August 2025 Newsletter

Welcome to the August edition of the WeEMBRACE newsletter! This month, we’re excited to highlight inspiring community stories, upcoming events, and volunteer spotlights.

Events:

WeEMBRACE - INCLUSIVE 5K WALK/RUN

LOCATION - ECONOME COMMUNITY PARK, 1900 PKWY Dr N, FOLSOM, CA 95630

DATE - AUGUST 24, 2025 SUNDAY

JOIN US TO RAISE FUNDS IN PERSON OR BY DONATING VIRTUALLY

An event to promote inclusiveness in the community!

An event to raise funds for WeEMBRACE Causes and Programs .

TICKETS

T- shirts Guaranteed for thise who register by JULY 24th 

Ages 3 and under - FREE

Afes 4 and above - $15.00

Volunteers - FREE

To Volunteer, Contact  Surya for more details. - surya.bondu@gmail.com

VENDORS - Please contact Meena for more info in Vendor Booth admin@weembrace.org 

Non Profit based - $25.00

Profit based - $50.00

SPONSORS & DONORS - Please contact Meena admin@weembrace.org  and kindly fill this Sponsorship Form by JULY 15, 2025  - https://forms.gle/tryM6EeK7meS33Ur5

All sponsors and donors who contribute $250.00 or more and submit their logo by J 20th will be mentioned on the back of our T shirt. Other donors and sponsors will have special mention on social media and on our website.

Energy bars and water bottles will be available for sale

All Ticket holders and Volunteers will receive a T shirt, please mention the size in the ticket form.

· Tshirts can be picked up at Folsom and Rancho Cordova. Details will be shared with all ticket holders after July 25th.

Agenda

7:00 AM -   Volunteers report

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM -   Walker/Runners report, Collect t-shirts, bibs

9:00 AM -  5K Walk/Run begins

10:45 AM – Awards and Certificates  distribution.

For any questions contact us via

Meena - admin@weembrace.org or call 510-386-6842

Uma - uma.rathikrinda@gmail.com or call 916-2967295

Volunteer Hasini Morasa

If you have ever met Hasini Morasa, you’ll know she brings energy, warmth, and compassion into every room she walks into. As a senior at Folsom High School, Hasini finds joy in the everyday, whether she is running with her cross country team or spending time with her friends playing volleyball. But one of her most meaningful communities is right here at WeEMBRACE, a place she now calls her second home.

Hasini first got involved with WeEMBRACE through family connections, but quickly realized it was more than just volunteering. She describes it as a place where she could be herself and learn from neurodiverse children and peers.

Over time, she has become a leader and friend to many in the community. She has volunteered in the buddy match program for three years and served as a class instructor for four. She has also helped with countless events, including dance showcases, sports, and the annual performances that bring joy to so many.

One of Hasini’s most powerful memories happened during an in-person event. A buddy who had always been distant surprised her by calling her name and greeting her with open arms. “Although it was just a small action,” Hasini said. “I could see how our friendship has grown.” Other favorite memories include playing Uno, creating handmade cards, and being asked by her buddy if she could be their babysitter. When she explained what being a buddy really meant, she described it as having someone to share life with and make lasting memories together.

WeEMBRACE has changed the way Hasini sees herself. She used to be shy and quiet, but through years of bonding with her buddies, she has grown more confident, expressive, and empathetic. She has learned to recognize subtle emotional cues and respond with kindness. One challenge she faced was learning how to respect personal space and understand when a buddy needed a break. To solve this, she and her buddy created their own yes and no signals, a small but powerful act of mutual understanding.

Hasini manages her many responsibilities with the help of her planner and always makes time to recharge. She loves horseback riding and listens to “Skyfall” by Adele when she wants to relax. When asked what advice she would give to someone considering volunteering, she encourages them to learn about the other person, step outside their comfort zone, and treat it as a chance to grow.

Volunteer Aryan Morasa

Aryan Morasa has been part of the WeEMBRACE community since he was in the fifth grade. What started as an after-school arts and crafts class quickly turned into one of the most meaningful parts of his life. Now, as a graduate of Mira Loma High School, Aryan reflects on his seven-year journey with gratitude and pride.

In the beginning, Aryan did not consider himself very social. He admits he struggled with communication and making friends. Through volunteering, that started to change. WeEMBRACE became a space where he could open up, meet new people, and learn how to connect with others kindly and in a natural manner. It helped him grow into the thoughtful, warmhearted person he is today.

Aryan has worked in many roles. He helped with fundraisers, supported community events, and volunteered in the arts and crafts program where it all began. For the past three years, he has taught a chess class, introducing the game to new learners of all skill levels. Teaching chess has not always been easy. Students come in with different levels of experience, and it can be hard to pace lessons in a way that works for everyone. Still, Aryan and his students found a way to create something fun and inclusive, and he is proud of what they built together.

One moment Aryan will never forget is giving a firefighter badge to his friend Anurag, someone he has known for nearly seven years. Anurag used to dream about being a firefighter, and seeing him wear the badge meant a lot to Aryan. It was a small gift, but a symbol of their strong connection and years of friendship.

Aryan says the biggest thing he has learned is the value of kindness. He believes that every person deserves compassion, no matter what challenges they face. That belief has shaped how he sees the world and how he interacts with people outside of WeEMBRACE as well.

Outside of WeEMBRACE, Aryan loves playing ping pong and pool, and he is a fan of sumo wrestling. He also enjoys speaking Spanish, even if he says he is still learning. His advice to new volunteers is simple. Keep an open heart and be willing to meet new people. The community at WeEMBRACE is full of kindness and acceptance, and there is always something new to learn from the people you meet.