Widely regarded as one of the most effective arts education providers in America, Inner-City Arts is an oasis of creativity, learning, and achievement in the heart of Skid Row in Los Angeles. Dedicated to helping create a safer and healthier LA, Inner-City Arts was founded in 1989 by Bob Yates, an artist and teacher, and Irwin Jaeger, an entrepreneur, after budget cuts eliminated arts instruction from public schools in the late '70s. Yates and Jaeger were determined to bring the benefits of the arts to underprivileged children in the Skid Row area who were already struggling.
In its first year, Inner-City Arts served 60 elementary school students. Since then, countless elementary, middle, and high school students have visited the non-profit's award-winning campus to study visual, performing, and media arts under the guidance of professional teaching artists in well-equipped studios.
Additionally, the Inner-City Arts – Annenberg Professional Development Program provides training for classroom teachers, graduate students, community partners, and others who wish to teach arts education.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Love146: Saving Children From Trafficking and Exploitation
Founded in 2002 as Justice for Children International, Love146 is a non-profit organization committed to ending child trafficking and exploitation. The charity takes it name from a young girl who was being sold for sex at a brothel in Southeast Asia. In 2002, the co-founders of Love146 traveled to the region and a couple of them accompanied investigators to a brothel in an undercover probe. All of the girls wore red dresses with a pinned number for identification, and they all sat watching cartoons blankly as predators looked at them from the other side of the glass.
Rob Morris, president and co-founder of Love146, recalls that these children no longer had light in their eyes, except one. The girl whose number was 146 wouldn't watch the cartoons and was looking beyond the glass with a piercing gaze. She still had fight left in her. Some time later, the brothel was raided and the children were rescued. The girl only known as 146 wasn't among them, but the co-founders named Love146 after her to serve as a reminder of why they started the organization.
Now operating across three continents, Love146 aims to help the millions of other children who are also represented by the number 146. The charity provides holistic care for survivors and journeys with them as they are reintegrated back into society. In response to the lack of safe places for rescued children, Love146 expanded existing safe homes throughout Asia and subsequently built the Round Home in the Philippines. Love 146 also provides prevention education in high schools, group homes, and residential care facilities in the US, speaking directly with teens and increasing their awareness of the signs of exploitation, the tactics of traffickers, and the services available to them. Furthermore, the non-profit trains professionals such as social workers and teachers, giving them tools to prevent child trafficking and help victims, as well as financially supports other organizations fighting child trafficking and exploitation.
Rob Morris, president and co-founder of Love146, recalls that these children no longer had light in their eyes, except one. The girl whose number was 146 wouldn't watch the cartoons and was looking beyond the glass with a piercing gaze. She still had fight left in her. Some time later, the brothel was raided and the children were rescued. The girl only known as 146 wasn't among them, but the co-founders named Love146 after her to serve as a reminder of why they started the organization.
Now operating across three continents, Love146 aims to help the millions of other children who are also represented by the number 146. The charity provides holistic care for survivors and journeys with them as they are reintegrated back into society. In response to the lack of safe places for rescued children, Love146 expanded existing safe homes throughout Asia and subsequently built the Round Home in the Philippines. Love 146 also provides prevention education in high schools, group homes, and residential care facilities in the US, speaking directly with teens and increasing their awareness of the signs of exploitation, the tactics of traffickers, and the services available to them. Furthermore, the non-profit trains professionals such as social workers and teachers, giving them tools to prevent child trafficking and help victims, as well as financially supports other organizations fighting child trafficking and exploitation.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Charity Cars: Providing Struggling Families With Free Cars Since 1996
The leading car donation and distribution charity in America, The Original 1-800-Charity Cars (d.b.a. Free Charity Cars) is committed to providing donated vehicles to struggling families. Clients are referred to Charity Cars by other non-profit organizations, social service agencies, churches, and through its own website, FreeCharityCars.org. Typical recipients include victims of natural disasters, military families, victims of domestic violence, families transitioning from public assistance to work, the medically needy, the working poor, and families residing in transitional living shelters.
