Archives: Volunteers

Teddies for Teens – Excerpt

Every step to the teen wing felt like a thud of weight from her feet; all the sounds around the hospital from the beeping of the machines to the ringing of the phones felt amplified.

“We are all so lucky to be able to be with our loved ones, but these children don’t get to go home; so we thought we could bring a little home to them.”

“I am so happy these children will have such nice blankets!”

“Oh my goodness, guys! This is amazing, how many people came here on such short notice. We underestimated the number of people we’d need to pull everything together so last minute, but our city sure came through when we needed them.”

“Thank you! You are the best!” the little girl said.

“It was a short exchange, but she saw so much of his kindness shine through.”

By the end of the day, everyone was happy to have played a part in putting smiles on the children’s faces, which made every minute of their planning and work worthwhile.

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Resources

Children’s Cancer Research Fund
childrenscancer.org
“Funding for childhood cancer research pales in comparison to funds available for research into adult cancers. In fact, as a percentage of cancer research funding from the federal government, childhood cancer research funding is in the single digits.”

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
stjude.org
“The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment.”

Nationwide Children’s
nationwidechildrens.org
“We aspire to create the best outcomes for children everywhere. This means families come to Nationwide Children’s from around the globe, knowing they will get the highest quality care. It means we will reach to cure rare diseases.”

Children’s Hospital
childrenshospitals.org
“As the national voice of more than 220 children’s hospitals, we’re advancing child health through innovation in the quality, cost and delivery of care in children’s hospitals and health systems.”

My Very Own Blanket
myveryownblanket.org
“My Very Own Blanket is dedicated to warming the heart of every child in the foster care system and children in need with a blanket, to give them a feeling of comfort, security and most of all, a SMILE. Handmade blankets are created through the loving care of volunteers.”

Fleece And Thank You
fleeceandthankyou.org
“We believe in the healing power of connection. Every blanket we provide also has a personal video message attached to it from the blanket maker to the recipient in the hospital.”

Knots Of Love
knotsoflove.org
“Through the dedicated efforts of our volunteers, we are able to gift treatment centers with over 3,000 beanies and blankets each month. To date, we have helped over half a million people.”

A Little For Those Who Do A Lot

Inspiring Excerpt:
“Nick realized that the 5k had another amazing impact that they hadn’t even thought about while planning it. He realized that this wasn’t just some fun experience for the doctors to run or some charity event for others to donate to. These doctors were able to find friends from the race. These doctors were now able to find other people in downtown Georgia who were like them and shared similar passions. This one event was enough to start friendships based on service for a lifetime.
‘Well, hello, first of all, I am Doc Randon, as your friend here likes to call me. I am in my 3rd year of residency.’
‘Wow, that’s like 11 years of medical school!’
‘That’s impressive that you know that, young man!’
‘Oh, thank you!’
‘Yup, as soon as I finished medical school and I got the certification, I applied for Doctors Without Borders. This organization is really like a home. I learn so much while being on site and I get to spend my weekends doing something productive and changing lives.’”

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Nonprofits:

Doctors Without Borders
doctorswithoutborders.org
“Every day, Doctors Without Borders teams deliver emergency medical aid to people in crisis, with humanitarian projects in more than 70 countries.”

Peace Corps
peacecorps.gov
“The Peace Corps brings together skilled, committed Volunteers with welcoming host communities for service opportunities in more than 60 countries.”

American Red Cross
redcross.org
“Red Cross volunteers and staff work to deliver vital services – from providing relief and support to those in crisis, to helping you be prepared to respond in emergencies.”

Health Volunteers Overseas
hvousa.org
“Health Volunteers Overseas improves the availability and quality of health care through the education, training, and professional development of the health workforce in resource-scarce countries.”

Medical Brigades
medical.globalbrigades.org
“Medical Brigades host mobile medical clinics in Honduras, Guatemala, Panama, Ghana, and Greece to support preventative and primary healthcare in communities where access to healthcare is limited or does not exist.”

Medical Benevolence Foundation (MBF)
mbf.org
“Dedicated to equipping and fortifying the medical ministries of local churches in underserved regions worldwide, the Medical Benevolence Foundation (MBF) works in partnership with its international partners as they take on the responsibility of overseeing mission hospitals, clinics, and nursing schools.”

