While many of us take being able to read and write for granted, that isn’t true for everyone. Literacy is essential to individual and community well-being as well as economic development. Having the ability to read and write leads to better educational and employment opportunities.
Business leagues and chambers of commerce operate in many different communities. The most well known are within cities and towns to help the business owners have a voice in the physical community. There are also plenty of different nonprofits that work with different kinds of communities like immigrant groups or specific industries. These organizations are integral to small businesses throughout the United States, the people employed by them, and their customers. We wanted to share a few different types of organizations today to help showcase the variety. There is somewhere for all business owners to connect and help improve and grow.
As workers in America prepare to celebrate Labor Day, we turn our attention to organizations dedicated to protecting worker rights. These nonprofits dedicate their time to improving wages, working conditions, healthcare coverage, and other benefits for America’s workers.
A stable and healthy home life is critical to an individual’s wellbeing. Family members often need support to support each other better, whether it’s health services, adoption counseling, or addiction recovery.
Birds fill us with a sense of wonder and awe. Each year, we watch them glide above us, seemingly unbothered by the gravity that holds humans firmly on the ground. But when these birds become ill or injured, it’s our chance to give them back their freedom. When you donate to a bird sanctuary, you help rescue these magnificent creatures and return them to the skies.
We’ve all seen the commercials featuring those faces of puppies that need a home. But did you know that there are animal-related nonprofits in the US, for all kinds of different animals that need to be rehomed? There are specific organizations for rabbits, donkeys, and companion birds just to name a few.
Dogs make incredible companions for humans, but they can offer so much more. They are also incredibly smart and can be trained to help protect and save lives. Dogs can sniff out medical issues before they become life-threatening, they can offer eyes and ears for those who need a little assistance, and they can even help inmates develop skills for their life after release. They are incredible animals with incredible talents.
Many people who struggle with chronic illness are in and out of hospitals, treatment centers, and clinics. They often need financial assistance with health insurance and hospital bills. But most of all, they want to feel normal.
Many domestic abuse victims have a hard time seeking help for several reasons, whether out of fear, shame, or financial insecurity. These nonprofit organizations are devoted to supporting victims, helping them get to safety, finding housing, becoming financially independent, and rebuilding their lives.
According to Feeding America, 54 million people may experience food insecurity in 2020 due to the effects of coronavirus. Things like soup kitchens, community meals, and food banks are more important than ever to ensure that individuals and families have food for their next meal.
Photo Source: Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
Asthma impacts millions of Americans and alters their life daily. Even though the disease can be treated and the symptoms minimized in most cases, there is no cure. Education and research are so important especially in diseases like these.
Since humans domesticated some animal species centuries ago, we have also been concerned with protecting them. The more we learn, the more energy there is to take action. With so many different factors taking a toll on various animal species, there is much work to be done to protect their welfare. The great news is that there are many different nonprofit organizations working in this field. Some are focused on raising awareness and advocacy while others do the physical work of taking in animals and helping rehab them. There is something for everyone in terms of donating or volunteering.
Let’s be honest. The healthcare system is not so easy to navigate. There are many obstacles to understanding and getting the care we might need, especially in extra difficult times. For those seeking health support, what they need more than anything is a helping hand and a community.
According to the last census, there are 74.2 million people under 18 in the United States. Nearly 40% of those children live in low-income families and may not have access to good education and resources. Young people who are surrounded by various opportunities from their families, schools, and communities are much more successful as they enter adult life.
From young school children to university students, there are nonprofit youth development programs that target each and every child. When a child has opportunities above and beyond what is offered in the education system, it helps increase the chance for success as they grow up. From a robot building team to a month-long service opportunity in Africa, we are sharing just a tiny glimpse into what these programs offer as well as some first-hand stories of the people who participated.
As we grow older and start to need a little help, there are three main options for different living situations. There are nonprofits for seniors living in their own homes but needing assistance with some general tasks. There are also great nonprofits that provide a place for older adults to live and be part of a community that helps them stay active and engaged. The final option is a home with medical staff that can provide any level of care needed.
When it comes to finances, many of us need a little help. There are financial counseling nonprofits for those affected by homelessness, domestic violence, or mental disabilities.
Photo Source: Photo by Piron Guillaume on Unsplash
The World Health Organization (WHO) is an international health development group that is responsible for regulating and governing health-related policies. The problem is their policies don’t have much power and compliance can be limited in some countries. That leaves so much of the health-related work done internationally to NGO’s (non-governmental organizations). Most of these organizations are nonprofits that rely on donors and volunteers.
57 million Americans live with some kind of disability. Finding a place to call home can be very difficult in some areas because of the requirements people need. Independent housing for people with disabilities is important so they can continue to be an active member of the community.
Mobility is the most common challenge. People facing this challenge need step-free entryways, single-floor layouts, and wide doorways and hallways to be able to easily and safely navigate their home. There are also challenges with intellectual disabilities that have different needs.
Volunteers are an essential part of nonprofits and their success. Hospitals are no different. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 4.9 million Americans volunteered their time at a hospital or health-related organization in the last year. In 2020, less people are able to volunteer in person due to being high risk amidst the pandemic.