The Semper Fi Fund including its America’s Fund program remains true to its motto – always faithful to the post-9/11 veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces in the provision of support services for them and their families. The fund provides for immediate monetary assistance as well as lifetime support for the wounded, injured and critically ill veterans and their families, thus, ensuring their successful recovery and transition into society after their deployment.
Today, the Semper Fi Fund has issued over $99 million in grants and assistance to more than 13,000 veterans and their families – and the numbers just keep on increasing. The recipients have indeed benefited from the support especially in their recovery from injuries as well as in integration back into their communities. The organization provides for financial and emotional support for injured and ill service members as well as their families via several programs including Family Support, Adaptive Housing, Education and Career Transitioning, and Specialized Equipment, among others.
Established by a group of Marine Corps spouses, the Fund is now managed by the same group as well as by other spouses from all service branches and retired service members. The Semper Fi Fund can be accessed by post-9/11 service members including Marines, Airmen, Sailors, and Sailors as well as reservists who have injuries and illnesses, such as traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and spinal cord injuries.
Of course, the organization has to use its resources in providing for its tiered support services. It completely relies on the donations made by individuals, foundations and corporations as well as community groups for its fundraising, administrative, and program costs; it does not conduct direct mail campaigns and receive government funding to keep its costs as low as possible, thus, ensuring that the fund can be used for the welfare of service members.
And with high ratings from charity watchdogs, such as A+ Top Rated Charity by CharityWatch and 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, you have the assurance that your dollar donations will go a long way toward the welfare of service members and their families.
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Friday, December 26, 2014
Futures for Children Works Toward Giving American Indians A Brighter Future
The children are our future. This is the adage that Futures for Children (FFC) adopt in their advocacy toward empowering American Indian students and their families via leadership development, community service, and mentoring programs. The non-profit organization works with more than 150 volunteers from Hopi, Navajo and New Mexico pueblo tribal communities as well as over 1,400 mentors worldwide in delivering and monitoring its programs as well as in encouraging academic success.
FFC also works for the social and economic justice for the American Indian people. Students are encouraged to become young leaders, to make their voices heard, and to take meaningful actions in their communities while also being proud of their cultural identities.
The organization implements its Three Circles of Support approach in achieving its mission and vision. First, the Youth Leadership Program provides children with appropriate assistance in the development of their leadership skills and the implementation of their community projects. The children are supported by Project Coach volunteers during their projects.
Second, the Friendship/Mentorship Program connects American Indian students with mentors both within the United States and abroad. The parties communicate via letters, emails and phone calls with the mentors encouraging students to pursue their education and to achieve academic excellence, both of which are done with a positive approach.
Third, the Families in Action Program helps families identify and overcome barriers to academic success for the students.
Indeed, FFC is doing its job for the children and, in turn, for the future.
FFC also works for the social and economic justice for the American Indian people. Students are encouraged to become young leaders, to make their voices heard, and to take meaningful actions in their communities while also being proud of their cultural identities.
The organization implements its Three Circles of Support approach in achieving its mission and vision. First, the Youth Leadership Program provides children with appropriate assistance in the development of their leadership skills and the implementation of their community projects. The children are supported by Project Coach volunteers during their projects.
Second, the Friendship/Mentorship Program connects American Indian students with mentors both within the United States and abroad. The parties communicate via letters, emails and phone calls with the mentors encouraging students to pursue their education and to achieve academic excellence, both of which are done with a positive approach.
Third, the Families in Action Program helps families identify and overcome barriers to academic success for the students.
Indeed, FFC is doing its job for the children and, in turn, for the future.
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Bailey House Gives Home and Hope Where There May Be None
The Bailey House believes that a brighter future for HIV/AIDS patients starts with a good place to live. The non-profit organization’s advocacy stems from its conviction that housing is a human right and, thus, their work is indeed life-saving on so many levels.
In 1983, just two years after HIV/AIDS was first officially recognized in the United States, a group of compassionate people organized the country’s first response to homelessness among HIV/AIDS patients. The organization started as the AIDS Resource Center with a few apartments but soon the Bailey House was opened, a milestone in HIV/AIDS advocacy because the Bailey House was the first program to address the twin issues of poverty and homelessness among these patients.
Today, the Bailey House has served and continues to serve thousands of men, women and even children with HIV/AIDS in New York City. The organization addresses the issues of poverty, hunger and homelessness as well as substance abuse, mental illness, and physical care for patients in concrete yet compassionate ways. Indeed, the men and women behind Bailey House provide a home and hope where there may be none.
While access to safe, stable and affordable housing is the foundation for its programs, Bailey House also provides other equally life-saving services including supportive case management for both the patients and their families; innovative training programs for the promotion of self-sufficiency among recipients; and connections to medical care and treatment for patients. Of course, the housing-related programs have made the biggest impact where HIV/AIDS patients and their families are concerned.
Project FIRST provides services related to permanent housing, short-term rental assistance, and eviction prevention assistance for recipients. The Bailey-Holt House, the first of its kind in the nation, provides for supportive housing with its individual units fully equipped with private baths while the public areas include communal dining area, library, and community green space.
Lend your support now by making a donation, investing in Bailey House, and attending an event, among others.
In 1983, just two years after HIV/AIDS was first officially recognized in the United States, a group of compassionate people organized the country’s first response to homelessness among HIV/AIDS patients. The organization started as the AIDS Resource Center with a few apartments but soon the Bailey House was opened, a milestone in HIV/AIDS advocacy because the Bailey House was the first program to address the twin issues of poverty and homelessness among these patients.
Today, the Bailey House has served and continues to serve thousands of men, women and even children with HIV/AIDS in New York City. The organization addresses the issues of poverty, hunger and homelessness as well as substance abuse, mental illness, and physical care for patients in concrete yet compassionate ways. Indeed, the men and women behind Bailey House provide a home and hope where there may be none.
While access to safe, stable and affordable housing is the foundation for its programs, Bailey House also provides other equally life-saving services including supportive case management for both the patients and their families; innovative training programs for the promotion of self-sufficiency among recipients; and connections to medical care and treatment for patients. Of course, the housing-related programs have made the biggest impact where HIV/AIDS patients and their families are concerned.
Project FIRST provides services related to permanent housing, short-term rental assistance, and eviction prevention assistance for recipients. The Bailey-Holt House, the first of its kind in the nation, provides for supportive housing with its individual units fully equipped with private baths while the public areas include communal dining area, library, and community green space.
Lend your support now by making a donation, investing in Bailey House, and attending an event, among others.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
CK-12 Foundation: Delivering Free, High-Quality STEM Education to Students Everywhere
CK-12 Foundation is an education non-profit improving K-12 learning around the world. Based in Palo Alto, California, CK-12 creates and curates high-quality STEM content, providing free online textbooks, flashcards, simulations, and other resources for students everywhere. On the CK-12 website, students get unlimited practice in algebra, arithmetic, geometry, trigonometry, life science, earth science, biology, chemistry, physics, and more.
Lessons are well organized to help kids quickly find what they need and supported by images, audio, video, and interactive learning objects that add depth to the learning process. Moreover, quizzes enable students to track their progress and prepare for exams in the classroom.
Since its inception, CK-12 Foundation has delivered more than 70 million learning experiences and counting, and students have learned over 5,000 concepts through over 15,000 resources. CK-12 has been featured in VentureBeat, The Huffington Post, Silicon Valley Business Journal, Fortune, The New York Times, and Bill Gates' blog, The Gates Notes.
Lessons are well organized to help kids quickly find what they need and supported by images, audio, video, and interactive learning objects that add depth to the learning process. Moreover, quizzes enable students to track their progress and prepare for exams in the classroom.
Since its inception, CK-12 Foundation has delivered more than 70 million learning experiences and counting, and students have learned over 5,000 concepts through over 15,000 resources. CK-12 has been featured in VentureBeat, The Huffington Post, Silicon Valley Business Journal, Fortune, The New York Times, and Bill Gates' blog, The Gates Notes.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Show Hope: Bringing Orphans Worldwide to Loving Forever Homes
Show Hope is a Franklin, Tennessee-based non-profit organization dedicated to caring for orphans. Founded by Grammy and Dove Award-winning recording artist Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth, Show Hope is a movement to make a difference for the countless orphans and waiting children around the globe. The non-profit primarily fulfills its mission through adoption aid financial grants that help give orphans families and special care centers in China that care for orphans with special needs. Show Hope also has other programs that mobilize individuals and communities who show hope to children in need, including monthly sponsorships and student initiatives.
Show Hope's story began in 2000 when the Chapmans adopted their daughter Shaohannah Hope from China. Desperately wanting to do something about the millions of orphans who were still waiting for loving families, they founded the organization, then called Shaohannah's Hope, in early 2003.
Show Hope exists to reduce the barriers to adoption and engage the church to care for orphans. To date, the non-profit has helped provide forever homes for over 4,500 children from more than 50 countries including the United States. Additionally, Show Hope's special care centers have delivered critically needed medical care to more than 1,600 orphans with special needs.
In November, Show Hope relaunched its successful Brown Bag for Hope campaign, which encourages people to bring their own lunch to school or work in order to save about $9 per week and become a Show Hope sponsor for just $35 a month. Monthly gifts provide fresh drinking water, diapers, medical supplies, and more to orphans.
Show Hope also hosted its 11th Annual Fundraising Banquet at Nashville's Music City Center on November 8. Raising funds and awareness of the global orphan crisis, the event was attended by hundreds of supporters from around the country and raised over $1.2 million to help bring children to forever families.
Show Hope's story began in 2000 when the Chapmans adopted their daughter Shaohannah Hope from China. Desperately wanting to do something about the millions of orphans who were still waiting for loving families, they founded the organization, then called Shaohannah's Hope, in early 2003.
Show Hope exists to reduce the barriers to adoption and engage the church to care for orphans. To date, the non-profit has helped provide forever homes for over 4,500 children from more than 50 countries including the United States. Additionally, Show Hope's special care centers have delivered critically needed medical care to more than 1,600 orphans with special needs.
In November, Show Hope relaunched its successful Brown Bag for Hope campaign, which encourages people to bring their own lunch to school or work in order to save about $9 per week and become a Show Hope sponsor for just $35 a month. Monthly gifts provide fresh drinking water, diapers, medical supplies, and more to orphans.
Show Hope also hosted its 11th Annual Fundraising Banquet at Nashville's Music City Center on November 8. Raising funds and awareness of the global orphan crisis, the event was attended by hundreds of supporters from around the country and raised over $1.2 million to help bring children to forever families.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Skateistan: Connecting Afghan Youth to Education Through Skateboarding
Skateistan is a non-profit organization using skateboarding as a tool to empower vulnerable youth in Afghanistan. When Australian skateboarder Oliver Percovich dropped his skateboard in Kabul in 2007, he was surrounded by eager children who wanted to learn how to skate. This inspired him to start a small non-profit skate school in the city. What began as a grassroots “sport for development” project is now an award-winning global NGO with locations in Afghanistan, South Africa, and Cambodia.
Skateboarding is simply the “hook” that engages hard-to-reach youth ages 5 to 18. Skateistan's developmental aid programs provide kids with new opportunities in education, cross-cultural interaction, and personal empowerment. In the non-profit's skate park and classrooms in Kabul, children develop skills not just in skateboarding but also in leadership, civic responsibility, multimedia, and creative arts.
Skateistan is non-political, independent, and welcomes all ethnicities, social backgrounds, and religions. Forty percent of Skateistan's students are girls and more than half are street-working children.
Monday, December 8, 2014
Rumie Brings Free Education to Liberian Students Whose Schools Have Been Shut Down By Ebola
These days, we can learn just about anything on the Internet. Educational materials such as books, lectures, and even games are right at our fingertips and often at no cost. With a computer or mobile device and an Internet connection, it's possible to learn nearly anything for free online.
Sadly, a billion children worldwide still lack access to quality education. That's why Rumie, a non-profit organization based in Toronto, Canada, is bringing free digital educational content to underprivileged children across the globe through low-cost tablets. Envisioning a world where everyone has access to free education, Rumie works with local partners to empower teachers and students in need.
Rumie believes that all children are equally capable of learning and strives to eliminate unequal access to education. The non-profit is helping disadvantaged and offline communities move past outdated educational systems and leap straight into the 21st century. Each $50 Rumie Tablet contains over $5,000 worth of content.
Rumie is currently running a campaign called “Education Over Ebola,” which is delivering education to Liberian children who cannot attend class and are stuck at home because schools in the country have been shut down due to the virus. All 4,413 schools in Liberia were closed in July and are unlikely to reopen soon, leaving 1.4 million school-aged children with nothing to do and no way to learn.
A few months ago, Rumie sent tablets to a Monrovia-based organization called Camp for Peace, which uses the power of education to transform the lives of war-affected youth. The Rumie Tablets were intended for a rehabilitation program for recovering child soldiers but arrived in the city right when all educational programs were suspended indefinitely. Seeing that the kids were listless, Camp for Peace founder B. Abel Learwellie decided to use the tablets to teach them math, science, geography, and English.
