Sending Support & Strength

Hi Growth Club,

We hope this message finds you and your loved ones safe.

We’ve been devastated to witness the fires spread through our beloved city, and to see the impact and death toll continue to rise. For those of you who have lost homes, been displaced, and responded to the fires – please know that our hearts are with you and we are here to support you in any way we can.

We’re more thankful than ever for the power of community, and we’ve seen that in action through the first responders, volunteers, donations, and kindness the city has experienced this week.

If you have been impacted by the fire, please let us know by filling out this form, outlining what you need help with both in the immediate and long term. We will bring together our community and do everything possible to fulfill those needs. Whether it’s emotional support, pet care, household items or anything else–no ask is too big or too small!

At the end of the month on 1/29, we will be hosting an event, Celebrating Disabled Creatives, in partnership with The Aerie Real Foundation™ and Diversability, with proceeds from tickets going directly to organizations that are supporting fire relief efforts.

During times like these, it’s important to prioritize taking care of yourself, especially by regulating your nervous system. Even if you haven’t been directly affected, the collective grief and shock of what has happened in our city can leave us feeling shaken to our core. To help you stay grounded, here are three simple practices to regulate your nervous system:

1. Grounding Exercise: Sit with your feet flat on the floor and place your hands on your lap. Take three slow, deep breaths. As you inhale, imagine drawing strength from the earth. As you exhale, feel tension leaving your body.

2. Movement: Gentle movement, like yoga, stretching, or a mindful walk (with a mask!), can help release stress stored in your body and restore a sense of calm.

3. Vagus Nerve Activation: Try humming, singing, or gently massaging the sides of your neck. These activities stimulate the vagus nerve, which plays a key role in calming the nervous system.

Please know that grief and healing look different for everyone, and there’s no right or wrong way to process what you’re feeling, what is important is that you find some space to nurture yourself as you show up to serve the community.

We’ve been inspired by the messages of hope that we’ve seen not only within our own community, but through the stories and love we’ve seen throughout the city. Please be extra gentle and kind to yourself and others this week. If there’s anything else we can do to support you, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here for you.

Sending Love & Strength

Sana & Carly

Co-Founders, Growth Club