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Tag: nonprofit

  • Benefact4 Unveils New Nonprofit Search and Charity Events Feature to Foster Community Engagement and Support

    Benefact4 Unveils New Nonprofit Search and Charity Events Feature to Foster Community Engagement and Support

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    In National Volunteer Month, Nonprofits Can Now Engage With Individuals Committed to Making a Difference


    PLYMOUTH, Mass., April 9, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Benefact4, the pioneering app to recognize and celebrate every act of kindness, today announced the launch of its new Charity Search and Events feature. This innovative addition gives charities and nonprofits unparalleled access to like-minded users and the ability to list events from volunteer opportunities to fundraisers, offering a dynamic way to connect with a targeted audience of giving- and volunteer-minded individuals.

    Benefact4 offers users an additional platform to amplify and support the causes they care about as they log donations, volunteer hours, time spent training or mentoring, and other contributions. The app records the tangible impact of their generosity over time and connects users with a global community of givers to inspire others to contribute to causes they care about. Now, organizations can engage these users by sharing events for a nominal fee or opt for Featured Event placement on the app’s homepage for optimal visibility. Benefact4’s initiative aligns perfectly with its mission to nurture a community focused on kindness and giving.

    “We are thrilled to introduce the Charity Search and Events feature, a significant step forward in our commitment to bridging the gap between charities seeking support and individuals eager to make a difference,” said Gail O’Rourke, founder, Benefact4. “By leveraging our platform, nonprofits can effectively reach out to those already engaged in philanthropic activities, ensuring their events receive the attention and participation they deserve.”

    Benefact4’s recent launch offers free access to early sign-ups, termed “First Founders,” including individuals and nonprofits who join before May 1, 2024. Nonprofit early adopters also benefit from a complimentary feature article showcasing their initiatives on the company’s blog. The app’s latest addition caters specifically to the needs of charities and nonprofits, aiming to enhance visibility and support engagement. Its intuitive interface allows organizations to easily list events, foster community interaction, manage volunteer groups, and measure their activities’ impact, streamlining the process of organizing and participating in charitable events.

    This launch signifies Benefact4’s ongoing dedication to enhancing user experience and its commitment to supporting the broader philanthropic ecosystem. By facilitating easier access to charity events and opportunities, Benefact4 hopes to inspire more acts of kindness, further amplifying the collective impact of its community.

    For more information about the Charity Search and Events feature or to list an event, please visit www.benefact4.com and download the app today.

    About Benefact4

    Benefact4 is the first app designed to capture and celebrate every act of kindness. From monetary donations to volunteering, and mentoring, Benefact4 offers a comprehensive platform for individuals to track their philanthropic journey, inspire others, and witness the collective power of good. With its unique features and user-centric design, Benefact4 is at the forefront of fostering a global movement of kindness and generosity.

    Source: Benefact4

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  • Digication and Teach Access Announce Partnership to Advance Accessibility Literacy in Digital Education

    Digication and Teach Access Announce Partnership to Advance Accessibility Literacy in Digital Education

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    EATON RAPIDS, Mich., April 3, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Digication, a leading Ed-Tech company serving millions of users across more than 7,000 K-12 schools and higher education institutions, is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with Teach Access, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to making digital accessibility a fundamental component of education. This collaboration, cultivated over the past year, is set to transform the digital learning landscape by integrating accessibility literacy into educational practices.

    Deepening Commitment to Accessibility

    Digication’s commitment to enhancing accessibility goes beyond compliance with standards; it’s about educating and empowering its user base. Partnering with Teach Access will bring a wealth of resources and tools to Digication’s platform, aiding in creating accessible digital content.

    Teach Access is an innovative non-profit collaboration between education, industry, government, and disability advocacy organizations. It addresses the urgent need to enrich students’ understanding of digital accessibility in designing, developing, and creating new technologies, considering the needs of people with disabilities.

    Digication and Teach Access envision a future where technology products and services are inherently accessible, with students entering the workforce equipped with knowledge and skills in accessible design and development.

    Innovative Tools for Accessible Content Creation

    Digication will introduce new features to assist users in creating accessible content, such as notifications for missing image alt text or video captions. This proactive approach ensures that all content on the Digication platform is accessible and inclusive.

    A Future of Inclusive Digital Learning

    “This partnership is a significant milestone in our mission to make digital learning accessible to all,” said Jeff Yan, CEO of Digication. “Teach Access’ expertise and resources will be invaluable in enhancing accessibility literacy among our users, paving the way for a more inclusive future in digital education.”

    Empowering Students and Teachers Through Teach Access Programs

    Digication users will have access to free programs and resources for students and educators provided by Teach Access. This includes its Student Academy, Student Ambassador Program, Faculty Fellowship program, and Teach Access Grants for educators. Teach Access has given more than $350,000 in grants to educators to accelerate the integration of accessibility principles in college curricula. Additionally, Teach Access offers a free open educational resource, Curriculum Repository, and several online self-paced courses about disability and accessibility. Programs and resources remain free and open thanks to the support of corporate sponsors, individual and gift-in-kind donations, and grant support.

    “We are grateful to Digication for this opportunity to reach their students and educators,” said Kate Sonka, Executive Director of Teach Access. “We aim to create systemic change within education so all students learn the fundamentals about disability and digital accessibility, creating a pipeline of future employees who can create technology accessible and inclusive for everyone. This collaboration greatly increases our visibility, helping us close in on our goal of reaching one million students by 2030.”

    About Digication

    Digication is a premier ePortfolio technology and assessment tool provider serving millions of users in K-12 and higher education institutions. Its mission is to facilitate dynamic and engaging learning experiences through innovative digital platforms.

    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.

    For more information about this partnership and to access the new resources, please visit Digication.com and TeachAccess.org.

    Contact Information:
    Kate Sonka
    Executive Director
    kate@teachaccess.org

    Source: Teach Access

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  • DC youth mentoring program receives grant to help ‘create a city that is happier, more hopeful’ – WTOP News

    DC youth mentoring program receives grant to help ‘create a city that is happier, more hopeful’ – WTOP News

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    Life Pieces to Masterpieces, a D.C. mentoring program that supports “Black and Brown boys and young men from Wards 7 and 8,” was one of the 11 programs awarded.

    March 22, 2024 | D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb announced the winners of the first-ever “Leaders of Tomorrow Youth Violence Prevention Grant Program.”

    Nearly a dozen nonprofits in D.C. have been awarded new funding totaling $1.5 million under the “Leaders of Tomorrow Youth Violence Prevention Grant Program,” D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb announced Wednesday.