New Beginnings 

“I don’t know what happened to them, or where they are, but I pray each day they are fine.”

As Liana darted through the Jordanian traffic, she quickly fell into the same brisk pace as everyone around her. She marveled at how, a mere week ago, the city of Amman had felt so large and confusing. Now she felt much more at ease.

Lost in thought, it wasn’t until she heard the bell of the café door opening that she realized she’d arrived at her meeting with Latifa, a member of the Rotary that was sponsoring her travel and part of her time in Jordan.

Liana hesitated. She thought she’d planned everything out well before she came, but now she looked at all the people around her, each immersed in their activities, not even noticing her and her boxes.

She knocked on the door of the first house. A woman, who could be no older than forty, opened the door. Liana spoke to her in Arabic, apologizing for intruding and explaining that she was an American exchange student there through an organization of service.

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Nonprofits for You to Become a Change Maker:

UN Refugee Agency
unrefugees.org
“We work around the clock to protect and assist refugees all over the world. But we need your help.”

International Rescue Agency
rescue.org
“The IRC is assessing the situation and preparing to respond. Your support can provide aid, health care, and critical supplies to displaced families and others fleeing from major crises as they rebuild their lives.”

Amnesty International
amnesty.org
“A global movement of more than 10 million people who take injustice personally. We are campaigning for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all.”

Save the Children
savethechildren.org
“We work in the United States and around the world to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn, and protection from harm. When crisis strikes and children are most vulnerable, we are always among the first to respond.”

World Vision
(worldvision.org)
“Pulling up the roots of poverty and planting the seeds of change. Building relationships. Listening. Planning and working alongside local leaders. Together, finding solutions that will change the future for children. Here’s just some of what we accomplished in 2022 in partnership with donors like you and the communities we serve.”

Children of War Foundation
(cowf.org)
“Every day, children all around the world struggle to access basic human rights that are abundant, including equitable education, surgical and medical care, as well as the resources to live a life without substantial hardship. With your help, we can lessen unnecessary suffering that countless children are enduring now and in the near future.”

War Child
(warchildusa.org)
“Accelerating peace by disrupting the cycle of violence. Our mission is to drive generational change for the hardest hit by investing in the power of local communities.”

American Red Cross
(redcross.org)
“Red Cross volunteers and staff work to deliver vital services – from providing relief and support to those in crisis, to helping you be prepared to respond in emergencies.”

The world is stripped of its trees, its rivers gasp for breath, its creatures dead or displaced.

Or our story doesn’t end in loss, we rise with purpose. Plant trees where stumps stand, mend the fragile threads of our ecosystems. Our earth will respond. The rivers will run clear, the forests will stand tall, and — life will return.

This is the power of us humans when we align with the rhythms of the earth. When we choose restoration over destruction, renewal over neglect, we do more than heal landscapes—we heal ourselves. 

We have only one Earth—one home every breath we take, every dream we chase. Its survival is our survival. The choice is ours: to let it fade or to rise together. Are we guardians or destructors of the world that has always given us everything? The time is now. 

Nonprofits working on Goal 15:

1. World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
   • URL: worldwildlife.org
   • About: WWF works to protect the planet’s wildlife and ecosystems through innovative conservation strategies. Their efforts focus on restoring land-based ecosystems and fighting deforestation to preserve biodiversity.
2. The Nature Conservancy
   • URL: nature.org
   • About: The Nature Conservancy focuses on conserving lands and waters worldwide, working to protect forests, restore ecosystems, and ensure sustainable land management practices.
3. Rainforest Alliance
   • URL: rainforest-alliance.org
   • About: The Rainforest Alliance works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable land management, focusing on protecting forests and promoting responsible agriculture and forest management practices.
4. Trees for the Future
   • URL: trees.org
   • About: Trees for the Future helps communities worldwide restore degraded lands through agroforestry programs that promote sustainable land use, food security, and ecosystem restoration.
5. Wildlife Conservation Society
   • URL: wcs.org
   • About: WCS is committed to conserving wildlife and wild places, with a focus on land-based ecosystems such as forests, grasslands, and wetlands, ensuring long-term biodiversity conservation.
6. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
   • URL: iucn.org
   • About: IUCN works to protect biodiversity through science, conservation projects, and policy advocacy. They focus on the protection of ecosystems and endangered species, particularly in land-based habitats.
7. Conservation International
   • URL: conservation.org
   • About: Conservation International focuses on conserving the Earth’s biodiversity, working with communities to restore ecosystems, reduce deforestation, and promote sustainable land use practices.
8. Global Environment Facility
   • URL: thegef.org
   • About: The Global Environment Facility provides financial support for projects that tackle environmental degradation, promote biodiversity conservation, and protect land-based ecosystems from further destruction.
9. African Wildlife Foundation
   • URL: awf.org
   • About: The African Wildlife Foundation works to protect Africa’s landscapes and wildlife, creating sustainable solutions that balance conservation with the needs of local communities.
10. Wildlife Habitat Council
    • URL: wildlifehc.org
    • About: The Wildlife Habitat Council focuses on land conservation, wildlife habitat restoration, and the promotion of sustainable business practices to protect land-based ecosystems and biodiversity.

