Local Businesses Give Back to Ventura County Youth through Businesses with Heart Initiative 

VENTURA, Calif. - Nov. 16, 2021 - PRLog -- The holiday shopping season typically kicks off on Black Friday, but with shipping delays, global supply chain issues, and large crowds expected at big-name retailers, experts are urging shoppers to shop early and shop local. Although online shopping has become the norm for many during the pandemic, supporting neighborhood businesses is convenient, reduces your environmental impact, and strengthens the local economy. Shopping local this holiday season can also mean supporting children, youth and families in our community that need it most.

Over 50 businesses in Ventura County have joined Homes with Heart VC's Businesses with Heart (BWH-VC) initiative to support our youth-in-care and help keep our families together. Because of these incredible businesses, children, youth and their families receive discounts on products and services. Many Businesses with Heart partners, such as Original Tommy's Hamburgers, also provide teens, older youth and their family members with mentorship, guidance, and employment opportunities.

"Being a Businesses with Heart partner is so rewarding as it allows us to be involved in the community and partner with other like-minded organizations that hold similar values," said Karina Ajanel, Human Resources Generalist at Original Tommy's Hamburgers, "Through providing jobs for older youth and their family members, we hope to provide meaningful hands-on experience and skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives."

Businesses with Heart partners come from a diverse range of industries including automotive, education, food, real estate, retail, health and beauty, and more.

"We are so grateful to our Businesses with Heart partners for the impact they make on the youth and families in our community," said Jaci Johnson, Program Coordinator III in Recruitment at County of Ventura, Human Services Agency, "Supporting these small businesses that give so much to our families in need is a wonderful way to put your money where your heart is this holiday season."

To learn more about becoming a Businesses with Heart partner or to find a list of participating partners, please visit www.homeswithheartvc.org/bwh.