    Kids in the Life Pieces to Masterpieces program receiving flowers during their mentoring programming.(Courtesy Life Pieces to Masterpieces)

    Life Pieces to Masterpieces, a mentoring program that supports Black and Brown boys and young men from Wards 7 and 8, was one of the 11 programs chosen, out of over 200 applicants, according to a release from the attorney general’s office.

    Andrew Blickle, the director of the mentoring program, told WTOP that the organization solely depends on “philanthropic and government grants” to do their work and is incredibly grateful to receive a grant from this office specifically.

    “It’s really vital to us. This OAG funding specifically is especially important, not only because it’s a larger grant than we were expecting, we’re really thrilled to have that,” Blickle said.

    “We really support everything that this attorney general is doing and everything that he says about the importance of recognizing … you can’t prosecute your way out of crime.”

    Life Pieces to Masterpieces provides after-school and summer programs.

    Blickle said he believes creating a safe space for young boys in D.C. is incredibly important work.

    “That’s going to create a city that is happier, more hopeful, more peaceful,” Blickle said.

    “And ultimately, that’s the work that we do at Life Pieces and so that recognition from the Attorney General means so much to us.”

    David Adams, a mentor at Life Pieces to Masterpieces and junior at Delaware State University, also attested to the work that the nonprofit does.

    “I started the program, when I was in about second or third grade … and I’ve been a part of it ever since. I’ve never left,” Adams said.

    “Life Pieces just surrounded me with people who had my best interests in mind. You know, having all the mentors, the positive male role models, as well as positive woman figures.”

    David Adams painting at a Life Pieces to Masterpieces program. (Courtesy Life Pieces to Masterpieces)

    Adams agreed that the funding from the office of the attorney general will “means a lot because it really does help the community, it helps the youth, you know, it’s literally saving lives.”

    Schwalb recognized in his release that “proactive interventions” from the awarded D.C. programs make an impact in the District.

    “The Office of the Attorney General recognizes the critical role local organizations play in helping ensure that young people have the tools and skills necessary for long-term success, and with these grants, we are continuing to put our money where our mouth is,” Schwalb said.

    “Prevention work, along with policing and prosecution, is a critical component of any comprehensive public safety strategy that will help keep the District safe now and in the future.”

    Blickle added that the largest impact of the program is made by children and young men after they’ve attended Life Pieces to Masterpieces.

    “The largest impact that happens at Life Pieces isn’t the impact that we have on our boys and young men, but it’s the impact that they then have on their communities as a whole,” Blickle said.

    He points to Adams as a perfect example of that work, as he has helped create a mentoring organization called Brothers in Power at Delaware State that focuses on supporting first-generation college students and young people that aspire to be the first in their family to attend college.

    “Really going out and passing that on, and giving back everything that he received from the program is something that’s so special,” Blickle added.

    “It’s an important part of our mission, and it’s an important part of the impact that we can have.”

    WTOP’s Cheyenne Corin contributed to this reporting.

    Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

    © 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

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    Emily Venezky

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  • Teach Access Calls for Proposals for Its 2024-2025 Grants Program

    Teach Access Calls for Proposals for Its 2024-2025 Grants Program

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    The national nonprofit’s Teach Access Grants supports college instructors in creating and delivering college curricula that introduce concepts and skills of accessibility into their courses.


    EATON RAPIDS, Mich., March 21, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    College faculty members can now apply for $2,000 grants from the Teach Access Grants program to develop academic course materials to teach about accessible design and development. 

    Teach Access is a national nonprofit that works to close the accessibility skills gap. Through collaboration with colleges, industries, government, and advocacy groups, Teach Access helps build curricula that will teach the future workforce about digital accessibility and universal design. 

    The Call for Proposals for the sixth round of Teach Access Grants for the 2024-2025 school year is now open. Grant applications should be submitted by 11 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 31, 2024. Information and applications for the grants program are available at https://teachaccess.org/2024/03/teach-access-grants/.

    The Teach Access Grants program is supported by foundation grants and the nonprofit’s sponsors, including Verizon, Salesforce, Google, Meta, Yahoo!, and other leading companies in technology, consulting, and healthcare. 

    “Teach Access Grants is our flagship program, beginning in 2018, and thanks to our sponsors, we’ve been able to award more than $350,000 to faculty in higher education,” said Kate Sonka, executive director of Teach Access. “The program also helps us grow our open educational resource, the Teach Access Curriculum Repository, which is a primary bridge to help teach students about disability and accessibility.”   

    Teach Access grants are intended to support educators in developing ways to incorporate teaching about accessibility into their existing courses rather than requesting the creation of a new course. For the 2023-2024 academic year, Teach Access awarded grants to 19 recipients to support creating and delivering accessibility-infused college curricula. 

    “My Teach Access grant gave me the opportunity to include a greater emphasis on accessibility in my Human-Computer Interaction course. It also inspired me to think more carefully about how to best teach accessibility through more interactive and engaging techniques,” said Rachel Adler, associate professor in the School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a 2020 Teach Access grant recipient. 

    To be eligible for a Teach Access grant, an applicant must be an instructor of an existing course in any field or discipline that can incorporate curricula designed to impact a student’s knowledge of fundamental accessibility concepts and skills and their ability to implement the principles of accessibility. The instructor must plan to teach the course in the 2024-2025 academic year and be employed at a two-year or four-year university or college in the United States or a U.S. territory.  

    Teach Access is committed to equity and strongly encourages applications from faculty at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) such as Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI), Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), Community Colleges (CC), and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU).  

    In service of the Teach Access mission of expanding accessibility curricula through collaboration, grant recipients are required to present their work at their institutions and contribute to the Teach Access Curriculum Repository (TACR).  

    The TACR is a free collection of open education resources developed by faculty to support teaching accessibility to students. It contains various teaching tools, including syllabi, slide decks, assignment prompts, discussion questions, and quizzes. The materials span disciplines including computer science, human-computer interaction, web design & development, user experience (UX) design, visual and graphic design, game & interactive media design, instructional technology, technical writing, and more. 

    Teach Access Grant recipients say the awards aid them in professional development while also advancing the cause of accessibility education.  

    “Meeting other Teach Access grantees helped me build connections that have led to successful collaborations and greater career success. Most importantly, the grant helped further the goal of accessible design for all,” Adler said. 

    To apply for a Teach Access Grant, please visit https://teachaccess.org/initiatives/grants/.

    To make a donation to support Teach Access programs and resources, please visit https://teachaccess.org/donate/.

