How We Can Help Newtown

First, I'd like to tell all people affected by the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting that I am praying for you and thinking about you often.  I cannot begin to imagine the sorrows you are facing. As someone sitting at home hundreds of miles away, it has truly put a toll on me.  I can't touch on what it must be like to be in Newtown, especially as a parent of the precious children killed. I hope you all find peace and strength among this confusion and sadness. The Lord will care for you.

To those willing to step up, I ask you to please help.  We need to help these people who so deserately need it. 

 Question: How can I help the victims' families in Newtown?

The Huffington Post has provided us with some information about how we can help.  Watch this video to find out more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/14/connecticut-elementary-school-shooting-how-to-help_n_2302760.html

I strongly suggest writing a letter of condolence to the victims' families. The USPS has set up a PO box just for this purpose.  This is an effective way to help the families no matter where you live and for little cost. Please contribute.

Send your letters of condolence to:

PO Box 3700
Newtown, Connecticut 06470

Hands On Nashville

Hey, guys!  I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  I also hope your Black Friday was full of good deals and nice gifts!  After a long time away, I finally have the opportunity for a blog update.  Today, I will post about an organization a little closer to home for myself in Nashville, Tennessee.

In 1991, a Music City resident found a desire to find meaningful ways for people to volunteer and give back to the community.  This desire developed into a stellar organization called Hands On Nashville!  Hands On Nashville's mission is to meet community needs through volunteerism.  This organization connects volunteers to issues facing Middle Tennessee such as hunger, homelessness, and environmental issues.  Hands On Nashville has been in operation for just over twenty years.

If you live in the Nashville area and would like to get involved in the community, Hands On Nashville can get you on track!  Best wishes to Hands On Nashville and the many people who they work with.  Hands On Nashville is just another example of how volunteering connects people with opportunities.

Update

Hey, friends! I'm sorry for not updating lately. I've been away due to illness, but I'll be providing another post on Saturday. Do you know of an organization that deserves a post? If so, tell me! I'll be proud to post on their behalf. Have a great evening!

Mason

Jay's Warriors - Help Him Reach His Goal!

Hey there, friends!  I have a simple request for you.  Please log into your Facebook account and "like" the page Jay's Warriors.  This page has been set up for Jay Rogers, a teen fighting Ewing's Sarcoma.  The Alabama-Tennessee football game on Saturday (10-20-2012) is dedicated to him.  Please show him some love by "liking" his page!  The goal is 36,700 "likes" by kickoff tomorrow evening.  Help us reach or even exceed that goal!

Jay, You inspire me and many.  Keep fighting!  I and many others will support you through it all. Prayers and love to you and your family!

-Mason Borneman

Facebook link for Jay's Warriors:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Jays-Warriors/357720607654499

Inspirational Quote of the Day

October 14, 2012

 

"The more difficulties one has to encounter, within and without, the more significant and the higher in inspiration his life will be."

-Horace Bushnell

 

North Dakota Association of Nonprofit Organizations

North Dakota Association of Nonprofit Organizations is the statewide membership association advancing North Dakota nonprofits through advocacy and public policy, education and training, resources and research, cost-saving programs, and leadership and networking. NDANO strengthens communities and enhances quality of life through engaging and ensuring a strong charitable sector.

That's what it takes.  We must support and advertise nonprofits in order to get the word out!  I think other states and organizations should follow NDANO's example. Way to go, North Dakota Association of Nonprofit Organizations!

Visit their website for more information:  http://www.ndano.org/

HOW CAN YOU HELP? - October

Pumpkin Decorating Contests

 

How can you help during October?  The answer to that question is fun and easy.  Have a pumpkin decorating contest!

This idea is most suitable for schools.  Allow students (you choose grade limits) to decorate pumpkins.  Set a deadline when the pumpkins need to be finished and submitted.  Choose a place within the school (or wherever the contest may take place) for the pumpkins to set for everyone to see and admire!

I can hear you now, "How does this benefit a charity or organization?"  Here's the catch:

The winner of the pumpkin decorating contest isn't decided by judges.  The pumpkin decorating contest is decided by the viewers!  Allow viewers to donate money of any amount (as small as a nickel or as large as desired) to the pumpkin they believe is decorated best.  My suggestion is to put a paper bag below or beside each pumpkin for the money to be dropped in.  Allow all of the money raised from each pumpkin to go to the charity or organization you're raising funds for.  Have a prize of some sort for the pumpkin that raised the most money, and you may want to even have a second and third place prize for contests that have excess pumpkin entries.

THIS DOES WORK!  The elementary and junior high students at my school had a pumpkin decorating contest recently.  The money raised from each pumpkin went to Relay for Life.  The winner whose pumpkin was most admired received a new bike.  There were over fifty entries, and Relay for Life benefited tremendously!

