Operation Troop Appreciation is a top-rated non-profit dedicated to supporting the deployed members of the US Armed Forces. The mission of Operation Troop Appreciation is to build and sustain the morale of deployed troops, assuring them that the American public appreciates their service and sacrifices. The organization provides men and women of the Armed Forces with wish list items that boost their morale, presenting a united front of support and appreciation for their efforts.
Operation Troop Appreciation started as a personal project by Kristen Holloway. In March of 2004, she set out to provide Under Armour T-shirts to a local Pennsylvania National Guard Platoon of about 40 soldiers deployed in Iraq. The project received an overwhelmingly positive response not only from the soldiers but also from friends, family, and other people who helped. Within a few months, Holloway's personal project evolved into a national organization, and Operation Troop Appreciation was established as a non-profit corporation in the state of Pennsylvania on July 1st, 2004.
Since then, Operation Troop Appreciation and its individual donors, business partners, and corporate sponsors have sent wish list items to hundreds of thousands of US soldiers deployed overseas. Most recently, Operation Troop Appreciation provided wish list items to 20 separate units serving in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Egypt, and the Philippines. Items supplied include tactical gear, snacks, DVDs, hygiene items, cold weather clothing, gym equipment, gaming systems, nutritional supplements, Keurig coffee, and more.
Aside from accepting monetary and in-kind donations, Operation Troop Appreciation allows individuals, companies, schools, churches, and other civic groups to adopt a deployed unit through its Sponsor a Unit program. Sponsoring groups are sent details about their unit, after which they raise the necessary funds and send them to Operation Troop Appreciation along with their personal greetings for the troops. Operation Troop Appreciation will then secure the wish list items on behalf of the sponsoring group.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
King Street Cats: Caring for the Felines of Alexandria, VA
Founded in 2003, King Street Cats is the only cat-exclusive orphanage in Alexandria, Virginia. King Street Cats houses an average of 30 felines at any given time, and residents are never euthanized due to space or behavioral challenges. Formerly known as The Albert Foundation, King Street Cats aims to find loving forever homes for its residents, as well as educate the public about cat welfare. To this end, the non-profit provides information on proper cat care, behavioral issues, and medical problems. King Street Cats also helps people locate lost cats and assists those who are looking to adopt a cat.
The non-profit believes every cat and kitten, regardless of age or personality, deserves to have a loving home. Every feline who enters the orphanage stays there until they are adopted. All cats are sterilized and up-to-date on all medical care prior to adoption. King Street Cats provides post-adoption support for adopters as well.
The non-profit believes every cat and kitten, regardless of age or personality, deserves to have a loving home. Every feline who enters the orphanage stays there until they are adopted. All cats are sterilized and up-to-date on all medical care prior to adoption. King Street Cats provides post-adoption support for adopters as well.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
GALT: Placing Greyhounds in Loving Forever Homes
The Greyhound Adoption League of Texas (GALT) is an all-volunteer non-profit corporation dedicated to assisting all greyhounds throughout Texas and the United States, mainly those that are affiliated with or retired from the racing industry. Since its inception in May of 2001, GALT has helped place more than 2,400 greyhounds in loving forever homes.
Part of GALT's mission is educating the public about the desirability of adopting greyhounds as family pets and the importance of spaying and neutering. After placement, GALT provides continuing educational support to families to ensure a successful adoption. GALT also supports an active volunteer base of greyhound enthusiasts who share the passion of finding responsible forever homes for greyhounds, as well as connects with like-minded groups and individuals to promote greyhound adoption worldwide.
A GuideStar Exchange Gold Participant, the Greyhound Adoption League of Texas depends entirely on donations for its operating budget of over $350,000 per year.
Part of GALT's mission is educating the public about the desirability of adopting greyhounds as family pets and the importance of spaying and neutering. After placement, GALT provides continuing educational support to families to ensure a successful adoption. GALT also supports an active volunteer base of greyhound enthusiasts who share the passion of finding responsible forever homes for greyhounds, as well as connects with like-minded groups and individuals to promote greyhound adoption worldwide.
A GuideStar Exchange Gold Participant, the Greyhound Adoption League of Texas depends entirely on donations for its operating budget of over $350,000 per year.
The Lingap Children's Foundation Creates a Better Future for Abandoned Kids in the Philippines
One of the highest rated non-profit organizations on GreatNonprofits.org, the Lingap Children's Foundation provides funding for projects to help disadvantaged children in the Philippines. The foundation was established by John Drake, who began traveling to the Philippines while serving as senior vice president of human resources and administrative services for CMS Energy and affiliate Consumers Energy in Jackson, Michigan. He started the Lingap Children's Foundation after seeing orphans and abandoned children living on the streets, not far from the luxurious hotels and white sand beaches.
The first goal of the Lingap Children's Foundation was to raise money to construct the new Lingap Center in Toledo City, Cebu so neglected, abused, or exploited children can rebuild their lives. The original Lingap Center was a former pig slaughterhouse that could accommodate only a few children. Furthermore, it had no stove, refrigerator, or other facilities, and children used the same trough to wash their clothes and dishes, brush their teeth, and bathe themselves.