Rumie is now raising money on Indiegogo to send 200 more tablets to Liberia. All operating costs are covered by private donors, so 100 percent of contributions goes directly to the field.
Sadly, a billion children worldwide still lack access to quality education. That's why Rumie, a non-profit organization based in Toronto, Canada, is bringing free digital educational content to underprivileged children across the globe through low-cost tablets. Envisioning a world where everyone has access to free education, Rumie works with local partners to empower teachers and students in need.
Rumie believes that all children are equally capable of learning and strives to eliminate unequal access to education. The non-profit is helping disadvantaged and offline communities move past outdated educational systems and leap straight into the 21st century. Each $50 Rumie Tablet contains over $5,000 worth of content.
Rumie is currently running a campaign called “Education Over Ebola,” which is delivering education to Liberian children who cannot attend class and are stuck at home because schools in the country have been shut down due to the virus. All 4,413 schools in Liberia were closed in July and are unlikely to reopen soon, leaving 1.4 million school-aged children with nothing to do and no way to learn.
A few months ago, Rumie sent tablets to a Monrovia-based organization called Camp for Peace, which uses the power of education to transform the lives of war-affected youth. The Rumie Tablets were intended for a rehabilitation program for recovering child soldiers but arrived in the city right when all educational programs were suspended indefinitely. Seeing that the kids were listless, Camp for Peace founder B. Abel Learwellie decided to use the tablets to teach them math, science, geography, and English.
Rumie is now raising money on Indiegogo to send 200 more tablets to Liberia. All operating costs are covered by private donors, so 100 percent of contributions goes directly to the field.
Sunday, November 30, 2014
United Cerebral Palsy of New York City: Creating Opportunities for Children and Adults With Disabilities
United Cerebral Palsy of New York City, Inc. (UCP of NYC) is the leading non-profit agency in the Big Apple providing direct services, technology, and advocacy to individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. With locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Bronx, UCP of NYC offers over 75 comprehensive programs to more than 14,000 New York City residents and families each year. These include medical, technological, educational, clinical, rehabilitative, and residential services, which are delivered by a trained and dedicated team of more than 1,500 people, many of whom have disabilities themselves.
With a mission to create opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to lead independent and fulfilling lives, United Cerebral Palsy of New York City was founded in 1946 by families of children with cerebral palsy. At the time, institutionalization was the main “service” available and the medical profession knew little about the condition. Frustrated by the lack of services, these families came together to establish UCP of NYC and alert physicians to the need for specialized services for kids with disabilities. This commitment to raising awareness about disabilities paved the way for greater advocacy and service programming in subsequent years.
In 1949, UCP of NYC founders Leonard Goldenson and Jack Hausman established a national organization to merge all parent groups into one national entity known as The United Cerebral Palsy Associations. UCP of NYC quickly became the single largest affiliate of the national association and helped make possible the civil rights movement responsible for significantly improving the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities.
UCP of NYC's Project CONNECT helps individuals and families seeking information, guidance, and referral to the agency's many services sort through information, secure opportunities for loved ones, and understand the services they are eligible for. Project CONNECT staff is available five days a week to offer support.
With a mission to create opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to lead independent and fulfilling lives, United Cerebral Palsy of New York City was founded in 1946 by families of children with cerebral palsy. At the time, institutionalization was the main “service” available and the medical profession knew little about the condition. Frustrated by the lack of services, these families came together to establish UCP of NYC and alert physicians to the need for specialized services for kids with disabilities. This commitment to raising awareness about disabilities paved the way for greater advocacy and service programming in subsequent years.
In 1949, UCP of NYC founders Leonard Goldenson and Jack Hausman established a national organization to merge all parent groups into one national entity known as The United Cerebral Palsy Associations. UCP of NYC quickly became the single largest affiliate of the national association and helped make possible the civil rights movement responsible for significantly improving the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities.
UCP of NYC's Project CONNECT helps individuals and families seeking information, guidance, and referral to the agency's many services sort through information, secure opportunities for loved ones, and understand the services they are eligible for. Project CONNECT staff is available five days a week to offer support.
The Empowerment Plan: Giving Second Chances to Detroit's Homeless
The Empowerment Plan is a humanitarian non-profit organization dedicated to serving the homeless in Detroit. Over 20,000 people in the city are homeless, spending each day wandering around with no place to get warm. Shelters are often too overwhelmed and under-supported to assist every individual in need. Thus, homeless people have to fend for themselves on the streets, a difficulty that is exacerbated during winter.
The Empowerment Plan aims to help build a better life for individuals who have become trapped in the homelessness cycle. The organization hires single parents from local shelters as full-time seamstresses. They are trained to manufacture a coat that transforms into a sleeping bag at night and a bag when not in use. The coats are then given out to homeless people living on the streets.
The Empowerment Plan's focus is to create jobs for those who want them and to provide coats at no cost for those who need them.
The Empowerment Plan aims to help build a better life for individuals who have become trapped in the homelessness cycle. The organization hires single parents from local shelters as full-time seamstresses. They are trained to manufacture a coat that transforms into a sleeping bag at night and a bag when not in use. The coats are then given out to homeless people living on the streets.
The Empowerment Plan's focus is to create jobs for those who want them and to provide coats at no cost for those who need them.
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
The Wounded Warrior Project: Honoring and Supporting Injured Veterans
Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida with offices across the United States, the Wounded Warrior Project is a veterans' charity whose mission is to honor and empower injured service members. It aims to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded servicemen and women in America's history. To this end, the Wounded Warrior Project provides unique programs and services that meet the needs of injured service members, raises public awareness about these needs, and helps wounded veterans support each other.
The Wounded Warrior Project's programs cover four main areas: mind, body, economic empowerment, and engagement. The charity offers interactive programs, outdoor rehabilitative retreats, peer support and professional services, health and nutrition programs, adaptive sports, recreational activities, higher education programs, employment assistance services, information technology training, peer mentoring, an alumni program, and a benefits service program to help wounded warriors stay mentally and physically healthy, pursue meaningful careers, and keep in touch with other service members.
The Wounded Warrior Project's programs cover four main areas: mind, body, economic empowerment, and engagement. The charity offers interactive programs, outdoor rehabilitative retreats, peer support and professional services, health and nutrition programs, adaptive sports, recreational activities, higher education programs, employment assistance services, information technology training, peer mentoring, an alumni program, and a benefits service program to help wounded warriors stay mentally and physically healthy, pursue meaningful careers, and keep in touch with other service members.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Opportunity Village: Helping Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities Since 1954
One of the top charities for people with intellectual disabilities, Opportunity Village offers programs and services to enhance the lives of Southern Nevadans with intellectual and related disabilities and their families. Through free vocational training, community employment, art and life skill enrichment, social recreation, and advocacy, individuals with intellectual disabilities make new friends, pursue creative passions, realize future career paths, gain confidence and independence, and become the best they can be.
Opportunity Village was founded in 1954 by a small group of local families who wanted to improve the lives of their children with intellectual disabilities. Today, Opportunity Village is Nevada's largest private not-for-profit community rehabilitation program, reaching over 3,000 people each year.
More than a charity, Opportunity Village operates a thrift store and three employment training center campuses in Southern Nevada. It also trains and places hundreds of adults in jobs, runs a vehicle donation program, and hosts some of Las Vegas' most popular special events, including the annual Magical Forest and the Las Vegas Great Santa Run. The Magical Forest attracts more than 75,000 people every year and has been named one of HGTV's “Top Holiday Destinations.”
Opportunity Village's impact extends throughout the entire community as the organization fulfills assembly, packaging, mass mailings, and other B2B services for local businesses. In addition, several companies hire Opportunity Village clients as regular employees.
Opportunity Village was the official manufacturer of Elvis Presley's scarves and the buttons that welcomed the thousands who saw “Elvis Live at the Hilton.” Each year, Opportunity Village clients clean over 3 million square feet of office space, community centers, clinics, and parking lots, as well as serve 350,000 meals to the troops at Nellis Air Force Base.
Recognized as “Las Vegas' Best Community Organization,” Opportunity Village is almost entirely self-funded thanks to the support of Southern Nevadans.
Opportunity Village was founded in 1954 by a small group of local families who wanted to improve the lives of their children with intellectual disabilities. Today, Opportunity Village is Nevada's largest private not-for-profit community rehabilitation program, reaching over 3,000 people each year.
More than a charity, Opportunity Village operates a thrift store and three employment training center campuses in Southern Nevada. It also trains and places hundreds of adults in jobs, runs a vehicle donation program, and hosts some of Las Vegas' most popular special events, including the annual Magical Forest and the Las Vegas Great Santa Run. The Magical Forest attracts more than 75,000 people every year and has been named one of HGTV's “Top Holiday Destinations.”
Opportunity Village's impact extends throughout the entire community as the organization fulfills assembly, packaging, mass mailings, and other B2B services for local businesses. In addition, several companies hire Opportunity Village clients as regular employees.
Opportunity Village was the official manufacturer of Elvis Presley's scarves and the buttons that welcomed the thousands who saw “Elvis Live at the Hilton.” Each year, Opportunity Village clients clean over 3 million square feet of office space, community centers, clinics, and parking lots, as well as serve 350,000 meals to the troops at Nellis Air Force Base.
Recognized as “Las Vegas' Best Community Organization,” Opportunity Village is almost entirely self-funded thanks to the support of Southern Nevadans.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
North Shore Animal League America Has Saved Over 1 Million Animals
Founded in 1944, North Shore Animal League America is the world's largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization. A pioneer in the no-kill movement, the Animal League is committed to rescuing and rehabilitating animals instead of euthanizing them and has saved over 1 million lives to date. The organization strongly promotes the acceptance of mixed breed animals through advocacy and education, as well as serves as a trusted source of information and resources that enhance the lives of animals and adopters.
North Shore Animal League America strives to create a more sustainable world for all pets by rescuing animals from unwanted litters, overcrowded shelters, and owners who can no longer care for them. In addition, the Animal League works to increase adoptions, raise awareness of shelter animals, reduce euthanasia, and end animal cruelty through innovative programs and partnerships. The Animal League's headquarters in Port Washington, New York offers a wide range of services for residents of the New York metropolitan/tri-state area.
North Shore Animal League America strives to create a more sustainable world for all pets by rescuing animals from unwanted litters, overcrowded shelters, and owners who can no longer care for them. In addition, the Animal League works to increase adoptions, raise awareness of shelter animals, reduce euthanasia, and end animal cruelty through innovative programs and partnerships. The Animal League's headquarters in Port Washington, New York offers a wide range of services for residents of the New York metropolitan/tri-state area.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
SportsAid: Nurturing Tomorrow's British Sports Stars
Headquartered in London, England, SportsAid is a charity dedicated to helping the next generation of British sports stars by providing financial support and recognition during the critical early years of their careers. SportsAid Awards, which are funded by the charity's partners, donors, and fundraisers, are given to aspiring athletes typically aged 12 to 18. Recognizing their achievements and potential before anyone else, SportsAid Awards help them train harder and compete more effectively so they can move on to the senior and/or international levels of their sport. Many then go on to become Olympians and Paralympians.
Competing at the national and international levels requires a tremendous amount of physical, mental, and financial commitment. Young athletes usually train for more than 15 hours a week on top of school, travel 650 miles per month to train and compete, and spend over £6,400 annually on their sport. At this early stage of an athlete's career, it can be difficult to land sponsorship deals, so most rely on their family and SportsAid for financial support. SportsAid assists talented able and disabled athletes in reaching their goals by helping them meet essential costs such as travel, training, accommodation, equipment, and competition fees.
To ensure the right people get the right help at the right time, SportsAid works with the governing bodies of 75 sporting disciplines, including summer, winter, Olympic, Paralympic, and other sports. These governing bodies nominate athletes to SportsAid, which then looks for appropriate donors to fund their awards. About 2,000 athletes receive this support each year.
Since its inception in 1976, SportsAid has contributed more than £50 million to the future of British sport. Some of the most successful athletes who have been helped by the charity include Chris Hoy, Kelly Holmes, David Weir, Rebecca Adlington, and Jessica Ennis. At the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, nearly two-thirds of the British team were former and current SportsAid athletes. They won 20 Olympic and 27 Paralympic gold medals between them.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Robin Hood: Fighting Poverty in New York
New York is one of the richest cities in the world, yet there are over 1.8 million New Yorkers living in poverty. For 25 years, Robin Hood has been fighting poverty in the Big Apple. The largest anti-poverty organization in NYC, Robin Hood focuses on finding, funding, and creating programs and schools that generate meaningful results for families in the city's poorest neighborhoods. Since its founding in 1988, the non-profit has raised more than $1.95 billion in funds, goods, and services to provide hundreds of the most effective schools, homeless shelters, job training programs, soup kitchens, and other services that underprivileged New Yorkers need to improve their lives.