Kids have fun.  Charities and organizations benefit.  What could be better?

HOW CAN YOU HELP?  Have a pumpkin decorating contest!
 

CURE Magazine

 

Faith, Hope, and Love.  CURE magazine offers all three!  From all walks of life, this magazine features stories from near and far.  All of the stories help cancer patients to better understand cancer scientifically while also offering emotional support.  Self-submitted stories are also featured. 

I was even more inspired to learn that CURE magazine is a free publication!  Anyone can subscribe to the magazine, and no charge is administered. 

Subscribe to CURE here for free:  https://cur.magserv.com/cgi-bin/subscribe?qt=newA

Thank you, CURE magazine, for delivering inspiration to people everywhere!

International Fashion Photographer Nigel Barker Talks About His Make-A-Wish Foundation Involvement

"It's really just an extraordinary day when they watch themselves in the mirror, and they're not seeing their illness; they're not seeing their suffering.  What they're seeing is their dream, and to see that on a child's face is every parent's wish, and certainly anybody's wish quite frankly."  -Nigel Barker

International fashion photographer Nigel Barker shares his story of involvement with the Make-A-Wish Foundation in the video below.  Check it out for a dose of inspiration!

link:  http://youtu.be/Eo7Vs7RrmbI

HOW CAN YOU HELP? - September

What's only three months away? That's right!  It's Christmas!  It's a little early to already be thinking about the holidays, but planning early is a great idea.

Christmas isn't all about you.  Christmas isn't all about me.  It's about GIVING, not receiving.  We all remember that old saying!  Though it may have seemed silly or unusual back when we were younger, we get the point more and more as we advance in age.  Helping others have a great holiday season is actually more rewarding than any gift!

An awesome and even FUN way to help out your charity of choice during Christmas and New Years is to set up a wrapping station!  People bring gifts they wish to be wrapped, and they donate however much money they choose. 

Why does this work so well?  First off, putting aside time to wrap gifts for Christmas can be difficult during the holidays.  Between schedules, shopping, and finishing up work before celebrations, gift wrapping is often at the bottom of one's priority list!  People will be glad to give that workload to volunteers, especially those working for a good cause.  Secondly, money adds up fast!  People's generosity will flourish when you put your decorative wrapping skills to work. 

Tips to keep in mind:

• Set up your station in a shopping mall, church, school, or some place where the public has easy access to your station.  The more convenient for the customer, the better!
• Make sure each customer understands your purpose for setting up your wrapping station.  It's only human nature to desire to help others in times of need, especially during the holidays.  Making your customers aware of the charity is very, very important.

Good luck & have fun!

HOW CAN YOU HELP? Set up a wrapping station!

The Rebekah G. Leithren Foundation, Inc.

Have you ever heard of Protein Losing Enteropathy or PLE?  I had not heard of this illness until today.  Though this illness isn't common, The Rebekah G. Leithren Foundation, Inc., is working to increase awareness and raise funds for those with PLE.

PLE, or Protein Losing Enteropathy, is a loss of blood protein (albumin) through the intestinal tract. When the protein level in the bloodstream falls, blood plasma begins to leak into the tissues of the body. This process is evidenced by edema (swelling) in the abdomen, the extremities and face. Current treatments include steroid therapy, hormone therapy and blood thinners each of which has negative consequences with long term use, and painful intravenous albumin boosts which are essentially “band-aid” fixes. None of the treatments really addresses the root cause. As this disease progresses the body begins to turn on itself by attacking internal organs and other structures as sources of protein. (via website)

The Rebekah G. Leithren Foundation, Inc. was established in honor of Rebekah Gabrielle Leithren who was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome on August 2, 1993 and after 12 years of a semi-normal life died from the effects of PLE after a heart transplant on November 8, 2005. Rebekah never liked to dwell on her illness but wanted to be treated like a normal child as does any PLE patient. Bekah considered it a pleasure to help others and it is in that spirit that her helping legacy will live on through this foundation. (via website)

The Rebeckah G. Luithren Foundation, Inc., helps others while honoring one special girl who passed away as a victim of the illness.  I can't say I understand what it's like, but I can offer my prayers and support.  Thank you & best wishes to the RGL Foundation.

Visit the website to learn more: http://www.rglfoundation.org/about_us

Some Gone, None Forgotten - Remembering 9/11

Throughout today, we have been thinking about the lives lost in the tragic 9/11 attacks eleven years ago today.  As the day comes to an end, remember to pray for the families and friends of those who so terribly lost their loved ones that day.  May you all find comfort in knowing that the legacies of those who were killed still live on even eleven years later.