    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. 

    Source: Teach Access

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  • Troy non-profit receives funding to expand maternal health program

    Troy non-profit receives funding to expand maternal health program

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    TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — A local organization that supports new and expectant mothers received funding on Wednesday. Mom Starts Here was awarded a $20,000 grant from Fidelis Care.

    The Troy-based nonprofit offers financial and social support to families in need. The money will be used to extend their community maternal health program. It puts community health workers in doctor offices to identify and eliminate barriers to prenatal and postpartum care such as lack of transportation and childcare.

    “So by having a community health worker that’s helping address those social determinants, we’re increasing the likelihood that moms are able to access prenatal care, and we know those social determinants impact birth outcomes for both mom and baby,” Mom Starts Here Founder and Exec. Dir. Kyla Schmidt said.

    The community maternal health program started in 2023. Organizers said the new grant will allow them to extend it for another six months.

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    Courtney Ward

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  • The Life You Can Save Announces Major Updates and Celebrates $100 Million in Donations Moved to Its Recommended Nonprofits

    The Life You Can Save Announces Major Updates and Celebrates $100 Million in Donations Moved to Its Recommended Nonprofits

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    NOVATO, Calif., March 12, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    The Life You Can Save, an organization known for recommending research-based charities working on interventions across the multidimensional factors of poverty, today announced reaching a significant milestone of surpassing $100 million in donations to its recommended nonprofits since its inception in 2013. This milestone coincides with the organization’s celebration of its 10-year anniversary, an updated charity evaluation framework, and the appointment of Jessica La Mesa and Andrea La Mesa as co-CEOs.

    Central to its latest advancements, The Life You Can Save has updated its charity evaluation framework to focus more intensively on the complexities of poverty, utilizing the Multidimensional Poverty Index. The Multidimensional Poverty Index, or MPI, acknowledges that poverty’s impact extends beyond financial scarcity to include health, education and living standards. The guiding framework retains a focus on robust evidence to drive decision-making. By adopting a more rigorous and comprehensive evaluation framework, the organization ensures that its recommended charities are effectively addressing the complexities of poverty to maximize the impact of collective donor contributions.

    “Our enhanced evaluation method and strategic partnerships are designed to amplify our impact,” said Katie Stanford, Director of Research at The Life You Can Save. “Sharpening our focus helps us guide donors as they make informed decisions and impactful contributions to address global poverty.”

    In addition to adopting a refreshed approach to charity evaluation, The Life You Can Save appointed new leadership to further strengthen the organization’s mission. Former Silicon Valley executives Jessica and Andrea La Mesa will co-lead The Life You Can Save into its next decade. The wife and husband duo are passionate about innovation and impact and bring a wealth of experience and expertise in impact investing, technology and philanthropy. 

    In a joint statement, Jessica and Andrea La Mesa expressed, “We are both excited and deeply committed to leveraging our backgrounds to amplify The Life You Can Save’s remarkable work. We are eager to contribute our energies and expertise to not only grow the organization but also to ensure that every donation makes the most significant possible difference in the lives of those in need. It’s more than a responsibility; it’s a passion that drives us to work towards a world where the alleviation of poverty is not just a goal, but a reality.”

    As The Life You Can Save continues to grow and evolve, it remains dedicated to its core mission of fighting poverty effectively and efficiently. The organization’s updates and milestones reflect its ongoing commitment to evidence-based practices and continuous improvement. Through its refreshed charity evaluation approach, new leadership and expanded efforts, The Life You Can Save is poised to make an even greater impact in the lives of those affected by poverty. 

    For more information, please visit www.TheLifeYouCanSave.org. 

    Source: The Life You Can Save

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  • Teach Access Paves the Way for Teaching Digital Accessibility

    Teach Access Paves the Way for Teaching Digital Accessibility

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    Nonprofit group’s collaboration with industry, higher education, government, and disability advocacy organizations has goal of teaching 1 million students how to make technology work for disabled people.


    EATON RAPIDS, Mich., March 5, 2024 (Newswire.com)
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    Beginning as a grassroots, 100% volunteer initiative in 2016, Teach Access has now educated more than 500,000 students on digital accessibility, a milestone in the national nonprofit group’s mission of developing a workforce that designs technological products and services with the needs of disabled people in mind.

    The mission of Teach Access is to close the accessibility skills gap by providing a pipeline of skilled workers to industries so technology can be born accessible.

    It does so with a novel approach: Teach Access does not provide workforce training for employers, but instead focuses on the education space, collaborating with colleges, the technology industry and advocacy groups to build curricula that will teach the future workforce about digital accessibility and universal design.

    “We aim to create systemic change within education, so all students learn the fundamentals about disability and digital accessibility, creating a pipeline of future employees who can create technology accessible and inclusive for everyone,” said Kate Sonka, executive director of Teach Access. 

    Teach Access was certified as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization in 2021, and provides its resources and services for free, through funding by grants, private donors and industry sponsors like technology giant Google. 

    “Accessibility is absolutely fundamental to what we do at Google. Yet, we still see that most new grads who join us have never learned about accessibility,” said Laura Allen, head of strategy & programs for accessibility & disability inclusion at Google, and board chair at Teach Access. “We are so excited about Teach Access’ mission and determination to drive this much-needed systemic change and are eager to partner on educating this next generation of students!”

    Employers say there is a strong need for the digital accessibility education that Teach Access facilitates, according to the organization’s 2022 Accessibility Skills Gap Survey: 

    Three out of four respondents (75%) reported a moderate to significant increase for employees with accessibility skills in their organizations in the last five years.

    More than 86% anticipated the demand to increase, while only 2% said it is easy for them to find candidates with accessibility skills.  

    Two out of three reported their products are not as accessible as they would like and are interested in job training for employees. 

    Teach Access has an ambitious goal and focused strategy to meet those needs. It has a target of introducing 1 million students by 2030 to digital accessibility, via free synchronous and asynchronous programs and resources for students and educators to learn about disability, accessibility, and how to incorporate accessibility into the curriculum.

    Teach Access offers courses for educators on the principles of accessible design in disciplines including human-computer interaction, computer software engineering, instructional technology, technical writing and more. It also maintains a curriculum repository, a free collection of open education resources such as syllabi, slide decks, assignment props, discussion questions and quizzes that have been developed by faculty to support teaching accessibility to students in a wide variety of disciplines.

    It also provides grants and fellowships to educators to encourage digital accessibility curricula and teaching, and sponsors programs like Study Away, which brings together students, faculty, and industry partners to explore the field of accessibility, and Student Academy, a series of free virtual webinars for students on topics of disability and accessibility.

