In 1984, a 22-year-old John Dillon started Chrysalis with his own money to help the homeless people of Skid Row, Los Angeles. Initially a food and clothing distribution center, the agency later became a non-profit organization that assists destitute and low-income individuals find jobs so that they may become self-sufficient.
As most of the charity's clients have multiple barriers to landing a steady job, such as lack of education and a history of substance abuse, Chrysalis helps them overcome these obstacles by providing them with the tools and support they need to prepare for, find, and retain employment.
Clients go through a self-directed job search program while working with Chrysalis's employment specialists and volunteers. Job readiness classes are offered to improve their employability and self-confidence, while facilities like computers and a message center allow them to create resumes and cover letters and communicate with potential employers. For clients who have the greatest roadblocks to employment, Chrysalis offers a transitional jobs program wherein they can acquire the skills and experience necessary to secure long-term work.
Since its inception, the award-winning organization has helped more than 38,000 men and women through its three locations in Downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Pacoima.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Little Kids Rock Hits the Right Notes
One of the leading music charities in the United States, Little Kids Rock was established by elementary school teacher David Wish in 2002. Its history, however, goes back to 1996, when Wish became frustrated with the lack of funding for music education at his school. Wanting to give his students a chance to explore music, he started to offer after school guitar classes. The classes were a hit, hence Wish decided to expand his vision to the national level.
As music programs are usually the first to go with budget cuts, Little Kids Rock is on a mission to restore and revitalize music education in disadvantaged public schools. Recognizing the importance and benefits of playing music, the non-profit organization teams up with school districts to donate instruments and resources as well as provide training for public school teachers. At present, Little Kids Rock serves over 78,000 kids across the country.
Supported by honorary board members B.B. King, Paul Simon, Bonnie Raitt, and many other well-known musicians, Little Kids Rock employs a teaching style that combines standard practices in music and general education. Students are encouraged to learn by doing and lessons focus on popular music styles that youngsters are already familiar with, such as rock, blues, and hip-hop. Furthermore, kids are taught composition and recording and get to make their own CDs and music videos.
Schools are given the option to offer music classes either as part of the core curriculum or as after school enrichment. In addition, the Little Kids Rock website has a section for young musicians where they can watch online lessons and music videos made by other kids.
In late 2009, the Dr. Phil Foundation launched Little Kids Rock Across America with a $500,000 donation to help Little Kids Rock reach even more pupils in underfunded public schools. Since then, over 7,000 instruments have been purchased and donated, nearly 200 teachers have been trained, and more than 33,000 students in 165 schools have been served by the program.
As music programs are usually the first to go with budget cuts, Little Kids Rock is on a mission to restore and revitalize music education in disadvantaged public schools. Recognizing the importance and benefits of playing music, the non-profit organization teams up with school districts to donate instruments and resources as well as provide training for public school teachers. At present, Little Kids Rock serves over 78,000 kids across the country.
Supported by honorary board members B.B. King, Paul Simon, Bonnie Raitt, and many other well-known musicians, Little Kids Rock employs a teaching style that combines standard practices in music and general education. Students are encouraged to learn by doing and lessons focus on popular music styles that youngsters are already familiar with, such as rock, blues, and hip-hop. Furthermore, kids are taught composition and recording and get to make their own CDs and music videos.
Schools are given the option to offer music classes either as part of the core curriculum or as after school enrichment. In addition, the Little Kids Rock website has a section for young musicians where they can watch online lessons and music videos made by other kids.
In late 2009, the Dr. Phil Foundation launched Little Kids Rock Across America with a $500,000 donation to help Little Kids Rock reach even more pupils in underfunded public schools. Since then, over 7,000 instruments have been purchased and donated, nearly 200 teachers have been trained, and more than 33,000 students in 165 schools have been served by the program.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
This Charity is One for the Books
One day more than 20 years ago, Tom Warth was visiting a friend in Jinja, Uganda when he and his hostess came upon the local library. The barren shelves and well-worn books prompted Warth to do something about the library's destitute state. Upon returning to America, he spoke to the Minnesota Book Publishers' Roundtable about his idea to send books to Africa. Thus, Books For Africa was created in 1988.