To maximize impact, Robin Hood makes grant decisions much like a financial manager selects investments to maximize profit. In 2013, the organization invested $132 million in more than 200 of the most effective poverty-fighting programs in New York City. Additionally, Robin Hood's board of directors covers all administrative and fundraising costs, so 100 percent of donations goes directly to fighting poverty.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Point Foundation: Empowering LGBTQ Students to Make a Difference in the World
Based in Los Angeles, California, Point Foundation is the largest scholarship-granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) students of merit in America. Point empowers promising LGBTQ students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential to make a significant impact on society through scholarship funding, leadership development, mentorship, and community service training.
LGBTQ students applying for Point Foundation scholarships usually have inspiring and compelling stories of overcoming obstacles in pursuit of their dreams. Many applicants have been rejected by their families – some have been cut off from all financial support, while others have been forced to leave home.
Point considers several factors when assessing scholarship applicants, including personal merit, academic achievement, leadership, involvement in the LGBTQ community, financial need, marginalization, professional experiences, and personal goals. Point seeks applicants with very strong academic performance, proven leadership skills, and a desire to make a difference in the world.
Every year, Point announces its new scholar class in June during LGBTQ Pride Month. The foundation's program year begins in July with a Leadership Conference, where scholars and alumni receive training in personal development skills, leadership development, community service guidance, and LGBTQ advocacy. Through this conference, Point helps its scholars develop a clear understanding of the connection between these attributes and the LGBTQ community, its history, and its future.
Point Foundation also matches each scholar with a mentor who is a successful professional and a prominent member of the LGBTQ and ally community. Mentors help scholars with professional career decisions and assist them in completing an annual community service project required by Point.
By identifying and supporting LGBTQ students of merit, Point hopes to provide a greater level of acceptance, respect, and tolerance for all persons regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Through its programs, Point challenges attitudes contributing to prejudice and social stigma, thus creating social change.
LGBTQ students applying for Point Foundation scholarships usually have inspiring and compelling stories of overcoming obstacles in pursuit of their dreams. Many applicants have been rejected by their families – some have been cut off from all financial support, while others have been forced to leave home.
Point considers several factors when assessing scholarship applicants, including personal merit, academic achievement, leadership, involvement in the LGBTQ community, financial need, marginalization, professional experiences, and personal goals. Point seeks applicants with very strong academic performance, proven leadership skills, and a desire to make a difference in the world.
Every year, Point announces its new scholar class in June during LGBTQ Pride Month. The foundation's program year begins in July with a Leadership Conference, where scholars and alumni receive training in personal development skills, leadership development, community service guidance, and LGBTQ advocacy. Through this conference, Point helps its scholars develop a clear understanding of the connection between these attributes and the LGBTQ community, its history, and its future.
Point Foundation also matches each scholar with a mentor who is a successful professional and a prominent member of the LGBTQ and ally community. Mentors help scholars with professional career decisions and assist them in completing an annual community service project required by Point.
By identifying and supporting LGBTQ students of merit, Point hopes to provide a greater level of acceptance, respect, and tolerance for all persons regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Through its programs, Point challenges attitudes contributing to prejudice and social stigma, thus creating social change.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
ArtPride New Jersey: Saving New Jersey's Arts
Founded in 1986, ArtPride New Jersey, Inc. is a non-profit organization that advocates at local, state, and national levels for support, funding, and recognition of the arts as essential to New Jersey's quality of life. Representing the arts community to the New Jersey state legislature, ArtPride New Jersey educates the public on the importance of the arts and serves as a unified voice on matters relevant to the local arts community. ArtPride was instrumental in saving the arts from being eliminated from the New Jersey state budget in 2003.
ArtPride's educational arm, the ArtPride New Jersey Foundation, works outside legislation to promote the value of the arts to New Jersey's quality of life, education, and economy. The Foundation serves as an information resource and broker between the arts and other sectors, works with other arts service organizations to provide professional development opportunities for arts administrators, and co-sponsors arts programs with the NJ State Council on the Arts.
ArtPride's educational arm, the ArtPride New Jersey Foundation, works outside legislation to promote the value of the arts to New Jersey's quality of life, education, and economy. The Foundation serves as an information resource and broker between the arts and other sectors, works with other arts service organizations to provide professional development opportunities for arts administrators, and co-sponsors arts programs with the NJ State Council on the Arts.
Sunday, November 2, 2014
The Adrienne Shelly Foundation: Supporting Women Filmmakers
The Adrienne Shelly Foundation is a New York-based non-profit organization with a simple yet critical mission: supporting women filmmakers. According to the Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film at San Diego State University, only 6 percent of the 250 top-grossing films of 2013 were directed by women. Through partnerships with the finest academic and filmmaking institutions, the Adrienne Shelly Foundation provides scholarships, production grants, finishing funds, and living stipends to women filmmakers.
The Adrienne Shelly Foundation's partners include the American Film Institute, the Independent Filmmaker Project, the Sundance Institute, Women in Film, the Nantucket Film Festival, the Tribeca Film Institute, Columbia University, Boston University, and Rooftop Films. To date, the Foundation has granted more than 50 awards to women filmmakers, including Academy Award winner Cynthia Wade, Maryam Keshevarz, Nanette Burstein, Dee Rees, Ana Lily Amirpour, Annie Sundberg, Ricki Stern, Ondi Timoner, Lucy Mulloy, and Stacie Passon.
A talented actor, writer, and director, Adrienne Shelly began her film career in 1988 when she starred in Hal Hartley's acclaimed The Unbelievable Truth. She also starred in the classic Trust and appeared in more than 20 other films, including Factotum with Matt Dillon. Fiercely dedicated to the art of filmmaking, Shelly successfully transitioned from actor to filmmaker. She wrote, directed, and starred in three feature films: Sudden Manhattan, I'll Take You There, and Waitress. Waitress premiered at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival, was purchased hours later by Fox Searchlight Films, and became a nationwide box-office success. It is currently being developed as a Broadway musical. Serious Moonlight, another film written by Shelly, and is now being adapted for the stage.
Following Shelly's tragic death in 2006, her husband, Andy Ostroy, established the Adrienne Shelly Foundation to support other women who are also passionate about making movies and living for their art.
The Adrienne Shelly Foundation's partners include the American Film Institute, the Independent Filmmaker Project, the Sundance Institute, Women in Film, the Nantucket Film Festival, the Tribeca Film Institute, Columbia University, Boston University, and Rooftop Films. To date, the Foundation has granted more than 50 awards to women filmmakers, including Academy Award winner Cynthia Wade, Maryam Keshevarz, Nanette Burstein, Dee Rees, Ana Lily Amirpour, Annie Sundberg, Ricki Stern, Ondi Timoner, Lucy Mulloy, and Stacie Passon.
A talented actor, writer, and director, Adrienne Shelly began her film career in 1988 when she starred in Hal Hartley's acclaimed The Unbelievable Truth. She also starred in the classic Trust and appeared in more than 20 other films, including Factotum with Matt Dillon. Fiercely dedicated to the art of filmmaking, Shelly successfully transitioned from actor to filmmaker. She wrote, directed, and starred in three feature films: Sudden Manhattan, I'll Take You There, and Waitress. Waitress premiered at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival, was purchased hours later by Fox Searchlight Films, and became a nationwide box-office success. It is currently being developed as a Broadway musical. Serious Moonlight, another film written by Shelly, and is now being adapted for the stage.
Following Shelly's tragic death in 2006, her husband, Andy Ostroy, established the Adrienne Shelly Foundation to support other women who are also passionate about making movies and living for their art.
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
The MAD MAC Foundation: Making a Difference, Making a Change in Communities
The MAD MAC Foundation is a non-profit, grassroots organization dedicated to rebuilding broken lives. Its mission is to educate and empower youth and adults to become self-sufficient. Founder Kevin Kim, who was educated in the “school of hard knocks” in La Puente, California, has a passion for helping the disenfranchised, at-risk youth, people facing unemployment, the homeless, the incarcerated, and those struggling with addictions. The MAD MAC Foundation provides resources, training, services, jobs, affordable housing, and educational and entrepreneurial opportunities in local communities to assist everyday people in need.
The MAD MAC Foundation not only meets the needs of people where they are but also encourages them to pay it forward by helping others in need however they can. Comprised of ordinary people who are committed to “Making a Difference, Making a Change,” the MAD MAC Foundation believes that each of us has the responsibility and ability to make an immediate impact in our communities.
The MAD MAC Foundation not only meets the needs of people where they are but also encourages them to pay it forward by helping others in need however they can. Comprised of ordinary people who are committed to “Making a Difference, Making a Change,” the MAD MAC Foundation believes that each of us has the responsibility and ability to make an immediate impact in our communities.
Sunday, October 26, 2014
V-Day: Ending Violence Against Girls and Women Worldwide
V-Day is a non-profit organization and global activist movement to end violence against women and girls. Envisioning a world where women and girls are free to thrive and not merely survive, V-Day promotes creative events to raise awareness and money for issues such as rape, incest, battery, female genital mutilation, and sex slavery.
V-Day was founded on Valentine's Day, 1998 by playwright and activist Eve Ensler, who wrote The Vagina Monologues. The popular play, which addressed women's sexuality and the social stigma surrounding rape and abuse, ran Off-Broadway in New York for five years before touring the United States. After every performance, Ensler found women waiting to share their own stories of survival, and she realized that The Vagina Monologues could be more than a moving work of art.
Each year, thousands of V-Day benefit events are produced by activists worldwide, educating millions about the reality of violence against women and girls. Through V-Day campaigns, volunteers and college students produce annual benefit performances of The Vagina Monologues, as well as documentary film screenings, workshops, and more to increase awareness and funds for anti-violence groups in their local communities.
In addition, V-Day stages large-scale benefits and produces campaigns, films, and gatherings to change social attitudes towards violence against women and girls. Projects include the documentary Until the Violence Stops; the Afghan Women's Summit; community briefings on missing and murdered women in Juarez, Mexico; the Indian Country Project; the V-Girls Campaign; and the V-Men Campaign. In Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, V-Day commits ongoing support to build anti-violence networks and movements. V-Day has helped establish the first women's shelters in Egypt and Iraq and sponsored annual workshops and national campaigns in Afghanistan, among others.
A top-rated organization on Charity Navigator and Guidestar, V-Day has also been named one of Worth's “100 Best Charities” and one of Marie Claire's “Top 10 Charities.”
V-Day was founded on Valentine's Day, 1998 by playwright and activist Eve Ensler, who wrote The Vagina Monologues. The popular play, which addressed women's sexuality and the social stigma surrounding rape and abuse, ran Off-Broadway in New York for five years before touring the United States. After every performance, Ensler found women waiting to share their own stories of survival, and she realized that The Vagina Monologues could be more than a moving work of art.
Each year, thousands of V-Day benefit events are produced by activists worldwide, educating millions about the reality of violence against women and girls. Through V-Day campaigns, volunteers and college students produce annual benefit performances of The Vagina Monologues, as well as documentary film screenings, workshops, and more to increase awareness and funds for anti-violence groups in their local communities.
In addition, V-Day stages large-scale benefits and produces campaigns, films, and gatherings to change social attitudes towards violence against women and girls. Projects include the documentary Until the Violence Stops; the Afghan Women's Summit; community briefings on missing and murdered women in Juarez, Mexico; the Indian Country Project; the V-Girls Campaign; and the V-Men Campaign. In Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, V-Day commits ongoing support to build anti-violence networks and movements. V-Day has helped establish the first women's shelters in Egypt and Iraq and sponsored annual workshops and national campaigns in Afghanistan, among others.
A top-rated organization on Charity Navigator and Guidestar, V-Day has also been named one of Worth's “100 Best Charities” and one of Marie Claire's “Top 10 Charities.”
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
South Central LA Youth Center Is a Home Away From Home
A Place Called Home (APCH) is a safe haven in South Central Los Angeles where underserved youth are empowered to improve their lives and are inspired to make a difference in their community and the world. At APCH, kids, teens, and young adults ages 8-21 have access to love, safety, training, enrichment, and opportunities through educational programs, mentorship, and counseling. After-school, weekend, and all-day summer programs and services include tutoring, homework assistance, and instruction in the arts, dance, music, and athletics. APCH also provides year-round support for college preparation, college counseling, SAT tutoring, and scholarships.
The primary goal of A Place Called Home is to help youth stay in school, go on to higher education, pursue successful careers, and transform into contributing citizens and leaders. APCH was founded in 1993 by Debrah Constance following the 1992 Los Angeles Riots and Civil Unrest. Constance wanted to give gang-affected kids and teens in the area a safe place to go after school – a place where they could do their homework, hang out with friends, and be with caring adults. At present, APCH serves more than 300 youth each day.
