Did you give an "Every Day Counts- Lift Em Up" bracelet?

One smile can start a friendship

One invitation can create community

One hug can drive away sorrow

One laugh or giggle can give hope

One person can change a life

Brody Reynolds Balcony Foundation

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"There are some who bring a light so great that even after they are gone, the light remains."
- Will Dempsey

We call this being a "balcony person" - someone who goes through life with their arms wide open ready to lift up others. Someone who intentionally makes their days count by sharing light, joy, kindness, time, and attention to ensure others feel seen, heard, and know that they matter in this world.

Join us in being a balcony person like Bro!

On January 28, 2024 Brody Reynolds tragically lost his life in a car accident at the age of 17. Brody told his friend, "I brought you here and I will make sure you make it home safe." Brody then dropped his friend off safely and told him, "I love you man. I'll see you tomorrow." However, tomorrow never came.

When officials returned Brody's belongings from the accident, we were instantly taken aback to read the message on Brody's black plastic bracelet which he wore everyday. We did not realize Brody's statement to the world was "EVERY DAY COUNTS." After a long pause and many tears, we realized that Brody didn't make his days count through all of his nonstop sport, school, work, and fun activities- Brody made his days count by sharing his smiley, love-filled, energetic, nonjudgemental, and open-armed embracing of life and people.

Brody's days on earth counted by how he was innately aware of others feelings and their struggles. He greeted everyone, loved them, included both friend and sidelined folks in his activities, and he listened with an interest to help. His impact on the lives of others was never through his own personal achievements or boasting about his capabilities but rather in how he uplifted others. He met people where they were in life with a smile on his face, something funny coming out of his mouth, an outlandish silly act which brought joy, a new lighter energy to each space, and a feeling of belonging when many may have felt lonely, unseen, or alone. Now we hope to spread these skills and habits of seeking connection, nonjudgmental friendship, and the ability to impact the lives of others through lifting them up in ourselves and our community.

Why the name BRODY REYNOLDS BALCONY FOUNDATION?

Brody Reynolds was a balcony person- he knew how to embrace and lift up others!

Brody was taught in his home that there are two types of people in this world, Basement People and Balcony People. Basement people spend their whole life pulling others down to feel as low and miserable as they feel. However, a balcony person is someone who spends their life with arms wide open lifting up others to feel embraced, secure, loved, seen and heard.

A balcony person is a connector of people, one who shares their enormous light, joy, friendship, kindness, empathy, respect, smiles, to love, encourage and support others. Balcony people are nonjudgmental leaders with great awareness concerning the emotional and social needs of others. They are those that spend their life sharing joy and hope, elevating others, and making people feel seen, heard, included, and that their life and needs matter. Balcony people both possess and exhibit extremely high social and emotional skill leadership capabilities.

Our Vision:

The vision of the Brody Reynolds Balcony Foundation is to take these most beautiful parts of Brody's sweet soul and to first grow them more within ourselves, and then to grow them within our community. We strive to make every day count by becoming more aware of and seeking out opportunities to shine our loving light and open our hearts, arms, and minds to the needs of others. We strive to meet people where they are, create a space where they are safe to be themselves, lift them up, and help when we can. Rather than assume or quickly judge others, we will align, listen, and celebrate others to increase connectedness where divisiveness once resided.

Our Goals:

* To counterbalance social trends of increased isolation, divisiveness, and depression with opportunities for face-to-face social connection and the advancement of emotional and social skills such as empathy, active and nonjudgemental listening, improved communication, and heightened leadership skills .

* To educate, recognize, and reward youth concerning emotional intelligence and social intelligence skills.

* To lift up our community via opportunities for connection, support, encouragement, through the building of authentic relationships and improved social and emotional skills.