February 2008
Monthly Archive
LIVE UNITED
Posted by Ashley on 27 Feb 2008 | Tagged as: Feature Story, Non-Profit Organizations
Join Hands.
Open Your Heart.
Lend Your Muscle.
Find Your Voice.
GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER.
LIVE UNITED.
Open Your Heart.
Lend Your Muscle.
Find Your Voice.
GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER.
LIVE UNITED.
That’s the new slogan for United Way…you know, that nonprofit organization that does …good stuff.
What exactly does the United Way do? I interviewed Susan Black, director of marketing and communications at the local Central Florida branch, who said that their new LIVE UNITED campaign should introduce us all to the community changing impact United Way has Nationwide.
Every community has issues that wreak havoc on the lives of children, families and disabled persons. Living United means being part of changing these issues in communities by working toward three initiatives: helping children through education, helping families through training and helping the disabled or elderly through wellness.
United Way is essential to any community because they financially support the various nonprofit organizations that provide the services to help such people. They also track the success of the programs to produce quantifiable results.
Mrs. Black pointed out that the organization’s main focus is not to simply temporarily relieve problems but to support programs that help people get their lives back on track. “It’s not enough to just feed someone who is hungry, we want to find out the root of the problem and help them fix that,” said Mrs. Black.
The United Way of Central Florida’s Community Impact Cabinet just did a huge research project studying the root causes of grade school dropouts. After speaking to professionals, studying statistics and bringing in analysts they discovered that a strong education began in preschool. So, they concluded, when a child is held back or not educated well enough in those first five years of life they have a significant likelihood to drop out of high school before graduating. A lack of an education then can lead to going to jail, teen pregnancy and/or dependency on government support for help. To prevent this issue United Way supports and refers people to nonprofit organizations who can help parents prepare their children for grade school.
A few examples of the local organizations who deal with childhood education that United Way supports are the Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Salvation Army and Achievement Academy, Inc.
(This is a basic video about what United Way does to positively impact local communities across the nation.)
As one of the largest and most successful nonprofit organizations in the country, United Way knows how to create a unified community by supporting other nonprofits such as those previously mentioned. The Central Florida branch has 5 people on staff whose main purpose is to raise funds. They are the middle men and women between United Way and donors who prepare presentations, train volunteers and lead the loaned executives program.
The loaned executives program brings in business executives from big companies, trains them about the United Way and prepares them to give presentations to other companies to help raise funds. The majority of United Way’s funding comes from corporate businesses, their employees and individual donors. Then all of the collected funds are allocated to the various nonprofit organizations the United Way supports.
Volunteers can get involved at this point in many ways. Some volunteers from the business community help analyze the programs implemented by each organization and determine whether the program is worthy of funding. Other volunteers may be the ones who actually go into the community to test a program or help an organization develop a quantifiable way of evaluating a program.
Staff members from the United Way, such as Mrs. Black, also reach out to other nonprofit organizations to help them develop better public relations and marketing skills so that they can raise their own funds as well.
“I feel like I am involved and more a part of the community when I am actually doing something that changes people’s lives,” said Black. Other nonprofit employees also say the wonder of working for a nonprofit organization that helps people is that you know that your hours of hard work are not in vain.
Mrs. Black says the pay is the only downfall to working for a nonprofit. Many nonprofits cannot even afford to have any paid staff, but the United Way is one of only a few that actually can offer paid positions to their employees. Yet, like the majority of nonprofits, most of the staff is made up of unpaid volunteers who sacrifice their time to help their communities.
The United Way connects businesses and individuals to the nonprofits. The nonprofits connect to the poor, needy, helpless, elderly, disabled and uneducated. Then, as those people and their situations improve, they give back to the community, society and economy which feed the American businesses. It unites all of the pieces of a community together to make our little pieces of the world a better place.
Hence the slogan LIVE UNITED is an excellent way to explain to donors just exactly what the United Way accomplishes for the good of community, which includes you!
So LIVE UNITED, get out in your community and make a difference. Use your gifts and talents to help someone less fortunate than you. A great place to start is the United Way.
To volunteer, ask questions about referrals, donate or get more information, the Central Florida chapter (located at 5605 U.S. Highway 98 South in Highlands City just outside of Lakeland) can be reached via telephone at 863-648-1515. The local website is www.uwcf.org and the national website is www.unitedway.org. Also, the United Way has a facebook group named LIVE UNITED. To hear from other volunteers about their experiences with the United Way see the volunteer blog by clicking on the logo below. By the way, if you don’t have anything to do for Spring Break the United Way has many opportunities for you to serve in your community no matter what state you’re in. For alternative spring break plans click on the logo to see what other students are saying about United Way’s spring break initiatives. Also to see videos about alternative spring breaks done in the past see the think mtv link. Check out all of these resources to see how you can join the campaign and help others.
Check This Out
Posted by Ashley on 21 Feb 2008 | Tagged as: Non-Profit Organizations, Non-profit News, Uncategorized
Hey if you’re interested in checking out another blog related to Non-profits check out my friend Shari Hoffner’s website www.betweendreamsmag.com/nonprofitnews.