The primary goal of A Place Called Home is to help youth stay in school, go on to higher education, pursue successful careers, and transform into contributing citizens and leaders. APCH was founded in 1993 by Debrah Constance following the 1992 Los Angeles Riots and Civil Unrest. Constance wanted to give gang-affected kids and teens in the area a safe place to go after school – a place where they could do their homework, hang out with friends, and be with caring adults. At present, APCH serves more than 300 youth each day.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
The 100 Club of Arizona: Protecting Those Who Protect Us
Headquartered in Phoenix, the 100 Club of Arizona is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the men and women who stand behind the badge. The 100 Club of Arizona's mission is to provide assistance to the families of those in fire, public safety, or law enforcement who are seriously injured or killed in the line of duty. Offering financial aid, emotional support, safety enhancement stipends, and scholarships, the charity supports all city, county, state, federal, and tribal fire services, public safety agencies, probation, corrections, parole, and law enforcement departments that serve the citizens of Arizona.
The concept of the “100 Club” began in Detroit in 1952 following the fatal shooting of a young officer. William M. Packer, the largest Pontiac dealer in the country and a friend of the police commissioner, wrote to 100 of his friends and urged them to contribute to a fund for the fallen officer. All 100 friends agreed to his request. Packer and the commissioner met with the officer's expectant widow, reviewed her finances, and arranged to pay off the mortgage on their new home, create an education account for the unborn child, pay all the bills, and deposited $7,000 in her checking account.
In 1965, a young officer in Phoenix was killed in the line of duty. A group of concerned citizens who knew about the Detroit 100 Club got together and started the Phoenix 100 Club. Three years later, the 100 Club of Arizona was officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3).
The original mission of the 100 Club of Arizona was to provide immediate financial assistance to the family of an officer who was killed in the line of duty. This mission has evolved over the years, and today, the 100 Club of Arizona aims to deliver any type of support needed by beneficiary families. While money can never make up for the loss or disability of a loved one, it can be helpful in covering immediate expenses. The 100 Club of Arizona also has a committee of experts comprising CPAs, attorneys, brokers, employee benefits consultants, and more who can advise and counsel families without cost or obligation.
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Live to Love: Positive Actions for Positive Results
Live to Love is an international non-profit organization dedicated to creating long-term, sustainable solutions to the world's modern problems. Its five main areas of focus are: education, environmental protection, medical services, heritage preservation, and relief aid. Several Live to Love projects address many of these issues simultaneously.
Most of Live to Love's model projects are based in the Himalayas, with satellite projects around the globe including North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. The charity has chapters and projects in Bhutan, Darjeeling, Delhi, Geneva, Hamburg, Kathmandu, Ladakh, London, New York, Rio de Janeiro, and Penang, among others. Live to Love believes that every community, no matter how remote, is connected to one another.
As of August 2013, Live to Love has planted more than 149,000 trees in the Himalayas, provided nearly 1,000 free cataract surgeries, delivered medical aid to about 10,000 people, provided continuous free education to almost 300 students, and collected 2 tons of plastic waste during eco walks.
Most of Live to Love's model projects are based in the Himalayas, with satellite projects around the globe including North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. The charity has chapters and projects in Bhutan, Darjeeling, Delhi, Geneva, Hamburg, Kathmandu, Ladakh, London, New York, Rio de Janeiro, and Penang, among others. Live to Love believes that every community, no matter how remote, is connected to one another.
As of August 2013, Live to Love has planted more than 149,000 trees in the Himalayas, provided nearly 1,000 free cataract surgeries, delivered medical aid to about 10,000 people, provided continuous free education to almost 300 students, and collected 2 tons of plastic waste during eco walks.
Monday, October 13, 2014
The League Against Cruel Sports: Campaigning Against Bloodsports Since 1924
The League Against Cruel Sports is the leading UK charity working to expose and end the cruelty inflicted on animals in the name of sport. Founded in 1924, the League successfully uses lawful investigations, lobbying, and campaigning to make a difference in the UK and around the world. Its current campaigns include hunting, bullfighting, snaring, shooting, dog fighting, racing animals, and the badger cull.
The League was established by members of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) who felt strongly that animal cruelty inflicted in the name of sport had to be ended and were frustrated at the organization's lack of action on the hunting issue. The League's goals were to ban fox hunting, otter hunting, stag hunting, hare hunting, and hare coursing in the UK.
Campaigning proved to be a challenge early on because a wealthy and powerful minority enjoyed and protected bloodsports. But in the late 1950s, the League started to gain momentum by investigating hunts and collecting evidence of the cruelty involved. In addition, it acquired woods and fields in the West Country as sanctuaries for hunted animals.
Over the decades, the League Against Cruel Sports has developed effective methods to thwart bloodsports through legislative change, public education, and causing difficulty for the people inflicting cruelty. To accomplish its goals, the League focuses on exposing the barbaric nature of cruel sports and those involved; raising awareness and campaigning for change by lobbying businesses, politicians, and government; helping individuals whose lives are being detrimentally affected by cruel sports and wildlife crime; and holding sanctuary land and sporting rights in heavily hunted areas.
The League's biggest achievement to date is getting hunting banned in England and Wales (Hunting Act 2004) and Scotland (Protection of Wild Mammals Act) after 80 years of campaigning. Other key accomplishments include the constant defense and enforcement of the Hunting Act 2004 and the formation of Team Badger, the coalition of animal welfare organizations campaigning against the 2012 and 2013 badger culls.
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
OPCC: Working to End Human Suffering in Los Angeles County
The largest provider of housing and social services in the Los Angeles Westside, Ocean Park Community Center (OPCC) empowers people to rebuild their lives and aims to end, not merely manage, human suffering. An independent, community-supported organization, OPCC addresses the effects of poverty, neglect, abuse, and discrimination through programs designed to help the disadvantaged access the resources they need to end their victimization and improve the quality of their life.
OPCC serves at risk youth; women and children experiencing domestic violence; veterans; and people dealing with physical illness, disabilities, or mental illness. The organization's key services include housing, medical care, mental health care, substance abuse treatment, domestic violence services, and assistance in obtaining income. All services are tailored to each individual and family to help them attain self-sufficiency.
In one year's time, OPCC is able to support more than 1,500 homeless persons and 2,500 victims of domestic violence. Over the past three years, OPCC has placed nearly 1,000 people into permanent housing and 95 percent remain housed today.
OPCC serves at risk youth; women and children experiencing domestic violence; veterans; and people dealing with physical illness, disabilities, or mental illness. The organization's key services include housing, medical care, mental health care, substance abuse treatment, domestic violence services, and assistance in obtaining income. All services are tailored to each individual and family to help them attain self-sufficiency.
In one year's time, OPCC is able to support more than 1,500 homeless persons and 2,500 victims of domestic violence. Over the past three years, OPCC has placed nearly 1,000 people into permanent housing and 95 percent remain housed today.
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Equality Now: Securing Girls' and Women's Rights Worldwide for 22 Years
Since 1992, Equality Now has been working to protect and promote the human rights of girls and women around the world. The non-profit organization began with a small group of dedicated volunteer activists in a few countries and initially relied on street T-shirt sales for startup funding. Today, Equality Now has offices in New York, Nairobi, and London, as well as a presence in Amman and Washington, DC.
Equality Now combines grassroots activism with regional, national, and global legal advocacy, documenting violence and discrimination against women and girls and mobilizing international action to support efforts to stop these abuses. Envisioning a world where women and men have equal rights and full enjoyment of those rights, Equality Now focuses on four areas: discrimination in law, sexual violence, female genital mutilation (FGM), and trafficking.
Equality Now's strategies to secure women's rights include international advocacy through the Equality Action Network, whose more than 35,000 members in 160 countries call on governments and policy makers to guarantee girls' and women's rights; establishing partnerships with grassroots women's rights groups to amplify local and global advocacy; and mobilizing support for partners on the ground. Additionally, Equality Now raises awareness about violations against women and girls and uses the media to bring these stories to the public.
While there is still much work to be done to end violence and discrimination against girls and women, Equality Now has reached significant milestones on the path to gender equality over the last 22 years. Key achievements include playing a crucial role in the prosecution and conviction of a New York sex tour company in 2006; launching the Fund for Grassroots Activism to End Sex Trafficking in 2007; and being named Secretariat of the first UK All Party Parliamentary Group in 2011 to address the practice of FGM in the United Kingdom.
Equality Now combines grassroots activism with regional, national, and global legal advocacy, documenting violence and discrimination against women and girls and mobilizing international action to support efforts to stop these abuses. Envisioning a world where women and men have equal rights and full enjoyment of those rights, Equality Now focuses on four areas: discrimination in law, sexual violence, female genital mutilation (FGM), and trafficking.
Equality Now's strategies to secure women's rights include international advocacy through the Equality Action Network, whose more than 35,000 members in 160 countries call on governments and policy makers to guarantee girls' and women's rights; establishing partnerships with grassroots women's rights groups to amplify local and global advocacy; and mobilizing support for partners on the ground. Additionally, Equality Now raises awareness about violations against women and girls and uses the media to bring these stories to the public.
While there is still much work to be done to end violence and discrimination against girls and women, Equality Now has reached significant milestones on the path to gender equality over the last 22 years. Key achievements include playing a crucial role in the prosecution and conviction of a New York sex tour company in 2006; launching the Fund for Grassroots Activism to End Sex Trafficking in 2007; and being named Secretariat of the first UK All Party Parliamentary Group in 2011 to address the practice of FGM in the United Kingdom.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
London Non-Profit Enables Families Living on Landfill Sites to Take Small Steps Out of Poverty
Small Steps Project is a London-based humanitarian organization dedicated to supporting children and families who live on garbage dumps around the world. The mission of Small Steps is to empower children and families surviving on landfill sites to take small steps out of poverty and to inspire everyone to make a difference by taking small steps. The non-profit currently has projects in Cambodia, Laos, Nicaragua, Romania, and Timor Leste.
Through film and events, Small Steps raises awareness and money that goes directly to those who need it the most. Small Steps first delivers emergency aid, food, shoes, clothing, and other items that protect people from the immediate dangers on garbage dumps. After identifying the demographics of the site, the Small Steps team implements sustainable projects that help children get into education and adults into employment.
Small Steps Project was founded by former celebrity journalist Amy Hanson. In 2009, while working at an HIV hospice in Cambodia, she visited the Stung Meanchey Dump in Phnom Penh, where she saw hundreds of barefoot children scavenging in trash. When she asked the families living there what they needed the most, they said shoes. Without proper footwear, people were constantly suffering severe injuries on their feet.
In 2010, Small Steps launched its Celebrity Shoe Auction initiative, which has become the biggest event of its kind in the world. More than 200 celebrities have donated their shoes to the project to date, including Debbie Harry, the Rolling Stones, Dame Helen Mirren, Elton John, Natalie Portman, Madonna, Tom Hiddleston, Kevin Spacey, Kate Winslet, Jessie J, Naomi Campbell, Vivienne Westwood, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Roger Federer, and Gerard Pique.
The Celebrity Shoe Auction is held every year in two formats: online and live. The live event usually includes a film screening and a photo exhibit, and some celebrities even auction off their own shoes. In 2013, the auction raised more than $83,000 for charity.
Through film and events, Small Steps raises awareness and money that goes directly to those who need it the most. Small Steps first delivers emergency aid, food, shoes, clothing, and other items that protect people from the immediate dangers on garbage dumps. After identifying the demographics of the site, the Small Steps team implements sustainable projects that help children get into education and adults into employment.
Small Steps Project was founded by former celebrity journalist Amy Hanson. In 2009, while working at an HIV hospice in Cambodia, she visited the Stung Meanchey Dump in Phnom Penh, where she saw hundreds of barefoot children scavenging in trash. When she asked the families living there what they needed the most, they said shoes. Without proper footwear, people were constantly suffering severe injuries on their feet.
In 2010, Small Steps launched its Celebrity Shoe Auction initiative, which has become the biggest event of its kind in the world. More than 200 celebrities have donated their shoes to the project to date, including Debbie Harry, the Rolling Stones, Dame Helen Mirren, Elton John, Natalie Portman, Madonna, Tom Hiddleston, Kevin Spacey, Kate Winslet, Jessie J, Naomi Campbell, Vivienne Westwood, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Roger Federer, and Gerard Pique.
The Celebrity Shoe Auction is held every year in two formats: online and live. The live event usually includes a film screening and a photo exhibit, and some celebrities even auction off their own shoes. In 2013, the auction raised more than $83,000 for charity.
Monday, September 29, 2014
The Kitchen Library in Toronto Lends Appliances to Home Cooks and Culinary Explorers
The Kitchen Library is Canada's first non-profit lending library of small to medium kitchen appliances. Instead of books, members borrow mixers, canners, juicers, blenders, pasta makers, dehydrators, and about 100 other appliances. People who need a specialty appliance, live in a tiny space, or want to learn a new skill will find The Kitchen Library to be a very valuable resource.
Located in The Toronto Tool Library on Danforth Avenue, The Kitchen Library believes that income and space should not be barriers to home cooking and healthy eating. In addition to lending kitchen appliances, the non-profit offers cooking and baking workshops. The Kitchen Library was founded by executive director Dayna Boyer, who had previously worked in journalism and marketing. Her lightbulb moment came in 2013 when she wanted a juicer. Shortly after, she launched The Kitchen Library.