    Teach Access Teach Access has a commitment to ensuring engagement with faculty members in educational programs that are from historically excluded and underrepresented institutions such as historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribal colleges and universities, community colleges, and minority faculty at predominantly white institutions.  

    “Technology is developing more quickly than ever, from mobile apps to emerging systems and devices like wearables and sensors, and they are becoming increasingly integral to our ability to work and to conduct our social lives,” Sonka said. “Teach Access is working to ensure a workforce with knowledge of digital accessibility that it needs to make these essential products usable for the disabled population.”    

    For more information, please visit https://teachaccess.org.

    About Teach Access

    Teach Access is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization collaborating with education, industry, 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.

    Source: Teach Access

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  • Lionel Messi and Join the Planet Will Unveil a Radically Sustainable Collaboration in a Global Livestream Event This March 1st

    Lionel Messi and Join the Planet Will Unveil a Radically Sustainable Collaboration in a Global Livestream Event This March 1st

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    MIAMI, February 27, 2024 (Newswire.com)
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    In an unprecedented move for environmental sustainability, Lionel Messi teams up with Join The Planet to reveal a unique collector’s item designed to transform our relationship with the planet. Beyond introducing key allies, this collaboration sets the stage for releasing a highly anticipated product on March 1, 2024, redefining environmental value creation. The long-awaited first product will be revealed during a live virtual event on Join The Planet’s Twitch channel on March 1 at 12 pm EST. 

    Teaming up with Karün, a pioneer in sustainable high-quality products since 2012, Join The Planet’s debut offering underscores a commitment to sustainability. The product, which is still a surprise to unveil, will utilize recycled materials sourced from Patagonia, Indonesia, China, Thailand, India, among others. It will feature recycled nylon plastic mainly from discarded fishing nets, recycled polypropylene plastic sourced from discarded ropes and PET caps, and recycled fiberglass for durability. Aligning with Karün, Join The Planet actively promotes the shift towards a regenerative economy, with material collection spanning various countries.

    This upcoming Messi-inspired product epitomizes transparency and sustainability. Empowered by Karün’s traceability system and Blockchain technology, it ensures certified transparency throughout production, allowing for digital carbon labeling on each product and interactive tracking of the material’s journey. The certification process, conducted with trusted partners, strengthens the authenticity of the value chain, underscoring Karün’s commitment to superior quality and sustainability. 

    The first of a lineup of multiple products comes with a digital certificate of authenticity and ownership rights linked to the product in its physical form. Traceability across the supply chain aims to promote transparency and commitment to the environment.

    Lionel Messi, the first ambassador of Join The Planet, leverages his influence to amplify the brand’s commitment to environmental care and social integration. Proceeds from the project go to Join The Planet Foundation to support environmental initiatives directly, including river and ocean cleanups and reforestation, with the support of local communities.

    The first project that Join The Planet Foundation will carry out is the cleaning and conservation of the Paraná River in Rosario, Argentina, home of Lionel Messi, and the most extensive river system in South America after the Amazon and the largest watershed in the world. “With effort and a sense of community, we can take care of the planet,” said Lionel Messi, ambassador of Join The Planet, in the unveiling video of the project. Messi plays a crucial role in leveraging his credibility to expand the initiative’s reach, amplifying Join The Planet’s message globally. 

    “Lionel Messi’s role as the inaugural ambassador for Join The Planet brings unparalleled influence to global culture,” said Thomas Kimber, Director of Join The Planet Foundation. “Messi’s involvement means reaching millions of people who are not part of the environmental discussion. We look forward to the positive impact his advocacy will have on our shared goals.”

    Join the Livestream Event on March 1, 2024 on Twitch at: https://www.twitch.tv/jointheplanet

    To stay up to date and become part of the movement for a sustainable planet, please visit the Join the Planet website at www.jointheplanet.earth and engage on social media at Instagram: @jointheplanet, TikTok: Join.the.Planet.

    About Join The Planet

    Join The Planet is a brand that repurposes discarded materials into valuable products where a portion of proceeds are directed to the Join The Planet Foundation that funds initiatives around the world to protect and regenerate natural ecosystems through work with local communities. By partnering with renowned public figures to amplify its reach and inspire global participation, showing how collaborative efforts can pave the way for sustainable change.

    About Karün

    Karün is a global company innovating in the transition towards a regenerative economy. Born in Patagonia and present in over 20 countries, Karün has become the leading sustainable eyewear brand – with 12 years of experience working within local territories, pushing the boundaries of material innovation, product design, transparency, creativity, and communication.

    Source: Join The Planet

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  • Cheba Hut Once Again Partners With Last Prisoner Project

    Cheba Hut Once Again Partners With Last Prisoner Project

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    As the cannabis-themed “toasted” sub-concept prepares to light up another year of slingin’ dank food and chill vibes, it’s marking the occasion by raising money for the cannabis criminal justice reform non-profit organization.


    FORT COLLINS, Colo., January 15, 2024 (Newswire.com)
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    Although cannabis has come a long way since Scott Jennings, the founder of Cheba Hut, sparked up his first toaster over 26 years ago, the brand acknowledges that there is still a long road ahead towards full justice reform for the plant and its common users. Thousands of Americans are still serving extended prison sentences for previous charges of the plant, even in states where marijuana is now decriminalized.

    For the third year in a row, Cheba Hut, the cannabis-themed sandwich & bar concept with more than 60+ locations spread across the U.S., is joining forces with Last Prisoner Project to help correct these cannabis-related injustices. This non-profit organization leverages legal intervention, public education, and legislative advocacy in support of one single mission: to set free every last one of the tens of thousands of people locked up for possession of marijuana.

    Last Prisoner Project expressed gratitude saying, “We are lucky to have the support of countless cannabis brands, dispensaries, and outspoken individuals who constantly find new ways to help accomplish our mission of freeing every last prisoner. We are honored to continue this partnership with Cheba Hut and continue the tradition of SmokeOut InJustice Day!”

    Three years ago, Cheba Hut designated their anniversary on January 20th as SmokeOut InJustice Day and could not be more thrilled to continue the tradition this year! On Saturday, January 20th, all participating Cheba Hut shops will donate $2 of every entree sold to the Last Prisoner Project. This includes both in-shop and delivery entrees.

    Last year, Cheba Hut raised over $100,000 in funds for LPP, after being matched by Dutchie. This year, other brands that support LPP have teamed up with Cheba Hut to show their support. The list includes Dime Bags, Native Roots, King Palm, and Wana Brands.

