Grant: Carol M. White Physical Education program - To initiate, expand or enhance physical education programs, including after-school programs, for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Funder: U.S. Department of Education.
Eligibility: Local educational agencies and community-based organizations.
Deadline: March 6.
Amount: 95 grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 each.
Contact: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=44785.
Arts
Grant: Heinz Ketchup Creativity Contest - For student art projects that may wind up on Heinz Ketchup packets.
Funder: Heinz Ketchup.
Eligibility: Students.
Deadline: Feb. 28.
Amount: Winners receive up to $2,000 in cash and supplies.
Contact: www.ketchupcreativity.com/about.aspx.
Grant: Youth court advocacy - To increase the number of volunteer court-appointed special advocates (CASA) or guardians ad litem (GALs), who advocate for abused and neglected children.
Funder: National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association (with federal support).
Eligibility: CASA/GAL programs.
Deadline: Feb. 27.
Amount: As many as 90 grants ranging from $5,000 to $40,000 each are available across the categories of new program development, program expansion, diversity implementation and capacity building. One year of bridge funding is also available this year to support local CASA/GAL programs that have lost or expect to lose a direct service position due to funding cuts and/or to sustain programs' essential operational needs.
Contact: www.casanet.org/grants/index.htm .
Grant: Family drug court training and technical assistance - To help states, state courts, local courts, units of local government and Indian tribal governments build the capacity to develop, maintain and enhance drug courts for substance-abusing persons who are involved in family court because of alleged child abuse and/or neglect.
Funder: U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention.
Eligibility: Faith-based and community organizations, institutions of higher learning and other for-profit and nonprofit organizations.
Deadline: Feb. 24.
Amount: One award of $400,000.
Contact: http://ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/grants/solicitations/FY2009/FamilyDCTTA.pdf.
Grant: Family Preservation: Improving the Well-Being of Children/Planning - For planning approaches to improve child well-being by removing barriers associated with strengthening families - including fatherhood, foster parenting, absentee parent activities and grandparents raising grandchildren - and forming and preserving healthy families, relationships and marriages (including traditional Native American and Pacific Basin marriages).
Funder: U.S. Administration for Children and Families.
Eligibility: Federally recognized Indian tribes and other related organizations.
Deadline: March 25.
Amount: $1 million for 10 grants.
Contact: www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/open/HHS-2009-ACF-ANA-NI-0049.html.
Grant: Family Preservation: Improving the Well-Being of Children/Project Implementation - For project implementation approaches to improve child well-being by removing barriers associated with strengthening families - including fatherhood, foster parenting, absentee parent activities and grandparents raising grandchildren - and forming and preserving healthy families, relationships and marriages (including traditional Native American and Pacific Basin marriages).
Funder: U.S. Administration for Children and Families.
Eligibility: Federally recognized Indian tribes and other related organizations.
Deadline: March 25.
Amount: $3 million for 10 grants.
Contact: www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/open/HHS-2009-ACF-ANA-NI-0059.html.
Civic Engagement
*Grant: Learn and Serve America Competitive - For local partnerships that implement school-based service-learning projects.
Funder: U.S. Corporation for National and Community Service.
Eligibility: State education agencies, Indian tribes and grantmaking entities (nonprofits experienced with service learning that can make subgrants in two or more state).
Deadline: April 14.
Amount: Funding of $5.7 million for eight to 10 awards ranging from $300,000 to $450,000 .
Contact: www.cns.gov/for_organizations/funding/nofa_detail.asp?tbl_nofa_id=69.
*Grant: Learn and Serve America Community-Based - For local partnerships that implement community-based service-learning projects.
Funder: U.S. Corporation for National and Community Service.
Eligibility: State national service committees, grantmaking entities and others.
Deadline: April 14.
Amount: Funding of $4.2 million for five to eight awards ranging from $350,000 to $450,000 .
Contact: www.cns.gov/for_organizations/funding/nofa_detail.asp?tbl_nofa_id=71.
*Grant: Learn and Serve America Indian Tribes and U.S. Territories - For service-learning programs in communities with enormous social and economic challenges.
Funder: U.S. Corporation for National and Community Service.
Eligibility: State governments, federally recognized Indian tribes and state educational agencies for the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Island, among others.
Deadline: April 14.
Amount: Funding of $710,000 for six to 10 awards ranging from $60,000 to $120,000 .
Contact: www.cns.gov/for_organizations/funding/nofa_detail.asp?tbl_nofa_id=70
Grant: Learn and Serve America Higher Education - For higher education service learning and community service programs that address community needs through local service projects.
Funder: U.S. Corporation for National and Community Service.
Eligibility: State governments, institutions of higher education and others.
Deadline: March 27.
Amount: Funding of $9.27 million will be for awards ranging from $85,000 to $500,000 for individual institutions and consortia.
Contact: www.nationalservice.gov/for_organizations/funding/nofa_detail.asp?tbl_nofa_id=68
Grant: Character education - To design and implement character education programs that can be integrated into classroom instruction and that are consistent with state academic content standards.
Funder: U.S. Department of Education.
Eligibility: State education agencies (SEAs) in partnership with local education agencies (LEAs), LEAs, nonprofits and other entities.
Deadline: Feb. 24.
Amount: For SEAs, $600,000 for each 12-month budget period; for LEAs, $350,000 for each 12-month budget period.
Contact: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/E8-30388.htm
Grant: Project Orange Thumb - For community gardening projects.
Funder: Fiskars.
Eligibility: Community garden groups, schools, youth groups, community centers, camps, clubs and treatment facilities.
Deadline: Feb. 17.
Amount: Each winner will receive up to $1,500 in Fiskars' garden tools and up to $1,000 in gardening-related materials.
Contact: http://projectorangethumb.com/pot
Education
Grant: Integration of schools and mental health systems - To increase student access to high-quality mental health care by innovatively linking school and mental health systems.
Funder: U.S. Department of Education.
Eligibility: State and local educational agencies (LEAs), including charter schools that are considered LEAs under state law, and Indian tribes.
Deadline: Feb. 23.
Amount: 15 awards ranging from $150,000 to $400,000.
Contact: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-364.pdf
Grant: Safe Schools/Healthy Students - For integrated, comprehensive community-wide plans that create safe and drug-free schools and promote healthy childhood development.
Funder: U.S. Department of Education.
Eligibility: Local education agencies and others.
Deadline: March 4.
Amount: $30.9 million for 28 awards ranging from $$750,000 to $2.25 million.
Contact: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/E8-31024.htm
Grant: Foundations for Learning - To help eligible children get ready for school.
Funder: U.S. Department of Education.
Eligibility: Local education agencies, community-based organizations or combinations of those groups.
Deadline: Feb. 24.
Amount: Four grants averaging $245,500 each.
Contact: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=44511
Grant: Teaching American history - To assist local educational agencies (LEAs) that work in partnership with entities that have extensive content expertise to develop, implement, document, evaluate and disseminate innovative, cohesive models of professional development.
Funder: U.S. Department of Education.
Eligibility: LEAs that partner with one of the following organizations: an institution of higher education, a nonprofit history or humanities organization, or a library or museum.
Deadline: March 9.
Amount: Total funding for a three-year project period is a maximum of $500,000 for LEAs with enrollments of less than 20,000 students; $1 million for LEAs with enrollments of 20,000 to 300,000 students; and $2 million for LEAs with enrollments above 300,000 students.
Contact: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/E8-30554.htm
Grant: ING Unsung Heroes - To help teachers support innovation in the classroom.
Funder: ING.
Eligibility: Educators.
Deadline: April 30.
Amount: 100 e ducators receive $2 ,000 each; t hree top award winners receive $5,000, $10,000 and $25,000 more.
Contact: www.ing-usa.com/us/aboutING/CorporateCitizenship/Education/INGUnsungHeroes/index.htm
Grant: Educator scholarships - For K-12 educators to take college courses.
Funder: Horace Mann Companies.
Eligibility: Public and private school educators.
Deadline: March 12.
Amount: $30,000 for scholarships that vary in size from $500 to $5,000.
Contact: https://www.horacemann.com/resources/scholarships/default.aspx
Health
Grant: Healthy eating research - For research on environmental and policy strategies that have the potential to promote healthy eating among children to prevent childhood obesity, especially among low-income and racial/ethnic populations at the highest risk for obesity.
Funder: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Eligibility: Public and private nonprofits.
Deadline: Feb. 24.
Amount: $100,000 to $400,000.
Contact: www.rwjf.org/applications/solicited/cfp.jsp?ID=20606
Grant: Communities creating healthy environments - To prevent childhood obesity by increasing access to healthy foods and safe places to play in communities of color.
Funder: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Eligibility: Applicants with a track record of at least two years of successful community organizing and policy advocacy to address health-related problems in communities of color. Youth-led organizing groups and community-based groups with youth-organizing components are encouraged to apply.
Deadline: Feb. 26.
Amount: $2.5 million for policy advocacy grants in up to 10 communities nationwide.
Contact: www.rwjf.org/applications/solicited/cfp.jsp?ID=20602
Grant: Health conferences - For n on-federal conferences in health promotion and disease prevention, educational programs and applied research.
Funder: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Eligibility: Public and private nonprofits and others.
Deadline: March 2.
Amount: $2.6 million for up to 100 grants.
Contact: www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/FOAs.htm
Grant: New Connections: Increasing diversity of RWJF programming - T o expand the diversity of perspectives that inform the foundation's programming, introduce new researchers and scholars to the foundation, and help meet staff needs for data analysis.
Funder: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Eligibility: Scholars from historically disadvantaged and underrepresented communities who have received their doctorate within the last seven years.
Deadline: March 12.
Amount: 12 two-year grants of up to $75,000.
Contact: www.rwjf.org/applications/solicited/cfp.jsp?ID=20425
Juvenile Justice
*Grant: Justice and mental health collaboration (JMHCP) state-based capacity building -To support JMHCP by seeking one or more providers to deliver resources and services to unfunded, eligible JMHCP applicants.
Funder: U.S. Department of Justice.
Eligibility: Public and private nonprofits, among others.
Deadline: March 26.
Amount: Three awards of up to $525,000.
