124: Fostering Care for Foster Care

May is National Foster Care Month, and Jonathan's Place has been foster caring since 1991 with an excellent rating from Charity Navigator. Jonathan's Place offer foster care, foster care to adopt, emergency shelter, girls therapeutic program, transitional living, and is a National Safe Place. "If you’re a teen and looking for a safe place to go, Text ‘SAFE’ with your City or Zip to 69866. You will then receive the address of the closest Safe Place and a phone number you can call. When you go to a Safe Place location, employees are trained to provide a safe environment and connection to crisis services." (https://www.jpkids.org/our-programs/national-safe-place/

The mission of Jonathan’s Place is to provide a safe, loving home and specialized services to children who have been abused, abandoned or neglected. (https://www.jpkids.org/about/

Foster Care is needed for so many reasons, and most foster care systems are overburdened and lacking in good, supportive families who can take in a child or siblings. Supporting foster care can be one of the greatest ways to help our children.  If you live in the Plano, Texas area, the "Strike Out Child Abuse" Bowling Tournament is coming up in June and sounds like great fun.

Child Abuse Hotline:(800) 252-5400

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Our email is DonationsByTheDozen@gmail.com.

Thanks and cheers to charity

123: Red Rover - Red Rover Helps Animals All Over

Red Rover is an amazing organization with three main areas of importance: helping pet owners in need, caring for animals in crisis, and helping develop empathy toward animals in children. I appreciate all of these, but I do want to stress the immense task they undertake during disaster relief. "Since 1987 RedRover Responders has worked in cooperation with law enforcement, local agencies, and animal organizations to shelter and care for animals displaced by natural disasters and other crises, such as criminal seizures, puppy mills and hoarding cases, in the United States and Canada. If you need sheltering assistance, please call RedRover at 916.429.2457 or email Responders@redrover.org." 
I know I am short on time today, so I hope you will look at Red Rover if you are interested in animal rescue. I did study to be a volunteer but could not get to any live training sessions, or I wold give you more information on that. The importance of these volunteers to animals is as important as FEMA, Red Cross, or others to humans in crisis. 

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Our email is DonationsByTheDozen@gmail.com.

Thanks and cheers to charity

122: When Life Gives you Lemons (of Love) LOL

I was looking for  chemo support nonprofit today. I found Lemons of Love (LOL), and I am in love. LOL is empathetic, empowering, thoughtful, and just darn adorable. I am putting a quite about it below, but truly, if you want a gift for someone you know who is going through chemo, check out this amazing nonprofit.

Lemons of Love is based on the well-known expression, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” but with a twist, “When life gives you lemons – laugh out loud.” 

"Lemons of Love is an adventure run solely on the generosity of humanity.” – Jill Swanson Peltier The LOL bags are hand made by volunteer stitchers with lots of love. Jill chooses special products that were essential in healing during her own treatments. Each beautiful package is filled with Organic body lotion (for dry chemo skin); Claeys Old Fashioned Lemon Drops (naturally flavored to hide get rid of the awful metallic taste); Dark Chocolate Acai (dark chocolate is nutritious and acai berries have antioxidants, fiber and heart-healthy fats); Organic Ginger Tea (for upset stomachs); a Lemons of Love water bottle (BPA Free - made in USA), a bottle of Calypso Lemonade (graciously donated by Calypso); a Lemons of Love FIGHTER silicone bracelet, superhero socks (because, let’s face it, you achieve superhero status when fighting this battle), and a "happy" picture (drawn by a child). Frequently, other items, not included here, are added as a result of exclusive donations. It’s difficult to know how to help family, friends and co-workers who are diagnosed with cancer and going through chemotherapy. This is the perfect gift to send to them.A Lemons of Love chemo-care package is the perfect gift, we offer the handmade tote or gorgeous Lemons of Love limited edition box. They are delivered to local hospitals and also sent to cancer patients nationwide. To share this “gift of humanity,” please make a donation to Lemons of Love, Inc. - Thank you to all of our volunteers and those who have donated time, skills, items and funds. We appreciate your love and support. (http://lemonsoflove.org/home.html)

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Our email is DonationsByTheDozen@gmail.com.

Thanks and cheers to charity

121: Not your ordinary idea of a prank . . .