With the goal of promoting literacy in Africa, Books For Africa collects, arranges, and ships books donated by schools, publishers, libraries, individuals, and organizations. The books, which would otherwise go to landfills, are tirelessly sorted by volunteers according to age and subject. Since its establishment, Books For Africa has sent over 24 million books to rural schools, orphanages, community resource centers, and adult literacy programs in 46 African countries.
Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan once said, “Unfortunately, today many schools across the continent remain in need, and millions of children and adults are still without access to books and the tools to reach their full potential.”
Books For Africa believes that books are the basis of a sound educational system and will therefore continue working to end the book famine in Africa.
With the goal of promoting literacy in Africa, Books For Africa collects, arranges, and ships books donated by schools, publishers, libraries, individuals, and organizations. The books, which would otherwise go to landfills, are tirelessly sorted by volunteers according to age and subject. Since its establishment, Books For Africa has sent over 24 million books to rural schools, orphanages, community resource centers, and adult literacy programs in 46 African countries.
Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan once said, “Unfortunately, today many schools across the continent remain in need, and millions of children and adults are still without access to books and the tools to reach their full potential.”
Books For Africa believes that books are the basis of a sound educational system and will therefore continue working to end the book famine in Africa.
Spreading Compassion Throughout the World
The largest non-governmental organization in the Chinese-speaking world, Tzu Chi Foundation is an international charity that was started in Hualien, Taiwan by Buddhist nun Dharma Master Cheng Yen.
In 1966, during a visit to a local clinic, the Dharma Master came across an indigenous woman who was having labor complications. Her family had carried her from their village eight hours away, but they had to leave upon arriving as they did not have the money to pay for treatment. The incident saddened Dharma Master Cheng Yen and left her thinking how she could help others when she was just a monastic herself.
Subsequently, the Dharma Master encountered three Catholic nuns who asked her why they haven't seen any Buddhists doing humanitarian aid work if the Buddha taught compassion for all living beings. The nuns' words resonated with Dharma Master Cheng Yen, and that meeting led her to establish Tzu Chi, which means “compassionate relief” in Chinese. From its humble beginnings of 30 members, the organization now has over 370 offices worldwide and countless volunteers in 47 countries.
Guided by the principle of helping the poor and educating the rich, Tzu Chi's work focuses on providing material assistance to the impoverished as well as inspiring loving kindness in everyone. Aside from its original mission of charity, Tzu Chi also carries out operations in the areas of medicine, culture, education, international relief, and environmental protection. In addition, the organization runs The Buddhist Tzu Chi Bone Marrow Stem Cell Centre.
Recently, Tzu Chi distributed supplies for renal failure patients in Thailand after local factories were forced to close due to destructive floods. The foundation has also begun rebuilding schools that were damaged by the earthquake in Haiti in 2010. Some of Tzu Chi's operations last year include providing assistance to earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan as well as delivering rice to more than 800 families in deluged areas in Cambodia.
In 1966, during a visit to a local clinic, the Dharma Master came across an indigenous woman who was having labor complications. Her family had carried her from their village eight hours away, but they had to leave upon arriving as they did not have the money to pay for treatment. The incident saddened Dharma Master Cheng Yen and left her thinking how she could help others when she was just a monastic herself.
Subsequently, the Dharma Master encountered three Catholic nuns who asked her why they haven't seen any Buddhists doing humanitarian aid work if the Buddha taught compassion for all living beings. The nuns' words resonated with Dharma Master Cheng Yen, and that meeting led her to establish Tzu Chi, which means “compassionate relief” in Chinese. From its humble beginnings of 30 members, the organization now has over 370 offices worldwide and countless volunteers in 47 countries.