So much inspiration was found on September 11, 2001.  Think about the firefighters who went in to save others.  Think about the couragous Americans who took down one of the hijacked planes in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, not allowing the terrorists to damage any more than what had been done.  Think about the people who read names this morning, all being family members or friends of victims. 

It takes courage, and it takes a true American spirit to be as strong as the heroes of 9/11.  You all inspire me more than you know. 

GOD BLESS AMERICA.

Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding - Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding exists to improve the lives of children and adults with disabilities.

CATR staff and volunteers are dedicated to helping students find joy and accomplishment through Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies.  This nonprofit has been serving individuals with a variety of disabilities and conditions since 1991.  A team of staff members including certified instructors, physical therapists, doctors, psychologists, and special education teachers, along with a well-trained volunteer corps, work together to serve over 140 children and adults per year.

CATR has worked with individuals with disabilities such as:

Autism

Cerebral Palsy

Downs Syndrome

Intellectual Disabilities

Learning Disabilities

Mental Health Illness

Multiple Sclerosis

Speech/Language/Hearing Impairments

Spina Bifida

Seizure Disorder

Traumatic or Acquired Brain Injury

Visual Impairments

A true inspiration!  Congratulations to Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding for impacting the lives of so many in a special and significant way. Best wishes!

Check out the fantastic video about CATR.  You'll love it!
Video link:  http://youtu.be/T6cLdV4lx28

Learn more about CATR here:
http://www.catrfarms.org/

Adopt-A-Native-Elder Program - Salt Lake City, Utah

The Adopt-A-Native-Elder Program creates relationships between Native Americans and people of other cultures. 

This program supports the Native Americans in multiple ways.  Clothing, food, simple machines, and fabric are provided to the Natives.  This allows them to continue living in their traditional lifestyle without encouragement to change or adapt to new ways of life.  We need to embrace individuality sometimes over change.  Adopt-A-Native-Elder Program is setting a wonderful example.

Visit their website to learn about specific events/missions within the program:
http://www.anelder.org/

HOW CAN YOU HELP? - August

I started a blog series entitled HOW CAN YOU HELP? last month.  If any of you weren't aware of this last month, I'll proudly explain my aim for these posts again.  Monthly, I plan to post a way you can help charities without holding major financial obligations.  Many feel that the only way to help charities or organizations is to give large sums of money.  That's not always true!

Today, I will share with you a fun and easy way to raise money for your charity or organization of choice.  In your office or school, host a Dress Down Day.  Dress Down Days are always fun for employees or students, and your donations usually add up quickly.  Ask each person to donate $1-$5 to dress in their most comfortable of clothes. Ditch your suits, dresses, and school dress codes!  Your co-workers or peers will love this idea.  Wouldn't everyone pay a little to spend a day in a t-shirt and jeans?!  Take the money raised, and donate to your charity or organization of choice.  No one is forced to pay a large amount of money, but together, you can make a BIG difference!

HOW CAN YOU HELP? Host a Dress Down Day event!

America The Beautiful Fund® - Washington, D.C.

Take a moment to think about the beauty of the the United States.  When I think of amazing wonders in our country, I think of the snow slopes in the state of Colorado.  I also think of the mountains in East Tennessee.  Then my mind shoots down to the shimmering Florida beaches.  Then you can't possibly forget about the wide, green plains in Oklahoma.  No matter where you are or where you've been, I think we can all agree that America has natural beauty that can't be beat by any other country.

Unfortunately, even our nature can't be guaranteed to us forever.  That's why the America The Beautiful Fund was created in 1965. 

The America the Beautiful Fund® was born of a desire to preserve our national heritage by assisting community-level programs and projects to save the natural and historic environment and improve the quality of life. The America the Beautiful Fund now provides support and direction to volunteer community projects in all 50 states operating as a clearinghouse of ideas for thousands of community projects and as a catalyst for new ones. America the Beautiful Fund® now draws on over a third of a century of experience, knowing what works and what does not work.

When you're traveling for vacation or a road trip, don't forget to appreciate the beauties of nature.  Keeping it there may be harder than you think!  Thank you to America The Beautiful Fund for keeping our America BEAUTIFUL!

Visit their website to learn more: http://america-the-beautiful.org/index.php

Claire Donates Items to RMHC in Lieu of Birthday Presents

A young Ronald McDonald House Charities supporter by the name of Claire asked her friends to purchase items off of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas' wish list instead of getting birthday presents for her. What an inspirational girl Claire is!  Young and old, we have inspirational, selfless people everywhere willing to sacrifice a little to help a lot.  Way to go, Claire, and Happy Birthday!

