How Giving Back Checks My PERMA Boxes
What makes for a good life? That’s a question I think about often—not just in my work as a financial planner, but as a father, a neighbor, and a member of the Kutztown community. Psychologist Martin Seligman, one of the founding voices of positive psychology, offers a compelling answer through a concept called PERMA. It’s an acronym for the five elements that help people flourish: Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment.
Volunteering has always checked many those boxes for me. That’s why, since 2014, I’ve proudly served on the board of the Kutztown Area School District Education Foundation—the same district I grew up in, and the one where my own children now learn and grow. It’s a way to stay involved, to give back, and to support a mission I deeply believe in; “Improving Education Together.”
One of the most exciting and important projects we’re currently fundraising for is called the Cougar Courtyard—a sensory playground specifically designed to serve the needs of neurodiverse children, including those with autism and sensory processing challenges. It’s more than just a playground. It’s a statement: that every child deserves a space where they feel safe, included, and free to be themselves. Sadly, it’s a growing need and funding in public education isn’t easy to come by. Seeing the generosity of others to step in and fill that void, for children who really need it, has been both humbling and inspiring. This community shows up. Again, and again. And it’s why I’m so grateful to be raising my kids here.
If you’d like to learn more about the Cougar Courtyard and the Education Foundation’s mission, you can find details here. But please know—this blog isn’t a call for donations. It’s just a reminder that giving back of our time, energy, or talents to something we care about is often one of the most meaningful things we can do and an important part of what makes us truly happy. I encourage you to consider where your PERMA comes from. For me, it’s often in the quiet work of supporting causes that matter deeply and doing so in the very place I call home.
Investment Advice offered through Great Valley Advisor Group, a Registered Investment Advisor. Great Valley Advisor Group and Haas Financial Investment Advice offered through Great Valley Advisor Group, a Registered Investment Advisor. Great Valley Advisor Group and Haas Financial Group are separate entities. This is not intended to be used as tax or legal advice. Please consult a tax or legal professional for specific information and advice. are separate entities. This is not intended to be used as tax or legal advice. Please consult a tax or legal professional for specific information and advice.
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