Contact: www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grant/09JMHCPStatesol.pdf
Grant: Justice and mental health collaboration - For innovative cross-system collaboration on services for adults or juveniles with mental illness who come in contact with the justice system.
Funder: U.S. Bureau of Justice Assistance.
Eligibility: States, units of local government, Indian tribes and tribal organizations.
Deadline: March 12.
Amount: $50,000 to $250,000 depending on the category.
Contact: www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grant/JMHCprogram.html
Grant: Gang prevention coordination - To enhance coordination of federal, state and local resources in support of community partnerships that engage in the following anti-gang strategies: primary prevention, secondary prevention, gang intervention and targeted gang enforcement.
Funder: U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
Eligibility: Public and private nonprofits.
Deadline: March 4.
Amount: 12 awards of up to $200,000 each for 24-month projects.
Contact: http://ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/grants/solicitations/FY2009/GangPrevention.pdf
Grant: Tribal juvenile accountability - To develop and implement programs that hold American Indian and Alaska Native youth 17 and under accountable for delinquent behavior and that strengthen tribal juvenile justice systems.
Funder: U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention.
Eligibility: Federally recognized tribes.
Deadline: March 12.
Amount: Up to $300,000 each. The number of grants will depend on final appropriations.
Contact: http://ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/grants/solicitations/FY2009/TribalJADG.pdf
Life Skills
Grant: College assistance migrant program - For academic and financial support to help migrant and seasonal farm workers and their children complete their first year of college.
Funder: U.S. Department of Education.
Eligibility: Institutions of higher education or private nonprofit projects in cooperation with such an institution.
Deadline: Feb. 23.
Amount: $5.34 million for 13 awards ranging from $180,000 to $425,000.
Contact: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/E8-31025.htm
Grant: High school equivalency - To help migrant and seasonal farm workers and their children obtain a general education diploma (GED) that meets state guidelines for high school equivalency and to gain employment or be placed in an institution of higher education or other postsecondary education training.
Funder: U.S. Department of Education.
Eligibility: Institutions of higher education or private nonprofits or combinations of these organizations.
Deadline: Feb. 23.
Amount: Up to 16 awards averaging $446,438 are planned.
Contact: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=44520
Mentoring
Grant: Mentoring - To enhance or expand initiatives that build the capability of community mentoring providers that serve high-risk populations found to be underserved because of location, shortage of mentors, special physical or mental challenges of the targeted population or other analogous situations.
Funder: U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention.
Eligibility: National organizations.
Deadline: Feb 25.
Amount: An unspecified number of awards for as much as $10 million or more for up to three years. The number of grants depends on final appropriations.
Contact: http://ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/grants/solicitations/FY2009/NationalMentoring.pdf
Race/Ethnicity
*Grant: Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities - Programs for Native Hawaiians.
Funder: U.S. Department of Education.
Eligibility: Organizations primarily serving and representing Native Hawaiians.
Deadline: March 9.
Amount: A total of $579,518 split between two awards.
Contact: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-1194.pdf
Grant: Enhancing culturally and linguistically specific services for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.
Funder: U.S. Office on Violence Against Women.
Eligibility: Community-based programs that provide culturally and linguistically specific services to these victims and/or programs whose primary purpose is providing culturally and linguistically specific services who can partner with an expert in these crimes.
Deadline: March 4.
Amount: $150,000 to $300,000 each.
Contact: www.ovw.usdoj.gov/docs/fy09_culturally_and_linguistically_specific_services_solicitation.pdf
Research
Grant: Child care research - For dissertation research on child care policy issues in partnership with state Child Care and Development Fund lead agencies.
Funder: U.S. Administration for Children and Families.
Eligibility: Private, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education.
Deadline: March 30.
Amount: $150,000 for six grants of $30,000 each.
Contact: www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/open/HHS-2009-ACF-OPRE-YE-0001.html
Grant: Identifying neighborhood-level youth violence protective factors - To study how neighborhood and environmental factors reduce youth violence perpetration and victimization by promoting nonviolence or buffering against known risk factors.
Funder: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Eligibility: Public and private nonprofits.
Deadline: Feb. 17.
Amount: $700,000 for two awards.
Contact: www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/CE09-008.htm
Grant: Influence of religiosity and spirituality on health risk behaviors in children and adolescents - To study how religious and spiritual beliefs develop and are transmitted across generations, and whether and how these beliefs influence early sexual behaviors and alcohol or other drug use that may facilitate the transmission of HIV in children and adolescents.
Funder: National Institutes of Health.
Eligibility: Public and private nonprofits.
Deadline: March 16.
Amount: No more than $200,000 in direct costs annually.
Contact: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-06-403.html
Grant: Engaging fathers in child maltreatment prevention - To develop and pilot test adaptations to existing evidence-based parenting programs that engage fathers and male caregivers in ways that prevent child maltreatment.
Funder: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Eligibility: Public and private nonprofits.
Deadline: Feb. 23.
Amount: Two awards of up to $200,000 each per year.
Contact: www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/CE09-002.htm
Grant: Youth violence prevention through economic, environmental and policy change - To assess policies and other interventions designed to change the economic or environmental characteristics of a community to reduce rates of youth violence perpetration and victimization.
Funder: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Eligibility: Public and private nonprofits.
Deadline: Feb. 23.
Amount: Two awards averaging $500,000 each.
Contact: www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/CE09-009.htm
Safety
*Grant: Neighborhood-level protective factors - To study how neighborhood and environmental factors reduce youth violence perpetration and victimization by promoting nonviolence or buffering against known risk factors.
Funder: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Eligibility: Public and private nonprofits, among others.
Deadline: Feb. 19.
Amount: $700,000 for two awards.
Contact: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=43384
Grant: Enhancing culturally and linguistically specific services for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.
Funder: U.S. Office on Violence Against Women.
Eligibility: Community-based programs that provide culturally and linguistically specific services to these victims and/or programs whose primary purpose is providing culturally and linguistically specific services who can partner with an expert in these crimes.
Deadline: March 4.
Amount: $150,000 to $300,000 each.
Contact: www.ovw.usdoj.gov/docs/fy09_culturally_and_linguistically_specific_services_solicitation.pdf
Grant: MetLife Foundation community-police partnerships - To recognize, sustain and share the work of innovative partnerships between community groups and police to promote neighborhood safety and revitalization.
Funder: MetLife Foundation and Local Initiatives Support Corp.
Eligibility: Community organizations, community development corporations, police/sheriff's departments, Weed and Seed programs and others (public agencies, including schools, must apply in conjunction with at least one nonprofit).
Deadline: Feb. 27.
Amount: For the neighborhood revitalization category, two first-place awards of $25,000 each and four runner-up awards of $15,000 for collaborations between community groups and police that yield crime reduction and economic development outcomes; and for the special strategy category, five awards of $15,000 each for exemplary collaborations that result in public safety outcomes in certain categories, including gang prevention and youth safety.
Contact: www.lisc.org/docs/resources/2009_MetLife_Preliminary_Application.pdf and www.lisc.org/metlife
Grant: National victim-assistance projects - For national-scope training, technical assistance and demonstration initiatives that improve the capacity of victim service providers and allied practitioners to advance rights and services to crime victims in a variety of areas, including child abuse, elder abuse, sexual assault and stalking.
Funder: U.S. Office for Victims of Crime.
Eligibility: Public or private nonprofits.
Deadline: Feb. 24.
Amount: $50,000 to $500,000 each.
Contact: www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/fund/dakit.htm
Grant: Indian tribal government and sexual assault services - To improve the ability of Indian tribal governments to respond to crimes of violence committed against Alaska Native and American Indian women, including providing counseling to their children.
Funder: U.S. Office on Violence Against Women.
Eligibility: Federally recognized tribes.
Deadline: March 3.
Amount: 65 grants of up to $450,000 each.
Contact: www.ovw.usdoj.gov/open-solicitations.htm
Grant: Supervised visitation and safe exchange - For supervised visitation and safe exchange of children in situations involving domestic violence, dating violence, child abuse, sexual assault or stalking.
Funder: U.S. Office on Violence Against Women.
Eligibility: States, Indian tribal governments and units of local government.
Deadline: Feb. 19.
Amount: 30 awards of up to $650,000.
Contact: www.ovw.usdoj.gov/docs/fy09-safe-havens-solicitation.pdf
Grant: Youth violence prevention through economic, environmental and policy change - To assess the effectiveness of efforts to change the economic or environmental characteristics of a community to reduce rates of youth violence perpetration and victimization.
Funder: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Eligibility: Public and private nonprofits.
Deadline: Feb. 23.
Amount: $1 million for two grants.
Contact: www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/CE09-009.htm
Substance Abuse
*Grant: Indian alcohol and substance abuse - To plan, implement or enhance tribal justice strategies to address crime issues related to alcohol and substance abuse, with a priority on law enforcement-led strategies.
Funder: U.S. Department of Justice.
Eligibility: Federally recognized tribal governments.
Deadline: March 21.
Amount: 90 awards of about $300,000.
Contact: www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grant/09IASAPsol.pdf
*Grant: Drug Free Communities (DFC) - To establish and strengthen collaboration among communities, nonprofits and others to prevent and reduce substance abuse among youth and, over time, among adults.
Funder: U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy, among others.
Eligibility: Anti-drug coalitions that have never received a DFC grant; those that previously received a DFC grant but whose funding lapsed; and those that are applying for a second, five-year funding cycle.
Deadline: March 20.
Amount: $17 million for 130 grants.
Contact: http://samhsa.gov/Grants/2009/sp_09_002.aspx
Grant: Enforcing the Underage Drinking Laws (EUDL) - To reduce the availability and consumption of alcoholic beverages among U.S. Air Force service members under age 21.
Funder: U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention.
Eligibility: State agencies administering EUDL discretionary programs.
Deadline: Feb. 24.
Amount: $500,000 to each of up to four states for the first 18 months of the three-year project period.
Contact: http://ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/grants/solicitations/FY2009/EUDLDiscretionary.pdf
Youth Development
Grant: Classroom quality improvements - To develop and improve the measurement of classroom indicators associated with favorable student outcomes in grades K through 12.
Funder: Spencer Foundation and the William T. Grant Foundation.
Eligibility: Nonprofits, with some exceptions.
Deadline: Feb. 16.