Blessings in a Backpack

It is that time again.  Schools are getting back in session! 

Getting prepared for a new school year isn't simple.  You must purchase supplies, some new clothes, possibly shoes, and if you're feeling generous, a few wish list items the teachers want for the classroom.  Have you ever put food into the mix of things you need?  For most of us, likely not.  For some, though, food is what is needed most.

Blessings in a Backpack started out as only serving two schools, but that number currently reaches up to 390 schools!  Blessings in a Backpack serves in 35 states in the U.S. and in the countries of Canada, Columbia, and Haiti. This organization works to nourish children and wants all children to be ready to learn.  An empty stomach is simply unacceptable for Blessings in a Backpack.

The backpacks include ready-to-eat food items such as granola bars, peanut butter, tuna, crackers, mac & cheese, cereal, juice boxes, etc. Blessings in a Backpack reviews its standard menu with a nutritionist annually to make sure the food is kid-friendly, nutritious, non-perishable and easy-to-prepare. Please be aware, most of these kids live in a world where some food is better than no food.

Students who participate in the Blessings in a Backpack program show marked improvement in school attendance, test scores, behavior, and health. Food is an essential building block, and in this case truly is a blessing, especially to a hungry child!

This organization does more than feed children. They nourish minds as well!  May Blessings in a Backpack continue to make a positive change to students everywhere.  Your impact is astonishing.

Visit their website to learn more, form your own Blessings in a Backpack where you are, or donate:
http://www.blessingsinabackpack.org/

The IBC Network Foundation - "The Bride Who Wore A Mask"

I usually would post about foundations, organizations, or inspirational people in my own words. This organization, though, has a moving story which I hope you all take time to read. We all know too many extraordinary women who suffer from forms of breast cancer. I was deeply touched, and I know you will be as well. Here it is, "The Bride Who Wore A Mask"

This lovely young bride noticed her dream wedding dress was not fitting correctly. Something was wrong. Only 29 years old, Casey had been to the doctor a few months earlier. She was worried that one breast had undergone some unexplained changes, so an ultrasound was performed. The doctors were not too concerned, and her condition was chalked up to “fibrocystic changes.” With a sigh of relief, she went back to her wedding plans.

Who worries about serious health threats at 29 years old? For most young women, breast cancer is not even on their radar. They are focused on fulfilling dreams: wrapping up college, launching careers and starting families, and Casey was no different. Or so she thought. But something very different was happening in her body. Casey had Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC), a rare and highly aggressive form of breast cancer, but she didn’t know it yet.

Her nagging concern led to a second visit to the doctor. More testing was ordered, and then she learned the news- - she had IBC and the cancer was a stage 4, now in her bones. With no time to waste, she immediately began treatment.

One month later, the day Casey dreamed of arrived-- her wedding day. Casey and her husband smiled for the photos, and hope for the couple was high. With her best face forward, she braved the future. Naturally, her smile must have masked at least a tremor of fear. What was to happen to her, fighting a cancer, with a very low survival rate, a cancer that most have never heard of?

Casey was ready and determined to beat this cancer. Although treatment had begun, the cancer continued to show its highly aggressive nature, moving quickly into her brain.

The battle was raging, and Casey then put on a real mask, a mask to hold her head in place as she was given radiation for the large tumors growing in her brain. So, Casey, the bride went from the smiling mask at her wedding to the mask she had to wear to try to save her life.

Why are we telling you this tale?

To scare you? No.

To move you? Yes. To move you to care. To move you into action.

*

Please take time to visit this foundation's site. They are newly formed, so your donations are especially appreciated at this time. Link: http://www.theibcnetwork.org/

 

Visit their Facebook page for updates: http://www.facebook.com/fightibc/info#!/fightibc

The Special Olympics

While we all hurdle around our televisions to watch the 2012 Olympics in London, we can't forget about our other Olympians that aren't getting the world-wide spotlight.  These Olympians I speak of are the ones that have overcome the most and pushed the hardest.  Our Special Olympians are truly just as impressive as professional ones, for they also had to fight to get where they are today.

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.  (via website)

Special Olympics take place everywhere in the largest of cities and smallest of towns.  The Special Olympics gives those with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to showcase their athletic abilities.  This goes beyond sports, though. The Special Olympics instills skills and attitudes that shape lives forever.

Don't forget to think about the Special Olympics while watching the London Olympics!  As you know, these Olympians are worth our attention as well.

To learn more or donate, feel free to visit their website: http://www.specialolympics.org/

Colorado Shooting Victims Need Your Help NOW!