The Kitchen Library has been featured in Toronto Life, Toronto Star, CBC News, Torontoist, Metro, blogTO, and the National Post.
Located in The Toronto Tool Library on Danforth Avenue, The Kitchen Library believes that income and space should not be barriers to home cooking and healthy eating. In addition to lending kitchen appliances, the non-profit offers cooking and baking workshops. The Kitchen Library was founded by executive director Dayna Boyer, who had previously worked in journalism and marketing. Her lightbulb moment came in 2013 when she wanted a juicer. Shortly after, she launched The Kitchen Library.
The Kitchen Library has been featured in Toronto Life, Toronto Star, CBC News, Torontoist, Metro, blogTO, and the National Post.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
GrowNYC: For a Cleaner, Healthier New York City
GrowNYC is a hands-on non-profit organization dedicated to improving New York City's quality of life through environmental programs. Named a “Four Star Charity” by Charity Navigator, GrowNYC was founded in 1970 as the Council on the Environment of New York City. It was originally a policy-based organization, writing comprehensive reports about quality of life issues such as traffic, noise, and air quality. For the past 40 years, GrowNYC has been transforming communities and empowering New Yorkers to create a clean and healthy city for future generations. Understanding that a healthy environment starts with healthy citizens, the non-profit has several programs focused on improving the well-being of the Big Apple's residents.
In an effort to get nutritious, fresh, and affordable food into the hands of more New Yorkers, GrowNYC's Greenmarket initiative operates over 50 farmers markets throughout the 5 boroughs. The markets also give small family farms the opportunity to sell their local produce directly to customers. Almost every Greenmarket farmers market accepts EBT (food stamps) and debit/credit cards. Additionally, Greenmarket operates one of the most robust wireless EBT redemption programs in the country, works with the City of New York to distribute Health Bucks, and is the largest redeemer of NYS WIC and Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program checks in the state.
Aiming to improve the health of young New Yorkers through nutrition education and improved food access, GrowNYC's Learn It, Grow It, Eat It empowers teens to take control of their health and help others do so. In this hands-on education program, teens participate in gardening, outreach, nutrition classes, and managing a community farm-stand. GrowNYC has also partnered with the Mayors Fund and several government agencies to establish Grow to Learn NYC, an interactive website and resource for any public school looking to build and sustain a school garden.
In an effort to get nutritious, fresh, and affordable food into the hands of more New Yorkers, GrowNYC's Greenmarket initiative operates over 50 farmers markets throughout the 5 boroughs. The markets also give small family farms the opportunity to sell their local produce directly to customers. Almost every Greenmarket farmers market accepts EBT (food stamps) and debit/credit cards. Additionally, Greenmarket operates one of the most robust wireless EBT redemption programs in the country, works with the City of New York to distribute Health Bucks, and is the largest redeemer of NYS WIC and Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program checks in the state.
Aiming to improve the health of young New Yorkers through nutrition education and improved food access, GrowNYC's Learn It, Grow It, Eat It empowers teens to take control of their health and help others do so. In this hands-on education program, teens participate in gardening, outreach, nutrition classes, and managing a community farm-stand. GrowNYC has also partnered with the Mayors Fund and several government agencies to establish Grow to Learn NYC, an interactive website and resource for any public school looking to build and sustain a school garden.
Monday, September 22, 2014
Children's Miracle Network Hospitals: Creating Miracles for Millions of Kids
Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals has been helping save kids' lives by raising funds for local hospitals since the early '80s. In 1983, a telethon aired from Osmond Studios in Orem, Utah raised almost $4.8 million for 22 children's hospitals. This successful event led to the founding of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals by Marie Osmond, Mick Shannon, John Schneider, and Joe Lake.
Each year, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals treats 1 in 10 kids in North America and delivers comfort and hope to millions. Whether they're suffering from a traumatic injury or battling cancer, the doors of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals are always open.
The non-profit has raised over $5 billion for 170 kids' hospitals in the US and Canada to date. The money goes where it's needed the most – equipment, care, research, and training, all to improve the lives of as many kids as possible.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: We Can #EndSuicide
Headquartered in New York, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is the leading national non-profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide and reaching out to people affected by mental disorders and suicide. Working toward a suicide-free world, AFSP funds scientific research that is vital to saving lives, raises awareness about mood disorders and suicide prevention, offers educational programs for professionals, promotes policies and legislation related to suicide and prevention, and offers a caring community to individuals who are struggling with self-destructive thoughts or have lost a loved one to suicide.
AFSP is a multifaceted organization that is at once a support network, a grassroots movement, a professional research group, an educator, and a grant-making foundation. While it does not provide direct services such as a crisis hotline or counseling, AFSP works closely with the organizations that do. The Foundation also manages hundreds of events in communities nationwide, raising millions of dollars annually to support its work. Each year, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reaches hundreds of thousands of people.
Since its inception in 1987, AFSP has established over 50 local chapters in 35 states and counting; mobilized and connected tens of thousands of individuals who have lost someone they love to suicide; educated hundreds of local communities about suicide and prevention; created a public policy and lobbying arm; educated the media about how to best cover suicide; and more.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention was founded by a small group of families who had each lost a loved one to suicide. Their vision was to establish a private source of support for suicide education and research and sustain important suicide prevention efforts into the future. Today, AFSP consists of survivors of suicide loss, reputable scientists, people with mental illness and their families, and business and community leaders.
AFSP is a multifaceted organization that is at once a support network, a grassroots movement, a professional research group, an educator, and a grant-making foundation. While it does not provide direct services such as a crisis hotline or counseling, AFSP works closely with the organizations that do. The Foundation also manages hundreds of events in communities nationwide, raising millions of dollars annually to support its work. Each year, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reaches hundreds of thousands of people.
Since its inception in 1987, AFSP has established over 50 local chapters in 35 states and counting; mobilized and connected tens of thousands of individuals who have lost someone they love to suicide; educated hundreds of local communities about suicide and prevention; created a public policy and lobbying arm; educated the media about how to best cover suicide; and more.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention was founded by a small group of families who had each lost a loved one to suicide. Their vision was to establish a private source of support for suicide education and research and sustain important suicide prevention efforts into the future. Today, AFSP consists of survivors of suicide loss, reputable scientists, people with mental illness and their families, and business and community leaders.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Child Care Council: Supporting Those Who Support Children
Child Care Council, Inc. is a not-for-profit child care resource and referral corporation dedicated to high-quality early care and education. Child Care Council provides support, information, education, and resources to parents and child care providers in Monroe, Livingston, and Wayne counties in upstate New York.
Child Care Council offers community programs, training courses, and important licensing information for parents and caregivers so that they can deliver the best care possible. Clients utilize the Council's professional services to find quality child care; obtain assistance with starting a program and becoming a licensed provider; and learn how to nurture each child's physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development.
Child Care Council's comprehensive and coordinated services include a library, notary public, referral services, free fingerprinting waivers, and reduced cost business services comprising a copier, laminator, fax machine. Child Care Council also runs The Recycle Shop, a retail store selling upcycled products made from donated materials that would otherwise end up in landfills.
Child Care Council offers community programs, training courses, and important licensing information for parents and caregivers so that they can deliver the best care possible. Clients utilize the Council's professional services to find quality child care; obtain assistance with starting a program and becoming a licensed provider; and learn how to nurture each child's physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development.
Child Care Council's comprehensive and coordinated services include a library, notary public, referral services, free fingerprinting waivers, and reduced cost business services comprising a copier, laminator, fax machine. Child Care Council also runs The Recycle Shop, a retail store selling upcycled products made from donated materials that would otherwise end up in landfills.
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Housing and Services, Inc.: Ending Homelessness in New York City
There are currently over 52,000 men, women, and children in emergency shelters and thousands more living on the streets in New York City. Housing and Services, Inc. (HSI) aims to fix that through safe and clean permanent housing with comprehensive on-site services, which is proven to be the most humane and cost-effective solution to homelessness.
For more than 25 years, HSI has been developing and providing permanent supportive housing throughout NYC. The non-profit began as a demonstration project of the Vera Institute of Justice in the 1980s. Its first supportive housing program is the Cecil Hotel, which opened in 1988 with nearly 90 units for homeless men and women exiting the NYC shelter system.
Following the AIDS epidemic, HSI built one of the city's first dedicated nursing facilities for individuals with the virus. More units were needed, so HSI opened the Narragansett in 1994. Located in the Upper West Side, it is a 100-unit mixed-use building that caters to people living with AIDS as well as low and middle-income households.
Over the next decade, HSI shared its financing, development, and project management expertise with other non-profits and established more than 2,000 units of low-income and special needs homes in 17 projects across the Tri-State area. In 1996, the organization was asked to take ownership of the 327-unit Kenmore Hall, which had been seized by the federal government. HSI refurbished the facility and opened it to low-income, special needs New Yorkers. The program won the 1999 Best Practices Award from HUD and was a finalist for the Fannie Mae Foundation Maxwell Award for Excellence.
HSI continuously looks to meet the current and emerging needs of the homeless in New York City. Its housing first, harm reduction approach is person-centered and outcome-oriented, with an objective to keep its tenants housed and living as independently as possible. HSI takes pride in the fact that 95 percent of the individuals and families who enter its permanent supportive programs do not return to the shelter system.
For more than 25 years, HSI has been developing and providing permanent supportive housing throughout NYC. The non-profit began as a demonstration project of the Vera Institute of Justice in the 1980s. Its first supportive housing program is the Cecil Hotel, which opened in 1988 with nearly 90 units for homeless men and women exiting the NYC shelter system.
Following the AIDS epidemic, HSI built one of the city's first dedicated nursing facilities for individuals with the virus. More units were needed, so HSI opened the Narragansett in 1994. Located in the Upper West Side, it is a 100-unit mixed-use building that caters to people living with AIDS as well as low and middle-income households.
Over the next decade, HSI shared its financing, development, and project management expertise with other non-profits and established more than 2,000 units of low-income and special needs homes in 17 projects across the Tri-State area. In 1996, the organization was asked to take ownership of the 327-unit Kenmore Hall, which had been seized by the federal government. HSI refurbished the facility and opened it to low-income, special needs New Yorkers. The program won the 1999 Best Practices Award from HUD and was a finalist for the Fannie Mae Foundation Maxwell Award for Excellence.
HSI continuously looks to meet the current and emerging needs of the homeless in New York City. Its housing first, harm reduction approach is person-centered and outcome-oriented, with an objective to keep its tenants housed and living as independently as possible. HSI takes pride in the fact that 95 percent of the individuals and families who enter its permanent supportive programs do not return to the shelter system.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Animal Haven: A No-Kill Animal Shelter in New York
Founded in 1967, Animal Haven is a New York-based non-profit organization that finds loving forever homes for abandoned dogs and cats throughout the Tri-State area. In addition to operating an animal shelter in Manhattan, Animal Haven provides behavior intervention when necessary to improve chances of adoption, as well as programs that strengthen the bond between people and animals.
One of Animal Haven's projects is the successful Caring Kids: Animal Ambassadors, a program for 5- to 8-year-olds who are interested in learning about and helping animals. Participants will take a tour of Animal Haven, go “behind the scenes,” and meet some of the shelter's residents. They will also learn to care for and respect animals through hands-on activities.
As a no-kill shelter, Animal Haven will never euthanize for space or time and will care for animals for as long as it takes to get them adopted or placed in a more suitable situation. Cats can be adopted for $150 while dogs can be adopted for $250. Adoption fees cover spay/neuter, vaccine, microchip, and license expenses.
One of Animal Haven's projects is the successful Caring Kids: Animal Ambassadors, a program for 5- to 8-year-olds who are interested in learning about and helping animals. Participants will take a tour of Animal Haven, go “behind the scenes,” and meet some of the shelter's residents. They will also learn to care for and respect animals through hands-on activities.
As a no-kill shelter, Animal Haven will never euthanize for space or time and will care for animals for as long as it takes to get them adopted or placed in a more suitable situation. Cats can be adopted for $150 while dogs can be adopted for $250. Adoption fees cover spay/neuter, vaccine, microchip, and license expenses.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Safe Sitter Teaches Young Teens to Be Safe and Responsible Babysitters
Safe Sitter is the only national non-profit training program in the United States that is dedicated to preparing young teens to be safe in situations where they're put in charge, such as babysitting, watching younger siblings, or being home alone. Through more than 850 teaching sites across the country, Safe Sitter provides nearly 35,000 young teens each year with constantly updated, medically accurate, and developmentally appropriate curriculum.
Safe Sitter was founded in 1980 by Indianapolis pediatrician Patricia Keener, MD after a colleague's toddler choked to death while under the care of an adult sitter. Dr. Keener developed Safe Sitter as an instructional program for young teens, as they are the earliest babysitters and the least aware of their responsibilities.
