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Tag: nonprofit

  • This DC-area nonprofit is seeing fewer donations this holiday season. Here’s how you can help – WTOP News

    A local nonprofit is working to keep its tradition of serving holiday meals to unhoused people in the D.C. region, even as donations have slowed this season.

    A local nonprofit is working to keep its tradition of serving holiday meals to unhoused people in the D.C. region, even as donations have slowed this season.

    “Our goal for this year would be 2,500 meals on Thanksgiving, and then 2,500 meals again a month later on Christmas Day,” said Jay Herriott, founder of The 25th Project, a D.C.-area nonprofit that donates meals on the 25th of every month.

    Herriott said the organization has noticed a slowdown in donations compared to last year. He suspects that is because of the recent 43-day government shutdown, which was the longest in U.S. history.

    Volunteers have been signing up, but those at The 25th Project have noticed “less food … less protein, less ham, less turkey, from what has been in years past,” Herriott said.

    Still, he remains hopeful that donations will rebound. “We anticipate it picking up as everybody’s going back to work,” he told WTOP.

    To donate food items or to volunteer, register on The 25th Project’s website. In addition to proteins, the organization is in need of side dishes and desserts. “We have a whole pie-cutting station,” Herriott said.

    All food items must be fully cooked and brought to Burke Community Church on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day. Volunteers can reheat food at the church, so items prepared in advance are acceptable. “As long as it’s completely cooked, then we can use it,” Herriott said.

    Food plating begins at 8 a.m. on both holidays.

    Burke Community Church is located at 9900 Old Key Mill Road in Burke, Virginia.

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Liz Anderson

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  • California backs down on AI laws so more tech leaders don’t flee the state

    California’s tech companies, the epicenter of the state’s economy, sent politicians a loud message this year: Back down from restrictive artificial intelligence regulation or they’ll leave.

    The tactic appeared to have worked, activists said, because some politicians weakened or scrapped guardrails to mitigate AI’s biggest risks.

    California Gov. Gavin Newsom rejected a bill aimed at making companion chatbots safer for children after the tech industry fought it. In his veto message, the governor raised concerns about placing broad limits on AI, which has sparked a massive investment spree and created new billionaires overnight around the San Francisco Bay Area.

    Assembly Bill 1064 would have barred companion chatbot operators from making these AI systems available to minors unless the chatbots weren’t “foreseeably capable” of certain conduct, including encouraging a child to engage in self-harm. Newsom said he supported the goal, but feared it would unintentionally bar minors from using AI tools and learning how to use technology safely.

    “We cannot prepare our youth for a future where AI is ubiquitous by preventing their use of these tools altogether,” he wrote in his veto message.

    The bill’s veto was a blow to child safety advocates who had pushed it through the state Legislature and a win for tech industry groups that fought it. In social media ads, groups such as TechNet had urged the public to tell the governor to veto the bill because it would harm innovation and lead to students falling behind in school.

    Organizations trying to rein in the world’s largest tech companies as they advance the powerful technology say the tech industry has become more empowered at the national and state levels.

    Meta, Google, OpenAI, Apple and other major tech companies have strengthened their relationships with the Trump administration. Companies are funding new organizations and political action committees to push back against state AI policy while pouring money into lobbying.

    In Sacramento, AI companies have lobbied behind the scenes for more freedom. California’s massive pool of engineering talent, tech investors and companies make it an attractive place for the tech industry, but companies are letting policymakers know that other states are also interested in attracting those investments and jobs. Big Tech is particularly sensitive to regulations in the Golden State because so many companies are headquartered there and must abide by its rules.

    “We believe California can strike a better balance between protecting consumers and enabling responsible technological growth,” Robert Boykin, TechNet’s executive director for California and the Southwest, said in a statement.

    Common Sense Media founder and Chief Executive Jim Steyer said tech lobbyists put tremendous pressure on Newsom to veto AB 1064. Common Sense Media, a nonprofit that rates and reviews technology and entertainment for families, sponsored the bill.

    “They threaten to hurt the economy of California,” he said. “That’s the basic message from the tech companies.”

    Advertising is among the tactics tech companies with deep pockets use to convince politicians to kill or weaken legislation. Even if the governor signs a bill, companies have at times sued to block new laws from taking effect.

    “If you’re really trying to do something bold with tech policy, you have to jump over a lot of hurdles,” said David Evan Harris, senior policy advisor at the California Initiative for Technology and Democracy, which supported AB 1064. The group focuses on finding state-level solutions to threats that AI, disinformation and emerging technologies pose to democracy.

    Tech companies have threatened to move their headquarters and jobs to other states or countries, a risk looming over politicians and regulators.

    The California Chamber of Commerce, a broad-based business advocacy group that includes tech giants, launched a campaign this year that warned over-regulation could stifle innovation and hinder California.

    “Making competition harder could cause California companies to expand elsewhere, costing the state’s economy billions,” the group said on its website.

    From January to September, the California Chamber of Commerce spent $11.48 million lobbying California lawmakers and regulators on a variety of bills, filings to the California secretary of state show. During that period, Meta spent $4.13 million. A lobbying disclosure report shows that Meta paid the California Chamber of Commerce $3.1 million, making up the bulk of their spending. Google, which also paid TechNet and the California Chamber of Commerce, spent $2.39 million.

    Amazon, Uber, DoorDash and other tech companies spent more than $1 million each. TechNet spent around $800,000.

    The threat that California companies could move away has caught the attention of some politicians.

    California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta, who has investigated tech companies over child safety concerns, indicated that despite initial concern, his office wouldn’t oppose ChatGPT maker OpenAI’s restructuring plans. The new structure gives OpenAI’s nonprofit parent a stake in its for-profit public benefit corporation and clears the way for OpenAI to list its shares.

    Bonta blessed the restructuring partly because of OpenAI’s pledge to stay in the state.

    “Safety will be prioritized, as well as a commitment that OpenAI will remain right here in California,” he said in a statement last week. The AG’s office, which supervises charitable trusts and ensures these assets are used for public benefit, had been investigating OpenAI’s restructuring plan over the last year and a half.

    OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman said he’s glad to stay in California.

    “California is my home, and I love it here, and when I talked to Attorney General Bonta two weeks ago I made clear that we were not going to do what those other companies do and threaten to leave if sued,” he posted on X.

    Critics — which included some tech leaders such as Elon Musk, Meta and former OpenAI executives as well as nonprofits and foundations — have raised concerns about OpenAI’s restructuring plan. Some warned it would allow startups to exploit charitable tax exemptions and let OpenAI prioritize financial gain over public good.

    Lawmakers and advocacy groups say it’s been a mixed year for tech regulation. The governor signed Assembly Bill 56, which requires platforms to display labels for minors that warn about social media’s mental health harms. Another piece of signed legislation, Senate Bill 53, aims to make AI developers more transparent about safety risks and offers more whistleblower protections.

    The governor also signed a bill that requires chatbot operators to have procedures to prevent the production of suicide or self-harm content. But advocacy groups, including Common Sense Media, removed their support for Senate Bill 243 because they said the tech industry pushed for changes that weakened its protections.

