Why Kindness Matters

Kindness is about showing up in the world with compassion and acting for the greater good of all. While being nice is about being polite, pleasant, and agreeable and doing what we think we should, kindness goes a step beyond.

Kind humans know that life is hard, messy, and complex. Yet they understand that people are doing their best with the tools, resources, and experience they carry. Charles Glassman captured this by saying, “Kindness begins with the understanding that we all struggle.”

Many people view kindness as a weakness, but it’s quite the opposite. It is a sign of strength. It is moving from “me” to “we,” seeing the bigger picture, and loaning someone your strength and support. Supporting someone by doing whatever you can, wherever you are, with whatever you have is a sign of who you are—a kind human.

Kindness is doing the things that may go without acknowledgment and thanks. Authentic and intentional kindness doesn’t expect anything in return. We can practice kindness for kindness’ sake, not for the personal gain or the approval of others.

Click here to continue reading the article.

Stronger Together

Stronger Together: The Power of Unity in Challenging Times

In a world that often feels divided, the simple truth remains: we are stronger together. Whether it’s navigating personal challenges, addressing societal issues, or working toward shared goals, unity is the cornerstone of meaningful progress. But what does it truly mean to come together, and how can we harness the power of collective strength?

Building Bridges, Not Wall

Unity doesn’t mean uniformity. It’s about respecting differences while finding common ground. In today’s polarized world, fostering empathy and understanding can seem like a monumental task. Yet, it is through these efforts that we create a sense of belonging and purpose.One powerful way to build bridges is through open communication. Listening to others’ stories, experiences, and perspectives can break down barriers and reveal shared humanity. Whether it’s a community initiative, a workplace project, or a family dispute, approaching conversations with curiosity and compassion can pave the way for deeper connections.

The Ripple Effect of Unity

When people unite, the impact extends far beyond the immediate group. A single act of kindness or teamwork can inspire others, creating a ripple effect that transforms entire communities.
Consider grassroots movements that have brought about significant change. From various movements to environmental campaigns, history is filled with examples of ordinary people uniting for extraordinary causes. These movements remind us that collective action amplifies individual efforts.

Practical Ways to Foster Unity

  1. Engage in Community Service: Volunteering for local initiatives strengthens communal bonds and provides opportunities to work toward shared goals.
  2. Celebrate Unity: Embrace cultural festivals, learn about different traditions, and encourage inclusivity in your circles.
  3. Practice Active Listening: Show genuine interest in others’ viewpoints, even if they differ from your own.
  4. Collaborate on Goals: Whether at work or in personal life, identify areas where teamwork can lead to better outcomes.
  5. Promote Positivity: Encourage others and celebrate small wins to build a collective sense of accomplishment.

Looking Ahead

As we face the challenges of the modern era—from various challenges to equal opportunity—the need for unity has never been greater. By coming together, we can pool our resources, ideas, and passions to create a brighter future for all.

So let’s remember: we are stronger together. By embracing unity in our daily lives, we not only enrich our own experiences but also contribute to a more connected and compassionate community and world.


Article by Conover Foundation

CSN Meeting Summer Hiatus

Thank you to those of you who attend the Community Support Network of Nevada County (CSN) meetings. We appreciate you.

A friendly reminder that the CSN meetings will be on a “Summer Hiatus” for July and August 2025. The CSN meetings will resume on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 3:30-5pm via Zoom. The September meeting topic will be on Suicide Prevention. If you’re interested in attending the CSN meetings, please click here to register. If you are interested in presenting at the meeting or have a suggestion for a presenter for the Suicide Prevention meeting, please email csnncorg@gmail.com

If you have any happenings or information you would like to share with the community in our e-news, please email them to csnncorg@gmail.com. A friendly reminder that if you are sending/submitting informational flyers or graphics, please email them in a PNG or JPEG format. 

Thank you – The CSN and CAPC team hope you all have a fun and safe summer! We look forward to seeing our community and partners back on Zoom on September 3, 2025.

2025 Community Baby Showers

The planning is underway for the 2025 Community Baby Showers in Truckee Tahoe and Grass Valley—and we’d love for you to be involved!

Event details:

  • Truckee Tahoe Community Baby Shower
    Date & Time: September 16th, 10 AM – 12 PM
    Location: Truckee Regional Park, Rodeo BBQ area
    Sign up here: https://forms.gle/dSv22dqmJhyLT7af7
  • Grass Valley Community Baby Shower
    Date & Time: September 24th 11 AM – 1 PM
    Location: Grass Valley Library Backyard
    Sign up here: https://forms.gle/jT82MuLqL7e1dHEW7

RSVP deadline: September 1, 2025

Please find attached the 2025 Community Baby Shower Flyer, which you’re welcome to share far and wide. If you’d like printed copies, please reach out.