Since 1996, Charity Cars has witnessed the profound effect getting a free car has on clients. Recipients gain a new sense of hope and self-esteem, motivating them to succeed. Many of them have described the experience as being given a second chance at life, as the automobile is regarded as a symbol of personal freedom and self-sufficiency. The Charity Cars donation program has been well-received by the general public, with several donors reporting they can empathize with the recipients as they have been in similar situations in the past.
The first car donation charity of its kind in the country, Charity Cars aims to help disadvantaged families transition from dependency to self-sufficiency. In addition to being the pioneer of the free car ownership concept, Charity Cars operates the largest car donation and distribution program in the US and has awarded more than 4,500 vehicles nationwide to date. Winner of the Walt Disney World Outstanding Community Service Award, the organization has been featured on Oprah, CBS Morning News, Montel, Good Morning America, Two Guys Garage, as well as in national publications such as The Non-Profit Times, People Magazine, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, and the Associate Press.
Those who wish to donate a car can call Charity Cars or fill out an online form. Representatives will contact donors to schedule a convenient time for free towing.
Since 1996, Charity Cars has witnessed the profound effect getting a free car has on clients. Recipients gain a new sense of hope and self-esteem, motivating them to succeed. Many of them have described the experience as being given a second chance at life, as the automobile is regarded as a symbol of personal freedom and self-sufficiency. The Charity Cars donation program has been well-received by the general public, with several donors reporting they can empathize with the recipients as they have been in similar situations in the past.
The first car donation charity of its kind in the country, Charity Cars aims to help disadvantaged families transition from dependency to self-sufficiency. In addition to being the pioneer of the free car ownership concept, Charity Cars operates the largest car donation and distribution program in the US and has awarded more than 4,500 vehicles nationwide to date. Winner of the Walt Disney World Outstanding Community Service Award, the organization has been featured on Oprah, CBS Morning News, Montel, Good Morning America, Two Guys Garage, as well as in national publications such as The Non-Profit Times, People Magazine, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, and the Associate Press.
Those who wish to donate a car can call Charity Cars or fill out an online form. Representatives will contact donors to schedule a convenient time for free towing.
Pittsburgh Charity Distributes Free Tickets to Children From Low-Income Backgrounds
Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Tickets for Kids Charities (TFK) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing arts, educational, sports, and other tickets to low-income children and families. TFK was founded in 1994 after noticing the excessive number of empty seats at many of the city's shows and events. Since then, the organization has helped 1.4 million individuals gain free admission to arts, cultural, educational, sports, and family entertainment events. TFK obtains tickets through a network of partners that comprises individuals, theaters, museums, amusement parks, sports teams, zoos, aquariums, educational institutions, producing agencies, and more. TFK then distributes those tickets to children and their families via social service agency partners.
In 2012, Tickets for Kids partnered with over 2,600 social service agencies across the US. TFK distributed nearly 115,000 tickets valued at more than $3.6 million and facilitated access to over 5,000 events at no cost to the agencies or their clients.
In 2012, Tickets for Kids partnered with over 2,600 social service agencies across the US. TFK distributed nearly 115,000 tickets valued at more than $3.6 million and facilitated access to over 5,000 events at no cost to the agencies or their clients.
Sunday, October 13, 2013
The Tony Hawk Foundation Increases the Number of Skateparks in America
Founded in 2002 by former professional skateboarder Tony Hawk, the Tony Hawk Foundation is the only national grant-giving organization in the US whose sole focus is the development and financing of public skateboard parks that promote healthy, active lifestyles. The Tony Hawk Foundation seeks to foster long-term improvements in society, with an emphasis on serving youth in disadvantaged communities.
As a teen, Hawk considered the local skatepark his home away from home; skateboarding taught him lessons in perseverance, leadership, and initiative. Today, he is most passionate about children and skateboarding. After receiving thousands of e-mails from parents and kids who did not have a safe place to skate, Hawk decided to establish the Tony Hawk Foundation to help skaters, parents, local leaders, and law enforcement across America develop quality skateparks.
Since its inception, the Tony Hawk Foundation has awarded 525 grants to support free skateparks in low-income neighborhoods. To date, more than 415 grant recipients have opened their skateparks and are serving about 4.5 million children annually.