    Nancy Whiteman, co-founder & CEO of Wana Brands and founder of Wana Brands Foundation explains, “The Wana Brands Foundation and Wana Brands are committed to the Last Prisoners Project’s mission that no one should be incarcerated for offenses that are now legal. Our contributions alongside Cheba Hut will provide financial support for the people exiting the prison system as well as their families with the goal of breaking the cycle of continued oppression due to the incarceration of a family member. This collaboration with Cheba Hut goes beyond mere fundraising; it is an active endeavor to foster positive change in communities and advance essential social reform.”

    Additionally, Wana Brands is donating $25,000 to LPP and will be onsite at certain Cheba Hut shops on 1/20/24.

    Brian Loeb, Cheba Hut’s Vice President of Marketing explains, “Although SOIJ is only three years old now, the event has rooted deep into the fabric of Cheba culture through our customers and crews. SmokeOut InJustice is about giving back to the many good people peacefully fighting against outdated legal systems, while simultaneously celebrating the monumental progress that is taking place every single day. In addition to our incredible partners, we’d like to thank each and every customer who drops in Saturday, January 20th to help the Hut SmokeOut InJustice!”

    Whether you order a White Widow to enjoy on your couch or grab some homies and hit up your local Cheba Hut to show support, mark your calendars for Saturday, January 20th, and SmokeOut InJustice with Cheba Hut.

    Source: Cheba Hut Franchising

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  • Fred Says Announces Annual Giving on World AIDS Day

    Fred Says Announces Annual Giving on World AIDS Day

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    CHICAGO, November 30, 2023 (Newswire.com)
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    On Dec. 1, World AIDS Day, Fred Says announced it is giving nearly $200,000 to youth-serving organizations in the United States and around the world.

    Fred Says was founded in 2012 by Dr. Robert Garofalo and named after his dog Fred. The 501(c)(3) non-profit supports domestic and international organizations that serve LGBTQ youth and young people 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 a Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. He adopted Fred following his own cancer and HIV diagnosis and created the non-profit to honor the joy, peace, and healing Fred brought to his life. 

    In 2023, Fred Says celebrated its 10th year of giving. To date, the organization has raised and distributed $1 million to support adolescents and young adults affected by HIV. 

    “It’s really rather amazing that on World AIDS Day, this little grassroots charity will celebrate a decade of charitable giving,” said Garofalo. “I hope these monies will help organizations provide the care and services that young people need to thrive and live their best authentic lives.”

    In sum, $190,000 will be gifted to 13 youth-serving organizations to support pet therapy and adoption programs, specialized mental health and drop-in services, transportation and housing assistance, peer-led support for HIV+ youth, and the development of educational materials about sexual health, wellness, and HIV-prevention, with an emphasis on minoritized transgender youth, their parents, and caregivers. 

    The 2023 Fred Says award recipients are:

    • Magic City Acceptance Academy, Birmingham, AL 
    • One Roof Chicago, Chicago, IL
    • Human Rights Campaign, Washington, D.C.
    • University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
    • Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
    • Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
    • Youth Outlook Services, Chicago, IL
    • Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center, Los Angeles, CA
    • Advocates for Youth, Washington, D.C.
    • Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, Cape Town, South Africa
    • Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
    • VIVENT Health/TPAN, Chicago, IL
    • Initiative for the Advancement of Improved Health & Development, Ibadan, Nigeria

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

    “The generous gifts that Fred Says has given to us has ensured access to sexual and reproductive health services for young people who otherwise would not have had them,” said Linda-Gail Bekker, Chief Executive Office of the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation in Cape Town. “This is a wonderful investment in those young lives and in the future of South Africa.”

    You can learn more about Fred Says at www.fredsays.org. Contact: rgarofalo@luriechildrens.org

    Source: Fred Says

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  • West Virginia training program restores hope for jobless coal miners

    West Virginia training program restores hope for jobless coal miners

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    West Virginia training program restores hope for jobless coal miners – CBS News


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    The recent boom in renewable energy has impacted the coal industry. But new labor opportunities are coming in the form of a community-based nonprofit in West Virginia that is teaching unemployed coal miners valuable job skills that they can use to transition careers. Mark Strassmann has details.

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  • HomeAid Collects & Distributes Over Six Million Critical Items in 2023 Essentials Drive Campaigns

    HomeAid Collects & Distributes Over Six Million Critical Items in 2023 Essentials Drive Campaigns

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    HomeAid Affiliates Across the Country Distributed 3.6 Million Diapers and Over 2.4 Million Baby Wipes in 2023 to Families in Need


    IRVINE, Calif., September 12, 2023 (Newswire.com)
    –
    HomeAid affiliates, in collaboration with several HomeAid building and nonprofit partners, collected over six million essential items to help those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, during the 2023 HomeAid Essentials Drives that took place from March to August. These necessary items will provide much-needed resources to children, families, and other individuals across the nation.

    This year’s HomeAid Essentials drives spread across the country with 11 participating HomeAid affiliates. Most of the drives collected critical items for children and families. HomeAid Phoenix collected socks and underwear, a crucial need for individuals who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

    Due to the recent rise in inflation in the United States, the overall cost of diapers has risen an unprecedented 22% since 2018 while U.S. inflation rates peaked at 9.1% in June 2022. That means prices are rising at more than double the rate of inflation, according to NielsenIQ, a data firm that tracks consumer prices.

    To help combat this growing crisis that many families face, 10 HomeAid affiliates collected and distributed over 3.6 million diapers, over 2.4 million wipes, and nearly 69,000 other critical baby items in eight different states.

    Government assistance programs generally cover welfare, food stamps, and Medicaid for low-income households in need, but diapers and wipes are typically not a commodity covered. HomeAid affiliates across the country help address and serve this need by contributing these necessary items to our nonprofit partners who, in turn, give them directly to those families and individuals in need.

    “Incredible strides have been made through HomeAid’s annual Essentials Drives, thanks to the remarkable generosity and compassion of our community. This year’s drive has not only provided essential diapers and other essential items to countless families in need but has also served as a powerful reminder of the positive change we can effect when we unite for a common cause. The impact of these efforts extends far beyond the physical donations; they embody the spirit of caring and support that defines HomeAid’s mission. Together, we are building not just homes, but also hope and brighter futures for those facing or at risk of homelessness,” said Scott Larson, CEO, HomeAid America.

