🧩 Pieces of Possibility: A Creative Way to Connect, Give Back, and Build the Future

Written By Johnathan Thus

I have always loved building things—whether it’s a career path, a community project, or simply a puzzle on the kitchen table. There’s something deeply satisfying about watching small pieces come together into a bigger picture. Puzzles give us that perfect mix of creativity, focus, and accomplishment.

In recent years, I’ve found a new appreciation for the calm focus that comes from piecing together a puzzle. It quiets the noise in my mind and gives me space to think differently, almost like a form of meditation. The sense of progress with each connected piece reminds me that growth happens one step at a time.

And perhaps best of all, puzzles have always been a bonding experience for my family. The laughter, the teamwork, the friendly competition over who finds the last piece, it all builds connection in a world that often moves too fast.

🌟 From Family Fun to a Global Fundraiser

When our team at We Connect The Dots began exploring creative, sustainable ways to raise awareness and funds for our mission, we knew we wanted something different, something that reflects who we are.

We’re not a gala-and-glitter kind of organization. We’re builders, educators, and innovators. We help communities create sustainable career pathways through technology, creativity, and resilience training. So it felt natural to design a fundraiser that would embody those same values: collaboration, creativity, and connection.

That’s how the idea for the Pieces of Possibility Holiday Puzzle Challenge was born.

This annual initiative invites artists, students, and creators of all ages to design artwork that could become the image for our next community puzzle. The winning design—chosen through public voting—will be turned into a limited-edition puzzle that families, friends, and teams can enjoy together during the holidays.

🧠 Why a Puzzle? Because Learning and Problem Solving Belong Together

Our work at We Connect The Dots is rooted in psychological safety and gamified learning—creating environments where people can explore, take risks, and grow together. Puzzles naturally foster those same skills:

  • Focus and persistence when facing complex challenges

  • Communication and teamwork when collaborating with others

  • Pattern recognition and creative problem solving that transfer into learning and career skills

Every piece represents a part of the whole, just like the people who come together in our programs to build stronger communities.

Through this campaign, participants don’t just help raise funds—they help teach the next generation how to learn, connect, and thrive through shared experiences.

❤️ How You Can Get Involved

There are two simple ways to join the fun and support our mission:

🎨 1. Submit a Puzzle Design

Got an artistic spark? Create a puzzle-worthy image that expresses creativity, connection, or community. Use any medium—painting, digital art, or even AI-generated art. The winning design will become the official 2025 “Pieces of Possibility” Puzzle, with the artist featured in our campaign and online gallery. [Submit Your Design Here →]

🧩 2. Purchase This Year’s Puzzle

Bring your family, friends, or coworkers together for some screen-free quality time while supporting programs that change lives. [Pre-Order the Puzzle →] Pre-orders open November 21st.

🌍 Building Something Bigger—Together

When you join the Pieces of Possibility Challenge, you’re not just buying a puzzle or submitting a design—you’re helping build a sustainable future for students and communities everywhere.

Each puzzle sold helps fund our technology and workforce development programs, giving individuals the opportunity to discover new skills, build resilience, and connect to meaningful careers.

Together, we can create something lasting—one piece at a time.

✨ Call to Action

Let’s turn creativity into connection and connection into change. Join us for the Pieces of Possibility Holiday Puzzle Challenge—and help build the picture of what’s possible.

By Laurie Carey
November 11, 2025

Johnathan Thus
Next

We Connect the Dots Welcomes Marketing Visionary Pamela Neville to Board of Directors