As a teen, Hawk considered the local skatepark his home away from home; skateboarding taught him lessons in perseverance, leadership, and initiative. Today, he is most passionate about children and skateboarding. After receiving thousands of e-mails from parents and kids who did not have a safe place to skate, Hawk decided to establish the Tony Hawk Foundation to help skaters, parents, local leaders, and law enforcement across America develop quality skateparks.
Since its inception, the Tony Hawk Foundation has awarded 525 grants to support free skateparks in low-income neighborhoods. To date, more than 415 grant recipients have opened their skateparks and are serving about 4.5 million children annually.
Easter Seals: Disability Services for All
The beginnings of Easter Seals can be traced back to 1907, when businessman Edgar Allen lost his son in a streetcar accident. The lack of adequate medical services in his hometown of Elyria, Ohio prompted Allen to sell his business and launch a fundraising campaign to build a hospital. Through the hospital, Allen discovered that children with disabilities were often hidden from the public. This led him to start the National Society for Crippled Children, the first organization of its kind, in 1919.
Fifteen years later, the National Society for Crippled Children introduced its Easter “seals” campaign to raise money for its services. The first seal was designed by Cleveland Plain Dealer cartoonist J.H. Donahey, and donors placed it on envelopes and letters to show their support. The campaign turned out to be a huge success, and by the 1960s, the Easter “seal” had become so well-recognized that the National Society for Crippled Children officially changed its name to Easter Seals.
Today, Easter Seals helps over a million children and adults living with disabilities and special needs and their families each year. The organization's main services include children's sevices, adult and senior services, medical rehabilitation, employment and training, and camping and recreation. Through a network of over 550 sites in America and Ability First Australia, Easter Seals delivers innovative and family-focused services that are customized to meet the needs of each community served. Easter Seals relies on 23,000 staff members, thousands of volunteers, and countless supporters to carry out its mission.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Jumpstart Prepares Low-Income Preschoolers for a Brighter Future
Many children from low-income communities are never exposed to activities that encourage a love for language and learning. According to studies, once they start behind, they're very likely to stay behind. Jumpstart, a national early education organization, exists to change that. To help children from low-income communities close the achievement gap, Jumpstart recruits and trains college students and community Corps members to make a lasting impact on the lives of preschool kids. The organization's proven curriculum nurtures the language and literacy skills children need to be ready for kindergarten, preparing them for success.
Since 1993, Jumpstart has trained nearly 30,000 college students and community volunteers to assist 50,000 preschool children across America. Over the years, Jumpstart has received several accolades for its achievements and contributions, including the AmeriCorps Spirit of Service Award, five Fast Company Social Capitalist Awards, and the Alfred P. Sloan Award for Excellence in Workplace Effectiveness and Flexibility.
Since 1993, Jumpstart has trained nearly 30,000 college students and community volunteers to assist 50,000 preschool children across America. Over the years, Jumpstart has received several accolades for its achievements and contributions, including the AmeriCorps Spirit of Service Award, five Fast Company Social Capitalist Awards, and the Alfred P. Sloan Award for Excellence in Workplace Effectiveness and Flexibility.
Alley Cat Allies: Care and Protection for Stray and Feral Cats
The only national advocacy organization in the US dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats, Alley Cat Allies was founded in 1990 by two women who saw that the needs of stray and feral cats were not being met by the animal control pound and shelter system. To end the killing of cats by pounds and shelters, they created educational materials and wrote step-by-step instructions on the care and protection of these felines. Alley Cat Allies was the first organization to introduce humane methods of feral cat care in America, particularly the practice of spaying and neutering entire colonies with Trap-Neuter-Return. The organization has since led the movement for the protection of outdoor cats and continues to fight against unnecessary killing, promote humane care, and educate the public about the lives of cats.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Alley Cat Allies empowers veterinarians, activists, caregivers, non-profits, and policymakers nationwide with the tools and knowledge they need to practice and advocate for stray and feral cat care in their own communities. The organization has helped tens of thousands of people save and improve the lives of millions of felines, as well as inspired and assisted grassroots activists to start feral cat groups in their neighborhoods. Alley Cat Allies is solely responsible for bringing the humane treatment of cats into the national spotlight and has prompted America to better understand and respect them.