The mission of Safe Sitter is to build safer communities by providing safety skills, child care training, and life skills to all youth. Dr. Keener was recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics for the educational excellence of the program.
Safe Sitter was founded in 1980 by Indianapolis pediatrician Patricia Keener, MD after a colleague's toddler choked to death while under the care of an adult sitter. Dr. Keener developed Safe Sitter as an instructional program for young teens, as they are the earliest babysitters and the least aware of their responsibilities.
The mission of Safe Sitter is to build safer communities by providing safety skills, child care training, and life skills to all youth. Dr. Keener was recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics for the educational excellence of the program.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Tranquility Trail: A No-Kill Animal Sanctuary in Arizona
Tranquility Trail Animal Sanctuary is a non-profit organization dedicated to the compassionate care of neglected and unwanted companion animals. Founded in 2008, Tranquility Trail protects, rehabilitates, and finds forever homes for every animal that enters its no-kill shelter in Scottsdale. For those who cannot find a home, a loving and nurturing environment is provided.
Tranquility Trail is the largest domestic rabbit sanctuary in Arizona and the only one open to the general public seven days a week. Visitors can learn how to properly care for their rabbits at the shelter.
Tranquility Trail is a new generation of animal sanctuary. The center is painted in bright colors and filled with soft, relaxing music to create an environment that is happy, peaceful, and loving. Each animal receives physical and emotional care, as well as daily play time in one of seven designated play areas. There are also three lounging areas where volunteers help socialize the animals.
Tranquility Trail Animal Sanctuary is currently building its new, permanent location in the foothills of McDowell Mountains. Once completed, the center will be surrounded by the Arizonian desert, cacti, wild flowers, and mountain views. The sanctuary is being constructed in three phases, and Phase One is in progress.
Phase One includes a building that will house domestic rabbits and other small animals. There will be a medical room, kitchen, laundry and storage area, bonding room, reception area, and visitor/volunteer check-in. In addition, Phase One will have a large covered play area, vegetable garden, wishing garden, and memorial area. Phase Two of the sanctuary will be dedicated to pigs, horses, goats, and more. Phase Three will be home to cats and dogs.
Tranquility Trail Animal Sanctuary is run by volunteers and relies on donations, fundraising programs, and its retail pet supply store for funding. Every year, Tranquility Trail organizes and hosts the Holiday Pet Festival, the largest holiday pet event in Arizona.
Tranquility Trail is the largest domestic rabbit sanctuary in Arizona and the only one open to the general public seven days a week. Visitors can learn how to properly care for their rabbits at the shelter.
Tranquility Trail is a new generation of animal sanctuary. The center is painted in bright colors and filled with soft, relaxing music to create an environment that is happy, peaceful, and loving. Each animal receives physical and emotional care, as well as daily play time in one of seven designated play areas. There are also three lounging areas where volunteers help socialize the animals.
Tranquility Trail Animal Sanctuary is currently building its new, permanent location in the foothills of McDowell Mountains. Once completed, the center will be surrounded by the Arizonian desert, cacti, wild flowers, and mountain views. The sanctuary is being constructed in three phases, and Phase One is in progress.
Phase One includes a building that will house domestic rabbits and other small animals. There will be a medical room, kitchen, laundry and storage area, bonding room, reception area, and visitor/volunteer check-in. In addition, Phase One will have a large covered play area, vegetable garden, wishing garden, and memorial area. Phase Two of the sanctuary will be dedicated to pigs, horses, goats, and more. Phase Three will be home to cats and dogs.
Tranquility Trail Animal Sanctuary is run by volunteers and relies on donations, fundraising programs, and its retail pet supply store for funding. Every year, Tranquility Trail organizes and hosts the Holiday Pet Festival, the largest holiday pet event in Arizona.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
The Respite Association: Caring for Carers
Based in Lincolnshire, England, The Respite Association provides care for caregivers. The charity was founded in May 2001 when a group of people with firsthand experience of the stress put on carers realized that there was very little support available for individuals caring for loved ones. Being “on duty” 24/7 without any breaks can be overwhelming, and that small but determined group decided that the best way to help carers was to start an organization whose sole mission was to provide respite for them.
Since then, The Respite Association has helped countless caregivers take a much needed break by funding qualified care for their loved ones. The Respite Association has helped a woman in North Yorkshire caring for her tetraplegic husband and elderly mother, a mother in Stockton-on-Tees caring for her daughter who has autism, a married couple in Cleveland caring for their son who has Down syndrome, and many more.
Since then, The Respite Association has helped countless caregivers take a much needed break by funding qualified care for their loved ones. The Respite Association has helped a woman in North Yorkshire caring for her tetraplegic husband and elderly mother, a mother in Stockton-on-Tees caring for her daughter who has autism, a married couple in Cleveland caring for their son who has Down syndrome, and many more.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation: Planting Fruit Trees for the Benefit of All
The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation (FTPF) is an award-winning, international non-profit organization dedicated to planting fruit trees and plants to improve the health of the environment, alleviate world hunger, combat global warming, and strengthen communities. The primary mission of FTPF is to plant and help others plant a collective total of 18 billion organic fruit trees worldwide to benefit the planet and all its inhabitants. The charity leads a variety of planting programs as well as offers resources and support to anyone interested in planting edible fruitful trees and plants. FTPF's programs are aimed at enriching the environment, providing food sources for wild and rescued animals, and enhancing human health. FTPF also secures land throughout the globe with the intention of restoring native plant ecosystems with fruit trees and plants that benefit the surrounding soil, water, air, and wild animals.
The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation's programs strategically donate orchards where the harvest will best serve communities for many generations, at places like city parks, public schools, international hunger relief sites, low-income neighborhoods, animal sanctuaries, and Native American reservations. FTPF members and supporters share a love for fruit trees, respect for nature, and a desire to build a harmonious relationship between humans and plants, animals, and the environment. The charity envisions a self-sustaining world where people can enjoy their lunch break or have a picnic anywhere and just pick and eat the healthy, delicious fruits growing overhead.
Fruit trees clean the air, prevent erosion, improve soil quality, sustain water sources, create animal habitat, and provide healthy nutrition. The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation's programs benefit humans, animals, and the environment all at once. Its work has influenced households, corporations, and governments to plant more fruit trees. A featured partner in the United Nations Billion Tree Campaign, FTPF has been covered by The Los Angeles Times, USA Today, The New York Times, The Today Show, and more.
The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation's programs strategically donate orchards where the harvest will best serve communities for many generations, at places like city parks, public schools, international hunger relief sites, low-income neighborhoods, animal sanctuaries, and Native American reservations. FTPF members and supporters share a love for fruit trees, respect for nature, and a desire to build a harmonious relationship between humans and plants, animals, and the environment. The charity envisions a self-sustaining world where people can enjoy their lunch break or have a picnic anywhere and just pick and eat the healthy, delicious fruits growing overhead.
Fruit trees clean the air, prevent erosion, improve soil quality, sustain water sources, create animal habitat, and provide healthy nutrition. The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation's programs benefit humans, animals, and the environment all at once. Its work has influenced households, corporations, and governments to plant more fruit trees. A featured partner in the United Nations Billion Tree Campaign, FTPF has been covered by The Los Angeles Times, USA Today, The New York Times, The Today Show, and more.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
A Plan for the World's Underprivileged Children
One of the largest and oldest children's development organizations in the world, Plan promotes children's rights and helps millions of kids get out of poverty. The non-profit works in 50 developing nations across Asia, Africa, and the Americas, aiming to improve the quality of life of disadvantaged children. In 2013, Plan reached 78 million kids in over 90,200 communities.
Plan is a child-centered community development organization that not only works with children but also with their families, communities, organizations, and local governments. Plan believes that its programs are more like to succeed and be sustainable when children and adults work together as part of the change process. The organization's approach includes listening to what kids have to say about their rights and concerns and giving them the encouragement and assistance they need to actively find solutions to their problems and realize their full potential.
Plan's work, which is connected to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, focuses on eight core areas: education, health, economic security, protection, water and sanitation, child participation, sexual health, and emergencies.
Plan was founded in 1937 by journalist John Langdon-Davies and refugee worker Eric Muggeridge as Foster Parents Plan for Children in Spain. The organization's original goal was to provide food, accommodation, and education to kids whose lives had been affected by the Spanish Civil War. During World War II, Plan helped displaced children from all over Europe. It gradually moved out of European nations as they recovered and subsequently launched new programs in less developed countries.
Plan has offices in 21 countries around the world, including the UK (international headquarters), Australia, Hong Kong, Italy, Norway, Colombia, South Korea, Spain, and Finland. The Plan team is currently led by CEO Nigel Chapman, who previously served as the director of BBC World Service.
Plan is a child-centered community development organization that not only works with children but also with their families, communities, organizations, and local governments. Plan believes that its programs are more like to succeed and be sustainable when children and adults work together as part of the change process. The organization's approach includes listening to what kids have to say about their rights and concerns and giving them the encouragement and assistance they need to actively find solutions to their problems and realize their full potential.
Plan's work, which is connected to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, focuses on eight core areas: education, health, economic security, protection, water and sanitation, child participation, sexual health, and emergencies.
Plan was founded in 1937 by journalist John Langdon-Davies and refugee worker Eric Muggeridge as Foster Parents Plan for Children in Spain. The organization's original goal was to provide food, accommodation, and education to kids whose lives had been affected by the Spanish Civil War. During World War II, Plan helped displaced children from all over Europe. It gradually moved out of European nations as they recovered and subsequently launched new programs in less developed countries.
Plan has offices in 21 countries around the world, including the UK (international headquarters), Australia, Hong Kong, Italy, Norway, Colombia, South Korea, Spain, and Finland. The Plan team is currently led by CEO Nigel Chapman, who previously served as the director of BBC World Service.
Sunday, August 17, 2014
ACLD: Individuals With Developmental Disabilities Can Lead Enviable Lives
Based in Bethpage, New York, Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities (ACLD) is a non-profit agency dedicated to serving the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Founded in 1957 by a group of families whose children had developmental challenges, ACLD helps children, teens, and adults with developmental disabilities to increase their independence, improve the quality of their lives, and pursue enviable lives. The organization carries out its mission by assisting individuals with developmental conditions to make meaningful choices, create significant relationships, and lead productive and healthy lives. ACLD also works closely with families to ensure that kids and adults with developmental difficulties are always supported.
ACLD has more than 1,000 staff members across 70 program sites in Suffolk and Nassau Counties. The agency's broad range of services include day habilitation, supported employment, early childhood services, recreation programs, family support services, evaluation and training, medical and behavioral health services, and Medicaid service coordination.
ACLD has more than 1,000 staff members across 70 program sites in Suffolk and Nassau Counties. The agency's broad range of services include day habilitation, supported employment, early childhood services, recreation programs, family support services, evaluation and training, medical and behavioral health services, and Medicaid service coordination.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
The March of Dimes: Helping Families Have Healthy Babies
Headquartered in White Plains, New York, the March of Dimes is dedicated to helping mothers have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies. The non-profit organization was founded by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1938 as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis to combat polio, which he struggled with personally. With the disease on the rise at that time, the foundation launched a polio patient aid program and funded research for vaccines, which effectively ended the epidemic in the US.
After accomplishing its original mission, the March of Dimes shifted its focus to preventing infant mortality and birth defects. Since then, the organization has led the way to promote newborn screening, discover the genetic causes of birth defects, and educate the public and medical professionals about best practices for healthy pregnancy.
In the United States, more than half a million babies are born prematurely each year and the premature birth rate has increased by 36 percent over the last 25 years. Across the world, 15 million babies are born too soon annually. Premature birth is the number one killer of newborns, and babies born a few weeks early have a higher risk of developing health problems and lifelong disabilities. In addition, premature birth costs society over $26 billion every year.
The March of Dimes is working to address the crisis both at home and abroad. In 2003, the March of Dimes introduced the Prematurity Campaign to help American families have healthy babies. The campaign was expanded globally five years later. Through the Prematurity Campaign, the March of Dimes supports lifesaving research and advocates for legislation that improves care for mothers and babies.
The March of Dimes has also launched Healthy Babies Are Worth the Wait (HBWW), a comprehensive initiative to prevent preventable preterm birth with a focus on reducing elective early deliveries. HBWW comprises an education and awareness campaign, community intervention, and hospital quality improvement programs.
Monday, August 11, 2014
The Long Island Elite: Cultivating Long Island's Leaders and Community
The Long Island Elite (LIE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering the growth and development of young business professionals across Long Island, as well as raising awareness and funds for local charities and agencies that make a positive difference in the community. Founded in 2002 by entrepreneur Dawn Strain, LIE believes in supporting the region's emerging business leaders and helping those who are less fortunate. The group aims to keep Long Island a wonderful place to live and work. To this end, LIE organizes programs, activities, and events that support and raise funds for the local non-profit community.