“Tomás! Come on, the ship is leaving—we have to go,” Rodrigo yelled.

“Ah, what’s the point, Rodrigo? The fish are going to dry out within the next couple of months, and we’ll have to leave anyway.”

Half a year ago, Tomás thought there was no hope for their homes. He had started packing to leave. But just as he was finishing, trucks showed up outside the city meeting area.

Within a few weeks, they were all briefed on what areas to avoid when fishing and were leased eco-friendly gear that wouldn’t harm their environment.

So, within those six short months, the fish population didn’t dwindle—instead, it grew to higher levels than even their parents had seen. With a few simple changes and a wealth of new knowledge, they were able to save their community, preserve their culture, and protect the way of life that would continue to inspire future generations.

Nonprofits working on Goal 14:

1. Oceana
   • URL: oceana.org
   • About: Oceana is dedicated to protecting and restoring the world’s oceans, advocating for policies that reduce overfishing, protect marine ecosystems, and preserve biodiversity in the seas.
2. Marine Conservation Institute
   • URL: marine-conservation.org
   • About: The Marine Conservation Institute works to safeguard marine biodiversity through science, policy advocacy, and creating marine protected areas to conserve ocean life and ecosystems.
3. Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
   • URL: seashepherd.org
   • About: Sea Shepherd actively defends ocean wildlife and habitats by intervening in illegal activities such as poaching and overfishing, focusing on direct action to protect marine life.
4. The Ocean Cleanup
   • URL: theoceancleanup.com
   • About: The Ocean Cleanup develops technology to rid the world’s oceans of plastic waste. Their mission is to tackle pollution at the source, cleaning up the ocean for future generations.
5. World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
   • URL: worldwildlife.org
   • About: WWF works globally to conserve marine habitats and protect endangered marine species, advocating for sustainable fisheries and promoting responsible practices to safeguard ocean ecosystems.
6. Blue Ventures
   • URL: blueventures.org
   • About: Blue Ventures partners with coastal communities to design and implement sustainable conservation solutions that protect marine ecosystems while promoting livelihoods and long-term resilience.
7. The Coral Triangle Initiative
   • URL: coraltriangleinitiative.org
   • About: The Coral Triangle Initiative focuses on preserving the biodiversity of one of the world’s most vital marine ecosystems through collaborative efforts to ensure sustainable fishing practices and marine protection.
8. International Marinelife Alliance
   • URL: imal.org
   • About: This nonprofit works to protect marine life and ensure sustainable practices in ocean conservation, with a focus on preserving coral reefs and supporting communities in marine resource management.
9. Marine Conservation Group
   • URL: marineconservation.org
   • About: Marine Conservation Group advocates for the protection and restoration of marine biodiversity, engaging in public education and active conservation projects to address issues like habitat destruction and overfishing.
10. Wildlife Conservation International
    • URL: wildlifeconservation.org
    • About: This organization works globally to protect marine species and habitats through research, advocacy, and policy development, focusing on the sustainable use of ocean resources.

The knocking on the doors came bright and early. Myaree wasn’t even awake for the morning shift to catch the fish for the market.

“Hello, sir. We’re here to help protect your family against this year’s monsoon season,” a tall man said to her father.

Monsoon—a word she had heard a million times before. A word that kept her family from having an income for four months of the year. A word that made them scramble to catch fish for 15 hours a day, six months of the year. The monsoon prevented them from having a normal life.