    The following are the totals of the 2023 spring/summer essentials campaigns from 11 HomeAid affiliates:

    HomeAid Atlanta — 198,485

    HomeAid Austin — 217,057

    HomeAid Colorado — 2,472,614

    HomeAid Inland Empire — 71,222

    HomeAid National Capital Region — 283,531

    HomeAid Northern California — 34,604

    HomeAid Orange County — 1,519,520

    HomeAid Orlando — 360,000

    HomeAid Phoenix — 8,400

    HomeAid Southern Nevada — 122,155

    HomeAid Utah — 807,869

    Media Contact: Monique Waddington, Director of Communications and Donor Relations (mwaddington@homeaid.org)

    AboutHomeAid

    Founded in 1989, HomeAid develops, builds, and preserves a variety of housing, including emergency, interim, transitional, permanent supportive, and affordable housing through its 19 chapters in 13 states. In addition, this includes resource/navigation centers that provide support services to those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. HomeAid partners with hundreds of nonprofit organizations nationwide that provide the housing and support services that help residents move toward self-sufficiency, such as education and job-skills training, financial counseling, physical and emotional support, and much more.

    HomeAid has completed 1,183 housing and outreach projects with a value of more than $340 million. HomeAid has added over 13,445 beds that have served over 701,668 previously homeless individuals. For more information, visit www.homeaid.org.

    Source: HomeAid America

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  • Bailador Invests $9.8M to Accelerate Rosterfy’s Mission to Connect the Global Volunteer Community

    Bailador Invests $9.8M to Accelerate Rosterfy’s Mission to Connect the Global Volunteer Community

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    Rosterfy is excited to announce that ASX-listed technology expansion capital fund Bailador Technology Investments Limited (“Bailador”) has today announced a $9.8M investment in Rosterfy alongside other sophisticated investors.


    SOUTH MELBOURNE, Australia, April 24, 2023 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Rosterfy, a market-leading mass volunteer and workforce management platform, has secured a Series A round led by Bailador Technology Investment Limited. Bailador, a Sydney-based investment firm, has an impressive reputation for identifying exciting and fast-growing SaaS businesses. 

    The announcement marks a new era of growth for the business, which was founded in 2015 in Melbourne, Australia, envisioned by Co-Founders, Bennett Merriman, Shannan Gove and Chris Grant. In 2022, Rosterfy was the platform behind over 10 million hours of volunteering across 26 countries around the world including the world’s largest events and charitable organizations.

    Bailador’s Co-Founder and Managing Director, David Kirk, will be joining as the company’s new chairman. The former CEO of Fairfax Media and past captain of the All Blacks Rugby Team, Kirk brings significant experience in leadership and strategy to Rosterfy, having held senior positions including currently as Chairman of KMD Brands, owner of Rip Curl and Kathmandu.

    “Rosterfy has developed a market-leading volunteer management solution, which is evident in their strong growth rates and the quality of customers.” – David Kirk, Bailador Co-Founder

    David said: “Having worked with multiple NFP organisations myself, I recognise the important role that volunteers play in enabling NFPs to deliver on their mission, as well as the challenge of being able to hire, schedule and retain those volunteers.

    “The Rosterfy team has developed a market-leading volunteer management solution that has found strong product-market fit, which is evident in their strong growth rates and the quality of the customers they have acquired.”

    In addition to Bailador’s investment, Rosterfy will also welcome prominent tech investor Steve Power, who will also join the investment round to support Rosterfy’s go-to-market strategy, particularly their expansion into the USA.

    Power has extensive experience in scaling companies globally, having previously held senior executive positions at a number of successful Australian B2B SaaS companies including ReachLocal, BigCommerce and Deputy. 

    It’s no surprise that Bailador has identified Rosterfy as a great investment opportunity as they seek high-growth investment opportunities at the forefront of tech, particularly those businesses that provide innovative and change-making solutions to customers and organisations.

    Rosterfy’s volunteer management software platform offers non-profit organisations, charities and Sporting Federations a way to effectively manage their volunteer programs.

    CEO and Co-Founder Bennett Merriman said, “We’re excited to welcome the Bailador team and Steve Power to the Rosterfy family. With their collective experience and shared passion for our mission, we look forward to accelerating our product roadmap for our customers and their volunteers so they can continue to make a difference in their communities. This is the start of an exciting next chapter and timely acknowledgment that our global team and platform are making a real difference.”

    About Rosterfy

    Rosterfy connects communities to events and causes they are passionate about through their volunteer management software platform. Their proven end-to-end technology allows charities, events and nonprofit organizations to recruit, retain, train and reward volunteers by replacing manual processes with automation to better engage volunteering programs.

    www.rosterfy.com

    Source: Rosterfy

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  • Digitunity Report Identifies Need for Audio Enhancement

    Digitunity Report Identifies Need for Audio Enhancement

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    A new report examines the role of audio enhancement in education, healthcare and other applications.


    NORTH CONWAY, N.H., March 20, 2023 (Newswire.com)
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    Digitunity, a nonprofit organization committed to ending the digital divide, with the support of award-winning audio solution provider AVID Products, has released a commissioned report titled “The Crucial Role of Audio Enhancement in Learning & Health” on the role of audio enhancement in education, healthcare, and other applications. 

    The report is written by Richard West, a professor at Brigham Young University and an expert in using emerging technologies in education. The report examines how audio enhancement can be used in settings such as healthcare and education and provides recommendations to businesses, nonprofits and others who support digital equity on how they can incorporate audio enhancement in their work.

    Digitunity’s research shows how it is imperative to provide computers to the 36 million people in the United States who don’t have one, in order to connect them to educational and economic opportunities. However, the new report shows computers alone often are not enough. Audio devices like headphones, speakers, and other similar peripherals, greatly enhance individuals’ experience using a computer.

    “Digitunity operates on the belief that device ownership is the cornerstone of digital equity. However, it is just part of the digital equity equation,” Scot Henley, executive director of Digitunity, said. “This report clearly defines the need for audio enhancement as one of the many key hardware and software essentials that enable the productive use of a computer.”

    AVID is one of the cornerstone partners of Digitunity’s Corporate Pledge to End the Digital Divide. They also offer audio products to Digitunity’s Digital Opportunity Network members at a discount from the list price. These projects are among many that the two organizations partner on in the quest to improve digital equity across the U.S.

    “Audio is an underappreciated primary sense. It has the ability to open the door to opportunity on a variety of levels,” said Tom Finn, president & CEO of AVID Products. “Audio transcends many aspects of our everyday lives, allowing us to connect with one another, and with ourselves, through music, entertainment and information. Providing tools that aid in delivering sound to anyone, anywhere, anytime is our mission.” 