I enjoyed this video so much, and it inspired me to so many new ideas. The surprise behind this video was to treat homeless individuals to a spa day, in which they could experience hairstyling, makeup, massages, clothing, rainwear jackets and backpacks with goodies, and more. If you watch it all, you will see a beauty and authenticity behind each person in it, whether giver or recipient. The surprise took place at Ascencia, and I wanted to find out more about them and feature them for today's Donations by the Dozen.
Ascencia provides emergency shelter year fund with extra availability in two shelters during the winter as part of its programs and services, but their mission "is to end homelessness in the greater Glendale area, one person, one family at a time. We envision a community where people in need can find safe affordable housing and access resources to become self-sufficient." (https://www.ascenciaca.org/about/mission-history/)
Ascencia offers several permanent housing programs and assistance to different homeless individuals and families by themselves and with a large referral base. Additionally. they have programs for veterans and a 10th Decile program. The 10th Decile program is  a "special program for chronically homeless people who frequently use local hospitals.  Identified as the costliest 10% of the homeless population, this project moves chronically ill clients into permanent housing and works to establish a medical home so that the client can stabilize and improve his health. Clients for this project are identified by Ascencia’s outreach team or referred by local hospitals." (https://www.ascenciaca.org/how-we-help/process-overview-programs/)
Another amazing program is Street Outreach where they go directly to the homeless or where people can call and get assistance if they meet someone homeless.
The amazing organization well deserved the Prank it Forward surprise, and I hope we see more amazing differences soon.

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Our email is DonationsByTheDozen@gmail.com.

Thanks and cheers to charity

120: Those Thoughtful Bits that Make it a Little Better

this is an oversized chair, btw

Today is National Pet Shelter day, and I wanted to choose an organization who goes above and beyond for their shelter residents. I saw an article a while ago and found it for today's donation. Surprisingly it's super close to me, the Humane Society of Toledo. You know how shelter dogs always look like they're in prison? Well, the HST has a solution.
The article shows how the HST made the dogs cells more homey and inviting, which helps all of them, but especially difficult socializers, to feel a safer, friendlier environment. There are recliners, lamps, televisions, and more so the dog can feel it's a living room versus a cell. This also makes a nicer experience for anyone wanting to spend a little time with a potentially adoptable dog.
(https://www.littlethings.com/animal-shelter-creates-living-room-for-dogs/) I didn't have a good way to responsibly connect the pictures, so please take a look. For now, you get my spoiled animals who also love living rooms - because obviously, I will always put a picture of Nessie in if I get a chance.

I know shelter need our help to go that extra mile, and I love when they do it. I think one of these days, I will have to figure out a way to fund a project like this. Thanks, Humane Society of Toledo for being thoughtful to those special residents

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Our email is DonationsByTheDozen@gmail.com.

Thanks and cheers to charity

119: So easy to love the happiness of Ever

Yesterday I watched this video and fell in love with the happiness of Ever. Ever can survive on 20 minutes of sleep a day and is always happy due to a neurogenetic disorder commonly called Angelman Syndrome. Angelman Syndrome symptoms can include developmental delays, speech impairment (though many find alternative methods to communicate), movement and balance problems, seizures, sleep disorders, and a very happy demeanor. I think being around anyone happy is contagious and watching Ever filled my heart, but of course the other symptoms are worrisome.  Most of he foundations and nonprofits out there focus mainly on research and the Angelman Syndrome Foundation does this along with support and education for families and the medical community. Research in this area has been rapid and hopeful with many expecting a cure soon. How soon I don't know, but it has been cured in mice. I wanted to bring this to attention to support Angelman Syndrome but also to talk about it because 50% of cases are originally misdiagnosed as autism, Prader-Wili, cerebral palsy and other disorders. (https://www.angelman.org/what-is-as/diagnosis/) The ASF does provide support to families if you contact them, but they were not available for me to share. This page, https://www.angelman.org/resources-education/, has many resources, including inclusion resources. Ever's mom worries about the general public's acceptance of Ever, and I hope her worries never get reinforced. I hope you find laughter with Ever too.

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Our email is DonationsByTheDozen@gmail.com.

Thanks and cheers to charity

118: More Parks Please

I got a survey about the National Parks in the mail today, so let's choose the National Park Conservation Association for today's Donations by the Dozen. I love parks and grew up near two national parks (my daily view is today's pic). The national park near where I live now has been doing some amazing things with regrowth and preservation. The NPCA site covers a great deal of information including issues of focus, park searches with information, news, resources, and ways to get involved. Many parks have great events you can attend as well. Parks are under budgeted and looking at even less, when I keep wishing we could add more to them. I hope we all find a way to support them in whatever ways we can, especially visiting them.

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Our email is DonationsByTheDozen@gmail.com.

Thanks and cheers to charity

117: How many psychiatrists does it take to change a light bulb?