Guided by the principle of helping the poor and educating the rich, Tzu Chi's work focuses on providing material assistance to the impoverished as well as inspiring loving kindness in everyone. Aside from its original mission of charity, Tzu Chi also carries out operations in the areas of medicine, culture, education, international relief, and environmental protection. In addition, the organization runs The Buddhist Tzu Chi Bone Marrow Stem Cell Centre.
Recently, Tzu Chi distributed supplies for renal failure patients in Thailand after local factories were forced to close due to destructive floods. The foundation has also begun rebuilding schools that were damaged by the earthquake in Haiti in 2010. Some of Tzu Chi's operations last year include providing assistance to earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan as well as delivering rice to more than 800 families in deluged areas in Cambodia.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Chicago Non-Profit Plays Fairy Godmother to High School Girls
Every teenage girl dreams of going to the prom. The Glass Slipper Project, a non-profit organization based in Chicago, Illinois, has been helping make that dream come true for more than a decade now. Established in 1999, The Glass Slipper Project provides new and slightly used prom dresses and accessories for free to juniors and seniors who are unable to purchase their own.
Throughout the year, donors drop off formal dresses, shoes, jewelry, and purses at designated locations, one of which is Zengeler Cleaners. Owner Tom Zengeler decided to participate in the cause after a customer told him about it. Initially, the stores received about 300 dresses, and Zengeler thought the project was only good for a year.
That was 10 years ago.
In 2011, donors delivered over 3,000 dresses to Zengeler Ceaners alone. After cleaning the garments and making some minor repairs, the company then sends them off to The Glass Slipper Project.
Come prom season, The Glass Slipper Project “opens shop” for a few days at a “boutique” where students can “shop” for their dress with the help of a volunteer “personal shopper”. This year, McCorkle School on S. State St. will serve as the boutique location, with classrooms arranged by dress size. The boutique will be open on April 14, 21, and 28.
Any high school junior or senior, whether they live in Chicago or not, can come to the Glass Slipper boutique to pick out their dress. All they have to present is their ID or a letter from their principal or guidance counselor; no proof of financial need is required.
According to The Glass Slipper Project co-founder Dorian Carter, girls arrive as early as 3 am to wait outside to get their number.
She adds, “A lot of these young ladies have never worn a dress. When they try one on, you can see their posture change.”
Throughout the year, donors drop off formal dresses, shoes, jewelry, and purses at designated locations, one of which is Zengeler Cleaners. Owner Tom Zengeler decided to participate in the cause after a customer told him about it. Initially, the stores received about 300 dresses, and Zengeler thought the project was only good for a year.
That was 10 years ago.
In 2011, donors delivered over 3,000 dresses to Zengeler Ceaners alone. After cleaning the garments and making some minor repairs, the company then sends them off to The Glass Slipper Project.
Come prom season, The Glass Slipper Project “opens shop” for a few days at a “boutique” where students can “shop” for their dress with the help of a volunteer “personal shopper”. This year, McCorkle School on S. State St. will serve as the boutique location, with classrooms arranged by dress size. The boutique will be open on April 14, 21, and 28.
Any high school junior or senior, whether they live in Chicago or not, can come to the Glass Slipper boutique to pick out their dress. All they have to present is their ID or a letter from their principal or guidance counselor; no proof of financial need is required.
According to The Glass Slipper Project co-founder Dorian Carter, girls arrive as early as 3 am to wait outside to get their number.
She adds, “A lot of these young ladies have never worn a dress. When they try one on, you can see their posture change.”
Lending a Helping Hand So That Others May Hear
One of the largest hearing charities worldwide, Starkey Hearing Foundation was founded by William F. Austin in 1984. His goal of promoting the importance of hearing and hearing healthcare can be summed up in five simple yet powerful words: “So the World May Hear”.