Amount: One- to three-year awards ranging from $50,000 to $500,000.
Contact: www.wtgrantfoundation.org/usr_doc/2009_Classroom_Measurement_RFP.pdf
Grant: Social and economic development strategies - To strengthen children, families and communities through community-based organizations, tribes and village governments.
Funder: U.S. Administration for Children and Families.
Eligibility: Federally recognized Indian tribes and other related organizations.
Deadline: March 25.
Amount: $14 million for 80 grants.
Contact: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=44172
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Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
MADD Georgia Takes Charge of Georgia Tech Program to Provide Training for Alcohol Sellers and Servers
On average, someone is killed by a drunk driver every 40 minutes, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Because MADD has been fiercely committed to eliminating drunk driving and preventing underage drinking, the Georgia chapter has agreed to assume responsibility for implementing the Responsible Alcohol Sales & Server Training (RASS) program beginning January 30. Access to the training can be found at www.maddga.org.
Initial implementation of the free, online program began at the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2004 as part of GT SMART (Students Managing Alcohol Risk at Tech). With the grant project ending, GT SMART Director Marsha Brinkley has focused her efforts on finding an “institutional home” for RASS and other GT SMART programs.
RASS, the first online, interactive program of its type offered in the state, was designed to help alcohol licensees and their employees understand state laws -- specifically learning how to identify fake IDs and knowing when to stop service when necessary. The program was initially launched in Atlanta and, by request, began including counties throughout the state. In the past four years, it has expanded to 30 counties, 448 establishments and more than 6,800 enrollees in the alcohol-service industry.
“User surveys indicate that the program continues to have a positive impact on managers, servers and sales staff members who believe that RASS has helped them become more familiar with Georgia liquor laws and how they can take appropriate action when the laws are violated,” said Brinkley.
According to State Executive Director for MADD Georgia Denise Thames, assuming proprietorship of the RASS program reinforces MADD’S mission. “RASS fits right in with our mission to stop drunk driving and to prevent underage drinking,” concluded Thames.
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Initial implementation of the free, online program began at the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2004 as part of GT SMART (Students Managing Alcohol Risk at Tech). With the grant project ending, GT SMART Director Marsha Brinkley has focused her efforts on finding an “institutional home” for RASS and other GT SMART programs.
RASS, the first online, interactive program of its type offered in the state, was designed to help alcohol licensees and their employees understand state laws -- specifically learning how to identify fake IDs and knowing when to stop service when necessary. The program was initially launched in Atlanta and, by request, began including counties throughout the state. In the past four years, it has expanded to 30 counties, 448 establishments and more than 6,800 enrollees in the alcohol-service industry.
“User surveys indicate that the program continues to have a positive impact on managers, servers and sales staff members who believe that RASS has helped them become more familiar with Georgia liquor laws and how they can take appropriate action when the laws are violated,” said Brinkley.
According to State Executive Director for MADD Georgia Denise Thames, assuming proprietorship of the RASS program reinforces MADD’S mission. “RASS fits right in with our mission to stop drunk driving and to prevent underage drinking,” concluded Thames.
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Caring For A Loved One With Cancer?
Join us in 2009 for FREE telephone workshops for Caregiver support and information:
“Coping with Caregiving and Recognizing Depression and Anxiety”
Feb.17 at 10 a.m. OR Feb.19 at 7 p.m.
“Coping with Caregiving: When Treatment Changes from Cure to Care”
March 31 at 10 a.m. OR April 2 at 7 p.m.
“Coping with Caregiving and Pain Relief”
May-TBA
For more information, call the American Cancer Society at 1.800.966.3586 or email meg.garner@cancer.org
“Coping with Caregiving and Recognizing Depression and Anxiety”
Feb.17 at 10 a.m. OR Feb.19 at 7 p.m.
“Coping with Caregiving: When Treatment Changes from Cure to Care”
March 31 at 10 a.m. OR April 2 at 7 p.m.
“Coping with Caregiving and Pain Relief”
May-TBA
For more information, call the American Cancer Society at 1.800.966.3586 or email meg.garner@cancer.org
Sunday, January 25, 2009
'Helping A Hero' Donates Homes to Wounded Soldiers
Army Spc. Sergio Trejo always dreamed of owning his own home.
But after he was injured by a homemade bomb during his second tour of duty in Iraq, he said he felt his dream was out of reach. The explosion left him with a broken back, traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.
"My [Veterans Affairs] counselor was helping me look for a home," Trejo said. "It was, at times, overwhelming. She told me to look into the 'Helping A Hero' program and fill out the application. After several weeks I finally did, and today, my family and I are enjoying our new home."
Helping A Hero is a troop-support group dedicated to providing an array of support, including financial and emotional, to severely injured military personnel and their families, according to the group's Web site. Its 'Wounded Hero Home' program provides specially adapted homes to wounded warriors, with 11 homes donated to wounded servicemembers and veterans last year, officials said.
Trejo, his wife, Jessica, and children, Trinity and David, received the keys to their new home last month in the Delany Cove community of Houston.
Working in partnership with Helping a Hero, Friendswood Development Company donated the home site.
"We were honored to present the keys to this new home to a deserving American hero and say thank you in a tangible way for his valiant service to our great nation," Meredith Iler, national chairman of the Helping a Hero home program, said. "This beautiful new home will enable this wounded hero to build a new life."
The new home offered Trejo a fresh start since the long-term effects of TBI and PTSD, accompanied by his short-term memory problems, left Trejo unable to work.
"If it wasn't for Helping Hero, we would probably still be in an apartment," Trejo said. "This has allowed me to focus more on getting better."
By providing specially adapted homes to qualifying wounded military members and veterans, Helping Hero leaders hope to equip them with the foundation they need to transition successfully into their local communities.
"I am so proud of Sergio Trejo for his bravery in combat and his courage in the rehabilitation process," Iler said. "He is a leader and an encourager to other wounded heroes who have just begun their journey of recovery."
The average value of each home donated by Helping a Hero is about $250,000. Iler said the current housing crisis has not affected the groups' ability to secure donations and volunteers.
"We have been blessed to bring together patriotic Americans who are builders, developers, individual and foundation donors who are committed to saying 'thank you' to our wounded heroes in a tangible way," Iler said.
Trejo said he is thankful for the program.
"I feel extremely blessed," Trejo said. "Just the other night, my wife and I were sitting, looking around the house, still not believing it is ours. We could have never purchased a house like this on our own. It's just a dream come true."
By Sharon Foster
American Forces Press Service
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But after he was injured by a homemade bomb during his second tour of duty in Iraq, he said he felt his dream was out of reach. The explosion left him with a broken back, traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.
"My [Veterans Affairs] counselor was helping me look for a home," Trejo said. "It was, at times, overwhelming. She told me to look into the 'Helping A Hero' program and fill out the application. After several weeks I finally did, and today, my family and I are enjoying our new home."
Helping A Hero is a troop-support group dedicated to providing an array of support, including financial and emotional, to severely injured military personnel and their families, according to the group's Web site. Its 'Wounded Hero Home' program provides specially adapted homes to wounded warriors, with 11 homes donated to wounded servicemembers and veterans last year, officials said.
Trejo, his wife, Jessica, and children, Trinity and David, received the keys to their new home last month in the Delany Cove community of Houston.
Working in partnership with Helping a Hero, Friendswood Development Company donated the home site.
"We were honored to present the keys to this new home to a deserving American hero and say thank you in a tangible way for his valiant service to our great nation," Meredith Iler, national chairman of the Helping a Hero home program, said. "This beautiful new home will enable this wounded hero to build a new life."
The new home offered Trejo a fresh start since the long-term effects of TBI and PTSD, accompanied by his short-term memory problems, left Trejo unable to work.
"If it wasn't for Helping Hero, we would probably still be in an apartment," Trejo said. "This has allowed me to focus more on getting better."
By providing specially adapted homes to qualifying wounded military members and veterans, Helping Hero leaders hope to equip them with the foundation they need to transition successfully into their local communities.
"I am so proud of Sergio Trejo for his bravery in combat and his courage in the rehabilitation process," Iler said. "He is a leader and an encourager to other wounded heroes who have just begun their journey of recovery."
The average value of each home donated by Helping a Hero is about $250,000. Iler said the current housing crisis has not affected the groups' ability to secure donations and volunteers.
"We have been blessed to bring together patriotic Americans who are builders, developers, individual and foundation donors who are committed to saying 'thank you' to our wounded heroes in a tangible way," Iler said.
Trejo said he is thankful for the program.
"I feel extremely blessed," Trejo said. "Just the other night, my wife and I were sitting, looking around the house, still not believing it is ours. We could have never purchased a house like this on our own. It's just a dream come true."
By Sharon Foster
American Forces Press Service
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Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
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Ms. Wheelchair Georgia Seeks Contestants
The Ms. Wheelchair Georgia Program is seeking contestants for the 2010 Ms. Wheelchair Georgia Pageant to be held in Calhoun, GA April 18th, 2009.
The winner of the Georgia pageant on April 18th will hold the title of "Ms. Wheelchair Georgia, 2010". She will represent Georgia from then until following year's pageant, and in the Ms. Wheelchair America 2010 Pageant 23-29 August, 2009, in Rapid City, South Dakota.
The Ms. Wheelchair Georgia Pageant has been held since 1972, and is affiliated with the Ms. Wheelchair America program. The purpose of the program is to provide an opportunity for women of achievement who utilize wheelchair to successfully educate and advocate for individuals with disabilities.
If you are a woman, a U. S. citizen between the ages of 21 and 60, use a wheelchair 100% of the time for community mobility and have been a resident of Georgia for at least six (6) months, you could be eligible to enter the competition. Marital status is not a consideration. For applications and info, Betty Taggart, State Pageant Coordinator and Ms. Wheelchair Georgia 1994, 706-602-1046; mattie04@bellsouth.net.
Click here to find out more about Ms. Wheelchair America
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The winner of the Georgia pageant on April 18th will hold the title of "Ms. Wheelchair Georgia, 2010". She will represent Georgia from then until following year's pageant, and in the Ms. Wheelchair America 2010 Pageant 23-29 August, 2009, in Rapid City, South Dakota.