    Newsom vetoed other legislation that the tech industry opposed, including Senate Bill 7, which requires employers to notify workers before deploying an “automated decision system” in hiring, promotions and other employment decisions.

    Called the “No Robo Bosses Act,” the legislation didn’t clear the governor, who thought it was too broad.

    “A lot of nuance was demonstrated in the lawmaking process about the balance between ensuring meaningful protections while also encouraging innovation,” said Julia Powles, a professor and executive director of the UCLA Institute for Technology, Law & Policy.

    The battle over AI safety is far from over. Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda), who co-wrote AB 1064, said she plans to revive the legislation.

    Child safety is an issue that both Democrats and Republicans are examining after parents sued AI companies such as OpenAI and Character.AI for allegedly contributing to their children’s suicides.

    “The harm that these chatbots are causing feels so fast and furious, public and real that I thought we would have a different outcome,” Bauer-Kahan said. “It’s always fascinating to me when the outcome of policy feels to be disconnected from what I believe the public wants.”

    Steyer from Common Sense Media said a new ballot initiative includes the AI safety protections that Newsom vetoed.

    “That was a setback, but not an overall defeat,” he said about the veto of AB 1064. “This is a David and Goliath situation, and we are David.”

    Queenie Wong

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  • Philly nonprofit teaches young girls about the ‘Cycles of Healing’

    PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — This Philly nonprofit is teaching girls how to know their worth.

    The organization focuses on empowering youth through their programming and mentorship.

    “Know Your Worth Girls Inc. is about providing a safe haven. We’re a nonprofit organization…Philadelphia based, helping those at-risk girls that really need it. Being able to give them that love and teaching them about self-love,” said Assistant Director, Kyasia Bess.

    They hopped on bikes this morning for their “Cycles of Healing” event.

    While riding through nature, they also stopped at their own stations to receive affirmations and process emotions.

    For more information, check out the video above.

    Also, check out their website.

    Copyright © 2025 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.

    Nick Iadonisi

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  • Adams County nonprofit Almost Home faces $2M shortfall, turns to community for support

    THORNTON, Colo. — Almost Home, an Adams County nonprofit serving unhoused people and families at risk of homelessness in north metro Denver, is raising money through a 5K race on Saturday after the organization said federal funding cuts have forced it to stop some programs.

    Federal support enables Almost Home to provide low-barrier emergency housing, financial assistance, and vital resources for families and individuals in Adams, Broomfield, and southern Weld counties. Executive Director Jessica Fiedler said significant recent funding cuts have sharply limited the number of people they can serve.

    On Saturday morning, dozens of people and families dressed up in their Halloween costumes for the organization’s first-ever Spooky Sprint 5K at Margaret Carpenter Park in Thornton. Almost Home said it raised around $12,000 from the race, which will support programs for two families.

    Erick Valenzuela

    Runners line up at the start of Almost Home’s Spooky Sprint 5K at Margaret Carpenter Park in Thornton on Saturday morning.

    “There’s nothing better than helping people out. And for a great cause? It’s the perfect thing to do on a Saturday morning,” said runner Lynette Day.

    Fiedler said the nonprofit received $1 million from TANF in Fiscal Year 2025, dropping to $290,000 for July–December 2025, with no TANF funds in 2026.

    “We believe that if people are housed, that allows them to focus then on other things, such as being employed and perhaps addressing some issues that they may have with mental health or with addiction,” said Fiedler.

    The nonprofit faces $2 million in funding cuts this fiscal year due to more competitive grants, leading to a 25% reduction in services for families and employee layoffs, Fielder said.

    Almost Home 5K Run

    Erick Valenzuela

    Joggers dressed in Halloween costumes hit the pavement at Margaret Carpenter Park in Thornton on Saturday morning to raise money for a local nonprofit through a 5K race.

    “We’re just trying to find new and creative ways to bring funding in to support our programs,” she said.

    “Just in general, I think this is a big issue that we need to fix and solve. People are dressing up, they’re running, wearing costumes, and then in the end we’re just spreading awareness about this,” said Kiley Haberstoh, who ran in the 5K with her sister and boyfriend.

    In FY25, Almost Home served over 3,500 people with homeless prevention and shelter, including 40 families with children and 10 families fleeing domestic violence.

    Denver7 reached out to Adams County to understand how the federal TANF cuts are impacting other nonprofits and whether the county is working on solutions to fill the gaps.

    Commissioner Lynn Baca, Chair of the Adams County Board of Commissioners, said federal TANF funding hasn’t increased in nearly 30 years, but the real value of the money received through the program has decreased by more than 50% due to inflation and lack of federal adjustments.

    Commissioner Baca also said a new state law increases the amount of direct cash assistance counties must provide to community members, reducing funds available to nonprofits. She said because of this, the county extended its TANF contracts with nonprofits through Dec. 31, 2025, but said they’re working to find a long-term solution.

    Adams County nonprofit Almost Home faces $2M shortfall, turns to community for support

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    Denver7

    Denver7 | Your Voice: Get in touch with Maggie Bryan

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    Maggie Bryan

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  • Philly students receive a ‘Launchpad’ to a successful career in technology

    Saturday, October 25, 2025 9:26PM

    Philly students receive a 'Launchpad' to a successful career

    In efforts to give a boost to Philly students, this initiative provides a “Launchpad.”

    PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — In efforts to give a boost to Philly students, this initiative provides a “Launchpad.”

    The free program teaches them about technology and develops skills for a future career.

    Today was their event where they learned how to deconstruct and rebuild a PC.

    “Our young people come here and they feel like they found their people…that are not only really passionate but also really dedicated and hardworking. Having that when you’re 18-19 can be super motivating in terms of launching your career and taking it to the next level,” said Program Director, Nick Imparato.

    For more information, check out the video above.

    Also, check out their website.

    Copyright © 2025 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.

    Nick Iadonisi

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  • Inter-Faith Food Shuttle struggling to meet increased need due to government shutdown

    The Inter-Faith Food Shuttle said more people have relied on
    its services since the federal government shutdown.

    The Raleigh-based nonprofit said between 100 and 300 more
    people have received services between August and September.

    The nonprofit’s staff expects the numbers to increase as
    more federal workers face the impacts of the shutdown,
    which began on Oct. 1    .

    “How do we do more with less because there is a bigger need
    but we have fewer dollars?” said Inter-Faith Food Shuttle Chief Development
    Officer Kimberly Burrows. “As you mentioned, not having a state budget, we used
    to get state funds.

    “And, this is actually the first year that in the proposed
    budgets that are out there, they have cut food bank funding for the first time
    in 35 years.”

    Burrows said the end of COVID funding, federal cuts and no
    state budget have contributed to the nonprofit struggling to meet people’s
    needs.

    The nonprofit provides nutritious food to children, families
    and seniors facing food insecurity.

    Related: Triangle
    food pantries fear government shutdown could strain resources, spike demand

    Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program [SNAP] benefits
    are expected to last at least until next week.