Millions around the globe are affected by hearing loss, but many do not have access to the devices that can help them. Starkey Hearing Foundation aims to change that, and between the years 2000 and 2010, it donated over 500,000 hearing aids to people in need in more than 80 countries, including the US, India, South Africa, Panama, and Vietnam.
For this decade, Starkey Hearing Foundation has made a commitment to deliver one million hearing aids to the hearing impaired with the help of its volunteers and benefactors or “Hearing Angels”. The organization is also passionate about raising awareness on healthy hearing and loss prevention through its Sound Matters and Listen Carefully initiatives.
Millions around the globe are affected by hearing loss, but many do not have access to the devices that can help them. Starkey Hearing Foundation aims to change that, and between the years 2000 and 2010, it donated over 500,000 hearing aids to people in need in more than 80 countries, including the US, India, South Africa, Panama, and Vietnam.
For this decade, Starkey Hearing Foundation has made a commitment to deliver one million hearing aids to the hearing impaired with the help of its volunteers and benefactors or “Hearing Angels”. The organization is also passionate about raising awareness on healthy hearing and loss prevention through its Sound Matters and Listen Carefully initiatives.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Leadership in the Panhandle
Joe Batson, the President of Coldwater Cattle Company, has dedicated much of his life to improving the Panhandle community of Amarillo, Texas. His family led fundraising efforts to establish the Texas Panhandle Heritage Foundation in the early 1960s. Mr. Batson assisted the nascent foundation as a volunteer in 1965. Working with his university colleague, the photographer Bill Rhew, Mr. Batson designed a technical installation that demonstrated the feasibility of an amphitheater performing arts production in Palo Duro Canyon. The next summer, the initial production of TEXAS, the Official Play of the State of Texas, took place in the Pioneer Amphitheater.
Joe Batson continues to be active as a founding member and lifetime member of the Texas Panhandle Heritage Foundation. He has been a prominent financial supporter of the nonprofit organization, notably donating $1 million in 2004. Today, TEXAS continues as an educational musical pageant that vividly brings Texas pioneer experience to life. In 2009, he received the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce’s Golden Nail Award in recognition of his contributions to local performing arts.
Mr.Batson’s commitment to charitable activities extends to board membership in the Humane Society of North Texas. Working in collaboration with the Potter County Sheriff’s Department, he helped establish a local investigative committee that focused on cruelty to animals. Joe Batson is also Chairman of the Board of the Amarillo chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and an Executive Board Member of the Amarillo Symphony.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Promoting Smart and Sober Living to Teens
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 44 percent of young Americans have smoked cigarettes by twelfth grade, and a whopping 72 percent have tried alcohol by their high school graduation.
Initially established as Students Against Driving Drunk by Robert Anastas in 1981, SADD now stands for Students Against Destructive Decisions. This name change reflects the organization's expanded mission, which aims to stop drug use, underage drinking, teen violence, and teen suicide as well.
From a campaign against drinking and driving, SADD has evolved into a peer-to-peer education and activism group dedicated to preventing harmful behaviors. In 2010, SADD joined Oprah's “No Phone Zone Day” campaign, which discourages people from texting and driving at the same time.
With headquarters in Marlborough, Massachusetts, SADD promotes an alcohol- and drug-free lifestyle to teenagers through classes, forums, workshops, leadership training, and other activities that raise awareness. Currently, there are almost 10,000 SADD chapters with 350,000 active members.
Initially established as Students Against Driving Drunk by Robert Anastas in 1981, SADD now stands for Students Against Destructive Decisions. This name change reflects the organization's expanded mission, which aims to stop drug use, underage drinking, teen violence, and teen suicide as well.
From a campaign against drinking and driving, SADD has evolved into a peer-to-peer education and activism group dedicated to preventing harmful behaviors. In 2010, SADD joined Oprah's “No Phone Zone Day” campaign, which discourages people from texting and driving at the same time.
With headquarters in Marlborough, Massachusetts, SADD promotes an alcohol- and drug-free lifestyle to teenagers through classes, forums, workshops, leadership training, and other activities that raise awareness. Currently, there are almost 10,000 SADD chapters with 350,000 active members.
