Laci's Learning Nook

A Personal Update & Looking Ahead

The past two months have been some of the hardest our family has ever experienced. We unexpectedly lost our sweet Yoseph due to a heart condition that went undetected during my pregnancy and throughout his early months as a newborn. His passing was sudden and devastating, and we’ve been navigating profound grief while learning how to keep moving forward.

In the midst of this heartbreak, we welcomed our daughter on Thanksgiving Day. Her early arrival has brought light into a very dark season, and while this journey has been an emotional rollercoaster, we are deeply grateful for her and the reminder of hope she brings to our family.

As I reflect on everything that has unfolded, it has shifted how I view many areas of my life—personally and professionally. Moving into this new year, my business will be taking a more intentional direction with a strong focus on personal development, growth, and purpose.

This season has changed me, and that change will be reflected in the work I share and the space I continue to build here.

Thank you to everyone who has shown patience, kindness, and support during this time. More details and updates will be shared as we move into the new year.

January is Birth Defect Awareness Month. Please keep the babies and families who are still fighting, still hoping, and still holding on in your prayers.

With gratitude 🤍

Laci J

❄️✨ Community Spotlight: Covenant House ❄️✨

In 2018, I had the incredible opportunity to serve as an AmeriCorps VISTA in Anchorage, Alaska, working with Covenant House, a shelter and support organization for youth experiencing homelessness.

The VISTA program (Volunteers in Service to America) is a national service initiative designed to build capacity, fight poverty, and strengthen communities. As a VISTA, you're not just volunteering — you're helping organizations create long-term, sustainable solutions.

My role focused on workforce development within their social enterprise programs. I helped youth explore job opportunities and supported them in resume writing, interview prep, and job searching. But perhaps my proudest work was helping develop a culinary and barista training curriculum for Covenant House’s in-house kitchen and coffee program — giving young people not just meals, but the skills to create careers.

Serving with AmeriCorps VISTA changed how I see service, community, and the importance of economic empowerment. It taught me that teaching someone a skill can be just as impactful as providing direct aid — and often more lasting.

📚✨ Community Spotlight: KinderCare Longwood Open House 2024✨🎒

Last year Ryan (my right hand man) and I had the pleasure of joining our first community event at KinderCare in Longwood! While the majority of the sweet kiddos who attended were a bit younger than our usual age group, we truly enjoyed connecting with families, supporting fellow local businesses, and introducing our private tutoring and cooking services to the community.

As part of our outreach, we offered free bookbags filled with school supplies to families who signed up for their first session. Although turnout wasn't quite what we expected, we’re grateful for every conversation and connection made — and we're even more excited for future events where we can continue to grow and serve!

Stay tuned — more events, more learning, and more fun to come! 💚