    The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services [DHHS]
    sent out a notice. The DHHS said the U.S. Department of Agriculture does not
    have enough money to fund SNAP benefits through November.

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  • How this South Florida arts group is boosting students’ confidence, academics

    Students enjoy an art-making activity at NSU Art Museum in Fort Lauderdale during ‘Our Voices: Festival of Words 2025.’

    Students enjoy an art-making activity at NSU Art Museum in Fort Lauderdale during ‘Our Voices: Festival of Words 2025.’

    Art Prevails Project

    When a 10-year-old reluctantly attended an improv workshop by the Art Prevails Project with her mom, she was so shy she barely spoke. Two years later, her mother reached out to thank the organization and shared an update: That same girl is taking acting classes and is thriving in school.

    Stories like this, says Darius V. Daughtry, founder and artistic director of Art Prevails Project, embody the mission of the Fort Lauderdale-based nonprofit that provides arts education and exposure to students and families.

    “Most of our students are not going to be future artists, that’s not necessarily going to be their path. But the skills that they get from being connected to the arts are going to be in their lives. These young people become lifelong lovers of the arts, but also, they just become better people,” says Daughtry.

    He has been down that path, being encouraged as a child to write poetry as a form of self-expression. Though Daughtry began his college career as an accounting major at the University of Florida, late nights spent writing plays convinced him to change course, eventually graduating with a degree in English and finance.

    He went on to teach English, creative writing, and theater in high schools for 10 years. It was there, leading poetry and drama clubs, that he first saw how the arts could change the trajectory of students’ lives. That realization would plant the seed for what became Art Prevails Project. But before launching his own nonprofit, he spent a few years working for the Jason Taylor Foundation, where he was director of poetry programs and realized the potential community impact a nonprofit organization could have.

    “I wanted to give opportunities and access to communities through art education, but also through actual performances. I wanted to give community members an opportunity to see and hear voices that reflect their own experiences,” said Daughtry, an accomplished poet and playwright himself.

    Founded in 2015, Art Prevails Project began as a one-man operation and has grown into a nonprofit with two intertwined missions: Providing arts education and staging performances that reflect the voices of the community.

    “We are committed to empowering communities through the power of art and authentic storytelling,” he says.

    On the education side, trained teaching artists – local writers, actors, and musicians – bring creative writing, theater, and performance residencies into schools. The students write poems, devise plays, and often publish booklets of their work. Along with literacy skills, he says, “they’re working on being able to communicate and collaborate with other students and articulate their point of view,” Daughtry says.

    On the performance side, Art Prevails Project produces original theatrical performances, some written and directed by Daughtry such as this summer’s “The Bard in Bars” performance at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts that blended Shakespeare, hip hop and a string ensemble.

    Maro Rodriguez does her best Lady M during Art Prevails Project’s ‘The Bard in Bars,’ written and directed by Darius Daughtry.
    Maro Rodriguez does her best Lady M during Art Prevails Project’s ‘The Bard in Bars,’ written and directed by Darius Daughtry. Gregory Reed, MFA

    The nonprofit also hosts community events, including an annual literary festival called Our Voices that has brought nationally recognized voices such as Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Jericho Brown to South Florida. Tickets for these events, if required, are kept very affordable, he says. “The whole idea with that is to continue to expose communities to these literary areas in as many ways that we can and hopefully inspire the next generation.”

    Each year, Art Prevails Project reaches about 2,000 students through its educational programs and 3,000 to 4,000 community members through performances and events. Yet Daughtry insists numbers tell only part of the story.

    The real impact shows up in small but powerful ways, he says, like when he sees students run up and hug their teaching artists, or when children’s faces light up when they see their words published in a book of poetry they contributed to, or when a parent is moved to tears during a post-show discussion about how much a performance resonated with his or her family.

    “When I think about impact, I think about those things. That’s what excites me,” Daughtry says.

    Hit hard by budget cuts

    As with most grassroots nonprofits, the greatest challenge is raising funding to sustain and grow that impact. Art Prevails Project relies primarily on grants and donations, with only a small percentage coming from ticket sales and fee-for-service work such as corporate workshops or city partnerships.

    The unpredictability of grants, especially during the current environment in which arts organizations have been hit hard, makes sustaining programming difficult. Daughtry says his own organization and some of his partnering organizations have experienced recent cutbacks.

    “People forget nonprofits are businesses, too,” Daughtry notes. “We still need to pay staff and pay bills while making sure we’re reaching students and audiences consistently.”

    Darius V. Daughtry, founder of Art Prevails Project, and the cast of ‘Seeking’ celebrate a successful run at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale in July 2024.
    Darius V. Daughtry, founder of Art Prevails Project, and the cast of ‘Seeking’ celebrate a successful run at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale in July 2024. Gregory Reed, MFA

    That’s where individual supporters can make all the difference. For instance, he says, “a $25 donation can help provide teaching artists for classrooms that support 25 to 30 students, or it is the cost of a ticket for a show that may change somebody’s life.”

    Despite the challenges, Art Prevails Project continues to grow. Just before the pandemic, Daughtry participated in Radical Partners’ social impact entrepreneurship accelerator for nonprofit leaders. Among many other things, the program taught him to run his nonprofit as a business with multiple revenue streams. Another learning: Stay true to your mission and be wary of taking on projects that don’t contribute to your core mission. Last year, he was chosen for the Miami Foundation’s inaugural yearlong Saltwater Fellowship.

    Today, Daughtry’s team includes a director of operations, an education manager, and a communications manager. They are joined by a rotating cohort of 10 to 15 teaching artists that Art Prevails Project trains to lead classroom workshops.

    What’s next?

    Art Prevails Project plans to do a regional tour of its theatrical productions across South Florida, bringing original work to new audiences. The nonprofit also has been piloting a program designed for students with exceptionalities, ensuring that all children have the chance to experience the arts.

    Daughtry’s longer-term goal is to establish a permanent home for the nonprofit, a space where community members can come and engage, whether it is as artists, workshop participants or audience members.

    “If not for the arts, my life would have been entirely different,” Daughtry reflects. Ten years in, he remains driven by the belief that exposure to the arts can change lives.

    How to help

    Donate or volunteer to help Art Prevails Project bring the arts to more schools: www.artprevailsproject.org/support

    More information: https://www.artprevailsproject.org/

    Editor’s note: This story is part of the Miami Herald Giving Section that highlights local nonprofit organizations in the community.