Today, Alley Cat Allies is the recognized authority on feral cats and has more than 500,000 supporters around the world. The organization is currently headed by president and co-founder Becky Robinson, who possesses years of experience in hands-on investigation and managing large-scale feral cat programs. She has advised veterinarians, organizations, and communities on the domestic cat species and has helped several neighborhoods launch or improve cat protection programs.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Alley Cat Allies empowers veterinarians, activists, caregivers, non-profits, and policymakers nationwide with the tools and knowledge they need to practice and advocate for stray and feral cat care in their own communities. The organization has helped tens of thousands of people save and improve the lives of millions of felines, as well as inspired and assisted grassroots activists to start feral cat groups in their neighborhoods. Alley Cat Allies is solely responsible for bringing the humane treatment of cats into the national spotlight and has prompted America to better understand and respect them.
Today, Alley Cat Allies is the recognized authority on feral cats and has more than 500,000 supporters around the world. The organization is currently headed by president and co-founder Becky Robinson, who possesses years of experience in hands-on investigation and managing large-scale feral cat programs. She has advised veterinarians, organizations, and communities on the domestic cat species and has helped several neighborhoods launch or improve cat protection programs.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Animal Defenders International: Protecting Animals Worldwide
Founded in 1990, Animal Defenders International (ADI) campaigns to protect animals in entertainment, rescues animals in distress, and educates the public on animals and environmental issues. With offices in Los Angeles, London, and Bogota, ADI also provides technical advice to governments and drafts and secures progressive animal protection legislation. The organization has an international reputation for exposing behind-the-scenes animal suffering through video and photographic evidence and supporting this evidence with scientific research.
With a holistic, self-sufficient approach to attaining long-term protection for animals, ADI works at all levels of each campaign, including undercover investigation, scientific and economic research, technical report publication, and public education. Everything is done in-house in order to maximize outreach and minimize expenses.
Animal Defenders International works together with the National Anti-Vivisection Society and the Lord Dowding Fund for Humane Research for the protection of animals. ADI is currently led by Jan Creamer, who serves as president and CEO.
With a holistic, self-sufficient approach to attaining long-term protection for animals, ADI works at all levels of each campaign, including undercover investigation, scientific and economic research, technical report publication, and public education. Everything is done in-house in order to maximize outreach and minimize expenses.
Animal Defenders International works together with the National Anti-Vivisection Society and the Lord Dowding Fund for Humane Research for the protection of animals. ADI is currently led by Jan Creamer, who serves as president and CEO.
Keep a Child Alive: Everyone Has the Right to Health Care
Keep a Child Alive (KCA) was founded in 2003 by longtime AIDS activist and film/TV producer Leigh Blake after her previous fundraiser, Red Hot & Blue, built the AIDS Research and Family Care Clinic in Mombasa, Kenya. A woman had walked into the clinic, desperate to obtain anti-retroviral drugs for her son. Moved by the woman's courage, Blake paid for the medication, which at the time cost more than most Africans could afford. Soon, Blake's friends and colleagues heard about the children's need for medication and offered to help as well.
Blake started KCA to provide vital anti-retroviral medicine to children and families with AIDS in impoverished nations. Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Alicia Keys subsequently became the organization's first global ambassador. With an approach that's “in-your-face, irreverent, and ever-changing,” KCA was the first NGO to ask the public for donations specifically for AIDS treatment. The charity's documentary, Alicia in Africa: Journey to the Motherland, became the first film of its kind to be released online for free worldwide. KCA also pioneered the first charitable SMS campaign in the US, which saw great success on American Idol.
Keep a Child Alive believes that every individual has the right to health care and that all children deserve a future. KCA's focus areas include HIV treatment and care, nutritious food, orphan care, and loving support for children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Uganda, and India. With two consecutive four-star ratings from Charity Navigator, KCA has so far placed more than 9,000 children and family members on anti-retroviral treatment and served over 300,000 people. In addition, the organization's annual Black Ball fundraiser has raised $18.5 million since 2004. Created by founder Leigh Blake, the Black Ball is a star-studded event that features musical collaborations with Alicia Keys and other leading artists, all for a good cause.