The Ms. Wheelchair Georgia Pageant has been held since 1972, and is affiliated with the Ms. Wheelchair America program. The purpose of the program is to provide an opportunity for women of achievement who utilize wheelchair to successfully educate and advocate for individuals with disabilities.
If you are a woman, a U. S. citizen between the ages of 21 and 60, use a wheelchair 100% of the time for community mobility and have been a resident of Georgia for at least six (6) months, you could be eligible to enter the competition. Marital status is not a consideration. For applications and info, Betty Taggart, State Pageant Coordinator and Ms. Wheelchair Georgia 1994, 706-602-1046; mattie04@bellsouth.net.
Click here to find out more about Ms. Wheelchair America
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Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
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Four Futures
By: Paul Light,
Keynote speaker at the 18th Annual Georgia Nonprofit Summit in Atlanta on May 12, 2009
During these troubled times, what lies in store for the nonprofit sector, and what do we need to do about it? Along with every family in America, the nonprofit sector is wondering about its future. Will we miraculously survive as we largely do today? Will we starve our organizations to the core or emerge from the current economic calamity mostly intact? Will we fight the prevailing downturn on behalf of our individual institutions and leave others to defend themselves, or instead will we join forces to shore up the sector as a whole? In the aftermath of this financial crisis, will we have real options and choices?
Click here to keep reading.
Keynote speaker at the 18th Annual Georgia Nonprofit Summit in Atlanta on May 12, 2009
During these troubled times, what lies in store for the nonprofit sector, and what do we need to do about it? Along with every family in America, the nonprofit sector is wondering about its future. Will we miraculously survive as we largely do today? Will we starve our organizations to the core or emerge from the current economic calamity mostly intact? Will we fight the prevailing downturn on behalf of our individual institutions and leave others to defend themselves, or instead will we join forces to shore up the sector as a whole? In the aftermath of this financial crisis, will we have real options and choices?
Click here to keep reading.
Friday, January 23, 2009
UWG Named to Peace Corps' Top Ten
The University of West Georgia has been named as one of the Peace Corps’ Top 10 colleges in Georgia that contribute to the number of Peace Corps volunteers. With 38 UWG alumni listed as volunteers in the Peace Corps, the university is ranked 10th out of 76 Georgia colleges and universities who have produced volunteers since the Peace Corps’ inception in 1961. Two UWG alumni are currently serving overseas.
David Leavitt, a former Peace Corps volunteer and a representative at the Atlanta Regional Office, and Kyle Jessop, Peace Corps regional recruiter, will visit the campus on Wednesday, Jan. 28, to give a presentation on “The Toughest Job You Will Ever Love.” They will also attend several classes as guest speakers.
Jessop served as a Peace Corps volunteer in two different assignments: the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Republic of Zambia from 2002 through 2006.
“I think Peace Corps has opened up doors for me that I am still waiting to approach,” said Jessop. “My heart is with the people in the developing world and I find it hard at times when I look at the vast differences in different societies. It simply amazes me. I hope to do my part in helping to bridge the gaps.”
The presentation will include the Peace Corps application process, a description of what it is like to live and work overseas, and the long-term career advantages of service. The event is scheduled at the Technology-enhanced Learning Center, Room 1203, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Students and community members are encouraged to attend.
Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and be at least 18 years of age. Joining the Peace Corps usually requires a degree and a 27-month commitment. This event will mark the second visit to the UWG campus by Peace Corps representatives this academic year.
The Peace Corps organization is especially attracted to UWG because many of its undergraduates fill assignments in scarce skill areas where it is traditionally difficult to find qualified applicants. These skill areas include education, business, foreign languages and global studies.
As the Peace Corps approaches its 50th anniversary, its service legacy continues to promote peace and friendship around the world. Historically, more than 195,000 Americans have volunteered and have helped to promote a better understanding between Americans and the citizens of the 139 countries in which they have served.
Applications to serve in the Peace Corps have increased by 16 percent this past year, which is the largest boost in the last five years. Currently, 7,876 Peace Corps Volunteers are serving in 76 countries. To learn more about the Peace Corps, go to www.peacecorps.gov, or call 404-562-3472.
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David Leavitt, a former Peace Corps volunteer and a representative at the Atlanta Regional Office, and Kyle Jessop, Peace Corps regional recruiter, will visit the campus on Wednesday, Jan. 28, to give a presentation on “The Toughest Job You Will Ever Love.” They will also attend several classes as guest speakers.
Jessop served as a Peace Corps volunteer in two different assignments: the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Republic of Zambia from 2002 through 2006.
“I think Peace Corps has opened up doors for me that I am still waiting to approach,” said Jessop. “My heart is with the people in the developing world and I find it hard at times when I look at the vast differences in different societies. It simply amazes me. I hope to do my part in helping to bridge the gaps.”
The presentation will include the Peace Corps application process, a description of what it is like to live and work overseas, and the long-term career advantages of service. The event is scheduled at the Technology-enhanced Learning Center, Room 1203, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Students and community members are encouraged to attend.
Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and be at least 18 years of age. Joining the Peace Corps usually requires a degree and a 27-month commitment. This event will mark the second visit to the UWG campus by Peace Corps representatives this academic year.
The Peace Corps organization is especially attracted to UWG because many of its undergraduates fill assignments in scarce skill areas where it is traditionally difficult to find qualified applicants. These skill areas include education, business, foreign languages and global studies.
As the Peace Corps approaches its 50th anniversary, its service legacy continues to promote peace and friendship around the world. Historically, more than 195,000 Americans have volunteered and have helped to promote a better understanding between Americans and the citizens of the 139 countries in which they have served.
Applications to serve in the Peace Corps have increased by 16 percent this past year, which is the largest boost in the last five years. Currently, 7,876 Peace Corps Volunteers are serving in 76 countries. To learn more about the Peace Corps, go to www.peacecorps.gov, or call 404-562-3472.
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TRC Staffing Surprises Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta’s East DeKalb Club with New Bicycles
(BUSINESS WIRE)--Atlanta-based TRC Staffing Services, Inc., one of the nation’s leading full-service staffing solutions providers, surprised its employees this week with an unusual twist during its annual company meeting. As part of a team-building activity during the two-day event, the company’s 70 plus employees worked together to assemble ten bicycles. To their surprise, and the delight of the East DeKalb Boys & Girls Club, the newly assembled bicycles were donated to ten very excited children.
“The assembly and donation of the bikes to these children proves that businesses can still give back to the community, even on a limited budget. We hope that this exercise not only encourages our employees to work together, but also shows them that, when they work as a team, they really can make a difference,” said Afton Lucente, Marketing Manager, TRC Staffing.
“We’re so very appreciative of the time and effort given to the boys and girls at our Club by the team at TRC," said Patricia Jackson, Executive Director of East DeKalb Boys & Girls Club. “Our goal is to empower the youth in our area, especially those from disadvantaged families, to become positive and productive adults. These kids will know that their bikes are the result of teamwork - we could not ask for a better example.”
The East DeKalb Boys & Girls Club is part of Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta and has been serving the DeKalb area for 35 years. The organization provides year-round programs for over 300 members, ages 6-18, and offers a variety of programs focusing on three areas of youth development including health, education and employability. For more information or to get involved with the East DeKalb Boys and Girls Club, visit www.bgcma.org.
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“The assembly and donation of the bikes to these children proves that businesses can still give back to the community, even on a limited budget. We hope that this exercise not only encourages our employees to work together, but also shows them that, when they work as a team, they really can make a difference,” said Afton Lucente, Marketing Manager, TRC Staffing.
“We’re so very appreciative of the time and effort given to the boys and girls at our Club by the team at TRC," said Patricia Jackson, Executive Director of East DeKalb Boys & Girls Club. “Our goal is to empower the youth in our area, especially those from disadvantaged families, to become positive and productive adults. These kids will know that their bikes are the result of teamwork - we could not ask for a better example.”
The East DeKalb Boys & Girls Club is part of Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta and has been serving the DeKalb area for 35 years. The organization provides year-round programs for over 300 members, ages 6-18, and offers a variety of programs focusing on three areas of youth development including health, education and employability. For more information or to get involved with the East DeKalb Boys and Girls Club, visit www.bgcma.org.
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Monday, January 19, 2009
Tom's of Maine Invites Everyone to Start the New Year by Helping Families in Need
The new year brings a challenging economy but Tom’s of Maine is keeping its steadfast commitment to community programs. This month, the company launches Dental Health for Allä, an initiative that brings everyday Americans and local communities together with Tom’s of Maine to help create greater access to dental care for families in need.
Over the past four years, the program has contributed to nearly 60,000 new annual dental visits and awarded significant grants to 25 school and community-based dental clinics to increase and improve patient capacity and help support facility expansion projects.
“It’s hard for a parent to imagine not being able to take their child for a routine dental check-up, but for the nearly half of American families without dental insurance or access to dental care this is an unfortunate reality,” said Kerry Maguire, D.D.S., M.S.P.H. and Tom’s Director of Professional of Advocacy. “It may seem like an overwhelming problem but Tom’s of Maine truly believes we can work together to make a difference, one small step at a time.”
In January, Tom’s of Maine will donate a portion of its sales for all products towards Dental Health for All and will award dental clinics across the country grants for oral health projects in February. With each purchase, families can enjoy their same favorite products or try natural oral care for the first time and have it benefit not only their family but a family in need of dental health.
For additional information, please visit www.tomsofmaine.com.
About Tom's of Maine
Tom’s of Maine is a leader in natural personal care with a longstanding passion for responsible and sustainable business solutions. The company shares the belief of its consumers that small steps everyday can make the community, the environment and the world a better place. For more than 40 years, the company has maintained a steadfast commitment to donate 10% of its profits to charity and to allow employees 5% paid time off to volunteer. Each day, Tom’s of Maine employees contribute to high sustainability standards and their ideas from wind power to recycled and recyclable packaging have fueled the company’s sensitive way of doing business. Tom’s of Maine enjoys partnering with its consumers, vendors and community groups to help improve the earth. For more information, visit www.tomsofmaine.com
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Over the past four years, the program has contributed to nearly 60,000 new annual dental visits and awarded significant grants to 25 school and community-based dental clinics to increase and improve patient capacity and help support facility expansion projects.