    Nancy Dahlberg

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  • Nonprofits, credit unions help impacted federal workers from government shutdown

    Nonprofits, credit unions help impacted federal workers from government shutdown

    Updated: 2:41 PM PDT Oct 16, 2025

    Editorial Standards ⓘ

    From nonprofits to credit unions, organizations across the country are stepping up to help military families and federal workers as the government shutdown continues. Many are reporting an alarming surge in demand.Since the shutdown, military spouse Alicia Blevins has faced a mountain of stress. Her family’s savings are depleted, stress-related health issues are emerging, and her job search has been put on hold 16 days into the shutdown. “It’s the stress that’s really gotten to us,” Blevins said. “Right now, I’ve got my resume out to every customer service job, entry level or not. I’ve got it out everywhere.”The desperation is being felt at nonprofits like the Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN). This week, the organization launched its emergency grocery support program in response to the shutdown, noting that more than 6,000 verified military families applied for its 1,600 grocery packages in the first 24 hours alone.”This moment really puts families at a very fragile place,” MFAN’s Chief Advancement Officer Kara Pappas said. “The need has so quickly eclipsed the demand that we need support from Americans.”Financial institutions are also escalating aid to military members and federal workers who qualify. The Navy Federal Credit Union, for example, is offering 0% interest loans through its paycheck assistance program.The USAA is offering the same and reports that it’s issued nearly $270 million in loans to more than 71,000 of its members so far.The Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA) is giving those eligible up to $150 in micro-grants to support federal employees impacted by the shutdown.Patrick Malone, Director at the Key Executive Leadership Program at American University, emphasizes prioritizing mental health during the shutdown. Malone advises those impacted to reach out and tap into resources immediately and scheduling time for self-care.Watch the latest coverage on the federal government shutdown:

    WASHINGTON —

    From nonprofits to credit unions, organizations across the country are stepping up to help military families and federal workers as the government shutdown continues. Many are reporting an alarming surge in demand.

    Since the shutdown, military spouse Alicia Blevins has faced a mountain of stress. Her family’s savings are depleted, stress-related health issues are emerging, and her job search has been put on hold 16 days into the shutdown.

    “It’s the stress that’s really gotten to us,” Blevins said. “Right now, I’ve got my resume out to every customer service job, entry level or not. I’ve got it out everywhere.”

    The desperation is being felt at nonprofits like the Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN). This week, the organization launched its emergency grocery support program in response to the shutdown, noting that more than 6,000 verified military families applied for its 1,600 grocery packages in the first 24 hours alone.

    “This moment really puts families at a very fragile place,” MFAN’s Chief Advancement Officer Kara Pappas said. “The need has so quickly eclipsed the demand that we need support from Americans.”

    Financial institutions are also escalating aid to military members and federal workers who qualify.

    The Navy Federal Credit Union, for example, is offering 0% interest loans through its paycheck assistance program.

    The USAA is offering the same and reports that it’s issued nearly $270 million in loans to more than 71,000 of its members so far.

    The Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA) is giving those eligible up to $150 in micro-grants to support federal employees impacted by the shutdown.

    Patrick Malone, Director at the Key Executive Leadership Program at American University, emphasizes prioritizing mental health during the shutdown. Malone advises those impacted to reach out and tap into resources immediately and scheduling time for self-care.

    Watch the latest coverage on the federal government shutdown:

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  • Island Harvest to honor Amazon at ‘Taste of the Harvest’ | Long Island Business News

    Island Harvest will honor Amazon at Taste of the Harvest on Oct. 21 for major donations and support in fighting hunger on Long Island.

    Adina Genn

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  • Franconia Sculpture Park seeking donations after $100K grant falls through

    Franconia Sculpture Park, an outdoor museum on 50 acres in Chisago County, Minnesota, is reaching out for community support after it says the funding it relies on didn’t come through. 

    The nonprofit has been around for about 30 years and hosts artists in a residency program. Many of those artists are focused on creating large contemporary pieces, which visitors can see for free year-round. 

    “For many years, Franconia Sculpture Park has been funded by organizations, like the National Endowment for the Arts,” Executive Director Alex Legeros said.

    But this year, he says some of those funding sources haven’t come through, including a $100,000 grant the nonprofit expected to rely on through next year. Legeros points to changes in grant policies at the federal level.

    “Those funds didn’t come through because of changes in grant policies and procedures and those federal agencies that are no longer able to make those grants,” he said.

    While this doesn’t change the fact that Franconia Sculpture Park is free to visit, the organization has now started a membership program to encourage donations.

    Maggie and Gary Marx visited the park on Thursday, driving in from St. Paul. 

    “It’s unique, it’s a nice change from the cities,” said Gary Marx. “Everybody’s pocketbook is tight for the most part but I think if people can give what they can from their heart, that’s important.”

    The Manitou Fund is matching donations up to $40,000 for the next few weeks.

    Ashley Grams

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  • Stanford Settlement Neighborhood Center fosters community in north Sacramento

    PEOPLE WHO HAVE COME TO CALL IT A HOME AWAY FROM HOME. I KNOW HOW TO GET OUT HERE. MY GOODNESS, MY GOODNESS, THERE ARE A HUNDRED REASONS WHY THE REGULARS WHO SHOW UP EACH DAY TO THE STANFORD SETTLEMENT SENIOR CENTER KEEP COMING. THE COMPANY, FOR ONE THING. AND THEN THEY HAVE MEALS ON WHEELS. AND THERE’S ALWAYS AN ACTIVITY AT 82. BETTY SPILLMAN ISN’T DRIVING ANYMORE. THEY COME AND PICK YOU UP AND DROP YOU OFF. IT’S VERY CONVENIENT FOR ME. SHE IS STILL MAKING NEW FRIENDS. WELL, SOME OF THE FRIENDSHIPS ARE PRETTY INSANE BECAUSE SOME OF THE PEOPLE ARE PRETTY CRAZY, BUT THEY’RE THEIR FRIENDS WHO WOULD BE LIFELONG FRIENDS. AND THERE ARE PEOPLE THAT I ASSOCIATE WITH OUTSIDE OF HERE AS WELL. SO IT’S REALLY GOOD FOR THE SOCIABILITY AND COMMUNITY. FOUNDED BY THE SISTERS OF SOCIAL SERVICE, STANFORD SETTLEMENT BEGAN SERVING COMMUNITY MEMBERS BACK IN 1936. YEARS LATER, ITS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, JULIE RODEN. ALL RIGHT, WHO KEEPS THIS PLACE MOVING FORWARD? I’VE BEEN HERE SINCE 1989. THIS WAS MY UNDERGRADUATE SOCIAL WORK FIELD PLACEMENT, AND I GOT HIRED AND I NEVER LEFT BECAUSE I LOVED THE WORK. I FEEL GRATEFUL TO HAVE STAYED IN ONE PLACE FOR SO LONG. THERE’S A LOT OF FUN ON ANY GIVEN DAY. THE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION PROVIDES SERVICES FOR SENIORS, TEENS AND CHILDREN. THAT’S ALL YOUR STICKERS ON THE FRONT. LET ME SEE THE FRONT. OH, THAT’S NICE. SEE MY STICKERS? I DO WANT TO SEE. OH, YOU HAVE STICKERS TOO. THAT’S FUN. THE ONLY REQUIREMENT IS TO LIVE IN ONE OF THE NORTHERN SACRAMENTO NEIGHBORHOODS IMMEDIATELY SURROUNDING STANFORD. ROTTEN SAYS IT’S THE TEEN PROGRAMS THAT ARE HARDEST TO FUNDRAISE FOR. IF THEY’RE NOT AT A PROGRAM LIKE OURS, WHAT ARE THEY DOING? ARE THEY HOME ALONE? ARE THEY RUNNING AROUND IN THE COMMUNITY? AND AND KIDS NEED A SAFE SPACE. SOME PEOPLE CALL IT A THIRD SPACE. YOU KNOW, YOU HAVE YOUR HOME, YOU HAVE YOUR SCHOOL, AND YOU HAVE YOUR STANFORD TEEN CENTER AS A SOCIAL SERVICES AGENCY, STANFORD SETTLEMENT RELIES ON GRANTS, DONORS AND GOVERNMENT FUNDING TO KEEP ITS DOORS OPEN. WHAT IS IT LIKE TO SERVE GENERATIONS OF ONE COMMUNITY? IT’S SO REWARDING. IT’S, YOU KNOW, THE AGE AND WISDOM OF THE SENIORS AND THE NEW BRIGHT ENERGY OF THE YOUNGER PEOPLE. IT’S REALLY EXCITING. I’VE BEEN HERE A LONG TIME. IT WAS AT THE SENIOR CENTER. SPILLMAN AND DARLENE BAXTER CROSSED PATHS AND BECAME FAST FRIENDS. I AM REALLY GRATEFUL, I REALLY AM, I REALLY AM. I COME EVERY DAY. WE SIT AROUND AND WE TALK. THEY PLAY CARDS, THEY PLAY BINGO, THEY PLAY POOL. THE PAIR ENCOURAGED ALL SENIORS TO FIND ANY NUMBER OF REASONS TO KEEP BUILDING COMMUNITY, AND MAYBE EVEN DO SO HERE. I TELL THEM, COME ON OUT. THEY DON’T KNOW WHAT THEY’RE MISSING. THEY REALLY DON’T. IN SACRAMENTO. LEE ANNE DENYER. KCRA THREE NEWS. THE ORGANIZATION’S ANNUAL MONTE CARLO NIGHT FUNDRAISER IS COMING UP ON FRIDAY. WE HAVE MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO GET TICKETS