The Long Island Elite has selected Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island to be its charity partner for this year. Previously, LIE has supported the American Cancer Society, Dress for Success, Canine Companions, Life's Work, Long Island Cares, North Shore Animal League, the Nassau County Museum of Art, the National Center for Disability Services, and many more.
The Long Island Elite has selected Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island to be its charity partner for this year. Previously, LIE has supported the American Cancer Society, Dress for Success, Canine Companions, Life's Work, Long Island Cares, North Shore Animal League, the Nassau County Museum of Art, the National Center for Disability Services, and many more.
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Cambodian Child's Dream Organization Develops Sustainable Villages in Rural Siem Reap
American Jenni Lipa, who visited Cambodia and donated a water well, realized that the children hold the key to the country's future. After leading many new programs and initiatives, she founded Cambodian Children's Dream Organization as a US-based non-profit in early 2009. Two years later, Margaret Jarman started Friends of CCDO, UK due to strong support for the charity in the United Kingdom.
CCDO is currently sponsoring education for 2,000 children at 4 schools, providing school supplies, English teachers, and supplementing the meager salary of the teachers. CCDO also runs a Clean Village initiative, a Women's Health & Education Center, and Travel with Purpose programs. Previously, the organization built playgrounds, volley ball courts, soccer fields, and libraries in schools.
Monday, July 28, 2014
Maddie's Fund: A Large Foundation Inspired By a Little Dog
Maddie's Fund is a charitable foundation with a mission to “revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals.” Maddie's Fund is named after Maddie, a beloved Miniature Schnauzer whose unconditional love, loyalty, and spirit inspired her caregivers to start a foundation in her name.
Maddie's Fund was started by billionaire entrepreneur and the founder of Workday and PeopleSoft, Dave Duffield, and his wife, Cheryl, who both fell in love with Maddie when she was just less than 2 weeks old. Maddie shared 10 happy and memorable years with Dave and Cheryl before she passed away in 1997. During the formation of PeopleSoft, Dave promised Maddie that if his company made money, he will give it back to companion animals in need so that they too can be as happy as Dave and Maddie were on that day.
Today, Dave and Cheryl are fulfilling that promise, having endowed Maddie's Fund with over $300 million. From 2012 to 2013 (fiscal year), Maddie's Fund has awarded nearly $136 million to animal welfare organizations and universities to save dog and cat lives. The foundation is working towards a no-kill nation by providing solutions to the most challenging issues the animal welfare community faces and supplying strategic funding to organizations and communities that are dedicated to saving healthy and treatable shelter animals.
One of Maddie's Fund's numerous programs is Maddie's Pet Adoption Days, the biggest free shelter pet adoption event in America. The event helps shelter dogs and cats find loving homes as well as raises public awareness of shelter animals and recognizes the efforts of rescue organizations. Meanwhile, Maddie's Institute provides the most innovative animal welfare information to shelter staff, veterinarians, rescue groups, and concerned citizens through a blog, articles, videos, webcasts, and other educational materials. Maddie's Fund also awards grants to US colleges of veterinary medicine that are developing shelter medicine programs.
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Project Safe: Putting an End to Domestic Violence
Based in Athens, Georgia, Project Safe is a non-profit organization dedicated to ending domestic violence through crisis intervention, ongoing supportive services, systems change advocacy, and prevention and education programs in the community.
Project Safe was originally founded as a network of safe houses and later evolved into a confidentially located emergency shelter and hotline. The organization has expanded over the years to meet the needs of domestic violence survivors and their children. Today, Project Safe's services range from short-term crisis phone counseling to long-term support through its follow-up and transitional housing programs. While Project Safe mostly serves clients from Athens and the surrounding area, it also functions as a routing point for a national hotline and assists women and children from across Georgia and outside the state.
Project Safe's approach to combating domestic violence combines energy of the heart with a commitment to operational efficiency. For every dollar contributed to Project Safe, 90 cents goes to programs and services that benefit abused women and children directly.
Project Safe was originally founded as a network of safe houses and later evolved into a confidentially located emergency shelter and hotline. The organization has expanded over the years to meet the needs of domestic violence survivors and their children. Today, Project Safe's services range from short-term crisis phone counseling to long-term support through its follow-up and transitional housing programs. While Project Safe mostly serves clients from Athens and the surrounding area, it also functions as a routing point for a national hotline and assists women and children from across Georgia and outside the state.
Project Safe's approach to combating domestic violence combines energy of the heart with a commitment to operational efficiency. For every dollar contributed to Project Safe, 90 cents goes to programs and services that benefit abused women and children directly.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
The Children's Inn: A Place Where Seriously Ill Kids Can Be Kids Again
The Children's Inn at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a private, non-profit residence for children and families receiving medical treatment from the NIH's Clinical Center. The Inn provides a free “place like home” that reduces the burdens of illness through a supportive environment. Patients and their families from all over the world come to The Children's Inn in Bethesda, Maryland to receive healing for the body, heart, and soul.
Located within walking distance of the NIH Clinical Center, The Children's Inn opened its doors in June 1990 to provide a place where pediatric patients and their families could stay together and not have to face the isolation, expense, and difficulties of living in a hotel. The Inn has been in continuous operation since then, welcoming more than 12,000 seriously ill children and families to date.
Patients and their families travel to the NIH to receive treatment for illnesses such as cancer; HIV infection; and mental, heart, lung, bone, blood, and growth disorders. Meanwhile, The Inn offers warmth and camaraderie that cannot be found in a hotel room. Here, children and families can put aside their challenges, and kids can be kids again for a while. At the end of the treatment day, kids leave behind the doctors, nurses, and needles to return to the comforting presence of their families and The Inn's caring staff members.
The Inn's programs and activities, all of which are free, are designed to help families as they deal with the stress of serious illness. Most take place on-site but there are some off-campus field trips every month as well. The programs and activities are led by staff, volunteers, and professional instructors.
At The Children's Inn, it is understood that families make a difference in the lives of sick children; effective treatment entails caring for the child and family as one.
Friday, July 18, 2014
In Other Words: Enriching Portland's Feminist Communities
In Other Words is a non-profit feminist community center in Portland, Oregon. Its storefront on Killingsworth Street serves as a bookstore, lending library, and affordable event venue. In Other Words' mission is to support, enrich, and empower the feminist community through art, literature, educational, and cultural events.
Founded in 1993 by Portland State University professor Johanna Brenner and women's health advocates Kathryn Tetrick and Catherine Sameh, In Other Words was created in response to the closing of A Woman's Place, Portland's only feminist bookstore. When In Other Words first opened, there were more than 200 feminist bookstores in the country. Today, there are less than 30.
As Portland's feminist communities underwent social, demographic, and cultural changes, In Other Words identified new needs and interests that prompted its expansion to become a feminist community center. In Other Words is currently the only feminist bookstore in the US that also functions as a non-profit organization.
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Sesame Workshop: Four Decades of Teaching Children Through Television and More
Sesame Workshop is the non-profit educational organization behind the beloved kids' television program Sesame Street, as well as a number of other projects that bring lessons in literacy and numeracy, health and wellness, emotional well-being, and respect and understanding to children in more than 150 countries.
Sesame Workshop's mission is to help children everywhere reach their highest potential by using the educational power of media. What began as a simple yet revolutionary idea to teach kids in the United States through television is now a global educational phenomenon expanding beyond television and reaching millions of children worldwide. Sesame Workshop's international programs are created in collaboration with local educators, puppeteers, and advisors to tailor to the unique needs of children and their culture. The non-profit also carries out several on-the-ground outreach efforts to bring its lessons directly to vulnerable communities. Regardless of location, Sesame Workshop combines a curriculum that addresses children's developmental needs with the sophisticated use of media and plenty of fun.
One of Sesame Workshop's international projects is Galli Galli Sim Sim, the locally produced version of Sesame Street in India. To expand its reach, Galli Galli Sim Sim partners with non-profit child care centers to deliver early childhood education to children from low-income families. Galli Galli Sim Sim also makes house calls using a repurposed vegetable cart outfitted with a television and DVD player so that local teachers can bring the program to kids in urban slums.
In the United States, Sesame Workshop has created Families Stand Together, a bilingual multimedia kit for families facing financial challenges. Designed to bring kids and parents together as they deal with unemployment and economic uncertainty, the kit contains educational DVDs, activities, storybooks, and a caregiver's handbook filled with advice about answering children's questions, practical ways to stay afloat, and spending time as a family.
Sesame Workshop's mission is to help children everywhere reach their highest potential by using the educational power of media. What began as a simple yet revolutionary idea to teach kids in the United States through television is now a global educational phenomenon expanding beyond television and reaching millions of children worldwide. Sesame Workshop's international programs are created in collaboration with local educators, puppeteers, and advisors to tailor to the unique needs of children and their culture. The non-profit also carries out several on-the-ground outreach efforts to bring its lessons directly to vulnerable communities. Regardless of location, Sesame Workshop combines a curriculum that addresses children's developmental needs with the sophisticated use of media and plenty of fun.
One of Sesame Workshop's international projects is Galli Galli Sim Sim, the locally produced version of Sesame Street in India. To expand its reach, Galli Galli Sim Sim partners with non-profit child care centers to deliver early childhood education to children from low-income families. Galli Galli Sim Sim also makes house calls using a repurposed vegetable cart outfitted with a television and DVD player so that local teachers can bring the program to kids in urban slums.
In the United States, Sesame Workshop has created Families Stand Together, a bilingual multimedia kit for families facing financial challenges. Designed to bring kids and parents together as they deal with unemployment and economic uncertainty, the kit contains educational DVDs, activities, storybooks, and a caregiver's handbook filled with advice about answering children's questions, practical ways to stay afloat, and spending time as a family.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Pebble Tossers: Matching Young Atlanta Volunteers With Service Project Opportunities
Atlanta moms Jeni Stephens and Jen Guynn quickly became friends after meeting through their children's school. Both women shared a passion for volunteerism and community involvement and went in search of age-appropriate volunteer projects for their young families. The process was time-consuming and left them frustrated and disappointed; finding meaningful service projects for kids turned out to be more challenging than they expected. So they came up with the idea for an online resource that would make it more fun and easier for busy families to make a difference in their community.
In October 2009, after a year of research, Stephens and Guynn launched Pebble Tossers, a non-profit youth service organization and family volunteering resource for kids, teens, and families in Metro Atlanta. The name denotes the far-reaching impact of a tiny pebble, which, when tossed into the water, creates many ripples. Similarly, one child and one act of service can generate far-reaching ripples of giving that span their family, community, and lifetime.
Pebble Tossers' mission is to ignite a passion for volunteerism in kids that develops their character and impacts the world. Pebble Tossers helps children who want to help by matching their interests and abilities with the needs of their community. There are now more than 200 fun, age-appropriate volunteer projects with local, pre-screened organizations, covering 12 major cause areas including animals, the arts, the elderly, the environment, education and literacy, families in need, homelessness, hunger, global awareness, philanthropy, sick and special needs children, and US troops and veterans.
Members are notified of new, nearby service project opportunities each month. They can also find volunteer projects themselves by browsing the Pebble Tossers website.
Named “Best Volunteer Matcher” by Malachi's Storehouse, Pebble Tossers currently has 13,000 members from all across Metro Atlanta and counting. In 2013, members served more than 110 local non-profit organizations in need of assistance.
In October 2009, after a year of research, Stephens and Guynn launched Pebble Tossers, a non-profit youth service organization and family volunteering resource for kids, teens, and families in Metro Atlanta. The name denotes the far-reaching impact of a tiny pebble, which, when tossed into the water, creates many ripples. Similarly, one child and one act of service can generate far-reaching ripples of giving that span their family, community, and lifetime.
Pebble Tossers' mission is to ignite a passion for volunteerism in kids that develops their character and impacts the world. Pebble Tossers helps children who want to help by matching their interests and abilities with the needs of their community. There are now more than 200 fun, age-appropriate volunteer projects with local, pre-screened organizations, covering 12 major cause areas including animals, the arts, the elderly, the environment, education and literacy, families in need, homelessness, hunger, global awareness, philanthropy, sick and special needs children, and US troops and veterans.
Members are notified of new, nearby service project opportunities each month. They can also find volunteer projects themselves by browsing the Pebble Tossers website.
Named “Best Volunteer Matcher” by Malachi's Storehouse, Pebble Tossers currently has 13,000 members from all across Metro Atlanta and counting. In 2013, members served more than 110 local non-profit organizations in need of assistance.
Wildlife SOS Is One of India's Leading Conservation Organizations
Wildlife SOS has been protecting India's wildlife and environment since 1995. A registered non-profit organization in India, the US, and the UK, Wildlife SOS began as a project by Geeta Seshamani and Kartick Satyanarayan to investigate India's “dancing bears” and create a sustainable solution to end the cruel practice that was endangering the country's wild sloth bears. The project went on to become one of Wildlife SOS's flagship programs and successfully put an end to the brutal practice in late 2009, when the last dancing bear was rescued from the streets.