Blake started KCA to provide vital anti-retroviral medicine to children and families with AIDS in impoverished nations. Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Alicia Keys subsequently became the organization's first global ambassador. With an approach that's “in-your-face, irreverent, and ever-changing,” KCA was the first NGO to ask the public for donations specifically for AIDS treatment. The charity's documentary, Alicia in Africa: Journey to the Motherland, became the first film of its kind to be released online for free worldwide. KCA also pioneered the first charitable SMS campaign in the US, which saw great success on American Idol.
Keep a Child Alive believes that every individual has the right to health care and that all children deserve a future. KCA's focus areas include HIV treatment and care, nutritious food, orphan care, and loving support for children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Uganda, and India. With two consecutive four-star ratings from Charity Navigator, KCA has so far placed more than 9,000 children and family members on anti-retroviral treatment and served over 300,000 people. In addition, the organization's annual Black Ball fundraiser has raised $18.5 million since 2004. Created by founder Leigh Blake, the Black Ball is a star-studded event that features musical collaborations with Alicia Keys and other leading artists, all for a good cause.
The Nathan Hale Foundation: Helping our Heroes
Like many business leaders, Kevin Craffey has dedicated himself to giving back to the community that fostered his own development. In addition to supporting children and teenagers through the Coos County Youth Foundation in New Hampshire, he has also strived to help the men and women who have served our country through a prominent Plymouth, Massachusetts-based organization, the Nathan Hale Foundation, which operates the Nathan Hale Veterans Outreach Centers. Kevin Craffey and other philanthropists have sought to ensure that all American heroes receive the kind of support they once provided to us through their service.
Named for the American patriot who famously uttered "I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country" before his execution at the hands of British troops during the Revolutionary War, the Nathan Hale Foundation was initially established and incorporated in April of 2006. Founded by Christopher C. Hart and supported by donors and volunteers like Kevin Craffey, the organization currently includes two Outreach Centers in Plymouth and Middleboro, Massachusetts. Mr. Hart, who was unable to serve in the military but felt compelled to do something in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, quickly put together plans for his outreach initiative, and through the help of funds provided by Kevin Craffey, along with the support of local congressmen and women, the outreach center became a reality.
Today, the Nathan Hale Foundation offers a number of free services to veterans, from classes on crafts and painting to counseling and transportation to medical appointments. The future of the foundation, which will be supported by Kevin Craffey and other philanthropists dedicated to the organization's cause, will be the Nathan Hale Therapeutic Wellness Recovery Center, which will include rock climbing walls, cutting-edge rehabilitation equipment, and counseling services designed to meet the needs of servicemen and women. To this end, the organization holds numerous events to raise awareness and gather supporters, including the Nathan Hale Foundation 5k, held or the first time on Veteran's Day, 2012, and Hale to the Arts, a gala event showcasing the art made by program participants.
To join Kevin Craffey in supporting the foundation, visit www.thenathanhaleveteransoutreachcenterplymouthma.com
Named for the American patriot who famously uttered "I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country" before his execution at the hands of British troops during the Revolutionary War, the Nathan Hale Foundation was initially established and incorporated in April of 2006. Founded by Christopher C. Hart and supported by donors and volunteers like Kevin Craffey, the organization currently includes two Outreach Centers in Plymouth and Middleboro, Massachusetts. Mr. Hart, who was unable to serve in the military but felt compelled to do something in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, quickly put together plans for his outreach initiative, and through the help of funds provided by Kevin Craffey, along with the support of local congressmen and women, the outreach center became a reality.
Today, the Nathan Hale Foundation offers a number of free services to veterans, from classes on crafts and painting to counseling and transportation to medical appointments. The future of the foundation, which will be supported by Kevin Craffey and other philanthropists dedicated to the organization's cause, will be the Nathan Hale Therapeutic Wellness Recovery Center, which will include rock climbing walls, cutting-edge rehabilitation equipment, and counseling services designed to meet the needs of servicemen and women. To this end, the organization holds numerous events to raise awareness and gather supporters, including the Nathan Hale Foundation 5k, held or the first time on Veteran's Day, 2012, and Hale to the Arts, a gala event showcasing the art made by program participants.
To join Kevin Craffey in supporting the foundation, visit www.thenathanhaleveteransoutreachcenterplymouthma.com
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