Via Morning Express with Robin Meade on HLN, I provide you with this information which tells you ways to help those who were a part of the horrific Colorado theater shooting recently.  Another extremely effective way to help which wasn't mentioned is to PRAY! Pray for the victims in recovery and for the families that lost loved ones in this event. These people need us. No matter which way you decide to help, your impact is significant.

Visit the link below to find out how you can help.  Thanks to Morning Express with Robin Meade on HLN for this important information.
http://www.hlntv.com/article/2012/07/23/colorado-shooting-how-help

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

I introduce to you the new monthly update - HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Once a month, I'll be posting a HOW CAN YOU HELP? update.  Here, you can learn how to contribute to charities.  Charitable organizations thrive off of donations.  Your assistance financially or through volunteerism is appreciated by each and every organization.

For the very first HOW CAN YOU HELP? post, I will tell you a neat way to contribute to your local Ronald McDonald House wherever you may be!  I personally have done this before, and it's a quick and simple way to help a person without holding a big financial obligation.

Each time you drink a soft drink that is canned (Dr. Pepper, Coca-Cola, Mountian Dew, etc.) save the tab that you crack the drink open with.  Collect these tabs and save them. They can help RMH charities! They take these tabs you donate and use proceeds they collect from them.  This money gained from a few hundred can tabs isn't huge, but a lot of people working together to collect tabs does add up.  Money raised goes to any and all efforts your local Ronald McDonald House maintains from feeding family members to providing a comfortable pillow for a pediatric cancer patient's mother to sleep on.

HOW CAN YOU HELP? Collect can tabs!

Blessings,
Mason Borneman

A Tribute to Pat Summitt

"Charity starts at home." It's a saying we've all heard before.  I really didn't consider its meaning until today.

I viewed the ESPYs with my father and sister tonight.  I watched especially to see Pat Summitt, University of Tennessee Women's Basketball legend, receive her award.  I was far from disappointed when I saw the heartfelt tribute ESPN had for Pat.

When thinking about Pat Summitt, you likely first think about her unbelievable and astonishing basketball success as not just a player, but more impressively a coach.  When she was diagnosed with a form of Alzheimer's, she refused to give up.  Some people would have shut down, but Pat pressed on in life and applied her determination in basketball to her struggles with this disease.  A pioneer for women's basketball... now a pioneer for Alzheimer's disease.  I have the most sincere respect for the living legend, Pat Head Summitt.  I've never been prouder to be from the Volunteer State of Tennessee!

Now I get it. Charity really does start at home.  Thanks, Coach Pat, for showing me what it really means.

Check out this ten minute tribute to Pat Summitt which was on the ESPYs on July 11th.  Tears may roll down you face, and you will be overwhelmingly inspired:

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=8158231

Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation - Allston, Massachusetts

Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation engages neighborhood residents in an on-going process of shaping and carrying out a common vision of a diverse and stable community in the face of sustained economic pressures.

That vision is evident in community-led projects that protect and create affordable housing, create greenspace, foster a healthy local economy, provide avenues for economic self-sufficiency, and increase understanding among and between their neighborhood’s diverse residents.

Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation allows membership to people in the area for a low fee. In order for them to succeed in their mission, this corporation offers classes and workshops in five different divisions: Affordable Housing, Community Engagement, Financial Education, Homeownership, and Sustainability. When looking at what they've done and where they are going, it's simple to see that Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation is making the quality of living altogether better and happier for the people involved in the corporation.

Seven special people on the staff of Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation make the corporation be a success. These people include:

• Director of Finance, Temmie Brier
• Immigrant Issues Community Organizer, Juan Carlos Canales
• Housing & Homeownership Coordinator, Ian Dalley
• Director of Strategic Partnerships, Val Frias
• Director of Homeownership, Michelle Meiser
• Executive Director, Mary-Helen "M.H." Nsangou
• Director of Community Engagement & Marketing, Gustavo Quiroga

Best wishes to Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation! May the future for this corporation and the people you help be successful, happy, and productive.

A Miner Miracle - San Francisco, California

A Miner Miracle is a San Francisco-based non-profit organization that provides professional clothing and image counseling to low-income men, women, and young adults seeking employment.

The purpose of the program is to help disadvantaged people enter the workplace by educating them to present themselves well and with pride.  The program -- from providing work-appropriate clothing and grooming services to enhancing presentation skills -- not only improves employment potential but helps build self-esteem.

Since their beginning in 1995, this program has helped over 13,000 people!  Also, A Miner Miracle has been recognized with Jefferson Awards in the local area.  Even more impressive, A Miner Miracle has had national attention by receiving a "Oprah Angel Network" Award and being featured in LIFE Magazine.

Not everyone has the resources to pursue a career.  I'm thankful to A Miner Miracle for truly being a miracle to those who don't have these resources.  An outfit and haircut means so much more when it shapes one's future for years to come!