“Oh, well, what are you here to do?” her father asked.

That simple question opened up a week of conversation and planning for the whole town.

By the end of the next week, they had finished planting mangroves to protect against storm surges and had started elevating their homes so that when the water levels rose, they wouldn’t flood, and they wouldn’t need to flee.

Three months later, when the monsoon was about to hit, for the first time in their lives, Myaree wasn’t upset or afraid. She was able to go about life as any normal person would. She didn’t need to flee. Instead, she could go to school and continue her life, free from the fear that she and her home would be flooded by the rains.

Nonprofits working on Goal 13:

1. 350.org
   • URL: 350.org
   • About: 350.org is a global grassroots movement focused on reducing carbon dioxide levels to 350 parts per million. They work with individuals and organizations to advocate for climate action through local campaigns and global initiatives.
2. Climate Reality Project
   • URL: climaterealityproject.org
   • About: Founded by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, the Climate Reality Project educates and empowers people to act on the climate crisis. They focus on urgent action to reduce emissions and promote renewable energy.
3. The Sierra Club
   • URL: sierraclub.org
   • About: The Sierra Club advocates for environmental policies to combat climate change, protect ecosystems, and push for clean energy solutions. They focus on public education and grassroots activism.
4. Greenpeace
   • URL: greenpeace.org
   • About: Greenpeace campaigns to fight climate change by reducing emissions and promoting renewable energy, working globally to influence government policies and encourage businesses to take meaningful action.
5. Carbon Trust
   • URL: carbontrust.com
   • About: Carbon Trust helps organizations and governments reduce carbon emissions and create low-carbon solutions, offering consultancy, advice, and technical support to drive forward climate action.
6. World Resources Institute
   • URL: wri.org
   • About: The World Resources Institute focuses on addressing the climate crisis through policy development, technological innovation, and creating solutions to reduce global carbon footprints and promote sustainable practices.
7. The Global Green Growth Institute
   • URL: gggi.org
   • About: The Global Green Growth Institute works to support countries in their efforts to transition to green growth by promoting climate resilience, sustainable development, and low-carbon economies.
8. The Nature Conservancy
   • URL: nature.org
   • About: The Nature Conservancy works to conserve lands and waters for climate resilience, advocating for natural solutions to mitigate climate change and restore ecosystems.
9. ClimateWorks Foundation
   • URL: climateworks.org
   • About: ClimateWorks Foundation is dedicated to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions through targeted, evidence-based strategies that promote long-term climate solutions and policy initiatives.
10. The Union of Concerned Scientists
    • URL: ucsusa.org
    • About: The Union of Concerned Scientists works with scientists, engineers, and advocates to address the climate crisis, focusing on solutions that reduce emissions, improve sustainability, and ensure climate resilience.

Olivia watched the tower of trash, bugs, and disease grow larger each Wednesday as the dumpsters dropped off the city’s waste right in front of her home. She knew this was where she was born, and it wasn’t the city’s fault that she lived there. But as the tower grew every Friday for the past 17 years of her life, she couldn’t help but despise the city that continued to dump waste, spreading disease that affected her family and many others nearby.

She saw the pile grow as she drove to work each Wednesday. So, just like any other Wednesday, she got ready, got in her car, and started driving in. But this Wednesday was different—the dump truck left full of trash. They didn’t drop off waste; instead, they picked it up. Intrigued, she slowed down, wondering if they were finally processing the trash to reduce and compost it. She thought of all the disease that would now leave, no longer affecting her friends and family.

Nonprofits working on Goal 12:

1. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation
   • URL: ellenmacarthurfoundation.org
   • About: The Ellen MacArthur Foundation accelerates the transition to a circular economy by fostering innovation in materials, design, and consumption. They promote sustainable practices to reduce waste and ensure the longevity of resources.
2. Zero Waste International Alliance
   • URL: zwia.org
   • About: This nonprofit promotes a Zero Waste lifestyle, advocating for reducing waste through recycling, reusing, and designing products that minimize environmental impact. They empower communities to reduce landfill use and rethink production methods.
3. Greenpeace
   • URL: greenpeace.org
   • About: Greenpeace works to address global environmental issues, including unsustainable consumption and waste. They campaign for policies and practices that reduce consumption and the environmental impacts of production.
4. The Natural Step
   • URL: thenaturalstep.org
   • About: The Natural Step provides sustainable development frameworks and guidance for businesses, governments, and organizations, promoting responsible consumption and production to achieve long-term sustainability.
5. Sustainable Fisheries UW
   • URL: sustainablefisheries-uw.org
   • About: This nonprofit works with stakeholders to create responsible fishing practices, advocating for sustainable seafood consumption and promoting practices that protect marine biodiversity and reduce overfishing.
6. Fair Trade USA
   • URL: fairtradeusa.org
   • About: Fair Trade USA certifies products that support responsible production practices, ensuring that goods are produced in ways that improve lives for workers, preserve ecosystems, and promote sustainable consumption.
7. Environmental Defense Fund
   • URL: edf.org
   • About: The Environmental Defense Fund works to implement sustainable practices in industries, including manufacturing and agriculture, that reduce waste and pollution, pushing for responsible production and resource use.
8. The World Resources Institute
   • URL: wri.org
   • About: The World Resources Institute develops innovative solutions to environmental challenges and promotes responsible production and consumption, helping organizations adopt practices that preserve natural resources.
9. The Ocean Cleanup
   • URL: theoceancleanup.com
   • About: The Ocean Cleanup develops technologies to remove plastic waste from the world’s oceans, advocating for responsible consumption to reduce pollution and environmental damage from waste.
10. GreenBiz
    • URL: greenbiz.com
    • About: GreenBiz is a resource hub for companies seeking to adopt sustainable business practices, with a focus on reducing environmental impacts and promoting responsible production and consumption within the corporate sector.

Reshaped

Sean shivered as another gust of wind blew through the night. He pulled his sweater tighter and blew warm air onto his hands to keep writing. Finally, around 10:00, he packed up and hurried inside.

Inside, it was dark as always. He turned his flashlight on the mattress where his siblings slept to find a spot. Within seconds, exhaustion overtook him.

In the morning, he and his siblings ate yogurt on the same mattresses they’d slept on. His mother noticed his tired eyes. He almost said, “Yeah, I didn’t sleep because it was so cold,” but that would only make her feel worse.

That afternoon, Sean saw adults in blue vests examining the houses. Fear gripped him. Were they here to evict them? He crouched behind a bush, listening.

One man spoke. “We’re from Rotary. We want to help the kids here by providing electricity and plumbing for all of you.”

Sean saw a real smile cross his mother’s face—a rare sight.

On Saturday, the Rotarians and construction crews returned. Sean and the neighborhood kids watched as they worked, eager to help. Over time, they formed friendships with the volunteers, learning valuable skills.

By summer, the work was nearly complete. The children no longer had to study under streetlights or wake shivering in the night. Their world had changed.

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Resources

Habitat for Humanity
habitat.org
“Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that helps families build and improve places to call home. We believe affordable housing plays a critical role in strong and stable communities.”

Aeon
aeon.org
“We create and sustain quality affordable homes that strengthen lives and communities.”

Coalition for the Homeless
coalitionforthehomeless.org
“The Coalition for the Homeless is the nation’s oldest advocacy and direct service organization, helping homeless individuals and families. We believe that affordable housing, sufficient food, and the chance to work for a living wage are fundamental rights in a civilized society.”

Rebuilding Together
rebuildingtogether.org
“Our work goes beyond each home. Local affiliates work closely with community residents and leaders to revitalize communities. We commit to our neighbors in need and help them rebuild in the months and years following a disaster.”

The roads were cold, as the storm raged on. With no one to care, the dog wandered from city to city, hiding in the alleys and eating scraps of thrown-away food. No one seemed to notice the little furball in the big cities, where everyone was in a rush. With the harsh mixture of rain, snow, and sleet, there were barely any humans around. It bolted to the next alleyway, hoping to find a large trash can filled with scraps to keep it warm.

But just as it reached the other side, a woman walked out of the building, stopped by a nun. “Sister Francis, I’ve never worked on a program like this before. Who would want dogs trained in a prison?” Marie questioned.

Sister Francis smiled, “Marie, I’ve known you for a long time. You’ve always had the determination to make a difference. Maybe this program is your next step.”

