“If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.” ~ Booker T. Washington, founder of Tuskegee University (my alma mater).

“Use your time to serve the world and you will find that it serves you.” ~ Oprah Winfrey

“Life’s most persistent and urgent questions is what are you doing for others.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Philanthropy, charity, giving voluntarily and freely… call it what you like, but it is truly a jewel of an American tradition.” President John F. Kennedy

“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” ~ Albert Einstein

The most memorable and successful people throughout history gave back. Philanthropy makes the world go round and I try to do so every time I have a chance.

In the past, I would donate my clothing and gently used household items to a local charity that would sell my items to the public, to make a profit. There is nothing wrong with that. Overtime, I realized that I wanted my belongings to be given to someone who really needed them but may not have the funds to pay for them, no matter how cheap they resold for.  

Here is a short list of various types of community organizations I feel we need to hear more about, that are doing a kickass job at helping their demographics.  Note: Below I’ve provided names of specific charities, but you can find these type of services under different names in other communities across the country.

1. YWCA – The YWCA is the oldest (1885) and largest multicultural women’s organization in the world. Eliminating racism and empowering women is what this dynamic organization is about. The YWCA provides safe and affordable housing for low-income women and their children; affordable Youth Development programs that create safe, gender neutral, places for kids to play and learn; racial Diversity programming to create a more just and inclusive community; education and training to ensure economic security; enrichment programs for girls to grow healthy, strong, and confident. Women go to the YWCA in times of crisis, as survivors of rape or domestic violence. They go for job training, career counseling, childcare, health and fitness. They go for a variety of reasons and leave with renewed spirits, new skills, and stronger lives.
   • What they accept: They accept gently used women clothing, clothing for kids of all ages, diapers, household furniture, monetary donations, volunteers, and program/event sponsors.
   • How did I learn about it? I served on the Board of Directors of the YWCA Syracuse Onondaga County.
2. David’s Refuge – David’s Refuge provides resources and support to parents and guardians of children with special needs or life-threatening medical condition. It is devoted to serving families who care for some of the most vulnerable members of the community. They want caregivers to know they are not alone, what they do matters, and that God and the community love them. It takes a special person to devote all their time an energy to someone else 24/7, even if it is your flesh and blood. Organizations that are a resource for caregivers need to be applauded. We know about the one going through health issues, but we forget about the people helping to keep them alive and function.
   • What they accept: Monetary donations and volunteers.
   • How did I learn about it? My colleague is on the board. Plus, when my mother became my father’s caregiver, it gave me a newfound respect for the services they provide.
3. The Q Center – How often do you hear about an organization that helps LGBTQ youth that have been discarded by their families because of who they are? How often do you hear about support centers for families that are working to understand what LGBTQ youth are going through? Well, that’s what I love about the services that are offered by The Q Center in Central New York, a program under ACR Health. It is a safe place for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth, their families, and allies to gather. Q Center programming seeks to promote equality, celebrate diversity, and create a safer, more accepting, and inclusive community for all.
   • What they accept: They accept monetary donations, clothes (business clothes are in high demand for teens going on job interviews), household furniture, and volunteers.
   • How did I learn about it? A dear friend of mine pours her heart, soul and funds into the Q Center.
4. Volunteer Lawyers Project of Onondaga County  – The Volunteer Lawyers Project provides free legal information, assistance, and representation in civil legal matters to low-income families and individuals, or those who make a specific annual income. Services are provided by volunteer attorneys (sometimes with the help of law students) and supervised by a small staff. They provide equal access to justice to those in need.
   • What they accept: They accept volunteers and donations.
   • How did I learn about it? I’ve personally witnessed the success of these attorneys who volunteer their personal time to ensure everyone has access to strong legal representation.
5. Dismas House Nashville – Imagine spending years in prison and getting released into a new world with no support? Welcome to the services of the Dismas House. Named after the second thief on the cross, crucified along Jesus, who accompanied Him to paradise, the Dismas House provides shelter, food, and clothing within the first 72 hours following release. The services they provide greatly increase the likelihood that their residents remain free forever, including housing and basic needs in a family atmosphere, clinical support, case management, life skills in action, financial empowerment, housing and basic needs.
   • What they accept:
   • How did I learn about it? My father joined this board several years ago, through him, I learned about so much of what they do for people who have been incarcerated.
6. Community Centers – A former colleague of mine once pointed out that the more advanced and prosperous parts of a community cannot thrive until the poorest corners of that population has its needs addressed. He is so right! Community Centers are the backbone and support centers for family and youth in urban and underprivileged neighborhoods. They are designed to help uplift and provide recreational and educational resources to the community, including educational programs, nutritional programs, health and exercise, art & creativity, tutoring, childcare, sports, after school programs, career planning and college prep.
   • What they accept: They typically accept volunteers, monetary donations, and program/event sponsors.
   • How did I learn about it? Early in my career, I worked at the Ernie Davis Community Center (yes, named after THE Ernie Davis, SU and Browns football player) as a Career Educator before becoming a television news reporter.