Visit A Miner Miracle's website to learn more: http://www.aminermiracle.org/

Aid to Inmate Mothers (AIM) - Montgomery, Alabama

Children with incarcerated parents have to lead lives with the absence of their mothers or fathers.  This not only puts a toll on them emotionally, but these children are also more likely to become incarcerated later in life.  Organizations such as the Aid to Inmate Mothers are helping women incarcerated maintain relationships with their children and also grow as a person.  I'd imagine that the children of incarcerated mothers also benefit by being able to see and speak with their mothers.  Looking at the big picuture, the whole family is stronger due to this awesome organization's work.

The mission of Aid to Inmate Mothers in Montgomery, Alabama, is to provide services to incarcerated women with emphasis on enhancing personal growth and strengthening the bonds between inmate mothers and their children.

The AIM vision is to create a criminal justice model that respects and understands the rights of children effected by their mothers' imprisonment and recognizes and helps to address the many burdens carried by the children and families as a result of incarceration.

Miss America 2012 Laura Kaeppeler of Wisconsin is also shining a special light on children of incarcerated parents.  Her platform as Miss Wisconsin is now making a positive impact nationally as she holds the title of Miss America.  Through her title, she has been working with organizations to help these children beat odds of one day becoming incarcerated.  Once a child of an incarcerated parent, Laura knows herself what it is like.  She is helping children who are just like she was realize their potential to be successful civilians.

Thanks to Laura and AIMS, children, mothers, fathers, and families alike are realizing that incarceration doesn't shape your life forever.  Bonds can still be held tightly, and love can still be shared abundantly.  THANK YOU!

Check out this video of one of Laura Kaeppeler's interviews where she talks about Circles of Support, an organization she has created to help children with incarcerated parents.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtvlhM4915g

Check out this video that spotlights three incarcerated mothers and their children and the relationships they hold.  As well, you'll learn more about Aid to Inmate Mothers in Montgomery, Alabama.  What a moving and informative video! 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHODaAtCqcE&feature=plcp

Character Counts In Iowa - Des Moines, Iowa

Founded in 1997, Character Counts in Iowa is a non-profit organization housed in Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.  Character Counts in Iowa helps Iowans recognize and practice good character each day of their lives.

Their mission is to recognize, enhance and sustain the positive qualities of Iowans in order to promote civility through character development.  Their vision is that every Iowan embrace and practice good character by demonstrating trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.

Services offered by Charater Counts In Iowa range from professional development and research and assessment to recognition programs and public awareness campaigns.

Instilling good character and public relation skills is such a positive and awesome thing! Whether age eight or age eighty-eight, good character is a quality that anyone and everyone can appreciate. Thank you, Character Counts In Iowa, for promoting not just good character but also a good lifestyle!

Check out this video to learn more about the mission of Character Counts In Iowa:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=JQ9gCASSU8M#!

Adopt A Husky - Over 1,350 Siberians Saved since 1998

Adopt A Husky is an organization that saves Siberian Huskies.  Not only does this organization save these precious dogs, but they also breed Siberian Huskies.  For all of the Siberian Husky lovers out there, this is definately an organization that you'll be interested in!

Adopt A Husky doesn't allow just anyone to adopt these dogs.  People wishing to adopt one of their Huskies must go through an application process.  Adopt A Husky makes sure that no Husky is given to a person that doesn't have the proper living environment.  As well, this organization educates the ones wishing to adopt a Husky on the needs and requirements of a Husky.  Adopt A Husky makes sure you know what their dogs need, and they make sure that no dog leaves with an unprepared owner.

Committed to saving this breed, Adopt A Husky has saved over 1,350 Siberian Huskies since their beginning in 1998.  After fourteen years of existence, Adopt A Husky is still going strong with excellence and determination for no Huskies to be left without a home in the states of Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Michigan, and Montana.

Visit Adopt A Husky's website to learn more about the organization, donate, view FAQs, or to apply to adopt: http://www.adoptahusky.com/default.htm

Best wishes to Adopt A Husky!  I am confident that this organization will continue to go strong.  Siberian Huskies cannot be left behind; Adopt A Husky is making sure of that!

The Dispensary of Hope

I, the blogger, aspire to one day become a pharmacist.  Saying that, this specific charity sparked my interest, and I thought I would share it with my blogging followers!

The Dispensary of Hope is a not-for-profit social venture that provides sustainable access to medicine for underinsured communities.

The Dispensary of Hope works with healthcare providers, clinics, and pharmaceutical companies nationwide to provide patients with necessary prescription care.  They do this largely by distributing unused sample medications -- medications that would otherwise be thrown away -- to people without prescription coverage.