With A Leg To Stand On, Disabled Children Stand a Chance at Life
According to UNICEF, there are about 140 million children with disabilities in developing nations, but more than 96 percent do not have access to treatment.
Financial services professional C. Mead Welles encountered one such child while on a business trip in Indonesia. The boy, who had a bleeding stubbed leg, sat on a garbage can lid that was being pulled by two other boys.
Shaken by what he had witnessed, Welles decided to establish an organization to help disabled children and shared his idea with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Dinesh Patel, whom he later met at a social event. Dr. Patel in turn approached fellow orthopedic surgeon Dr. Harold van Bosse, and A Leg To Stand On (ALTSO) was created a few years later.
Starting out with its first clinic in Ahmedabad, India in 2003, ALTSO now operates in 15 developing countries including Bangladesh, Haiti, Ecuador, Tanzania, and Pakistan. The non-profit organization carries out its primary mission through its three fundamentals or “three T's”, namely:
Training. ALTSO's Fellowship Training Program educates doctors, rehabilitation specialists, prosthetists, and other medical professionals in partner countries on up-to-date orthopedic surgical methods, prosthetic design, and rehabilitation techniques.
Treatment. ALTSO provides the appropriate treatment for each patient's particular condition. The organization's services include health education, corrective surgery, and orthopedic and prosthetic apparatus.
Therapy. ALTSO offers continuous care for patients via post-operative physical therapy and medical records management, among others.
To date, A Leg To Stand On has given treatment and therapy to more than 5,300 children, while an additional 10,000 children have received care from medical professionals who have studied under ALTSO's Fellowship Training Programs.
Director of Programs AJ Warco explains that donations go straight to the beneficiaries' orthopedic services. This frees up funds for ALTSO's implementing partners, allowing them to hire more staff to help more children.
Financial services professional C. Mead Welles encountered one such child while on a business trip in Indonesia. The boy, who had a bleeding stubbed leg, sat on a garbage can lid that was being pulled by two other boys.
Shaken by what he had witnessed, Welles decided to establish an organization to help disabled children and shared his idea with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Dinesh Patel, whom he later met at a social event. Dr. Patel in turn approached fellow orthopedic surgeon Dr. Harold van Bosse, and A Leg To Stand On (ALTSO) was created a few years later.
Starting out with its first clinic in Ahmedabad, India in 2003, ALTSO now operates in 15 developing countries including Bangladesh, Haiti, Ecuador, Tanzania, and Pakistan. The non-profit organization carries out its primary mission through its three fundamentals or “three T's”, namely:
Training. ALTSO's Fellowship Training Program educates doctors, rehabilitation specialists, prosthetists, and other medical professionals in partner countries on up-to-date orthopedic surgical methods, prosthetic design, and rehabilitation techniques.
Treatment. ALTSO provides the appropriate treatment for each patient's particular condition. The organization's services include health education, corrective surgery, and orthopedic and prosthetic apparatus.
Therapy. ALTSO offers continuous care for patients via post-operative physical therapy and medical records management, among others.
To date, A Leg To Stand On has given treatment and therapy to more than 5,300 children, while an additional 10,000 children have received care from medical professionals who have studied under ALTSO's Fellowship Training Programs.
Director of Programs AJ Warco explains that donations go straight to the beneficiaries' orthopedic services. This frees up funds for ALTSO's implementing partners, allowing them to hire more staff to help more children.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Singer Adam Lambert “Gives Up” Birthday for Clean Water
American Idol alum Adam Lambert turned 30 recently, and for his birthday, he asked his fans to assist him in raising $100,000 for charity: water. This is not Lambert's first campaign with the non-profit. Last year, he and his “Glamberts” raised more than $300,000, which was used to help over 16,000 people in developing countries who did not have access to clean water.