Marie paused. The golden retriever, Berry, caught her attention, and in that moment, everything clicked.

Guide Dogs for the Blind
URL: https://www.guidedogs.com
“Guide Dogs for the Blind is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people who are blind or visually impaired. We provide highly trained guide dogs at no charge to individuals, giving them the freedom to lead independent lives. Our dogs are expertly matched with their handlers, and our services also include training for both the dogs and their human partners.”

Paws With A Cause
URL: https://www.pawswithacause.org
“Paws With A Cause trains assistance dogs to enhance the independence and quality of life for people with disabilities. We provide dogs that are trained to perform specific tasks that make life easier, from helping with mobility to providing comfort for emotional support. Our mission is to create a community of individuals empowered by the capabilities of service dogs and to continually advocate for those with disabilities.”

Canine Companions for Independence
URL: https://www.cci.org
“Canine Companions for Independence provides service dogs to individuals with disabilities, empowering them to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. Our highly trained dogs assist with tasks such as opening doors, retrieving dropped items, and providing stability. We are committed to providing lifelong support to our clients and their dogs, and we do so free of charge, thanks to the generosity of our donors and volunteers.”

America’s VetDogs
URL: https://www.vetdogs.org
“America’s VetDogs provides service dogs to veterans and first responders with disabilities. Our mission is to assist these heroes in achieving greater independence, mobility, and emotional support. Our service dogs help in a variety of ways, from guiding individuals with visual impairments to providing companionship for those with PTSD. We strive to honor those who served by improving their lives with the assistance of a service dog.”

The Dog Alliance
URL: https://www.thedogalliance.org
“The Dog Alliance is committed to training and providing service dogs to individuals with disabilities, including children with autism and veterans with PTSD. Through customized training programs, we focus on creating strong, lifelong partnerships between the dogs and their handlers. Our mission is to empower individuals to live fuller lives through the companionship and assistance of our trained service dogs.”

Medical Mutts
URL: https://www.medicalmutts.org
“Medical Mutts provides highly trained service dogs to individuals with medical conditions, such as diabetes, seizures, and mobility impairments. We specialize in training dogs to alert their handlers to medical events and perform daily tasks that assist in everyday life. We believe that service dogs can enhance the independence and well-being of individuals with medical conditions, and we are dedicated to ensuring the best match between dogs and their human partners.”

K9s For Warriors
URL: https://www.k9sforwarriors.org
“K9s For Warriors is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing service dogs to veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and military sexual trauma. Our mission is to help warriors regain their independence and quality of life by providing them with trained service dogs. We offer a comprehensive program that includes training for both the veteran and the dog, ensuring a strong bond that will support the veteran’s mental and emotional health.”

Puppies Behind Bars
URL: https://www.puppiesbehindbars.com
“Puppies Behind Bars trains service dogs for veterans and first responders with disabilities, as well as dogs for children with autism. Our program pairs incarcerated individuals with puppies, giving them the responsibility of raising and training the dogs. In the process, they develop valuable skills while making a life-changing impact on others. Our mission is to provide a win-win opportunity for both the dogs and the individuals they assist.”

4 Paws for Ability
URL: https://www.4pawsforability.org
“4 Paws for Ability provides service dogs to children and veterans with disabilities, including those with autism, mobility impairments, and medical conditions. Our dogs are trained to help with specific needs, ranging from providing physical assistance to offering emotional support. We strive to enrich the lives of our clients by fostering independence and enhancing well-being through the companionship of highly trained service dogs.”

The Service Dog Project
URL: https://www.servicedogproject.org
“The Service Dog Project’s mission is to provide trained Great Danes to people with mobility impairments. These dogs assist individuals by performing tasks that enhance mobility, such as pulling wheelchairs, opening doors, and providing balance. We work closely with each client to ensure the best possible match between dog and handler, empowering them to live more independently and comfortably with the support of a trained service dog.”

Home Again 

“The bridge and the freezing storms of Kenai, Alaska, was their home.”

“No problem…” Karrie said, waiting for him to fill in his name.
“Anthony, my name is Anthony,” he said, obviously surprised that anyone wanted to know his name, or wanted anything to do with him at all.

“When she hit the Send button, she knew she’d made the right decision.”