    Stanford Settlement Neighborhood Center fosters community in north Sacramento

    Stanford Settlement, a nonprofit organization in north Sacramento, has been serving the community since 1936, providing essential services and cultivating a community for local seniors, teens, and children.

    Updated: 6:54 PM PDT Oct 8, 2025

    Editorial Standards ⓘ

    Since 1936, Stanford Settlement Neighborhood Center has served Sacramento families, offering resources and safe spaces to seniors, teens and children in north Sacramento, Del Paso Heights, Gardenland, Northgate and Natomas. “People come to Stanford Settlement when they’re young, they grow up, they go out in the world, they come back. Some of their children come here now,” said Executive Director Julie Rhoten. The senior center, in particular, is a popular spot for regular visitors, like Betty Spillman, 82. She no longer drives and finds the transportation helpful for getting to and from the center to catch up with friends.”They come and pick you up and drop you off. It’s very convenient for me,” she said. “They’re friends who would be lifelong friends and they’re people that I associate with outside of here as well. It’s really good for the sociability and community.”Staff offer rides to seniors who need transportation, as well as meals, activities and general support.“It’s a family feeling in the building. The senior center is designed to make sure that seniors can live independently, where they want to live, as they age. And a great way to do that is by avoiding isolation,” Rhoten said.Rhoten began at Stanford Settlement in 1989. “This is my undergraduate social work field placement, and I got hired and I never left because I love the work,” she said of her tenure. “I feel grateful to have stayed in one place for so long.The organization relies on grants, fundraising and support from local government to operate. Rhoten said teen programming is often the most challenging to fund.“We’re really looking at the social emotional health of kids, making sure that they can have a safe space to practice decision making,” she said. “Some people call it a third space, your home. You have your school and you have your Stanford Teen Center.”Stanford Settlement Neighborhood Center’s annual Monte Carlo Night fundraiser is scheduled for Friday. Tickets are still available.For anyone who wants to learn more, donate or get involved, follow this link. See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

    Since 1936, Stanford Settlement Neighborhood Center has served Sacramento families, offering resources and safe spaces to seniors, teens and children in north Sacramento, Del Paso Heights, Gardenland, Northgate and Natomas.

    “People come to Stanford Settlement when they’re young, they grow up, they go out in the world, they come back. Some of their children come here now,” said Executive Director Julie Rhoten.

    The senior center, in particular, is a popular spot for regular visitors, like Betty Spillman, 82. She no longer drives and finds the transportation helpful for getting to and from the center to catch up with friends.

    “They come and pick you up and drop you off. It’s very convenient for me,” she said. “They’re friends who would be lifelong friends and they’re people that I associate with outside of here as well. It’s really good for the sociability and community.”

    Staff offer rides to seniors who need transportation, as well as meals, activities and general support.

    “It’s a family feeling in the building. The senior center is designed to make sure that seniors can live independently, where they want to live, as they age. And a great way to do that is by avoiding isolation,” Rhoten said.

    Rhoten began at Stanford Settlement in 1989.

    “This is my undergraduate social work field placement, and I got hired and I never left because I love the work,” she said of her tenure. “I feel grateful to have stayed in one place for so long.

    The organization relies on grants, fundraising and support from local government to operate. Rhoten said teen programming is often the most challenging to fund.

    “We’re really looking at the social emotional health of kids, making sure that they can have a safe space to practice decision making,” she said. “Some people call it a third space, your home. You have your school and you have your Stanford Teen Center.”

    Stanford Settlement Neighborhood Center’s annual Monte Carlo Night fundraiser is scheduled for Friday. Tickets are still available.

    For anyone who wants to learn more, donate or get involved, follow this link.

    See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

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  • Long Island Business News announces 2025 Reader Rankings winners | Long Island Business News

    BridgeTower Media acquires Grace Media, leader in window coverings industry

    BridgeTower Media acquires Grace Media, adding IWCE and Window Fashion VISION to its B2B portfolio to expand r[…]

    August 8, 2025

    Regina Jankowski

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  • Digitunity Achieves Milestone of Connecting 10,000 Learners With Digital Skills Training

    In collaboration with AT&T, the national nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the ‘digital divide’ supported community-based training nationwide, empowering people with essential technology skills.


    NORTH CONWAY, N.H., March 11, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    In partnership with AT&T, Digitunity, a national nonprofit with a mission to make computer ownership possible for everyone, announces that it provided 10,000 people across the United States with digital skills training in 2024 through its Connected Learning Award Program.

    For four decades, Digitunity’s mission has been to ensure that everyone can own a computer and build computer skills, so they can gain independence and the education, healthcare and career opportunities needed to succeed in today’s digital world. More than 47 million Americans do not own a computer, limiting their ability to fully participate in the digital economy and access essential online resources.

    In this program, Digitunity collaborated with AT&T to provide the telecommunications leader’s Connected Learning curriculum, which covers digital skills such as video conferencing, email, cybersecurity, and internet and mobile device basics.