Two Women in Brandon Make Dreams Come True
Posted by Ashley on 13 Feb 2008 | Tagged as: Feature Story
Two women with vision and passion, two ill children, two dreams granted, and many more to be fulfilled!
Madonna Abruzzese (on the left) and Julie Duncan accept a $500 money card for the Dream Factory Florida chapter at the grand opening of the Office Depot on Highway 60 in Brandon, FL
Aubrey Moore and Chris Goff were the first two children in Florida whose dreams came true this last year through the help of the Dream Factory.
The Dream Factory’s purpose is to grant dreams for children ages three to 18 who have critical or chronic illnesses and have not had a dream previously granted by another organization such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Two examples of a critical or chronic illness would be cerebral palsy or hydrocephalus. These children are the heartbeat of the Dream Factory and granting their dreams is the desire of this organization with the help of funds and volunteers.
The Dream Factory sent Aubrey to Myrtle Beach with her family for the first family vacation they have ever been on. Her dream: to visit T.I.G.E.R.S. (the Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species) in Myrtle Beach, SC where they raise baby “ligers” and train rare animals to act in TV commercials and movies. Then they sent Chris to Atlanta, GA where he witnessed a NASCAR race. His dream: to attend a NASCAR race with “unfettered access” to the cars and drivers (Dream Factory of Florida).
Neither of these dreams could have come true without the help of Julie Duncan and Madonna Abruzzese. Julie’s interaction with the Dream Factory began 13 or more years ago when her sister, Ronda Pierce, became the area coordinator for a chapter in Memphis, Tennessee. In September of 2006, Julie attended a national seminar for the Dream Factory where the idea for a Florida chapter blossomed. By November of that year, the Florida chapter was born and Julie took on the position as area coordinator. But as the wife of a military man who could be relocated at any time, Julie knew she needed dedicated people to help her develop the chapter and keep it going if she had to move with her family. Mrs. Madonna Abruzzese came to the rescue.
Mrs. Madonna Abruzzese, a Massachusetts girl, arrived in Florida with her husband and twin boys in July 2006. It wasn’t until February 2007 that she met Julie Duncan at a Brandon Chamber of Commerce meeting and became involved with the Dream Factory. But, Madonna has been involved with community service ventures since she was young. Between eighth and twelfth grade she dedicated over 2000 hours of her time to community service in the local hospital and with many other organizations.
“I guess you could call me a ‘career volunteer,’” said Madonna, who is the current Executive for the Dream Factory of Florida. In March of this year she will be taking on the role of President of the chapter because, as predicted, Julie Duncan and her husband John will be moving to Washington state because of his military status over the summer. Madonna can definitely be defined as a “career volunteer” because this position isn’t paid and yet can be the hardest career one could ever have.
“It’s the hardest job you’ll ever love. It’s like being a mother, its very hard and challenging but it’s worth it,” said Madonna. “Trying to remind myself that my family comes first and the nonprofit comes second (and really should take third place to by business, but it shares second place) is the hardest part of working for a nonprofit.”
She also spoke about the joys of running a nonprofit organization, “Going out, talking to people and sharing what I do is great. It’s a joy to see people fall in love with the organization and want to donate or get us in contact with people who can help us help the kids.”
I asked Madonna what two things were essential for the organization to function and she replied, “Number 1 is the children… #2 is the money. If there isn’t anyone to raise money for, then what’s the use of the money?” Unfortunately, money has to be one of the essentials of all nonprofit organizations. Without funds and fund raising nonprofits could not even exist. As a result, the majority of people who work for nonprofits don’t make a salary because all of the funds are necessary to support the vision of the organization.
“If anyone is serious about nonprofit as a career and expect a salary, they need to expect that money will almost always be minimal,” Madonna commented. As she said before, “it will be the hardest job you ever love” because you get to pour out your energy, passion, inspiration and vision all for the sake of the good of others.
Katherine’s wish was to swim with dolphins
Mark’s wish was to meet the President of the United States, which was George W. Bush at the time
If you want to get involved with a nonprofit that raises money for critically and chronically ill children the Dream Factory is a great place to investigate. At all 37 existing chapters 100% of their funds goes to granting dreams for such children and raising awareness. They have chapters in 19 states, so look up the closest chapter to you and give them a call to see how you can volunteer. The contact for the Florida chapter is Madonna Abruzzese. She can be reached by phone at 1-813-480-6313 or via email at ladyabruzz@aol.com. For further information on the Florida chapter visit dreamfactoryflorida.com and for national information visit the national website at dreamfactoryinc.com. If you have a critically or chronically ill child who has a dream visit the national website previously mentioned and get in contact with the chapter closest to your home. They are always looking for more children with dreams in their heads to be granted!
Compassion Alliance
Posted by Ashley on 13 Feb 2008 | Tagged as: Non-Profit Organizations
Compassion Alliance is supported by Southeastern University’s students who give freely of their abundance during chapel services. Check out their website here for more information on how this non-profit Christian organization is changing the world.