“Although I’m new, I’ve seen how amazing your club is and all the activities you do and I’ve also thought of a new service project.”

“There was finally some hope.”

“Of course, you are all so very strong to have endured and overcome so much.”

“Watching the kids look so happy at simply receiving some basic comforts, as well as a warm, safe place to stay, was a truly mind-opening experience.”

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Resources

Back On My Feet
backonmyfeet.org
“Back on My Feet seeks to revolutionize the way society approaches homelessness. Our unique model demonstrates that, if you first restore confidence, strength and self-esteem, individuals are better equipped to tackle the road ahead.”

Bridge for Youth
bridgeforyouth.org
“The Bridge for Youth centers youth voice, justice, and equity in all we do, and empowers youth experiencing homelessness through safe shelter, basic needs, and healthy relationships.”

Youth.Gov
youth.gov
“This federal website provides interactive tools and other resources to help youth-serving organizations and community partnerships plan, implement, and participate in effective programs for youth.”

National Network for Youth
nn4youth.org
“The National Network for Youth (NN4Y) is dedicated to preventing and eradicating youth homelessness in America.”

WWO: Worldwide Orphans
“WWO’s mission is to educate, heal, and empower children, by embedding trauma-informed, play-based programs in vulnerable communities that lack access to early childhood and positive youth development programming.”

Miracle Foundation
“For the past 21 years, Miracle Foundation has improved the lives of more than 15,000 orphaned and vulnerable children at more than 300 orphanages.”

World Without Orphans
“OUR VISION: A world where every child is cared for in a safe and loving family and reaches their God-given potential. OUR MISSION: Call and equip national leaders to collaborate in solving their own country’s orphaned and vulnerable children’s crisis.”

Love Without Boundaries
“Love Without Boundaries is an authentic international charity that provides hope and healing to vulnerable children, and their underserved communities, through its education, nutrition, medical, and foster care programs.”

Zoe Empowers
“For orphaned youth, life revolves around survival. They quit school to find work. When $1/day doesn’t feed their family, they beg, steal, or starve. Exploited, abused and sick, they suffer in the shadows. Eventually, they lose hope, battling a cycle that is unfixable by relief-based aid or foster care systems that lack resources. We provide an opportunity for orphaned youth to become self-sufficient.”

Robert and his friends looked at the shoes on their feet, the lamp on the table, and their new lunch boxes; these items were all made using the repurposing methods they had been taught. They looked around the room, considering all the ways other items could be reused and transformed from materials they already had.

As they walked through their village and homes, they saw everything in a new light, imagining the countless things they could create simply by recycling. They couldn’t help but think about the new possibilities—ways to avoid adding to the growing mountain of trash discarded just a block from their homes.

Nonprofits working on Goal 9:

1. Engineers Without Borders USA
   • URL: ewb-usa.org
   • About: Engineers Without Borders USA partners with communities to design and implement engineering solutions that address basic needs, including clean water, energy, and infrastructure, ensuring sustainable growth.
2. Global Infrastructure Facility
   • URL: global-infrastructure-facility.org
   • About: This initiative facilitates investment in sustainable infrastructure projects across developing countries, ensuring that critical infrastructure like transportation, water, and energy supports economic growth and social development.
3. TechnoServe
   • URL: technoserve.org
   • About: TechnoServe helps businesses in the developing world grow by providing consulting and training services that support innovation in industries ranging from agriculture to technology, building sustainable economic systems.
4. The International Finance Corporation (IFC)
   • URL: ifc.org
   • About: IFC promotes private sector development in developing countries, focusing on building infrastructure, supporting innovation, and improving industries to foster economic growth and improve lives.
5. The Aspen Institute
   • URL: aspeninstitute.org
   • About: The Aspen Institute provides a platform for innovative leaders to collaborate on solving global challenges related to infrastructure, industry, and innovation, emphasizing sustainable practices and inclusive growth.
6. The Global Infrastructure Initiative
   • URL: global-infrastructure-initiative.com
   • About: This initiative connects leaders from public, private, and nonprofit sectors to build infrastructure solutions that are innovative, sustainable, and inclusive, aiming to create global economic resilience.
7. Habitat for Humanity
   • URL: habitat.org
   • About: Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with local communities to build safe, affordable housing, creating lasting infrastructure and ensuring that families have access to sustainable living conditions.
8. Building with Books
   • URL: buildingwithbooks.org
   • About: This nonprofit builds schools and community centers, with a focus on providing quality education and fostering innovation in underserved areas by providing access to educational infrastructure.
9. The Rockefeller Foundation
   • URL: rockefellerfoundation.org
   • About: The Rockefeller Foundation promotes innovations in infrastructure that drive sustainable economic growth, focusing on energy, healthcare, and urban development as key pillars of future progress.
10. The World Bank Group
    • URL: worldbank.org
    • About: The World Bank provides financial and technical expertise to developing countries, helping them build sustainable infrastructure, foster industrial growth, and innovate solutions to pressing global challenges.