“It’s hard for a parent to imagine not being able to take their child for a routine dental check-up, but for the nearly half of American families without dental insurance or access to dental care this is an unfortunate reality,” said Kerry Maguire, D.D.S., M.S.P.H. and Tom’s Director of Professional of Advocacy. “It may seem like an overwhelming problem but Tom’s of Maine truly believes we can work together to make a difference, one small step at a time.”
In January, Tom’s of Maine will donate a portion of its sales for all products towards Dental Health for All and will award dental clinics across the country grants for oral health projects in February. With each purchase, families can enjoy their same favorite products or try natural oral care for the first time and have it benefit not only their family but a family in need of dental health.
For additional information, please visit www.tomsofmaine.com.
About Tom's of Maine
Tom’s of Maine is a leader in natural personal care with a longstanding passion for responsible and sustainable business solutions. The company shares the belief of its consumers that small steps everyday can make the community, the environment and the world a better place. For more than 40 years, the company has maintained a steadfast commitment to donate 10% of its profits to charity and to allow employees 5% paid time off to volunteer. Each day, Tom’s of Maine employees contribute to high sustainability standards and their ideas from wind power to recycled and recyclable packaging have fueled the company’s sensitive way of doing business. Tom’s of Maine enjoys partnering with its consumers, vendors and community groups to help improve the earth. For more information, visit www.tomsofmaine.com
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Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
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Record Volunteer Turnout Expected for King Day of Service
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- President-elect Obama's call for Americans to join in service to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the King Holiday has had an electrifying effect, with a record number of projects taking place in communities across America today.
Community and nonprofit groups across the country are thrilled about the large and enthusiastic response to the President-elect's call to service, and hope that volunteers who serve tomorrow will make an ongoing commitment to serve throughout the year, as the President-elect has called for.
In 1994, Congress passed legislation encouraging the King Federal Holiday be a national day of service, and charged the federal agency the Corporation for National and Community Service with leading this national effort. Participation has grown every year since, but has taken a quantum leap this year with President-elect Obama's call to service.
As of 2:00 pm yesterday, the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) reported that more 12,100 service projects have been registered on the www.USAService.org website. This number is more than double the record set last year when 500,000 Americans served through 5,000 projects on the King Day of Service.
"In this time of economic distress, we need citizen service more than ever. Service is a solution that can bring us closer to Dr. King's dream of a better America," said Stephen Goldsmith, the Corporation's Board Chair. "While our nation has made great progress, we still have much work to do. Service is a powerful way for every American to bring us closer to meet our challenges and fulfill the promise of America."
Another driver of this year's record turnout is the Internet. Americans can find volunteer opportunities at www.USAService.org or www.MLKDay.gov; get ideas for do-it-yourself volunteer projects at http://www.mlkmobilization.org/america_serves/; join the MLK Day Facebook Cause, or get real-time photos at Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mlkday/) and project reports on Twitter (http://twitter.com/mlkday).
"Through President-elect Obama's call to service, the hard work and planning by thousands of community groups, and the savvy use of the Internet, we will see an extraordinary demonstration of the power of citizen action across America tomorrow," said Nicola Goren, Acting CEO of the Corporation. "We are thrilled that President-elect Obama has made service a centerpiece of his Inauguration and will make it a central cause of his Administration."
A wide variety of projects are being planned including delivering meals, refurbishing schools and community centers, collecting food and clothing, removing graffiti, reading to children, and more. Many organizations use the day as a springboard for year-round civic action, such as signing up mentors or tutors or youth taking pledges of nonviolence. Below are some highlights:
-- Thousands of volunteers will gather at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial
Stadium in Washington D.C. to assemble over 75,000 care packages to
send to our troops for the "Day of Service for Our Military" project
sponsored by Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and Serve DC in partnership with
Operation Gratitude and Target.
-- More than 65,000 volunteers will serve in 900 projects in 14th annual
Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service, the largest in
the country. Organizers are using the day to launch MLK 365, a new
year-round initiative promoting sustainable civic engagement and
volunteer opportunities
-- The Points of Light Institute and its HandsOn Network will engage more
than 100,000 volunteers in projects across the country that are
expected to serve more than one million Americans.
-- Yesterday, the National Alliance for Faith and Justice recruited mentors
for children of prisoners and other at-risk youth at more than 425
places of worship as part of Justice Sunday.
-- More than 600 Boys and Girls Clubs are participating in the King Day
of Service, engaging members in community clean ups, writing letters
to soldiers, organizing food drives, visiting senior centers and
creating care packages for sick children.
-- The American Red Cross is teaming up with HOPE Worldwide to engage
volunteers in 25 cities to canvass door-to-door and provide vital fire
safety information to help residents prevent home fires, protect their
loved ones and strengthen their community.
-- Many major US corporations are participating in King Day by
encouraging their employees to serve and supporting local projects.
Examples include Shell, Target, Best Buy, Kaiser Permanente, and
Walmart.
-- More than 16,000 college students from 130 campuses in 28 states will
engage in King Day service projects organized by Campus Compact, with
projects ranging from neighborhood clean-ups to preparing and serving
meals to hospice patients.
-- In Buffalo, NY, several hundred members of Western New York AmeriCorps
program will supervise 4,000 volunteers for projects including
boarding up the windows of dangerous condemned houses to teaching
community members how to run their own community garden.
-- At colleges across the US, Campus Kitchens will engage college
students and community volunteers in leading hunger relief programs to
share on-campus kitchen space, recover unused food from campus
cafeterias, and deliver meals to low-income neighborhoods.
-- Children for Children in New York City will engage 3,000 elementary
and middle students in a day of hands-on service projects honoring Dr.
King at two schools in midtown and Harlem.
-- Youth Service America has launched "Semester of Service" to
encourages students, ages 5-25 engage in service-learning starting on
King Day and culminating on Global Youth Service Day (April 24-26,
2009).
The seven national strategic partners for the 2009 King Day of Service are the Points of Light Institute, The Corps Network, North Carolina Campus Compact, Youth Service America, Service for Peace, Campus Kitchens, and the National Alliance of Faith and Justice. National nonprofit partners include the AARP, American Association of State Colleges and Universities, American Red Cross, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, America's Promise, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Breakthrough Collaborative, Causecast, City Year, Do Something, First Book, Habitat for Humanity International, HOPE worldwide, The King Memorial Foundation, Lutheran Social Services. MENTOR, National Marrow Donor Program, ServiceNation, Student Conservation Association, United Way of America, VolunteerMatch, and YouthBuild USA. Corporate partners include Cargill, Clear Channel, Comcast, Shell Oil Company, Starbucks, Target, and UPS. A complete list of partners is a http://www.mlkday.gov/about/partners/index.asp.
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Community and nonprofit groups across the country are thrilled about the large and enthusiastic response to the President-elect's call to service, and hope that volunteers who serve tomorrow will make an ongoing commitment to serve throughout the year, as the President-elect has called for.
In 1994, Congress passed legislation encouraging the King Federal Holiday be a national day of service, and charged the federal agency the Corporation for National and Community Service with leading this national effort. Participation has grown every year since, but has taken a quantum leap this year with President-elect Obama's call to service.
As of 2:00 pm yesterday, the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) reported that more 12,100 service projects have been registered on the www.USAService.org website. This number is more than double the record set last year when 500,000 Americans served through 5,000 projects on the King Day of Service.
"In this time of economic distress, we need citizen service more than ever. Service is a solution that can bring us closer to Dr. King's dream of a better America," said Stephen Goldsmith, the Corporation's Board Chair. "While our nation has made great progress, we still have much work to do. Service is a powerful way for every American to bring us closer to meet our challenges and fulfill the promise of America."
Another driver of this year's record turnout is the Internet. Americans can find volunteer opportunities at www.USAService.org or www.MLKDay.gov; get ideas for do-it-yourself volunteer projects at http://www.mlkmobilization.org/america_serves/; join the MLK Day Facebook Cause, or get real-time photos at Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mlkday/) and project reports on Twitter (http://twitter.com/mlkday).
"Through President-elect Obama's call to service, the hard work and planning by thousands of community groups, and the savvy use of the Internet, we will see an extraordinary demonstration of the power of citizen action across America tomorrow," said Nicola Goren, Acting CEO of the Corporation. "We are thrilled that President-elect Obama has made service a centerpiece of his Inauguration and will make it a central cause of his Administration."
A wide variety of projects are being planned including delivering meals, refurbishing schools and community centers, collecting food and clothing, removing graffiti, reading to children, and more. Many organizations use the day as a springboard for year-round civic action, such as signing up mentors or tutors or youth taking pledges of nonviolence. Below are some highlights:
-- Thousands of volunteers will gather at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial
Stadium in Washington D.C. to assemble over 75,000 care packages to
send to our troops for the "Day of Service for Our Military" project
sponsored by Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and Serve DC in partnership with
Operation Gratitude and Target.
-- More than 65,000 volunteers will serve in 900 projects in 14th annual
Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service, the largest in
the country. Organizers are using the day to launch MLK 365, a new
year-round initiative promoting sustainable civic engagement and
volunteer opportunities
-- The Points of Light Institute and its HandsOn Network will engage more
than 100,000 volunteers in projects across the country that are
expected to serve more than one million Americans.
-- Yesterday, the National Alliance for Faith and Justice recruited mentors
for children of prisoners and other at-risk youth at more than 425
places of worship as part of Justice Sunday.
-- More than 600 Boys and Girls Clubs are participating in the King Day
of Service, engaging members in community clean ups, writing letters
to soldiers, organizing food drives, visiting senior centers and
creating care packages for sick children.
-- The American Red Cross is teaming up with HOPE Worldwide to engage
volunteers in 25 cities to canvass door-to-door and provide vital fire
safety information to help residents prevent home fires, protect their
loved ones and strengthen their community.
-- Many major US corporations are participating in King Day by
encouraging their employees to serve and supporting local projects.
Examples include Shell, Target, Best Buy, Kaiser Permanente, and
Walmart.
-- More than 16,000 college students from 130 campuses in 28 states will
engage in King Day service projects organized by Campus Compact, with
projects ranging from neighborhood clean-ups to preparing and serving
meals to hospice patients.