    Digitunity supported 57 organizations across 22 states, enabling them to deliver instructor-led workshops that taught the Connected Learning curriculum to underserved populations such as seniors, people in active recovery, and rural populations.

    As a catalyst for expanding computer ownership and digital skills, Digitunity collaborates with major corporations and community organizations to deliver technology and training that empower individuals and strengthen communities.

    Digitunity’s community partners report significant successes from implementing the Connected Learning curriculum.

    “The impact on our learners has been transformative and we’re looking forward to helping even more people improve their digital skills,” said Mary Carlson, digital literacy specialist at Rhode Island Regional Adult Learning (RIRAL).

    “This experience has been incredibly powerful, breaking down barriers for vulnerable individuals by providing them with fundamental computer skills they would likely not have obtained through other means,” said Frankie Garcia-Leon, administrator at Hope House Guthrie in Oklahoma.

    The Connected Learning initiative has won recognition from state-level organizations, including the Arkansas State Broadband Office, which connected community groups statewide with Digitunity and the digital skills program.

    “This initiative directly enhances our literacy programs, helping individuals develop essential technology skills,” said Charlie Muessemeyer, executive director of Dogwood Literacy Council in western Arkansas. “With this support, Dogwood Literacy Council can advance literacy, empower individuals, and build a more inclusive and connected community.”

    About Digitunity

    Digitunity is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to make owning a computer possible for everyone. For nearly 40 years, Digitunity has been engaged in the work of shaping and strengthening systems to address the computer needs of those impacted by the digital divide. Through generating and placing donated computers with organizations serving people in need, supporting a national practitioner network, and providing strategic advisory support to states and cities, Digitunity works to create sustainable solutions that make computer ownership possible for all.

    Contact Information

    Maria Penaloza
    maria.penaloza@newswire.com

    Source: Digitunity

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  • North Carolina Selects Digitunity to Support Digital Equity Plan Implementation

    Through its Division of Broadband and Digital Equity, the N.C. Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) has engaged Digitunity to expand device ownership among North Carolinians impacted by the digital divide.


    NORTH CONWAY, NH, December 10, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    North Carolina has selected Digitunity, a national nonprofit organization, to support its efforts to address the digital divide. Through this multi-year engagement, facilitated by the Friday Institute at NC State University, Digitunity will support the implementation of North Carolina’s Digital Equity Plan with a particular focus on expanding computer ownership among low-income people, rural residents, veterans, older adults, and other underserved segments of the population.

    “We are excited to work with Digitunity to implement the state’s five-year plan to bring computers and technical support to more North Carolinians so they can safely participate in our increasingly digital world,” said Annette Taylor, director of the NCDIT Office of Digital Equity and Literacy. “This partnership will help ensure residents across the state can work remotely, access online learning opportunities and benefit from telehealth services.”

    Under this engagement, Digitunity will collaborate with NCDIT’s Division of Broadband and Digital Equity and local stakeholders to establish a device distribution network that addresses the diverse needs of people in communities across the state. Central to this effort is a “hub and spoke” distribution model, designed to streamline device allocation by connecting regional refurbishing centers, or “hubs,” with trusted, vetted, and trained community deployment sites or “spokes.” Nonprofit computer refurbishers Kramden Institute and E2D are integral contributors to North Carolina’s efforts to meet the device needs of residents impacted by the digital divide.

    Additionally, Digitunity will provide strategic guidance and support to advance device-focused ecosystems across North Carolina. This includes advising on resource allocation, fostering partnerships and guidance on the refurbishing landscape, and supporting the development of programs and strategies to support covered populations’ device needs.

    This partnership is closely aligned with North Carolina’s goal of achieving 95% large-screen device ownership among households by 2029, as outlined in the state’s Digital Equity Plan.

    “Digitunity is honored to have been selected to support North Carolina’s commitment to digital equity,” Scot Henley, Executive Director of Digitunity. “North Carolina has long been viewed as a digital equity innovator and leader, so we are especially proud to collaborate with the NCDIT team and stakeholders across the state.”

    Digitunity invites interested organizations, businesses, and community leaders to support this statewide effort. Through collaborative action, North Carolina aims to build a robust digital infrastructure that closes the digital divide and provides all residents with the tools to thrive in a digital world.

    About Digitunity
    Digitunity is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to make owning a computer possible for everyone. Engaged in advancing digital equity for nearly forty years, Digitunity generates and places donated computers with organizations serving people in need, supports a national practitioner network, and advises states, cities, and coalitions on strategies to meet the ongoing device needs of people impacted by the digital divide.

    Source: Digitunity

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  • Fred Says Foundation Announces Its 2024 Gifts for World AIDS Day

    On December 1st, the Fred Says Foundation gave $215,000 to 11 youth-serving organizations to support LGBTQ young people and youth living with and/or impacted by HIV.


    CHICAGO, IL, December 7, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    As it has done for more than a decade, on December 1st, World AIDS Day, the Fred Says Foundation announced its 2024 giving to youth-serving organizations in the United States and around the world.

    Founded in 2013 by Dr. Robert Garofalo and his dog, Fred, Fred Says is a non-profit charity supporting U.S. and international organizations that care for or provide services to LGBTQ young people and youth living with and/or impacted by HIV. Dr. Garofalo is the Chief of the Division of Adolescent & Young Adult Medicine at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago and Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. Dr. Garofalo adopted Fred after his own HIV diagnosis. Fred Says honors the relationship with his dog that created space in his life for healing and raises awareness and funds for young people affected by HIV.

    “On World AIDS Day we honor those we have lost, celebrate amazing advances in treatment and prevention, and recommit ourselves to the resolve needed to end this pandemic,” said Garofalo. “Fred Says is proud to be part of those efforts helping organizations provide the care and services young people need to thrive as their best authentic selves.”

    In sum, $215,000 will be gifted to 11 youth-serving organizations to support a range of services including: pet therapy and adoption programs, specialized mental health and drop-in services, transportation and housing assistance, peer-led support for transgender and HIV+ youth, and HIV-prevention efforts both in the U.S. and Sub-Saharan Africa.

    The 2024 Fred Says award recipients are:

    Fred Says also continues its annual tradition of distributing 500 Fred plush toys to children for the holidays in Chicago and Birmingham as well as in Nigeria and South Africa.

    “Magic City Acceptance Academy (MCAA), a grade 6-12 public charter school in Birmingham, Alabama, empowers students to embrace education and achieve individual success in a brave, LGBTQ-affirming environment,” said Karen Musgrove CEO of MCAA and Birmingham AIDS Outreach. “We are so grateful for the generous and ongoing support of Fred Says which allows us to provide the vital mental health and social support services that are the foundation of our students’ success.”

    Learn more about Fred Says at www.fredsays.org.

    Source: Fred Says Foundation

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  • Teach Access Announces Its National Fellowship 2025 Cohort

    Includes Faculty and Academic Staff from Higher Education Institutions in the US and Puerto Rico


    Online, December 5, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Teach Access, a national nonprofit that bridges the digital accessible technology skills gap-a gap in accessibility knowledge and digital skills among students graduating and entering the workforce-is excited to announce its Fellowship Program 2025 cohort.