Completed in early 2006, the new Lingap Center includes a kitchen, dining room, study area, dormitory, office facilities, and quarantine rooms. The building has been designed to accommodate future expansion as well. Currently, there are 100 kids between the ages of 6 and 18 living at the center. The staff ensures that the kids are well-fed and go to school. The Lingap Center provides a safe environment for children who would otherwise be in life-threatening situations.
Other programs of the Lingap Children's Foundation include basic education and microeconomic entrepreneur training for street children, a children's mass and soup kitchen on the third Saturday of each month, and a community library built in partnership with seven US Rotary Clubs, three Philippine Rotary Clubs, and Rotary International.
Drake retired from his position at CMS Energy in June of 2006 after 32 years of service. He now devotes his efforts to the Lingap Center, serving as president of the Lingap Children's Foundation.
The first goal of the Lingap Children's Foundation was to raise money to construct the new Lingap Center in Toledo City, Cebu so neglected, abused, or exploited children can rebuild their lives. The original Lingap Center was a former pig slaughterhouse that could accommodate only a few children. Furthermore, it had no stove, refrigerator, or other facilities, and children used the same trough to wash their clothes and dishes, brush their teeth, and bathe themselves.
Completed in early 2006, the new Lingap Center includes a kitchen, dining room, study area, dormitory, office facilities, and quarantine rooms. The building has been designed to accommodate future expansion as well. Currently, there are 100 kids between the ages of 6 and 18 living at the center. The staff ensures that the kids are well-fed and go to school. The Lingap Center provides a safe environment for children who would otherwise be in life-threatening situations.
Other programs of the Lingap Children's Foundation include basic education and microeconomic entrepreneur training for street children, a children's mass and soup kitchen on the third Saturday of each month, and a community library built in partnership with seven US Rotary Clubs, three Philippine Rotary Clubs, and Rotary International.
Drake retired from his position at CMS Energy in June of 2006 after 32 years of service. He now devotes his efforts to the Lingap Center, serving as president of the Lingap Children's Foundation.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Endangered Species International: Top-Rated Conservation Organization Works Hard to Save the Planet
Headquartered in San Francisco and with offices in Switzerland, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Philippines, Endangered Species International (ESI) is committed to saving endangered animals, protecting wild places, and reversing the trend of human-induced species extinction. Plants and animals are vital to our physical and spiritual well-being, purifying water, pollinating crops, recycling waste, and more. However, more than 16,000 species are in danger of becoming extinct in the near future. ESI focuses on species that are at the highest risk of dying out including those that do not receive media attention.
To this end, ESI develops innovative conservation science, implements this research in field projects worldwide, and then links both research and results to local, national, and global policy. The ESI team is composed of scientists, endangered species experts, and conservation awareness and communication leaders who have strong local and international experience. The organization's projects aim to address clear and urgent problems using affordable and technically simple solutions. Furthermore, each project is assessed to ensure its positive long-term impact on endangered species and local communities; projects that do not meet ESI's success strategy are dropped. ESI works closely with local and indigenous people, pursuing plans that benefit them.
Recognized as one of the most trusted and most efficient conservation organizations in the world, ESI is a GuideStar Exchange Gold Participant and two-time Top-Rated Nonprofit award winner. In addition, the organization has been named to Prince Albert II's Earth Angel List. Ninety-eight percent of ESI's budget is spent on projects on the ground to save endangered species and natural places. Administrative and fundraising tasks are kept simple and efficient, requiring only less than 2 percent of the budget.
Endangered Species International was founded by Pierre Fidenci, who became involved in studying and protecting nature at an early age. He has won several environmental awards and serves as president of ESI.
To this end, ESI develops innovative conservation science, implements this research in field projects worldwide, and then links both research and results to local, national, and global policy. The ESI team is composed of scientists, endangered species experts, and conservation awareness and communication leaders who have strong local and international experience. The organization's projects aim to address clear and urgent problems using affordable and technically simple solutions. Furthermore, each project is assessed to ensure its positive long-term impact on endangered species and local communities; projects that do not meet ESI's success strategy are dropped. ESI works closely with local and indigenous people, pursuing plans that benefit them.
Recognized as one of the most trusted and most efficient conservation organizations in the world, ESI is a GuideStar Exchange Gold Participant and two-time Top-Rated Nonprofit award winner. In addition, the organization has been named to Prince Albert II's Earth Angel List. Ninety-eight percent of ESI's budget is spent on projects on the ground to save endangered species and natural places. Administrative and fundraising tasks are kept simple and efficient, requiring only less than 2 percent of the budget.
Endangered Species International was founded by Pierre Fidenci, who became involved in studying and protecting nature at an early age. He has won several environmental awards and serves as president of ESI.
Young Survival Coalition: Support and Hope for Young Women With Breast Cancer
Founded in 1998, Young Survival Coalition (YSC) is the premier global organization dedicated to serving the needs of young women who are diagnosed with breast cancer. YSC empowers and supports women by offering resources, outreach, and connections. The organization grew out of the experiences of three young women who were all diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 35. Recognizing the need for better information, research, and support for young women facing the same challenges as them, they started YSC.