-- In Buffalo, NY, several hundred members of Western New York AmeriCorps
program will supervise 4,000 volunteers for projects including
boarding up the windows of dangerous condemned houses to teaching
community members how to run their own community garden.
-- At colleges across the US, Campus Kitchens will engage college
students and community volunteers in leading hunger relief programs to
share on-campus kitchen space, recover unused food from campus
cafeterias, and deliver meals to low-income neighborhoods.
-- Children for Children in New York City will engage 3,000 elementary
and middle students in a day of hands-on service projects honoring Dr.
King at two schools in midtown and Harlem.
-- Youth Service America has launched "Semester of Service" to
encourages students, ages 5-25 engage in service-learning starting on
King Day and culminating on Global Youth Service Day (April 24-26,
2009).
The seven national strategic partners for the 2009 King Day of Service are the Points of Light Institute, The Corps Network, North Carolina Campus Compact, Youth Service America, Service for Peace, Campus Kitchens, and the National Alliance of Faith and Justice. National nonprofit partners include the AARP, American Association of State Colleges and Universities, American Red Cross, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, America's Promise, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Breakthrough Collaborative, Causecast, City Year, Do Something, First Book, Habitat for Humanity International, HOPE worldwide, The King Memorial Foundation, Lutheran Social Services. MENTOR, National Marrow Donor Program, ServiceNation, Student Conservation Association, United Way of America, VolunteerMatch, and YouthBuild USA. Corporate partners include Cargill, Clear Channel, Comcast, Shell Oil Company, Starbucks, Target, and UPS. A complete list of partners is a http://www.mlkday.gov/about/partners/index.asp.
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Sunday, January 18, 2009
Winter Coats Donated to Karmah (Iraq) Kids
U.S. Marines distributed shoes and cold-weather coats to children [in Karmah], Jan. 6.During Karmah’s coldest months, ranging from 60 degrees during the day to freezing temperatures after dusk, many children are without winter apparel and some even without shoes on their feet.
The unit’s chaplain, Navy Lt. Brandon Harding, initiated the effort by contacting various non-profit organizations throughout the U.S. for donations.
The clothing drive was the fifth the Marines have coordinated, donating approximately 4,500 pounds of clothing overall.
“The response has been overwhelming,” Harding said. “It’s amazing to see how generous Americans are. Hopefully it helps [Iraqi people] see we’re good people."
Iraqi children lined up by the dozens, patiently waiting to receive a pair of shoes and a coat to combat the biting cold at sundown.
The children were more than enthusiastic and could not stop smiling and thanking the Marines and Sailors for the valued donations.
“It’s very good,” said Hamid Naief, a father of seven residing in central Karmah. “From the first time [Coalition forces] got here, things have been very good. This shows the generosity first hand.
Naief said even as the city’s economic situation slowly improves, it is still difficult to afford clothing for his children and he can not say enough about how much the donation helps his family at such a pivotal time.
“We need it so much,” he said. “I do not like seeing the kids go to school or to play with bare feet and without jackets. The Americans helping us means so much. They are our friends and we thank them.”
(By Lance Cpl. Achilles Tsantarliotis, Regimental Combat Team 1)
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=24940&Itemid=224
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Friday, January 16, 2009
Celebrate National Mentoring Month, Become a Mentor
January is National Mentoring Month and the Fayette County School System’s Friends Mentoring program is inviting the community to get involved.
Just about all of us have been touched by a special individual who encouraged and guided us and left a lasting impact on our lives. That person might be a parent, teacher, older sibling or perhaps a volunteer who spent time each week offering homework help, a listening ear or words of encouragement. No matter what their relationship, they are all mentors.
During National Mentoring Month, those who were shaped by the mentors in their lives are invited to pay it forward by becoming a participant in the Friends Mentoring Program. Mentors meet weekly one-on-one with their students at school for one hour. The program focuses on assisting children in developing relationship skills, building positive life skills and improving academic proficiencies.
Thank Your Mentor Day will be celebrated on January 24. On that day, the community is encouraged to reach out and thank those who have made a difference in their lives. Ways to honor a mentor include contacting him or her directly to express appreciation, pass it on by becoming a mentor to a child or making a financial donation to a local mentoring program.
Many mentors with Friends have been involved in the program for years. Volunteers have selflessly given of their time and talents to help students at all school levels flourish and become productive both inside and outside the school setting.
If you are willing to commit one hour per week to helping a child at one of our schools or if you want to make a donation to the Friends Mentoring Program, contact Jane Gough at the LaFayette Educational Center, 770-460-3990, ext. 255.
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Just about all of us have been touched by a special individual who encouraged and guided us and left a lasting impact on our lives. That person might be a parent, teacher, older sibling or perhaps a volunteer who spent time each week offering homework help, a listening ear or words of encouragement. No matter what their relationship, they are all mentors.
During National Mentoring Month, those who were shaped by the mentors in their lives are invited to pay it forward by becoming a participant in the Friends Mentoring Program. Mentors meet weekly one-on-one with their students at school for one hour. The program focuses on assisting children in developing relationship skills, building positive life skills and improving academic proficiencies.
Thank Your Mentor Day will be celebrated on January 24. On that day, the community is encouraged to reach out and thank those who have made a difference in their lives. Ways to honor a mentor include contacting him or her directly to express appreciation, pass it on by becoming a mentor to a child or making a financial donation to a local mentoring program.
Many mentors with Friends have been involved in the program for years. Volunteers have selflessly given of their time and talents to help students at all school levels flourish and become productive both inside and outside the school setting.
If you are willing to commit one hour per week to helping a child at one of our schools or if you want to make a donation to the Friends Mentoring Program, contact Jane Gough at the LaFayette Educational Center, 770-460-3990, ext. 255.
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"The Blues Brothers" Movie Screening at The Plaza Theatre
Thursday, January 22, 7:30 p.m.
One-Night Only Screening of 1980 Cult Classic
Bid on Blues Brothers Formal Classic Revue Auction Items
Photo Opportunities with Famous Blues Brothers Mobile
A one-night only screening of the wildly popular cult classic film "The Blues Brothers" will help fans gear up for the upcoming Blues Brothers Formal Classic Revue charity event and live show at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, Ga. this February.
The historic Plaza Theatre in the Poncey-Highlands will host the one-night only movie screening on Thursday, January 22 at 7:30 p.m. Moviegoers will have the opportunity to purchase tickets for the Blues Brothers Formal Classic Revue charity event and live show, bid on a variety of auction items, and see the famous Blues Brothers Mobile. General admission tickets are available for $8.
For more details or to purchase tickets to see the original The Blues Brothers movie, visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/52811 or call 404.873.1939.
The one-night only movie screening is leading up to The Blues Brothers Formal Classic Revue On a Mission from G-d charity event and live show starring Dan Aykroyd as Elwood Blues, Jim Belushi as Zee Blues and the Sacred Hearts Band on Saturday, February 7, 2009 at 8 p.m. at the Tabernacle in Downtown Atlanta. The event will help raise funds for the multi-campus culture and lifestyle student organization, Hillels of Georgia, and will feature a VIP meet and greet, a silent auction, private sound check and much more. The renowned high-energy live show will include the Blues Brothers greatest hits, including "Soul Man," "Everybody Needs Somebody," "Gimme Some Lovin'," "Rawhide," "Sweet Home Chicago," and many more.
Tickets for the "Blues Brothers Formal Classic Revue On a Mission from G-d are available for purchase online for $55 - $75. Special VIP packages including VIP seating, green room access and Blues Brothers merchandise will be available for $180, $500 and $1,000. Visit www.BluesBrothersATL.com or call 404.727.2089 for more information and to purchase tickets.
The Plaza Theatre is located 1049 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE. Visit www.plazaatlanta.com or call 404.873.1939 for more information.
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One-Night Only Screening of 1980 Cult Classic
Bid on Blues Brothers Formal Classic Revue Auction Items
Photo Opportunities with Famous Blues Brothers Mobile
A one-night only screening of the wildly popular cult classic film "The Blues Brothers" will help fans gear up for the upcoming Blues Brothers Formal Classic Revue charity event and live show at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, Ga. this February.
The historic Plaza Theatre in the Poncey-Highlands will host the one-night only movie screening on Thursday, January 22 at 7:30 p.m. Moviegoers will have the opportunity to purchase tickets for the Blues Brothers Formal Classic Revue charity event and live show, bid on a variety of auction items, and see the famous Blues Brothers Mobile. General admission tickets are available for $8.
For more details or to purchase tickets to see the original The Blues Brothers movie, visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/52811 or call 404.873.1939.
The one-night only movie screening is leading up to The Blues Brothers Formal Classic Revue On a Mission from G-d charity event and live show starring Dan Aykroyd as Elwood Blues, Jim Belushi as Zee Blues and the Sacred Hearts Band on Saturday, February 7, 2009 at 8 p.m. at the Tabernacle in Downtown Atlanta. The event will help raise funds for the multi-campus culture and lifestyle student organization, Hillels of Georgia, and will feature a VIP meet and greet, a silent auction, private sound check and much more. The renowned high-energy live show will include the Blues Brothers greatest hits, including "Soul Man," "Everybody Needs Somebody," "Gimme Some Lovin'," "Rawhide," "Sweet Home Chicago," and many more.
Tickets for the "Blues Brothers Formal Classic Revue On a Mission from G-d are available for purchase online for $55 - $75. Special VIP packages including VIP seating, green room access and Blues Brothers merchandise will be available for $180, $500 and $1,000. Visit www.BluesBrothersATL.com or call 404.727.2089 for more information and to purchase tickets.
The Plaza Theatre is located 1049 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE. Visit www.plazaatlanta.com or call 404.873.1939 for more information.
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Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Dillard's Celebrates Long Standing Partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities(R)
Dillard's (DDS-NYSE) announced today that it has made a significant contribution of over $700,000 to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC(R)). This donation was made possible through the sale of Dillard's exclusive Southern Living Christmas Cookbook and charity wristbands with the words "KIDS MATTER: Ronald McDonald House Charities."
Dillard's credits the success of this campaign to their outstanding customers who generously supported this effort. Profits from the sale of both items will benefit local houses operated by Ronald McDonald House Charities(R) in Dillard's markets.