    This report also comes on the heels of Digitunity’s January 2023 webinar highlighting device essentials for digital equity. These essentials include audio accessories like speakers and headsets. They’re also featured in Digitunity’s “Device Essentials for Digital Equity” infographic that illustrates the factors that support device adoption and use.

    Through these publications and other similar works to be released, Digitunity intends to leverage its body of work and national lens to inform the field and provide communities with novel ideas on how to eliminate the digital divide. To learn more about Digitunity’s partnership with AVID, its Device Essentials, and other initiatives, please visit digitunity.org.  

    About Digitunity

    Since the 1980s, Digitunity has advanced digital inclusion by connecting donors of technology with organizations serving people in need. Our mission is to ensure everyone who needs a computer has one, along with robust internet connectivity and digital literacy skills. To learn more about our mission, please visit digitunity.org.

    About AVID Products

    Founded in 1953, AVID is a 100 percent employee-owned company supplying mindful, innovative, and accessible audio solutions to learners of all ages within education, healthcare, hospitality, travel, and more. They are passionate about providing solutions with impact and delivering an outstanding experience every step of the way. Learn more at avidproducts.com. 

    Source: Digitunity

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  • Genos Center Foundation Announces Campaign for Genocide Art Gallery & Gardens

    Genos Center Foundation Announces Campaign for Genocide Art Gallery & Gardens

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    New Genos Center will use art to raise awareness, promote healing, and offer new perspectives on past and present issues, serving as a voice for marginalized communities.

    Press Release
    –

    Feb 22, 2023


    MALIBU, Calif., February 22, 2023 (Newswire.com)
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    The Genos Center Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is proud to announce a capital campaign for the development of a multi-cultural art gallery, non-denominational chapel, and reflective gardens focused on eradicating genocides worldwide by founder and architectural designer Douglas Isaac Busch.

    Designed to raise awareness and education for genocides not only of the past but those occurring today in areas such as Myanmar (also known as Burma), China, Ethiopia, Iraq, Syria and South Sudan, Genos Center will serve as a space of remembrance and education. Curated exhibits will rotate on a six-month basis utilizing art as a powerful medium for storytelling. The center will collaborate with artists, scholars, and educators to create meaningful and impactful experiences for audiences of all ages.

    Utilizing eco-sustainable architecture, the building will incorporate sustainable design principles and cutting-edge green technologies, making it a model of energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. The non-denominational chapel and reflective gardens extend the open-air feeling of the architecture, allowing for spaces of calm reflection with drought-tolerant landscaping that create an enriching and enduring experience for all.

    Upon completion, The Genos Center Foundation will donate the complete project to an institution, foundation, or city at an agreed time along with an endowment that will maintain the building, staff it, cover taxes and other expenses where it can be sited in perpetuity, to maintain evolving exhibitions and offer a public park destination via the gardens. This plan allows the exhibit space to be continually changing and evolving as a destination for the public from around the world to seek out and observe the evolution of art, architecture, and landscaping.

    “Art has the unique ability to humanize the victims of genocide and bring their stories to life in a way that mere words cannot. We hope that by using art as a tool for education, we can help people understand the gravity of genocide and inspire them to take action to prevent it,” said Douglas Isaac Busch, founder, and architectural designer of Genos Center.

    With an initial commitment of over $1 Million, Douglas Isaac Busch and The Genos Center Foundation understand that every genocide matters. The first phase of the project will require $2M in seed capital of which 50% has been raised with a total of $30M needed for full construction and project completion. Funding opportunities are available at all levels, including capital and endowment. Additional involvement opportunities exist at multiple levels.

    Genocide, one of the most heinous crimes against humanity, has been a tragic reality throughout history. The Genos Center Foundation believes that through art and education, we can work towards preventing future genocides and promoting a culture of tolerance and understanding.

    “Genos Center will be a place for people to learn about the effects of genocide and its impact on humanity,” said Busch. “Through reflection, I hope that this museum will help to raise awareness and promote understanding and healing.”

    With full design plans in place, Genos Center is currently seeking a final location along with initial founding partner support from individuals, organizations, and foundations to help fund its mission. 

    To learn more about the Genos Center Foundation and how you can get involved, visit www.GenosCenter.org

    Source: Genos Center Foundation

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  • enCourage Kids Foundation Hires Jean Butler as the New President & CEO

    enCourage Kids Foundation Hires Jean Butler as the New President & CEO

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    Press Release
    –

    Feb 13, 2023 15:00 EST


    NEW YORK, February 13, 2023 (Newswire.com)
    –
    The enCourage Kids Foundation announced today the hiring of their new President and CEO, Jean Butler. Butler is a senior executive with experience in the philanthropic sector as well as P&L and operational experience in the corporate sector (media and entertainment). Prior to joining the enCourage Kids Foundation, Butler was the Chief Executive of the Toy Foundation, a 501(c)(3) children’s charity that is the philanthropic arm of the Toy Association, a 1,000+ member organization for North American producers, importers and retailers of toys, games, and children’s entertainment products.

    “Having Jean join us in the role as President and CEO will be a great addition in helping us to magnify our mission and develop new partnerships,” said Tony Fineman, Board Chair. “We all look forward to working with Jean and welcoming her to the enCourage Kids family.”

    “We are excited to have Jean lead our team. Her business and philanthropic experience will fill the void since the passing of our former President & CEO – Michele Hall Duncan,” said Joe Wessely, Board Chair Emeritus. “Jean’s expertise in building strategic partnerships and expanding revenue streams will enable us to amplify our mission of making hospitals a better place for children to recover and will aid in our efforts to humanize healthcare for children and their families.”

    “I’m thrilled to join the enCourage Kids Foundation and work with such an esteemed team of like-minded professionals who are dedicated to positively impacting hospitalized children and their families. Their work throughout the years, and the millions of children and families they have served, is nothing short of outstanding,” stated Butler. “I look forward to continuing the excellent work of the foundation, enhancing current hospital programs, and developing new partnerships which will enable us to serve even more children and their families.”

    Butler received her undergraduate degree from the College of the Holy Cross and an MBA from Fordham University Gabelli School of Business.

    About enCourage Kids

    Since 1985, enCourage Kids Foundation has helped humanize healthcare for children and their families by resourcing impact-driven pediatric programs and supporting the child life community. Serving nearly one million children annually, enCourage Kids is focused on making hospitals a better place to get better. Our programs offer relief from the burden of treatment and hospital stays while helping pediatric facilities meet the unique needs of their patients. enCourage Kids envisions a world where every child—regardless of the difficulty of his or her medical journey—experiences joy, hope, resilience, and healing. To learn more or to make a donation, please visit www.encourage-kids.org.