    The Teach Access Fellowship Program engages faculty and academic staff from higher education institutions in the United States and Puerto Rico to develop communities of action focused on integrating digital accessibility teaching into curricula and advocating for it on their campuses.

    “We’re thrilled to welcome the new cohort of Teach Access Fellows,” said Rolando Méndez, Director of Education. “These educators are leading the way for faculty and students to incorporate accessibility into their design practices, fostering real change and equipping the next generation to build a more inclusive future.”

    Accepted fellows include:

    • Abdelfattah Amamra, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

    • Alex Rockey, Bakersfield College

    • Alihan Hadimlioglu, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

    • Brianna Posadas, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

    • Denisse Meléndez Serrano, Inter American University of Puerto Rico

    • Haitham Alkhateeb, University of Baltimore

    • Hajar Homayouni, San Diego State University

    • Hossein Shirazi, San Diego State University

    • José Antonio Rodríguez Arroyo, Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico

    • Lee Hibbard, University of Michigan

    • Martine Foreman, Carroll Community College

    • Mary-Colleen Jenkins, University of Washington – Seattle Campus

    • Marzieh Ayati, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

    • Megan Ritchie, University of Miami

    • Nuri Yilmazer, Texas A&M University – Kingsville

    • Rebecca Clark-Stallkamp, East Carolina University

    • Ruth Mercado-Cruz, University of Puerto Rico at Cayey

    • Sergei Chuprov, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

    • Shavonda Jackson, Alcorn State University

    • Valeta Wensloff, Michigan State University

    Over the year, Fellows learn from leading experts about disability, assistive technology, accessible design, teaching accessibility, and advocating for inclusion. They develop innovative teaching strategies, collaborate to promote accessibility education and receive mentorship from top academic and industry professionals and disability advocates.

    Additionally, new curricular items created by Fellows are added to the Teach Access Curriculum Repository (TACR). TACR is a free, open educational resource composed of syllabi, slide decks, quizzes, and more, that educators can adapt and use to fit their courses. The TACR has helped Teach Access reach more than 930,000 students.

    To learn more about Teach Access, visit https://teachaccess.org.

    Contact Information

    Kate Sonka
    Executive Director
    kate@teachaccess.org
    7736338294

    Source: Teach Access

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  • Registration Open for Teach Access’ Free Two-Day Virtual Student Academy on Disability and Accessibility

    Haben Girma, the first Deafblind graduate of Harvard Law School and a renowned advocate for disability justice, will kick off the event.


    GRAND RAPIDS, MI, November 26, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Teach Access, a national nonprofit that supports educators to teach and students to learn about digital accessibility, invites students and lifelong learners to participate in a free, 2-day virtual workshop dedicated to fostering empathy, awareness, and skills in accessibility. Whether new to accessibility or seeking to expand knowledge, the Teach Access Student Academy will empower students to create a more inclusive world.

    • Dates: Thursday, February 20, 2025, and Friday, February 21, 2025

    • Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET (8:00 AM – 2:00 PM PT)

    • Location: Zoom

    “Accessibility isn’t just a technical skill-it’s a mindset that empowers you to create solutions everyone can access and experience, ” said Leslie Johnson, Operations & Program Manager for Teach Access. “This free training offers students and lifelong learners a unique opportunity to increase their knowledge of accessibility and its importance, learn practical accessibility skills, and connect with industry leaders passionate about inclusion. Students will not only learn about accessibility but will also gain confidence knowing how to advocate for a more accessible world.”

    Key Highlights:

    • Opening Keynote Speaker: Haben Girma, the first Deafblind graduate of Harvard Law School and a renowned advocate for disability justice.

    • Interactive Sessions: Gain practical skills and actionable strategies from academic and industry subject matter experts to incorporate accessibility into your projects.

    • Careers in Accessibility Panel: Learn how to kickstart a career in accessibility and connect with industry leaders.

    • Employer Networking Opportunity: Optionally, connect with companies looking for passionate individuals for internships and job opportunities.

    What Participants Will Learn:

    Over two days, students will build empathy and awareness of disability and accessibility through engaging sessions and inspiring talks. They will also explore career opportunities, learn practical skills, and gain confidence in advocating for inclusion. Teachers are encouraged to share this free academy with their students to inspire them to learn accessibility skills and become advocates for inclusion.

    Both days include featured sessions and hands-on activities. All sessions will be recorded and shared with registered participants. Teach Access recently partnered with Making Space, the accessible talent acquisition and learning experience platform, to connect job seekers with employers looking for individuals with accessibility knowledge.

    Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn, grow, and make a difference. Register today and become a champion for accessibility! Communication access Real-time captioning (CART) & American Sign Language (ASL) will be provided. For assistance with registration, email Teach Access at info@teachaccess.org.

    About Teach Access

    Teach Access is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization collaborating with education, industry, government, and disability advocacy organizations to address the critical need to enhance students’ understanding of digital accessibility as they learn to design, develop, and build new technologies with the needs of people with disabilities in mind. Teach Access envisions a fully accessible future in which students enter the workforce with knowledge of the needs of people with disabilities and skills in the principles of accessible design and development, such that technology products and services are born accessible.

    Contact Information

    Kate Sonka
    Executive Director
    kate@teachaccess.org
    7736338294

    Source: Teach Access

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  • New Report Commissioned by Digitunity Offers Essential Guide for Nonprofits Engaging in Digital Equity Evaluation

    Based on real-world experience of 22 organizations, the study provides insights and tools for engaging stakeholders and securing funding. 


    NORTH CONWAY, N.H., November 13, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Digitunity has published a new report, “A Simple Guide for Conducting Nonprofit Evaluation for the Digital Equity Community,” providing nonprofits with practical, easily implemented strategies for data collection and evaluation. The guide is specifically designed to support organizations serving underserved populations through digital equity initiatives. 

    As federal funding alters the landscape of digital equity and expectations for demonstrating program impact growth, this report comes at a pivotal moment. The need for evidence-based approaches to digital equity programs has never been more urgent, and the report addresses key challenges many nonprofits face in gathering and utilizing evaluation data. The report, commissioned by Digitunity and co-authored by Associate Professor Dr. Amy Gonzales, of the University of California Santa Barbara, PhD, Jesse King, Yeweon Kim, Laurent Wang, and Lindsay Miller, draws on interviews with 22 nonprofits actively involved in digital equity work, offers actionable insights and tools for engaging stakeholders, protecting client privacy, and using data to build trust and secure funding. 

    “This guide supports nonprofit organizations in effectively measuring and showcasing their impact in digital equity efforts,” said Karisa Tashjian, Senior Director of Programs and Strategic Partnerships at Digitunity. “Evaluation is vital for learning about what’s working, identifying areas for improvement, and making adjustments to maximize impact.”