Unexpected

On the other side of the waiting room doors, a surprise was waiting for her.

She decided not to focus on that sad reality, but rather on helping someone.

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. But I don’t know why you say you didn’t have any experience. Your jobs are incredible, and they are important.”

“Yeah, it’s all about presenting your experience in the right way.”

“I guess we were going so fast, I didn’t even notice the page was full! Thank you, Miss Sophia!”

“I always knew you were amazing!” his girlfriend said over the phone, Anthony’s excitement pouring over her.

“It was all because of her!”

“Of course! And there’s a lot more than what’s on that paper! And Michael, don’t forget just to be you and to show who you are.”

Today, many years later, Sophia still remembers the happy details from that one night, which brings a genuine smile to her face.

---

Resources:

Hope For Prisoners
hopeforprisoners.org
“Hope for Prisoners offers a variety of training programs for its clients to build and strengthen skills necessary for employment readiness, leadership development and success throughout the reintegration process.”

Sponsors Justice Reimagined
sponsorsinc.org
“Sponsors transforms lives and strengthens the community by providing life-changing opportunities for people with conviction histories. Sponsors offers a broad range of services—housing, employment, counseling, and mentoring—that people need to be successful.”

Pioneer Human Services
pioneerhumanservices.org
“We are a social enterprise that partners with communities to transform society by honoring the humanity of people, reducing the impact of discriminatory mass incarceration and empowering people to live safe, healthy, productive lives through inspiration, affirmation and by overturning barriers.”

Global Youth Mobilization
(globalyouthmobilization.org)
“Global Youth Mobilization is a movement of young people taking action to tackle global issues to improve their lives and their communities.”

Youth Service America
(ysa.org)
“We’re on a mission to: make working together for the common good the common expectation and common experience of every young person. At Youth Service America, we believe that youth, communities, and democracy thrive when we all work together for the common good.”

United Way
(unitedway.org)
“United Way uses its global reach and local presence to build stronger, more resilient communities where everyone can thrive. We work to improve the health, education, and economic mobility of every person in every community we serve.”

Global Youth Action Network
(gyan.tigweb.org)
“GYAN works to: facilitate youth participation and intergenerational partnership in global decision-making; support collaboration among diverse youth organizations; and to provide tools, resources, and recognition for positive youth action.”

Youth Ambassadors: One

(one.org)

“We empower citizens: the petitioners, protestors, and mobilisers who remain persistent, even in the face of resistance. We bring ONE’s campaigning expertise and decades of experience creating real, meaningful change, and we provide a megaphone to the world’s passionate advocates. Together, we relentlessly and effectively demand change from the people with the power who can make it happen.”

Sawa World

(sawaworld.org)

“Sawa World uses a locally-led and innovative approach to end global poverty.

We provide access to local solutions to employment that are found by youth living in poverty.

The youth have used low-cost and local materials to start small-scale eco-businesses that quickly generate income and transform lives.

These easy-to-learn business skills, can be learned in 1-day and provide instant self-employment opportunities for other youth, while protection in the environment.”

Freechild Institute for Youth Engagement

(freechild.org/)

“The Freechild Institute provides training, tools and technical assistance to support youth engagement in social change. Since 2001, we have partnered with more than 500 organizations in 1,500 communities affecting 1.5 million young people around the world.”

Oaktree 

(oaktree.org)

“At Oaktree, we believe that every young person should have an equitable chance to reach their potential – no matter where they are born. We exist to empower young people to take their ideas for social impact and make it a reality. We ask our young people what the biggest issue in their community is to solve, we ask them what they think the solution is and we back them.”