    Source: enCourage Kids Foundation

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  • Education Nonprofits Release Free Tool to Detect ChatGPT-Generated Student Work

    Education Nonprofits Release Free Tool to Detect ChatGPT-Generated Student Work

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    Quill.org and CommonLit.org launched AIWritingCheck.org, a free tool that allows educators to determine whether a text passage was created by humans or AI.

    Press Release
    –

    Jan 25, 2023 12:30 EST


    NEW YORK, January 25, 2023 (Newswire.com)
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    Education technology nonprofits Quill.org and CommonLit.org have launched AIWritingCheck.org to help teachers determine whether writing was human- or AI-generated text. At www.aiwritingcheck.org, teachers may enter a passage of text and, with the click of a button, learn whether the text was likely generated by a student or a computer.

    ChatGPT’s launch has prompted discussion about how to best equip teachers and students with tools to preserve academic integrity and protect the critically important skill of learning how to write. Quill and CommonLit built this new tool to be free, scalable, and user-friendly. AIWritingCheck.org requires no account or subscription and can process up to 100,000 essays per day, with an accuracy rate of 80-90%. 

    View & Download the Demo Video: https://www.loom.com/share/8bc43ec4dd9a40b3b3cdd78c92394668

    Alongside the launch of AI Writing Check, the nonprofits developed a toolkit to help educators utilize AI detection websites responsibly. The Quill and CommonLit teams are committed to supporting teachers in navigating the changing landscape and fast developments in AI, acting as translators among the tech, edtech, and K-12 communities. 

    View the toolkit: https://bit.ly/ai-check-toolkit

    Peter Gault, Quill.org’s Founder and Executive Director, said, “As tools like ChatGPT become ubiquitous and more advanced over time, many fear that millions of students will stop engaging in the critically important intellectual exercise of carefully reading a text, building a response, applying the rules of grammar, and revising their writing with feedback. While Quill is built on top of AI, we believe that AI should be used to encourage students to do more writing, not for the AI to write for the students.”

    Michelle Brown, CommonLit’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, said, “The shortcut of using ChatGPT to do the thinking for you is not one that children will so easily overcome. In K-12, it’s the exercise of writing and the thinking that goes into organizing your thoughts that matters – not just the output. Education isn’t just about creating economic value; it’s about human development. It’s about our kids, and building their skills and confidence to become leaders who can communicate and leverage advanced tools.”

    Quill.org and CommonLit.org collectively serve more than 10 million economically disadvantaged students each year with free educational materials to advance literacy, representing 20% of all K-12 students. Quill.org’s mission is to help every low-income student in the United States become a strong writer and critical thinker through free online tools that help teachers by using artificial intelligence to automatically grade and provide feedback on student writing. CommonLit’s nonprofit mission is to unlock the potential of every child through reading, writing, speaking, listening, problem-solving, and collaboration.

    Source: Quill

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  • Youth orchestra works to narrow racial gap

    Youth orchestra works to narrow racial gap

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    Youth orchestra works to narrow racial gap – CBS News


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    Less than 5% of orchestras in the U.S. are made up of Black or Latino members, but one Los Angeles-based nonprofit is trying to change that. Started in 2009, the Inner City Youth Orchestra holds weekly rehearsals to help young musicians from underrepresented backgrounds take center stage. Manuel Bojorquez has the story.

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  • Project Open Hand to Receive Over $1.4 Million in Federal Funding to Support Nutrition-Intervention Services

    Project Open Hand to Receive Over $1.4 Million in Federal Funding to Support Nutrition-Intervention Services

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    Funds will help improve infrastructure and increase capacity.

    Press Release
    –

    Jan 19, 2023 09:00 EST


    SAN FRANCISCO, January 19, 2023 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Project Open Hand, a leading nonprofit nutrition service provider in the San Francisco Bay Area, announced today that it will receive over $1.4 million in federal funding to support the organization’s efforts to provide life-saving, nutrition-intervention services to its clients.  

    The new federal funding will help improve Project Open Hand’s infrastructure, including, but not limited to, purchasing new delivery service vehicles, adding a mobile pantry vehicle, and upgrading kitchen and meal preparation equipment.  

    “The new federal funding headed to San Francisco for critical community projects like Project Open Hand is a major victory for families in our City,” Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said. “This investment in Project Open Hand’s mission to provide nutritious ‘meals with love’ in our communities will help ease food insecurity and advance Ruth Brinker’s vision of a hunger-free San Francisco. Thanks to Democrats’ tenacious negotiating, last year’s government funding package delivered deeply needed federal funds for projects across San Francisco that help meet the specific needs in our City – and we’ll never stop fighting for more.” 

    The planned improvements that will be made with this new funding come at a time when demand for the organization’s services continues to rise and requests for meal deliveries from clients continue to grow.  

    “The funding will go such a long way to update not only our facility in the Tenderloin with new and upgraded infrastructure and equipment, but also the aging fleet of vehicles that deliver our services to clients every single day,” Jonathan Jump said, Vice President of Operations at Project Open Hand. 

    The over $1.4 million in funding is a part of a larger $30 million government funding package aimed to help San Francisco’s neighborhood-serving organizations. The funding was announced by Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and signed into law on Dec. 29 by President Joe Biden.

    “For 37 years, Project Open Hand’s mission has been to serve meals with love to the Bay Area, providing life-saving nutrition for residents who need it most,” said Paul Hepfer, Chief Executive Officer of Project Open Hand. “The funds allocated to our organization by Congresswoman Pelosi will ensure that our programs and capacity continue to reach those in critical need of the medically tailored meals that we provide.” 

    About Project Open Hand 

    Founded in 1985, Project Open Hand is a nonprofit organization that provides meals with love to critically ill neighbors and seniors in San Francisco and Alameda Counties.  

    Every day, we prepare more than 2,500 nutritious meals and provide more than 200 bags of healthy groceries to help sustain our clients as they battle serious illnesses, isolation, or the health challenges of aging. https://www.openhand.org

    Source: Project Open Hand

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  • CBS Evening News, January 17, 2023

    CBS Evening News, January 17, 2023

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    CBS Evening News, January 17, 2023 – CBS News


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    Mudslides pose more danger after deadly California storms; Nonprofit fulfills wishes for wounded veterans

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