    The evaluation guide features real-world best practices, a condensed list of social science research techniques, and resources like worksheets to help nonprofits design evaluation strategies tailored to their specific needs. By using this guide, nonprofits can strengthen relationships with funders, partners, and clients through compelling storytelling backed by data. 

    Download the full report now to enhance your nonprofit’s evaluation efforts and support your digital equity initiatives. 

    About Digitunity:
    Digitunity is a national nonprofit whose mission is to help expand computer ownership for all. It has worked to advance digital equity for nearly 40 years. Digitunity generates and places donated computers with organizations serving people in need, supports a national practitioner network, and advises states, cities, and coalitions on strategies to meet the ongoing device needs of people impacted by the digital divide. To learn more, visit Digitunity.org.

    Source: Digitunity

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  • Project Open Hand Becomes First Organization in the Bay Area to Achieve FIMC Accreditation

    Last week, Project Open Hand became the first Bay Area organization to earn accreditation from the Food Is Medicine Coalition (FIMC), a national coalition representing the original creators of the life-saving, medically-tailored meal intervention.


    SAN FRANCISCO, November 5, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Last week, Project Open Hand became the first Bay Area organization to earn accreditation from the Food Is Medicine Coalition (FIMC), a national coalition representing the original creators of the life-saving, medically-tailored meal intervention. 

    “We congratulate Project Open Hand on this remarkable achievement,” said Alissa Wassung, Executive Director of FIMC. “Their accreditation demonstrates leadership and commitment to advancing the food is medicine movement and ensuring equitable access to lifesaving interventions for those who need them most.”

    Project Open Hand, a staple of the Bay Area nonprofit food community since 1985, serves nearly a million meals each year to people living with severe, complex, or chronic illnesses like HIV/AIDS, cancer, and heart disease. The medically tailored meals (MTM), specifically formulated by Project Open Hand’s team of in-house registered dietitians, serve as an evidence-based medical intervention to improve the long-term well-being of its clients.  

    Today, Project Open Hand has emerged as a leader in the Food is Medicine movement, advancing public policy that supports access to food and nutrition services as well as providing life-saving nutrition to thousands of people in the Bay Area every day. 

    Steadily gaining traction in the public for the last few decades, the “Food is Medicine” movement has gained recognition among government agencies, insurance providers, and private companies as a cost-effective healthcare solution to help patients recover from illness, grow stronger, and lead healthier lives.

    A cost-modeling study published in 2022 in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that the national implementation of medically tailored meals could net $13.6 billion in savings annually for healthcare insurers. These outcomes are only possible with nutritious food, community connection and a client-centered approach – all of which the FIMC Accreditation standard quantifies and provides to the field as a guidebook for meeting community need.

    The FIMC Accreditation Standards provide verified credibility for the MTM interventions that an agency provides and how the organization operates.

    A national coalition, FIMC represents nonprofits who created the MTM intervention nearly 40 years ago in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Today, the coalition represents organizations across the country who provide MTMs and medically tailored groceries, nutrition therapy, counseling, and education to people living with severe and chronic illnesses. FIMC advances equitable access to these life-saving interventions through policy change, research, and best practices.

    In addition to rigorous accreditation standards, the label allows for an agency like Project Open Hand to distinguish the quality of their food, services, and care. It signals to the community, policy makers, healthcare partners, and most importantly, clients a level of service that can be trusted.

    “Trust is a critical ingredient in all we do,” says Project Open Hand CEO Paul Hepfer. “For the last forty years, our clients, volunteers, and stakeholders have trusted us not only to serve meals with love, but to do so with the highest quality of food and service in mind. This accreditation is a recognition of this hard work, and a way to signal to our community that this will continue to be our priority.”

    The FIMC accreditation standards were developed through a collaborative process involving nationwide partner agency staff with decades of experience in MTM service, along with leaders in standards development. This rigorous process resulted in standards that ensure all FIMC-Accredited agencies provide the same level of high-quality service, tailored to meet the diverse nutritional needs of their clients.

    Project Open Hand becomes the eighth organization nationally to receive the accreditation.

    About Project Open Hand 

    Since 1985, Project Open Hand has provided meals with love to older adults, adults with disabilities, and those living with complex, chronic health conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer, and heart disease. Each year, Project Open Hand serves nearly a million meals to clients across San Francisco, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties. To learn more, visit www.openhand.org.

    About the Food is Medicine Coalition 

    The Food is Medicine Coalition (FIMC) is a national coalition of nonprofit organizations dedicated to providing medically tailored meals, groceries, and nutrition support to individuals living with severe and chronic illnesses. FIMC advances equitable access to these life-saving interventions through policy change, research, and best practices. Visit www.fimcoalition.org for more information. 

    ### 

    Source: Project Open Hand

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  • Digitunity Partners With New Mexico to Help Residents in Need Obtain Computers

    Digitunity Partners With New Mexico to Help Residents in Need Obtain Computers


    NORTH CONWAY, N.H., October 29, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Digitunity, a national nonprofit, has teamed up with the New Mexico State Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) to get donated computers into the hands of individuals and families in need. 

    The joint computer donation effort was launched last month in Ruidoso, New Mexico, where Digitunity and OBAE worked together to help residents who had suffered from the recent wildfires and flooding in that region to apply to receive a computer. Through a computer donation campaign, individual and corporate technology donors are connected with local organizations that will distribute computers to those who have applied for a computer.

    The goal of the new partnership is to help expand computer access to underserved communities and provide hardware to people.

    “This is a vital collaboration between Digitunity and OBAE in that digital access is extremely important in these times,” said Scot Henley, Digitunity Executive Director. “People need computers and broadband access for education, telehealth, employment, and access to crucial services. We are excited to get these devices to those who need them.”

    Before donated computers are handed out to individuals and organizations, they will be refurbished and repaired to ensure they are fully functional.

    “Broadband is no longer a luxury but a necessity,” said Jennifer Nevarez, a member of OBAE’s Broadband and Digital Equity Support Team. “OBAE has identified access to computers and hardware as one of the main barriers preventing people from fully participating in the digital world, and we are pleased to be a part of this important partnership.“

    Digitunity is actively working with the U.S. General Services Administration to operationalize the Computers for Veterans and Students Act of 2022 (COVS), set to launch in 2026. Once in place, this program will enable government agencies to donate repairable, out-of-service computers to nonprofit refurbishers, greatly expanding the availability of affordable technology.

    To donate computers, please visit: https://connect.nm.gov/computers 

    About Digitunity

    Digitunity is a national nonprofit dedicated to expanding computer ownership and advancing digital equity. For nearly 40 years, Digitunity has been generating and distributing donated computers to organizations serving individuals in need. It supports a robust national network of practitioners and provides expert guidance to states, cities, and coalitions on strategies to address the ongoing device needs of communities affected by the digital divide. Learn more at Digitunity.org.

    About OBAE

    OBAE is dedicated to serving New Mexico with a commitment to make high-speed broadband accessible to all New Mexicans. OBAE’s mission is to expand and improve high-speed internet service with passionate leadership that drives bold, equitable and affordable solutions. 

    Source: Digitunity

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