With this year's contribution, Dillard's has donated over $4.5 million to Ronald McDonald Houses over the past 15 years. Denise Mahaffy, Vice President of Marketing for Dillard's, said, "Partnering with Ronald McDonald House Charities gives all of us at Dillard's an enormous sense of pride. We are honored to support the Ronald McDonald Houses in our communities."
Marty Coyne, Vice-President of Ronald McDonald House Charities, said, "We are so thankful to Dillard's for being a great partner and for their continued support of Ronald McDonald House Charities over these many years."
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Dillard's credits the success of this campaign to their outstanding customers who generously supported this effort. Profits from the sale of both items will benefit local houses operated by Ronald McDonald House Charities(R) in Dillard's markets.
With this year's contribution, Dillard's has donated over $4.5 million to Ronald McDonald Houses over the past 15 years. Denise Mahaffy, Vice President of Marketing for Dillard's, said, "Partnering with Ronald McDonald House Charities gives all of us at Dillard's an enormous sense of pride. We are honored to support the Ronald McDonald Houses in our communities."
Marty Coyne, Vice-President of Ronald McDonald House Charities, said, "We are so thankful to Dillard's for being a great partner and for their continued support of Ronald McDonald House Charities over these many years."
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Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Special Olympics Georgia Receives $80,000 Grant From the UPS Foundation
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA) received an $80,000 grant from The UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of UPS (NYSE:UPS) . The grant will be used for state competitions and program growth throughout the year and around the state.
Special Olympics Georgia is a nonprofit organization who proudly serves children and adults with intellectual disabilities through sports training and competition, as well as provides volunteer opportunities for community citizens around the state. SOGA has 22,547 registered athletes to date and expanded the program this year by introducing opportunities and camps to more people in need. Special Olympics also provides a wonderful and loving network to other family members who can then discuss issues and band together to share stories and express needs, in hopes of finding solutions and additional programs for their children with intellectual disabilities.
Established in 1951 and based in Atlanta, Georgia, The UPS Foundation identifies specific areas where its backing clearly impacts social issues. In support of this strategic approach, The UPS Foundation has identified the following focus areas for giving: non-profit effectiveness, economic and global literacy, encouraging diversity, community safety and environmental sustainability.
In 2007, The UPS Foundation distributed $46.4 million worldwide through grants that benefit organizations or programs such as Special Olympics Georgia and provided support for building stronger communities.
"UPS has a long-standing commitment to making communities all over the world better by supporting organizations and engaging over 400,000 employees in community service worldwide," said Lisa Hamilton, President of The UPS Foundation. "Together with nonprofit partners such as Special Olympics Georgia, we work to make a positive impact on the lives of people in need."
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Special Olympics Georgia is a nonprofit organization who proudly serves children and adults with intellectual disabilities through sports training and competition, as well as provides volunteer opportunities for community citizens around the state. SOGA has 22,547 registered athletes to date and expanded the program this year by introducing opportunities and camps to more people in need. Special Olympics also provides a wonderful and loving network to other family members who can then discuss issues and band together to share stories and express needs, in hopes of finding solutions and additional programs for their children with intellectual disabilities.
Established in 1951 and based in Atlanta, Georgia, The UPS Foundation identifies specific areas where its backing clearly impacts social issues. In support of this strategic approach, The UPS Foundation has identified the following focus areas for giving: non-profit effectiveness, economic and global literacy, encouraging diversity, community safety and environmental sustainability.
In 2007, The UPS Foundation distributed $46.4 million worldwide through grants that benefit organizations or programs such as Special Olympics Georgia and provided support for building stronger communities.
"UPS has a long-standing commitment to making communities all over the world better by supporting organizations and engaging over 400,000 employees in community service worldwide," said Lisa Hamilton, President of The UPS Foundation. "Together with nonprofit partners such as Special Olympics Georgia, we work to make a positive impact on the lives of people in need."
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Putting Your "Good Hands" To Work In Your Community
(NAPSI)-According to the calendar, February is Black History Month. But many people would argue that honoring the strengths and accomplishments of the African-American community requires more than a single month; it takes the whole year.
For example, as part of Allstate's commitment to the African-American community and volunteerism, it has created Beyond February's Give Back Day. This special initiative will further the ideals and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Atlanta, his hometown and nationally, by inspiring people to donate their time to worthy causes in their own communities-on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and throughout the entire year. To facilitate these volunteer efforts, Allstate has created a special Web site at beyondfebruary.com where people can research and sign up for volunteer projects in their own cities.
To kick off the event, Allstate has partnered with The King Center in Atlanta to host a volunteer rally after the annual ecumenical service honoring Dr. King at Ebenezer Baptist Church on the morning of January 19. The thousands of people in attendance will be encouraged to "put their good hands to good use" by signing up for volunteer opportunities in their community at beyondfebruary.com.
After the rally, more than 1,000 volunteers will spread out across Atlanta to donate their time and efforts to a variety of projects in conjunction with several charities and nonprofit organizations, including the 100 Black Men of America, 100 Black Women of America, the Ryan Cameron Foundation, the Atlanta ToolBank and several public schools.
"Allstate Beyond February Give Back Day reinforces the importance of giving back to your community in the spirit of my father and everything he fought for," says Bernice King, Dr. King's youngest daughter.
"But an even greater tribute to my father's legacy is evidenced by the people who demonstrate the passion and the commitment to serve their communities throughout the year, not just on MLK Day or during Black History Month."
To find volunteer opportunities in your ZIP code on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and throughout the year, visit www.beyondfebruary.com. The interactive Web site provides links to VolunteerMatch, an online search engine that promotes volunteerism and civic engagement by matching volunteers with charitable organizations and nonprofits.
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For example, as part of Allstate's commitment to the African-American community and volunteerism, it has created Beyond February's Give Back Day. This special initiative will further the ideals and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Atlanta, his hometown and nationally, by inspiring people to donate their time to worthy causes in their own communities-on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and throughout the entire year. To facilitate these volunteer efforts, Allstate has created a special Web site at beyondfebruary.com where people can research and sign up for volunteer projects in their own cities.
To kick off the event, Allstate has partnered with The King Center in Atlanta to host a volunteer rally after the annual ecumenical service honoring Dr. King at Ebenezer Baptist Church on the morning of January 19. The thousands of people in attendance will be encouraged to "put their good hands to good use" by signing up for volunteer opportunities in their community at beyondfebruary.com.
After the rally, more than 1,000 volunteers will spread out across Atlanta to donate their time and efforts to a variety of projects in conjunction with several charities and nonprofit organizations, including the 100 Black Men of America, 100 Black Women of America, the Ryan Cameron Foundation, the Atlanta ToolBank and several public schools.
"Allstate Beyond February Give Back Day reinforces the importance of giving back to your community in the spirit of my father and everything he fought for," says Bernice King, Dr. King's youngest daughter.
"But an even greater tribute to my father's legacy is evidenced by the people who demonstrate the passion and the commitment to serve their communities throughout the year, not just on MLK Day or during Black History Month."
To find volunteer opportunities in your ZIP code on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and throughout the year, visit www.beyondfebruary.com. The interactive Web site provides links to VolunteerMatch, an online search engine that promotes volunteerism and civic engagement by matching volunteers with charitable organizations and nonprofits.
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Monday, January 12, 2009
Text Messaging Campaign to Benefit Hungry Kids
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Operation No Kid Hungry, a campaign to raise funds to help end childhood hunger and encourage Americans to hold food drives, begins today. Between now and March 1, subscribers of all major wireless carriers can donate $5 to Share Our Strength by text messaging "SHARE" to 20222. AT&T will match donations up to $100,000. Share Our Strength is the leading national organization dedicated to ending childhood hunger in America.
"We've seen a dramatic jump in the need for food assistance in the last six months," said Bill Shore, founder and executive director of Share Our Strength. "Some food pantries we fund had a 40- to 50-percent increase in demand -- much of it from working families and people seeking help for the first time."
President-elect Obama pledged to end childhood hunger by 2015 during his presidential campaign. He has also called for a national day of service on January 19, Martin Luther King Day. In response, Share Our Strength is asking people to send a text donation and hold food drives to help feed those in need. Food pantries and food banks especially need foods rich in protein, such as peanut butter and canned tuna, chicken, and salmon. Visit http://www.strength.org/ to find a food bank and a list of the most-needed nutritious foods.
AT&T, Share Our Strength's partner in this program, will launch a nationwide employee food drive in 32 cities. The AT&T food drive kicks off today in six cities -- Atlanta; Chicago; Dallas; Hartford, Conn.; Sacramento, Calif.; and Washington, D.C. The remaining 26 cities will launch their food drives on January 19.
"As a proud participating sponsor of this Share Our Strength program, we are pleased to offer AT&T's expansive resources -- our vast network of wireless subscribers, 300,000 employees and dedicated AT&T Pioneer volunteers -- as part of a greater effort toward eliminating childhood hunger," said Ralph de la Vega, president and chief executive officer of AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "Every text counts."
All funds raised will support Share Our Strength's national work to end childhood hunger, which finds ways to feed the hungry in our communities, funds the most effective anti-hunger organizations in each state, and makes the most of state, federal, and local resources. In the United States, more than 12 million children are at risk of hunger. This national text-donation campaign is made possible through the Mobile Giving Foundation.
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"We've seen a dramatic jump in the need for food assistance in the last six months," said Bill Shore, founder and executive director of Share Our Strength. "Some food pantries we fund had a 40- to 50-percent increase in demand -- much of it from working families and people seeking help for the first time."
President-elect Obama pledged to end childhood hunger by 2015 during his presidential campaign. He has also called for a national day of service on January 19, Martin Luther King Day. In response, Share Our Strength is asking people to send a text donation and hold food drives to help feed those in need. Food pantries and food banks especially need foods rich in protein, such as peanut butter and canned tuna, chicken, and salmon. Visit http://www.strength.org/ to find a food bank and a list of the most-needed nutritious foods.
AT&T, Share Our Strength's partner in this program, will launch a nationwide employee food drive in 32 cities. The AT&T food drive kicks off today in six cities -- Atlanta; Chicago; Dallas; Hartford, Conn.; Sacramento, Calif.; and Washington, D.C. The remaining 26 cities will launch their food drives on January 19.