What's their goal? 100% Hope, 0% waste!

Blessings to the fine folks working with the Dispensary of Hope.  May you continue to ensure life and quality health through the power of medications!

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the Eastern Panhandle - Martinsburg, West Virginia

         

It is absolutely heart-breaking to learn of a child being abused at home.  Children are innocent and learn from mistakes.  It seems so heartless to think an adult would hurt a precious child.  I, the blogger, have had a good family life.  I cannot begin to imagine the trials and issues abused children go through emotionally and physically. 

"Why?" is the question I seem to ask over and over again.  WHY would a person abuse a child? WHY do these children have to suffer?  It is a blessing that these innocent children have volunteers like the Court Appointed Special Advocates of the Eastern Panhandle in Martinsburg, West Virginia.

CASA-EP volunteers act as investigators, employing a holistic approach to collecting and providing a judge with valuable information on a child and his/her total environment in order to help the court make a sound decision about the child's placement.  Volunteers at CASA-EP research and guide parents and other care givers to resources they may need such as treatment programs or medical assistance.  Perhaps most importantly, CASA-EP volunteers often provide children they serve with consistency and hope.  CASA-EP volunteers are standing up to ensure that the children of the Eastern Panhandle who have been affected by neglect and abuse have the best possible chance at a bright future.

To the volunteers at CASA-EP, consider yourselves angels.  Your work for these children is amazing, inspiring, and appreciated.  Not only do the children you work with appreciate you, but your everyday people appreciate you for being a crusader for well-being.

Blessings, CASA-EP!

Clinton Community Nature Center - Clinton, Mississippi

        
           For all of the nature lovers out there, the Clinton Community Nature Center is a location you really shouldn't miss out on.  In today's world, gaining knowledge on a subject and enjoying yourself is hard to come by.... and it's even more uncommon to get that for free!  Clinton Community Nature Center is overcoming the odds and, in turn, making the community more aware about nature around them.
         
          The Clinton Community Nature Center (CCNC) exists as a place for you to enjoy and learn about nature in all its aspects. CCNC consists of 33 acres of woodlands near Olde Towne Clinton and is open to the public without charge. Currently, CCNC operates ten programs providing education and information about nature, gardening, and the history of Clinton. In addition to formal programs, CCNC maintains 2.5 miles of all weather walking trails with plants and historic sites labeled and benches where one may sit in solitude and appreciate nature. Thousands of visitors pass through CCNC's gates to enjoy the wonder and the beauty of these natural surroundings.
         

The Clinton Community Nature Center invites you to participate in programs, become a member, or make a contribution!

Visit CCNC's website to learn about current events and how to contribute:

http://www.clintonnaturecenter.org/

Pine Tree Society - Maine

          Why did I not put the city where this charity is located in the title as I always do?  That's because the Pine Tree Society is offered to people across the WHOLE state of Maine!  What a large and significant impact the Pine Tree Society is making!

          Have you ever felt left out or isolated because you felt different from everyone else?  The Pine Tree Society helps more and more people with disabilities answer that question with a, "No!"  The Pine Tree Society works to give people with disabilities the opportunities and means to create better lives for themselves and their family.  Challenges these people thought were relatively impossible to overcome have proven to be surmountable all because of the Pine Tree Society.

Visit their website to learn more or to donate to this spectacular organization!
http://www.pinetreesociety.org/default.asp

Check out this inspiring video of Pine Tree Society participants at Pine Tree Camp singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow".  You can't help but smile as you watch!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7nMNRD6jf8&list=UUdiJc0rU-80VhC2oZTMzpCA&index=3&feature=plcp

         Well wishes and blessings to the Pine Tree Society!  May you all continue to instill confidence and happiness into lives across Maine!

Memphis Union Mission - Memphis, Tennessee

        
          The Memphis Union Mission in Memphis, Tennessee, ministers to the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of men, women, and children who are homeless, addicted, and in crisis.  The ultimate objective at the Memphis Union Mission is for patients to:

• Become mature disciples of Jesus Christ
• Achieve freedom from substance abuse
• Reunite with family and loved ones
• Reemerge as self-sufficient members of the community

          The Memphis Union Mission helps these people by providing emergency services, programs for men, women, and family units, and exposure to Grace Church. 

          Grace Church is an inter-denominational, multi-cultural, multi-racial church in the heart of downtown Memphis.  This church specifically ministers to to the homeless and inner-city population.  People even come to this supportive church from Arkansas and Mississippi to hear Pastor Jeff Patrick's message.  Everyone is encouraged to come as they are.