This past Sunday, Lambert tweeted from Austria, “Today is my birthday, and for my 30th I'd like you all to help me change the world.” He told his 1.3 million followers, “Last year we raised over $300,000 for @charitywater. This year let's make a bigger impact.”
Lambert's campaign has already raised more than $33,000 so far and will be open for two months. He has also urged his fans to “give up” their birthday this year. The singer explains on his charity: water campaign page, “It means that when people ask you what you want for your birthday, you tell them that you'd like clean water, and ask them to donate money, 100% of which will directly fund water projects.”
This past Sunday, Lambert tweeted from Austria, “Today is my birthday, and for my 30th I'd like you all to help me change the world.” He told his 1.3 million followers, “Last year we raised over $300,000 for @charitywater. This year let's make a bigger impact.”
Lambert's campaign has already raised more than $33,000 so far and will be open for two months. He has also urged his fans to “give up” their birthday this year. The singer explains on his charity: water campaign page, “It means that when people ask you what you want for your birthday, you tell them that you'd like clean water, and ask them to donate money, 100% of which will directly fund water projects.”
One Man's Leftovers is Another Man's Dinner
After a U2 gig or Jets game and most of the spectators have gone, Rock and Wrap It Up! arrives at the scene and gets to work. Since 1991, the non-profit organization has been collecting leftover food, which would otherwise be thrown out, at concert venues, sports stadiums, and filming locations. Volunteers then deliver the recovered eats to nearby charities, food banks, and pantries.
Created by businessman and self-proclaimed former hippie Syd Mandelbaum, Rock and Wrap It Up! is an anti-poverty and anti-hunger think thank. Since its inception, the New York-based charity has donated over 250 million pounds of food to more than 43,000 shelters and places of need across North America with the help of its partners.
Since caterers generally prepare more food than needed for an event, there is always plenty of leftovers. This is where Rock and Wrap It Up! steps in. They make it easy for musicians, sports teams, and the film and television industry to donate unused food to soup kitchens and shelters by providing free pickup and delivery services. Some well-known names that have collaborated with the organization include the Rolling Stones, Backstreet Boys, Tori Amos, Paul McCartney, HBO, and NBCUniversal.
In 2003, Rock and Wrap It Up! started working with sports franchises. The Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and World Wrestling Entertainment are just a few of those that have joined in. Rock and Wrap It Up! has teamed up with more than 300 schools nationwide as well to encourage students to donate unopened snacks and take part in non-perishable food drives.
Aside from leftover food, Rock and Wrap It Up! also recovers new or slightly used toiletries from hotels. The group collects shampoo, conditioner, soap, and toilet paper left behind by guests of the Grand Hyatt and Ritz-Carlton, among others, to prevent them from going into landfills.
Created by businessman and self-proclaimed former hippie Syd Mandelbaum, Rock and Wrap It Up! is an anti-poverty and anti-hunger think thank. Since its inception, the New York-based charity has donated over 250 million pounds of food to more than 43,000 shelters and places of need across North America with the help of its partners.
Since caterers generally prepare more food than needed for an event, there is always plenty of leftovers. This is where Rock and Wrap It Up! steps in. They make it easy for musicians, sports teams, and the film and television industry to donate unused food to soup kitchens and shelters by providing free pickup and delivery services. Some well-known names that have collaborated with the organization include the Rolling Stones, Backstreet Boys, Tori Amos, Paul McCartney, HBO, and NBCUniversal.
In 2003, Rock and Wrap It Up! started working with sports franchises. The Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and World Wrestling Entertainment are just a few of those that have joined in. Rock and Wrap It Up! has teamed up with more than 300 schools nationwide as well to encourage students to donate unopened snacks and take part in non-perishable food drives.
Aside from leftover food, Rock and Wrap It Up! also recovers new or slightly used toiletries from hotels. The group collects shampoo, conditioner, soap, and toilet paper left behind by guests of the Grand Hyatt and Ritz-Carlton, among others, to prevent them from going into landfills.
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