Non-Profit News
Posted by Ashley on 13 Feb 2008 | Tagged as: Non-profit News
Welcome to wordpress.com and Non-Profit News. This is a great place to ask questions about non-profit organizations in general and talk about the good and bad sides of being involved with a non-profit. Feel free to ask questions, post responses and inform bloggers on anything and everything non-profit.
Forces for Good
Posted by Ashley on 12 Feb 2008 | Tagged as: Nonprofit Resources
The book Forces for Good was written by Leslie Crutchfield and Heather McLeod Grant about the six practices of high-impact nonprofits. About.com said “The book does not get bogged down in reams of data… rather is carried by stories told– stories that are dramatic, heart warming . . .” “Whether you’re a nonprofit leaders, a philanthropist, a business exec, a donor, or a volunteer, you will find something that inspires you to be an even more effective catalyst for lasting social change.” (thesocialedge.com) According to Crutchfield and Grant, high-impact nonprofits (i.e. those who have “created real social change…have come up with innovative solutions to social problems, and have spread these ideas nationally or internationally”) demonstrate all or most of six practices:
1. They both advocate what is urgently needed and commit resources in response to that need
2. Are “pragmatic idealists” who combine social values with business “smarts” to “make markets work”
3. Build a community of evangelists as a powerful force for social change by communicating their mission, vision, and values as well as creating meaningful experiences
4. Adopt and maintain a network mind-set to share resources and empower other organizations
5. Constantly adapt and modify their tactics and initiatives while maintaining “the balance between stifling bureaucracy and unbridled creativity”
6. Support growth by developing high-impact leadership internally, widely distributing authority as well as responsibility among those involved in the given enterprise
Crutchfield and Grant devote a separate chapter to each of these six, then suggest in Chapter Nine how to put them in action. By now they have answered the original question. Great nonprofits are great because they are “working with and through others, as counterintuitive as that might seem. It’s about leveraging every sector of society to become a force for good….[moreover] high-impact organizations bridge boundaries and work with others to achieve greater levels of change than they could accomplish alone.” (Amazon.com product page for “Forces for Good”)
Christian Surfers USA
Posted by Ashley on 07 Feb 2008 | Tagged as: Non-Profit Organizations
Christian Surfers USA
If you’re a surfer and you love Jesus you should definitely check out this non-profit organization. Christian Surfers is supported by CJ Hobgood, Bryan Jennings, Jason Andre and many more crazy surfer dudes out there. They are doing great things all over the world through their God-given surfing talent. To see some cool pics and hear what some of the pros have to say about Jesus see www.christiansurfers.com/2/awareness/5questionsseries/CJ07/
KLD Youth Foundation and Christian Surfers
Posted by Ashley on 07 Feb 2008 | Tagged as: Non-Profit Organizations
KLD Youth Foundation and Christian Surfers, Bahamas, two dynamic and growing non-profits, are joining forces to help the poor and needy in the Caribbean Islands. They are currently sending missionaries to the Bahamas to “Paint the Town”. More info. on these 2 interesting non-profits and ways you can get involved with them coming soon.
Nonprofit Organizations in the Lakeland Area
Posted by Ashley on 06 Feb 2008 | Tagged as: Non-Profit Organizations
Habitat for Humanity of Lakeland
- www.habitat.org - (863) 688-4660 - more
Global Servants
- www.globalservants.org - (863) 607-9959 - more
Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland
- www.cfgl.org - (863) 607-9800 - more
Rose Height Elk Lodge
- maps.google.com - (863) 682-5664 - more
We Care of Polk County
- maps.google.com - (863) 701-8070 - more
Blessed Hope Foundation
- maps.google.com - (863) 619-6553 - more
Genesis Zoological Center Inc.
- genesiszoological.org - (863) 965-8706 - more
For more see this link: http://www.superpages.com/yellowpages/C-Charitable+&+Nonprofit+Organizations/S-FL/T-Lakeland/
The Importance of Nonprofits in Colorado
Posted by Ashley on 06 Feb 2008 | Tagged as: Non-profit News
It is thought by some that Nonprofit organizations sap money out of public and private investors and dispense it on foreign soil adding to the depletion of the American economy. However, a study done in Colorado has proven that nonprofit organizations are significant contributors to the growth of jobs and production. In Colorado alone the nonprofit sector contributes $2 billion to the state’s economy and over 123,000 full-time employee positions. These numbers make Colorado’s nonprofit sector the third largest industry in Colorado! They contribute more to the gross state product than the mining, transportation, utilities and agriculture industries combined.
The first part of this study was done by The Johns Hopkins Center for Civil Society Studies, and its director, Lester M. Salamon. The second part of the study was performed by Denver’s Corona Research, Inc., and its principal Kevin Raines. The study was sponsored by Qwest, Community First Foundation and the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. To see the whole article you can visit http://www.ColoradoNonprofits.org or http://prnewswire.com.