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.
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