"As a proud participating sponsor of this Share Our Strength program, we are pleased to offer AT&T's expansive resources -- our vast network of wireless subscribers, 300,000 employees and dedicated AT&T Pioneer volunteers -- as part of a greater effort toward eliminating childhood hunger," said Ralph de la Vega, president and chief executive officer of AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "Every text counts."
All funds raised will support Share Our Strength's national work to end childhood hunger, which finds ways to feed the hungry in our communities, funds the most effective anti-hunger organizations in each state, and makes the most of state, federal, and local resources. In the United States, more than 12 million children are at risk of hunger. This national text-donation campaign is made possible through the Mobile Giving Foundation.
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Thursday, January 08, 2009
Students Get Free PCs
HHG Note: This is wonderful! Perhaps some other counties could develop a similar project.
During the holidays, 50 lucky Georgia students got their own personal computer, and neither Santa nor their parents had to pay a penny. The free computers were awarded through Georgia 4-H’s Need-A-Computer Program.
The program began eight years ago as the brainchild of then 4-H’er Rachel McCarthy of Walton County. She and her father Jim refurbished donated computers for needy 4-H'ers in her home county. When she graduated, her sister Amanda inherited the project.
In 2003, the Georgia 4-H Youth Technology Leadership Team took the project to the state level. Since then, the team has awarded more than 200 computers to students across Georgia.
Must be a 4-H'er to apply
To apply for a free computer, students must be in the fifth through 12th grades and be a member of 4-H. The students must also write an essay about why they want and need a computer and submit letters of reference from their teachers and community leaders.
Members of the 4-H technology team or collegiate 4-H’ers deliver the computers to 4-H Fall Forum where the computers are picked up by representatives of the winners’ local UGA Cooperative Extension office. The 4-H agent then delivers the computer to the winner.
Sixth-grader Beatriz Jiminez of Eastman was one of the lucky computer winners. Jiminez’s reasons for wanting a computer weren’t purely selfish.
A bilingual student, she helps her teachers by translating for a student who doesn’t speak English, said Beverly Green, Jiminez’s 4-H leader.
“She was so excited when I told she had won that she grabbed me and gave me a big hug,” Green said. “The possibilities are endless for her now that she has a computer, and she can help many other students, too.”
Donated computers
“All 50 computers were donated from George Walton Academy in Monroe," said Cheryl Varnadoe, a UGA Extension 4-H specialist and the technology leadership team's state coordinator.
The team accepts computer donations all year and stores them in a room donated by StorageMart. Each fall they refurbish the computers for the winning applicants. This includes loading them with licensed software programs.
"Most of the computers are two or three years old," Varnadoe said. "We don't accept older computers because we want to give the students computers that will be capable of running current programs and the Internet."
This year, the tech team received 160 applications for the 50 available computers.
For more information on donating a computer or to apply for the 2009 program, visit www.georgia4h.org/public/edops/techteam/Need-A-Computer/default.htm.
By Sharon Dowdy
University of Georgia
Sharon Dowdy is a news editor with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
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During the holidays, 50 lucky Georgia students got their own personal computer, and neither Santa nor their parents had to pay a penny. The free computers were awarded through Georgia 4-H’s Need-A-Computer Program.
The program began eight years ago as the brainchild of then 4-H’er Rachel McCarthy of Walton County. She and her father Jim refurbished donated computers for needy 4-H'ers in her home county. When she graduated, her sister Amanda inherited the project.
In 2003, the Georgia 4-H Youth Technology Leadership Team took the project to the state level. Since then, the team has awarded more than 200 computers to students across Georgia.
Must be a 4-H'er to apply
To apply for a free computer, students must be in the fifth through 12th grades and be a member of 4-H. The students must also write an essay about why they want and need a computer and submit letters of reference from their teachers and community leaders.
Members of the 4-H technology team or collegiate 4-H’ers deliver the computers to 4-H Fall Forum where the computers are picked up by representatives of the winners’ local UGA Cooperative Extension office. The 4-H agent then delivers the computer to the winner.
Sixth-grader Beatriz Jiminez of Eastman was one of the lucky computer winners. Jiminez’s reasons for wanting a computer weren’t purely selfish.
A bilingual student, she helps her teachers by translating for a student who doesn’t speak English, said Beverly Green, Jiminez’s 4-H leader.
“She was so excited when I told she had won that she grabbed me and gave me a big hug,” Green said. “The possibilities are endless for her now that she has a computer, and she can help many other students, too.”
Donated computers
“All 50 computers were donated from George Walton Academy in Monroe," said Cheryl Varnadoe, a UGA Extension 4-H specialist and the technology leadership team's state coordinator.
The team accepts computer donations all year and stores them in a room donated by StorageMart. Each fall they refurbish the computers for the winning applicants. This includes loading them with licensed software programs.
"Most of the computers are two or three years old," Varnadoe said. "We don't accept older computers because we want to give the students computers that will be capable of running current programs and the Internet."
This year, the tech team received 160 applications for the 50 available computers.
For more information on donating a computer or to apply for the 2009 program, visit www.georgia4h.org/public/edops/techteam/Need-A-Computer/default.htm.
By Sharon Dowdy
University of Georgia
Sharon Dowdy is a news editor with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
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Thursday, January 01, 2009
How to Give Back During Tough Economic Times
(ARA) -- During tough economic times, it can be hard to find money in your budget to donate to charities. But there are many other ways to give back to the community that allow you to support charitable causes throughout the year.
The need for charitable donations this year is even greater because of the faltering economy -- just as nonprofits fear donations will be decreasing, the demand for their services is increasing. All of this is happening as charities enter their key fundraising period of the year -- between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day -- when up to half of all individual donations are made.
In fact, 2008 and the following year are expected to be one of the most challenging periods charities have seen in some time. According to a survey released by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, donations to charities in 2007 grew by less than they had in years past. While almost two-thirds of charities raised more money in 2007 than 2006, the size of their gains dropped. With daily headlines reminding us that this economic climate will only get tougher, could there be a more compelling reason to give, be it a donation of money, time or skills?
“Families are stretched to the breaking point, and that has strengthened our resolve to do even more,” says Madonna King, president and CEO of Children’s Home Society & Family Services. “Contributions from donors and volunteers are essential, and their generosity makes it possible for us to continue our vital work on behalf of vulnerable children and families, here, at home, and around the world.”
As you look into your wallet and your heart during tough economic times, there are many meaningful ways to give back to the community. Here are some suggestions from nonprofit organizations, including Children’s Home Society & Family Services.
Stretch your holiday dollars to help others
Some stores donate a portion of their holiday sales to charity. It’s a way to increase the impact of your holiday gift giving while doing something good for the community. Another way to help others is to donate to charities in lieu of giving gifts. If you choose to do so, the charity may give you a tax receipt for your donation.
Your time is as good as gold
Choose to donate another precious commodity -- your time. Volunteering for a good cause enables nonprofits to handle increased demand for services, and also allows you to give back in a very personal way. No matter how much time you have to give, you will be welcomed with open arms by those in need.
Where to find volunteer opportunities
Many companies and organizations make volunteering part of their work culture, such as Foresters (TM), a leading fraternal benefit society that provides members with innovative life insurance products and benefits of membership. Foresters customers are known as members and get together locally for such projects as Habitat for Humanity home-builds and to refurbish Ronald McDonald Houses. Last year Foresters members donated 950,000 hours to help more than 400 charities.
Make giving part of your family’s DNA
The holidays are an important time to give back, but don’t forget about the rest of the year. There are worthy nonprofit organizations that offer volunteering opportunities on an ongoing basis. Find a local or national organization that supports a mission you and your family believe in and find a way to be involved regularly. It will help your kids understand important life lessons, help you meet other people and lend a helping hand to those who need your help the most.
Even if your wallet holds less for charitable donations this year, pick up the phone or stop by and volunteer your time wherever you can.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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The need for charitable donations this year is even greater because of the faltering economy -- just as nonprofits fear donations will be decreasing, the demand for their services is increasing. All of this is happening as charities enter their key fundraising period of the year -- between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day -- when up to half of all individual donations are made.
In fact, 2008 and the following year are expected to be one of the most challenging periods charities have seen in some time. According to a survey released by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, donations to charities in 2007 grew by less than they had in years past. While almost two-thirds of charities raised more money in 2007 than 2006, the size of their gains dropped. With daily headlines reminding us that this economic climate will only get tougher, could there be a more compelling reason to give, be it a donation of money, time or skills?
“Families are stretched to the breaking point, and that has strengthened our resolve to do even more,” says Madonna King, president and CEO of Children’s Home Society & Family Services. “Contributions from donors and volunteers are essential, and their generosity makes it possible for us to continue our vital work on behalf of vulnerable children and families, here, at home, and around the world.”
As you look into your wallet and your heart during tough economic times, there are many meaningful ways to give back to the community. Here are some suggestions from nonprofit organizations, including Children’s Home Society & Family Services.
Stretch your holiday dollars to help others
Some stores donate a portion of their holiday sales to charity. It’s a way to increase the impact of your holiday gift giving while doing something good for the community. Another way to help others is to donate to charities in lieu of giving gifts. If you choose to do so, the charity may give you a tax receipt for your donation.
Your time is as good as gold
Choose to donate another precious commodity -- your time. Volunteering for a good cause enables nonprofits to handle increased demand for services, and also allows you to give back in a very personal way. No matter how much time you have to give, you will be welcomed with open arms by those in need.
Where to find volunteer opportunities
Many companies and organizations make volunteering part of their work culture, such as Foresters (TM), a leading fraternal benefit society that provides members with innovative life insurance products and benefits of membership. Foresters customers are known as members and get together locally for such projects as Habitat for Humanity home-builds and to refurbish Ronald McDonald Houses. Last year Foresters members donated 950,000 hours to help more than 400 charities.
Make giving part of your family’s DNA
The holidays are an important time to give back, but don’t forget about the rest of the year. There are worthy nonprofit organizations that offer volunteering opportunities on an ongoing basis. Find a local or national organization that supports a mission you and your family believe in and find a way to be involved regularly. It will help your kids understand important life lessons, help you meet other people and lend a helping hand to those who need your help the most.
Even if your wallet holds less for charitable donations this year, pick up the phone or stop by and volunteer your time wherever you can.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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