expertise, Frank served as a Supervisor and specialist in high-risk Emergency Service Management, one of the world's most demanding police units. From walking the beat to surviving a near-fatal incident, his story is one of resilience and dedication.

Now in retirement, Frank dedicates his life to supporting the psychological well-being of fellow officers, working tirelessly to prevent PTSD. His commitment extends to his community in Weston, CT, where he serves on the Police Commission and coordinates Operation Santa Claus at JFK Airport, bringing joy to 5,000 disabled children.

Frank is always on call to help anyone in need in his community and he is constantly giving back to help others.



Join us to engage with a true hero who continues to make a difference.

Never underestimate the value of taking a moment to compliment someone, acknowledge a good deed, or follow through with a heartfelt gesture. We never know the burdens others carry and actions we can take just may make someone’s day extra special.   

A personal example: I transferred bags into my car at a grocery store parking lot, when a woman exited her car, which was parked next to mine. She noticed my friend was sitting in the front seat of my car and immediately took a white rose from a bouquet she held and gave it to my friend, saying, “I want you to have this. It’s my Mother’s birthday.”

We both thanked her and told her to tell her mother HAPPY BIRTHDAY to which she replied “My Mother passed and I’m heading to the cemetery.” Her thoughtful gesture is etched in our memories.

Author: Donovan Jensen

Are you looking for greater purpose in life? Seeking new ways to further your career or make your organization more successful?

The key to achieving success and happiness can be found in the community around you. "Giving for Growth" will help you define your purpose and realize your dreams through meaningful involvement that benefits others and leaves a lasting legacy. It will empower you to GIVE in order to build relationships that will allow you to GROW.

Jeremy C. Park is dedicated to helping corporate executives, nonprofit leaders, high school and college students, and any individual searching for ways to give back, stand out, build relationships, make an impact, and achieve more in their lives and careers.

Park shares The Three Truths, Trends in Corporate Philanthropy, and many strategies and tactics to create your own legacy of making a difference in the lives of others. Proceeds benefit youth literacy programs in the Mid-South.

Order: Giving for Growth

Author: Deepa Iyer

We are living in a period of overlapping social, economic, and environmental crises, accompanied by failures in public systems and institutions.

It's not surprising, then, that when we attempt to engage in social change efforts, many of us feel like we are on a seesaw, swinging from outrage to overwhelm. For those who are just beginning their social change journeys to those who are weary and disillusioned, how can we effectively anchor our commitments to equity, solidarity, and justice?

Iyer introduces the social change ecosystem framework, which includes a map of ten roles, from builder to storyteller to disrupter to experimenter, as well as practices to identify values and strengthen our social change ecosystems. Since its original publication, people and organizations around the world have used the framework to respond to the pandemic, express solidarity during the uprisings against anti-Black racism, and support multiracial coalitions struggling for reproductive rights, immigrant and refugee protections, and climate justice around the world.

Order: Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection

Author: Laurie Ann Thompson

Do you wish you could make a difference in your community or even the world? Are you one of the millions of high school teens with a service-learning requirement? Either way, Be a Changemaker will empower you with the confidence and knowledge you need to affect real change.

You’ll find all the tools you need right here—through engaging youth profiles, step-by-step exercises, and practical tips, you can start making a difference today.

This inspiring guide will teach you how to research ideas, build a team, recruit supportive adults, fundraise, host events, work the media, and, most importantly, create lasting positive change. Apply lessons from the business world to problems that need solving and become a savvy activist with valuable skills that will benefit you for a lifetime!

Order: Be a Changemaker

On the lighter side