Today, YSC has offices in New York, Atlanta, and Indianapolis, and supports and educates women throughout the US in four regions. YSC works with its members to advocate for more research about young women and breast cancer, educate women under the age of 40 about the importance of breast self-awareness and knowledge, and serve as a community of support for those with breast cancer. YSC does not discriminate and welcomes women of different backgrounds, cultures, and disabilities.
Today, YSC has offices in New York, Atlanta, and Indianapolis, and supports and educates women throughout the US in four regions. YSC works with its members to advocate for more research about young women and breast cancer, educate women under the age of 40 about the importance of breast self-awareness and knowledge, and serve as a community of support for those with breast cancer. YSC does not discriminate and welcomes women of different backgrounds, cultures, and disabilities.
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Revive the Dream Institute Revives the American Public Education System
Founded by Mike Rosskamm, Revive the Dream Institute (RTD) is a non-profit organization dedicated to renewing the American dream for underserved children. Each year, RTD selects 25 fellows who are empowered to be lifelong advocates for better public education.
During their first year, RTD fellows meet for 10 monthly sessions that immerse them in the national education crisis and develop them into effective catalysts of change. Led by education practitioners, sessions focus on important topics in education reform. In year two, RTD fellows get hands-on experience by being matched with an education organization and taking on a project to improve the organization's impact. After completing their fellowship, RTD fellows continue to work on behalf of millions of underserved American children.
Rosskamm, who heads RTD as executive director, is the principal at Achievement First Bushwick Middle School in Brooklyn and a Broad Resident in the 2011-2013 cohort. Previously, he served as a project leader at The Boston Consulting Group and taught high school math to low-income students in NYC.
During their first year, RTD fellows meet for 10 monthly sessions that immerse them in the national education crisis and develop them into effective catalysts of change. Led by education practitioners, sessions focus on important topics in education reform. In year two, RTD fellows get hands-on experience by being matched with an education organization and taking on a project to improve the organization's impact. After completing their fellowship, RTD fellows continue to work on behalf of millions of underserved American children.
Rosskamm, who heads RTD as executive director, is the principal at Achievement First Bushwick Middle School in Brooklyn and a Broad Resident in the 2011-2013 cohort. Previously, he served as a project leader at The Boston Consulting Group and taught high school math to low-income students in NYC.
Medic Mobile: Better Health Care With Mobile Technology
Medic Mobile is a San Francisco-based non-profit using mobile technology to improve health in underserved communities around the world. It all started when a group of students at Stanford and Lewis & Clark began using FrontlineSMS, a free software application, to coordinate community health workers at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Namitete, Malawi. They realized that health care in remote and disconnected communities can be improved with existing communication technologies. Since then, Medic Mobile has helped over 50 organizations in more than 20 countries.
Medic Mobile uses both its own tools and open source software created by other organizations to carry out its mission. Medic Mobile believes utilizing tools that are already available generates the greatest health impact per dollar invested. If no sufficient solution exists, the non-profit builds new tools to serve its partners' needs.
One of these tools is Muvuku, an award-winning platform for SIM card applications that enables community health workers to collect data using GSM mobile phones. Data collection forms are loaded directly onto the SIM card, making Muvuku compatible with any standard GSM device including simple $15 handsets that are already in health workers' hands.
Medic Mobile has also developed Kujua Lite, a web app for clinic staff and managers that sends and receives regular forms and messages and schedules time-targeted confirmation messages. By providing real-time access to community data, the app enables faster communication and more targeted support to patients. Working seamlessly with Kujua Lite is Kujua Analytics, a data analysis and visualization platform designed to help Medic Mobile's partners measure the impact of their work, track operational progress, and make decisions. The cloud-hosted, customizable tool is currently being used to monitor drug stocks in Mexico, and to keep track of patient referrals and provide feedback to health workers in Nepal.
Medic Mobile is headed by CEO Josh Nesbit, a Stanford grad and Ashoka Fellow.
Medic Mobile uses both its own tools and open source software created by other organizations to carry out its mission. Medic Mobile believes utilizing tools that are already available generates the greatest health impact per dollar invested. If no sufficient solution exists, the non-profit builds new tools to serve its partners' needs.
One of these tools is Muvuku, an award-winning platform for SIM card applications that enables community health workers to collect data using GSM mobile phones. Data collection forms are loaded directly onto the SIM card, making Muvuku compatible with any standard GSM device including simple $15 handsets that are already in health workers' hands.
Medic Mobile has also developed Kujua Lite, a web app for clinic staff and managers that sends and receives regular forms and messages and schedules time-targeted confirmation messages. By providing real-time access to community data, the app enables faster communication and more targeted support to patients. Working seamlessly with Kujua Lite is Kujua Analytics, a data analysis and visualization platform designed to help Medic Mobile's partners measure the impact of their work, track operational progress, and make decisions. The cloud-hosted, customizable tool is currently being used to monitor drug stocks in Mexico, and to keep track of patient referrals and provide feedback to health workers in Nepal.
Medic Mobile is headed by CEO Josh Nesbit, a Stanford grad and Ashoka Fellow.
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