          On a personal note, I find it so humbling that the workers at the Memphis Union Mission are working with this seriously underpriviledged part of the city.  For those who are helped by the Memphis Union Mission, I am sure that they are blessed beyond belief for having support and love in not only one aspect of life, but physically, spiritually, and emotionally. 

For more information, visit the website:  http://www.memphisunionmission.org/index.htm

A Note from the Blogger

         Hey, guys!  Thank you for already supporting my blog early on.  I consider it an honor to be able to shine a special spotlight on such awesome and worthy charities.  If you know of a charity or foundation you'd like to be featured on my blog, feel free to tell me with a comment below!  I'm open to any suggestions and would highly appreciate them. Thanks again!

Genuinely yours,
Mason

Austin Foundation for Eating Disorders (AFED) - Austin, Texas

         
Located in central Texas, the Austin Foundation for Eating Disorders is committed to helping ALL people affected by eating disorders.  That's right, they help not only the person suffering from an eating disorder but also the sufferer's family and friends.  According to their website, AFED has goals for their organization:

• Provide a one-stop resource for all things eating disorders in the Austin area
• Raise education and awareness of eating disorders to reduce stigma and misconceptions
• Provide a variety of groups to support both sufferers and family and friends
• Have an active role in prevention education
• Provide tools for sufferers, professionals and family and friends
• Offer hope and encouragement through AFED's website, groups, and relationships

          What exactly are they doing, you ask?  Austin Foundation for Eating Disorders provides support groups for all affected by eating disorders.  AFED also helps sufferers discover resources among them from treatment centers to doctors to financial assistance.  I must not forget to mention the helplines that the website offers.  Sufferers have immediate access to professionals ready to help them at any minute.  I have the up most respect for this organization and their efforts!

If you would like to know more, please visit this link to their website: http://www.austinfed.org/

Almost Home Foundation - Rescuing Homeless Cats & Dogs

          Variety is just one of the many dogs and cats that have been rescued by the Almost Home Foundation.  The Almost Home Foundation is a volunteer-based organization committed to giving abandoned or stray dogs a second chance.  This foundation's work reaches out in the Elk Grove Village, Addison, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Palatine, Barrington, Barrington Hills, South Barrington, Inverness, Wood Dale and it's surrounding areas in the state of Illinois.

          Not only is the Almost Home Foundation working to save abandoned and stray dogs, but the volunteers there also save animals from High Kill facilities throughout the state of Illinois and even beyond the state's borders.   Each and every person working at the Almost Home Foundation is a volunteer.  It is obvious that these people are fully committed to saving these precious animals and providing them with a better life.

Are you interested in adopting Variety?  Take a look at her bio here: http://www.almosthomefoundation.org/newsite_availabledogs.html

If you'd like to view the animals available for adoption, donate to the Almost Home Foundation, or would simply to like to learn more about this awesome organization, visit their website: http://www.almosthomefoundation.org/newsite_aboutus.html

God Bless the Almost Home Foundation as they continue doing awesome work for these animals!

Shining Stars Foundation - Aspen, Colorado

Shining Stars Foundation out of Aspen, Colorado, gives children with cancer the opportunity to take part in recreational and social events.  From skiing/snowboarding to animal based therapy, this worthy organization allows these children to think about the positive aspects of life.  Not only does Shining Stars Foundation work with these children, but the families of the children also experience the fun with their child.

I couldn't imagine the maturity and courage these children have.  I pray for these children to have a hopeful future and to always look at life as a beautiful thing.  Check out this video.  You'll easily see why I was so inspired -- http://youtu.be/XAUOmBx9C1c

Do you want to learn more about the Shining Stars Foundation? Check out their web site:
http://www.shiningstarsfoundation.org//

Connor's Story - Make-A-Wish Foundation (Metro New York and Western New York Chapter)

"Everything is just as Connor imagined – the stage, the bright lights, the enthusiastic audience. He puts his hand on the famous wheel and gives it a spin, a highlight of his Wheel of Fortune wish.
Connor’s is the 14th wish granted by the Wheel of Fortune family. Since their first wish in 2000, they’ve welcomed every Wheel of Fortune wish with unforgettable enthusiasm. The cast and crew do everything to ensure that Connor enjoys every moment of his visit..."

Read more about Connor's unforgettable Wheel of Fortune experience here:
http://www.wish.org/stories/sports_entertainment/film_tv/connor_s_wheel_of_fortune_wish

Introduction

          Hey, guys!  I am new to the blogging world.  I've decided to put this blog together to emphasize the wonderful things charities across the U.S. are doing.  We often focus too much on money and not enough on those who simply donate time to make the life of another person better.  I'll be posting pitures and messages on current happenings of charities litterly everywhere.