Though mostly known for its work with dancing bears, Wildlife SOS has since evolved to help other animals such as leopards, reptiles, and elephants. The charity also has several projects focusing on environment and biodiversity conservation and carbon footprint reduction.
Now one of the leading conservation organizations in India, Wildlife SOS actively works to protect the country's wildlife, conserve natural habitats, study biodiversity, conduct research, and create sustainable livelihoods for former poacher communities.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Nordoff Robbins Uses the Power of Music to Tranform Lives
Everyone responds to music, and Nordoff Robbins is using it to transform the lives of vulnerable children and adults in the UK. The state's leading provider of music therapy services, Nordoff Robbins delivers more than 50,000 music therapy sessions annually in schools, hospitals, day centers, care homes, and its own facilities. The charity's trained network of music therapists work with people of all ages living with various challenges, including autism, dementia, stroke, depression, brain injury, mental health problems, and cancer. Music affects our minds, bodies, and feelings. It has the ability to improve physical health; address emotional and behavioral difficulties; promote creativity, confidence, and self-esteem; and nurture social and communication skills.
Nordoff Robbins has been educating music therapists since 1947 and its masters training is globally recognized as a gold standard in music therapy training. The charity also offers short courses and workshops that are open to everyone interested in learning more about music and well-being.
Nordoff Robbins has been educating music therapists since 1947 and its masters training is globally recognized as a gold standard in music therapy training. The charity also offers short courses and workshops that are open to everyone interested in learning more about music and well-being.
The Stuttering Foundation Provides Support for Stutterers
The Stuttering Foundation of America is the world's first and largest non-profit organization working toward the prevention and improved treatment of stuttering, an often misunderstood disability that affects more than 3 million Americans. Based in Memphis, Tennessee, the Stuttering Foundation was founded in 1947 by Malcolm Fraser, who decided to change career paths at the age of 44 so he could help people who stutter. Understanding the disability from personal, often painful experience, Fraser met with Dr. Charles Van Riper, a renowned speech therapist and fellow stutterer, to discuss the idea of a charity dedicated to helping those who stutter.
The Stuttering Foundation's goal is to provide the best and latest tools available to prevent stuttering in young children and treat the disability in teens and adults. The Stuttering Foundation offers free online resources, services, and support to individuals who stutter and their families; delivers training programs on stuttering for professionals; and supports research into the causes of stuttering.
Reaching millions of people each year, the Stuttering Foundation of America manages an extensive public awareness campaign to dispel misconceptions about stuttering and inform people that help is available. The charity's press releases have led to thousands of print stories and broadcast segments in media outlets such as The Today Show, CBS This Morning, NPR, CNN, and AP. The Stuttering Foundation also produces public service announcements and advertisements featuring nationally recognized spokespersons.
In addition, the charity has published 29 books, 27 brochures, and 35 DVDs for people concerned about stuttering, including parents, employers, and professionals. Written by leading experts in the field, these publications have been translated into other languages and many are used in speech pathology departments in universities worldwide.
Malcolm Fraser and the Stuttering Foundation were honored with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's Distinguished Service Award for “dedication and effective contributions to the field of speech pathology.”
The Stuttering Foundation's goal is to provide the best and latest tools available to prevent stuttering in young children and treat the disability in teens and adults. The Stuttering Foundation offers free online resources, services, and support to individuals who stutter and their families; delivers training programs on stuttering for professionals; and supports research into the causes of stuttering.
Reaching millions of people each year, the Stuttering Foundation of America manages an extensive public awareness campaign to dispel misconceptions about stuttering and inform people that help is available. The charity's press releases have led to thousands of print stories and broadcast segments in media outlets such as The Today Show, CBS This Morning, NPR, CNN, and AP. The Stuttering Foundation also produces public service announcements and advertisements featuring nationally recognized spokespersons.
In addition, the charity has published 29 books, 27 brochures, and 35 DVDs for people concerned about stuttering, including parents, employers, and professionals. Written by leading experts in the field, these publications have been translated into other languages and many are used in speech pathology departments in universities worldwide.
Malcolm Fraser and the Stuttering Foundation were honored with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's Distinguished Service Award for “dedication and effective contributions to the field of speech pathology.”
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Aurora Warms the Night: Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness in Aurora, CO
Aurora Warms the Night (AWTN) is a non-profit organization focused on preserving the life and well-being of homeless men, women, and children in Aurora, Colorado. AWTN provides shelter and comprehensive services that meet homeless families' and individuals' most basic needs. These include paid vouchers for motel rooms, transportation to motels, food, blankets, warm clothing, hygiene products, heatstroke prevention, and referrals to partner agencies. In addition, all clients are matched to Aurora Mental Health Care's PATH program to help them transition out of homelessness.
AWTN's other community partners like Hunger Free Colorado, Aurora Community Outreach Team, Metro Care Providers Network, Denver Department of Veterans Affairs, Aurora Arts District, and more also help provide mental health and substance abuse counseling, job coaching, veteran services, and food stamp application assistance. All services offered by AWTN and its partners are free of charge.
Aurora Warms the Night is a GuideStar Exchange Gold Participant and has received the Great Nonprofits Top-Rated Award for two consecutive years.
AWTN's other community partners like Hunger Free Colorado, Aurora Community Outreach Team, Metro Care Providers Network, Denver Department of Veterans Affairs, Aurora Arts District, and more also help provide mental health and substance abuse counseling, job coaching, veteran services, and food stamp application assistance. All services offered by AWTN and its partners are free of charge.
Aurora Warms the Night is a GuideStar Exchange Gold Participant and has received the Great Nonprofits Top-Rated Award for two consecutive years.
Inheritance of Hope: Hope for Families With a Terminally Ill Parent
Based in Pisgah Forest, North Carolina, Inheritance of Hope is dedicated to inspiring hope in young families facing the loss of a parent. To this end, the charity provides quality books and literature; life-changing family retreats; and ongoing emotional, financial, and spiritual support for individuals and groups.
Inheritance of Hope believes that preparing for the death of a parent while they are still alive yields significant long-term benefits for children and families. A faith-based organization, Inheritance of Hope serves under Christian core beliefs while welcoming families of all backgrounds.
Inheritance of Hope was founded by Kristen and Deric Milligan, whose passion for helping families living with a terminally ill parent was born out of firsthand experience. After being diagnosed with liver cancer in 2003, Kristen looked for children's literature to help her kids cope. When she couldn't find anything suitable, she wrote her own book, A Train's Rust, a Toy Maker's Love. In the book, the mother of a train family starts to rust, prompting the toy maker to ask questions about what will happen next.
In 2007, Kristen and Deric launched Inheritance of Hope, which began selling Kristen's books. The following year, the non-profit hosted its first all expenses paid Legacy Retreat in Lake George, New York. Since then, Inheritance of Hope has given more families the opportunity to enjoy a worry-free, cost-free vacation. Legacy Retreats also provide a chance for families with a terminally ill parent to interact with other families facing similar challenges, creating a community of support that can be maintained long after the event is over.
Kristen died on October 26, 2012 after enduring her illness for almost a decade. She has written three books, two for children and one for adults. Deric, who holds an MBA with distinction from NYU's Stern School of Business, continues to serve as Inheritance of Hope's executive director.
Inheritance of Hope believes that preparing for the death of a parent while they are still alive yields significant long-term benefits for children and families. A faith-based organization, Inheritance of Hope serves under Christian core beliefs while welcoming families of all backgrounds.
Inheritance of Hope was founded by Kristen and Deric Milligan, whose passion for helping families living with a terminally ill parent was born out of firsthand experience. After being diagnosed with liver cancer in 2003, Kristen looked for children's literature to help her kids cope. When she couldn't find anything suitable, she wrote her own book, A Train's Rust, a Toy Maker's Love. In the book, the mother of a train family starts to rust, prompting the toy maker to ask questions about what will happen next.
In 2007, Kristen and Deric launched Inheritance of Hope, which began selling Kristen's books. The following year, the non-profit hosted its first all expenses paid Legacy Retreat in Lake George, New York. Since then, Inheritance of Hope has given more families the opportunity to enjoy a worry-free, cost-free vacation. Legacy Retreats also provide a chance for families with a terminally ill parent to interact with other families facing similar challenges, creating a community of support that can be maintained long after the event is over.
Kristen died on October 26, 2012 after enduring her illness for almost a decade. She has written three books, two for children and one for adults. Deric, who holds an MBA with distinction from NYU's Stern School of Business, continues to serve as Inheritance of Hope's executive director.
Monday, June 16, 2014
Pharrell Williams' From One Hand To AnOTHER Gives Kids the Tools to Succeed
Musical artist and producer Pharrell Williams believes every child could be successful if they had the right tools. As he was growing up in the Seatack neighborhood of Virginia Beach, Williams faced difficult times with his family but they stayed strong and he was lucky enough to find his tool for the future, music. He attributes his success to that discovery and believes that if every community with underserved youth had a community center dedicated to augmenting the learning experience and providing exposure to different resources, arts, and technologies, children could find their own tool and create a successful future.
Thus in 2008, Williams founded From One Hand To AnOTHER (FOHTA), a non-profit organization to support the Pharrell Williams Resource Center (PWRC), whose learning programs are developed for underserved youth ages 7 to 20 in at-risk communities across the US. FOHTA aims to change the world one kid at a time by providing the tools and resources to help them reach their unique potential.
The first in a series of Pharrell Williams Learning Facilities, PWRC in Virginia Beach, Virginia currently offers educational STEAMM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics, and motivation) tools to children in the city's schools, churches, and parks and recreation facilities. Looking to modernize the community center concept, PWRC provides project-based learning activities, life coaching, tutoring, and motivation lessons in a safe and technologically enhanced environment.
Today, a quarter of Americans who start high school do not graduate. Several countries including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom have a larger percent of college graduates than the US. A largely uneducated workforce will lead American corporations to look for employees overseas in the next 20 years. FOHTA is dedicated to reversing this trend by developing a prepared workforce and the nation's future leaders.
Thus in 2008, Williams founded From One Hand To AnOTHER (FOHTA), a non-profit organization to support the Pharrell Williams Resource Center (PWRC), whose learning programs are developed for underserved youth ages 7 to 20 in at-risk communities across the US. FOHTA aims to change the world one kid at a time by providing the tools and resources to help them reach their unique potential.
The first in a series of Pharrell Williams Learning Facilities, PWRC in Virginia Beach, Virginia currently offers educational STEAMM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics, and motivation) tools to children in the city's schools, churches, and parks and recreation facilities. Looking to modernize the community center concept, PWRC provides project-based learning activities, life coaching, tutoring, and motivation lessons in a safe and technologically enhanced environment.
Today, a quarter of Americans who start high school do not graduate. Several countries including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom have a larger percent of college graduates than the US. A largely uneducated workforce will lead American corporations to look for employees overseas in the next 20 years. FOHTA is dedicated to reversing this trend by developing a prepared workforce and the nation's future leaders.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Introduces Kids to the Magic of Reading
In 1996, singer-songwriter Dolly Parton founded Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to foster a love of reading among the children and families of her home county in East Tennessee. By sending a hand-selected, high-quality, age-appropriate book directly to their home each month, Parton wanted children to be excited about books and ensure that they would have books at home regardless of their family's income.
The program was such a huge success that in 2000, Parton offered it to any community that was willing to partner with her to support it locally. Today, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has mailed approximately 40 million books to children in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. More than 1,600 local communities are currently participating in the program, sending books to over 750,000 kids every month.
According to independent studies, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has helped improve early childhood literacy and literacy scores for the children enrolled in the program.
The program was such a huge success that in 2000, Parton offered it to any community that was willing to partner with her to support it locally. Today, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has mailed approximately 40 million books to children in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. More than 1,600 local communities are currently participating in the program, sending books to over 750,000 kids every month.
According to independent studies, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has helped improve early childhood literacy and literacy scores for the children enrolled in the program.
Monday, June 9, 2014
Create: Transforming Lives Through the Creative Arts
Create believes that everyone deserves the chance to fulfill their potential. The London-based charity uses the power of the creative arts to help the UK's most disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals develop creativity, social skills, learning, and self-esteem. Create mostly works with community partners that understand the locality and know where assistance is needed the most. The non-profit focuses on seven priority groups – young patients, young and adult carers, schoolchildren and teachers in underserved areas, disabled children and adults, young and adult offenders, marginalized children and adults, and vulnerable older people.
In addition to working extensively across London and the South, Create has delivered projects as far as Derby, Manchester, and Glasgow. Each project is designed to give participants a sense of self-worth and some programs bring different groups together to break down barriers and foster shared understanding. Create's programs are delivered by exceptional artists who are professionals in their field, passionate about their art form, and genuinely care about people.
In addition to working extensively across London and the South, Create has delivered projects as far as Derby, Manchester, and Glasgow. Each project is designed to give participants a sense of self-worth and some programs bring different groups together to break down barriers and foster shared understanding. Create's programs are delivered by exceptional artists who are professionals in their field, passionate about their art form, and genuinely care about people.
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