As you plan your booth, please keep in mind the mission of these events:

To offer resources, education, and giveaways while celebrating the journey of welcoming a new baby!

For questions:

If you have any other questions or ideas, feel free to reach out. Thank you for your continued support in serving our community’s birthing families—we’re so grateful for your partnership!

Collaborative Community Cleanup Event

Collaborative effort underway to address homelessness and fire risk in Grass Valley, community cleanup event July 16

Nevada County Behavioral Health, City of Grass Valley, Grass Valley Police Department, and Hospitality House are assisting up to 24 unhoused residents in securing shelter and housing over the next month. The agencies are decommissioning a homeless camp near Highway 49 and Dorsey Drive — an area selected due to the density of people camping at the site and fire risk.

This initiative is made possible through one-time state funding, including grants from the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Program and the Encampment Resolution Fund, which the County successfully applied for to address urgent housing and public safety needs. Additional support is being provided through contributions from the landowner and funding from the City of Grass Valley’s Measure B fire mitigation program.

“Addressing the complex issue of homelessness requires true collaboration,” said Grass Valley Police Chief Alex Gammelgard. “By working closely with our community partners, we’re not only supporting some of our most vulnerable unhoused residents but also improving overall public safety for the entire Grass Valley community. This is the kind of collaboration that produces meaningful, lasting results.”

While not everyone from the encampment will receive permanent housing, every effort is being made to provide immediate shelter, support services, and long-term resources for as many individuals as possible.

Please note – To further these efforts, a community cleanup event is scheduled for July 16. All listed partners will participate to remove trash accumulation from the unhoused campsites, helping to reduce fire danger, minimize environmental impact, and address ongoing public safety risks associated with the encampments. Those who would like to participate in the cleanup effort may contact Sgt. Clint Lovelady at clovelady@gvpd.net.

Click here to continue reading the article by The Union.

Embrace Summer

Embrace summer – and the many learning opportunities in the days ahead 

Forget about math camps and 300-page workbooks, embrace summer days ahead and what your children – and you – can learn from the much-deserved break.

A hike along one of our many trails, time along the Yuba River or visiting a library or museum are all learning experiences that can open the door to many new learning opportunities, says Mark Heine, a school social worker and child/family psychotherapist for Nevada Joint Union School District and President of the Bright Futures for Youth Board of Directors.

Learn how to turn summer fun into a first-hand learning experience, whether you are taking a trip or visiting family – or simply enjoying nature here at home. Please check out the guest column by Heine that appeared in The Union newspaper.

And embrace – and enjoy – summer.

NAMI Family Support Meeting

Please join us for Zoom Family Support

Tuesday, June 24th, 5:30pm – 7:30pm

All are invited who may benefit from this online meeting!

Join Zoom Meeting LINK:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86805170647?pwd=b0FRUnpMY2w4MFpkT2pQOWZ5ajFmdz09

Meeting ID: 868 0517 0647     Passcode: 906204

At meeting time, please CLICK ON THE LINK ABOVE to join the group

ZOOM support continues on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
WITH THE SAME LINK!

Also, if you are a loved one and out of crisis,
please attend to support those who need to hear our experience of hope.

Questions? Call us at (530) 648-0178

Nevada County Proposed Budget 2025-2026

The Nevada County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote Tuesday, June 24 on a proposed balanced $415.5 million budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
The budget is available for review online at NevadaCountyCA.gov/Budget and at local libraries.
The budget proposal includes $391.6 million in new revenues, largely state and federal resources for safety net services, road projects, and a planned use of $23.8 million from various fund balances to support expenditures of $415.5 million. It has increased 2.2% over estimated expenses for fiscal year 2024-25, in part driven by three bridge replacement projects approved mid-year.
The budget proposal includes funding for public safety, emergency services, health and human services, elections, libraries, and more. It reflects a 7.3% increase over the current year, thanks to new state and federal grants.
The Tuesday June 24 Board of Supervisors meeting begins at 9 a.m. at the Nevada County Government Center, 950 Maidu Ave., Nevada City.
Submit feedback to: bdofsupervisors@nevadacountyca.gov
Find your district’s supervisor: NevadaCountyCa.gov/BOS