You'll have to listen to the video to find out the answer to that one. In my quest to make sure I cover each of our wonderful states, I was looking at North Dakota today, since Fargo Season 3 is beginning. And lo and behold, I found something that brought back all sorts of childhood (and a year or so ago) memories, Prairie Public Broadcasting

 Prairie Public Broadcasting offers a window on the world through national and regional television and radio programming; creates a forum for the most important issues facing our region with locally produced, topical programming; partners with others to foster education for all ages; and utilizes digital technology and Web services to expand those valued services. Beginning with a single television transmitter in Fargo, Prairie Public Broadcasting has grown to become the premier broadcaster of public television and radio services throughout the prairie region. (http://www.prairiepublic.org/home/about)

In many ways, you can't go wrong with Public Radio ad Television. They have access to and create experiences new and old we might not know otherwise. Prairie Public Broadcasting is also the home of the Prairie Home Companion hosted by Garrison Keillor. "Garrison Keillor is America's favorite storyteller. For more than 30 years as the host of A Prairie Home Companion, he has captivated millions of public radio listeners with his weekly "News from Lake Wobegon" monologues. Keillor is also the author of several books and a frequent contributor to national publications including Time, The New Yorker, and National Geographic, in addition to writing his own syndicated column. He has been awarded a National Humanities Medal from the National Endowment of the Humanities." (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr4XBDc3iBI&index=3&list=PLDAC0DF9B27AEA7FA

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Our email is DonationsByTheDozen@gmail.com.

Thanks and cheers to charity

116: Wellness and Cancer?

Cancer and Wellness together seems like an oxymoron, but not in the case of the Cancer Wellness Center, "Through supportive care and education, the Cancer Wellness Center seeks to improve the emotional and physical well-being of people affected by cancer. All of our programs are offered free of charge. "  (https://www.cancerwellness.org) TheCancer Wellness Center offers programs and lectures, counseling, groups, wellness class, and focus programs for children, teens, and young adults. "The center’s mission is to help anyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis connect with a welcoming, empowering community of people; navigate the emotional side of a diagnosis; find targeted, individualized programs; and provide resources and highly credentialed health professionals to smooth the journey through cancer." (https://www.cancerwellness.org/about/)

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Our email is DonationsByTheDozen@gmail.com.

Thanks and cheers to charity

115: And on This Farm There is a Sanctuary E-I-E-I-O

Today, Donations By The Dozen has chose the Farm Sanctuary, which rescues, provides sanctuary, advocates, and educates. Farm Sanctuary has several sanctuary and shelter locations but often runs out of space and needs farm animals adopted. Farm animals need our support as much as any other creature on out planet.

Farm Sanctuary operates the country’s largest farm animal rescue and adoption network. Every year, we assist with urgent placement needs — particularly in cruelty cases involving large numbers of animals. When our shelters are full, we depend on compassionate people who want to make a direct difference for a suffering cow, pig, chicken or other farm animal. Since 1986, nearly 3,000 needy farm animals have been given a new beginning — thanks to people who care enough to join our Farm Animal Adoption Network (FAAN). (https://www.farmsanctuary.org/the-sanctuaries/home-adoption-and-placement/)

I am not embedding the video as it has a warning and is violent, but the link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNxcylWLEH8&feature=youtu.be&oref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DpNxcylWLEH8%26feature%3Dyoutu.be&has_verified=1.,  link for those who may wish to see the story of Nicky, a sweet, clever pig from a flooded factory farm who floated miles down the river before nesting and giving birth to seven piglets.

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Our email is DonationsByTheDozen@gmail.com.

Thanks and cheers to charity

114: Please, Not a Borrower but a Lender Be

I am so happy that a few people contributed to this program of my birthday, because it allows me to choose a couple of organizations that have higher minimums than a dozen dollars. Today, I'm using a portion for Kiva.org, which is a super cool way to support nonprofit work at a systems level. 
Technically it is considered a loan not a donation. It works like this: Basically, your donation (minimum of $25) works as a loan payment to someone who has been pre-approved by applying for a Kiva loan. You can browse the different opportunities to make your choice. When the borrow repays the loan, you can redirect whatever has been paid back, generally around 97%, to another borrower, donate it, or withdraw it. Every dollar you invest to a borrower goes to that borrower. If you choose to donate your repayment, the funds go to Kiva costs. You can browse loan applicants geographically, by type, or by date to help those expiring sooner. So whether your cause is food, water, geographical conflict, women, health, single parents or many others, you should be able to find a great match on Kiva.
I have chosen these lovely ladies, represented by Khan (she's in the picture if you click on the link) in the Taung Kone S2 Village Group of Myanmar (formerly Burma and boy do I miss that) who would like to purchase 25 ducks to increase her egg selling business. She already has had success with her fifty ducks. Not only can Khan  increase her income, but her success contributes to the economic stability and growth of her entire village. "Khan is a woman who loves to watch television in her spare time. Together with her in the picture are: Khin, San, Khin T, Khaing and Thu." (https://www.kiva.org/lend/1262782) 

Kiva also has a store featuring items made from some loan recipients, https://store.kiva.org, and I am definitely doing Christmas shopping from their site. 

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Our email is DonationsByTheDozen@gmail.com.

Thanks and cheers to charity

113: So They Can Play It Again

I share a birthday with quite a few friends, and I like my friends to pick a nonprofit on their birthdays.  So today, a great family friend and excellent musician, Mike Zimmerman, has chosen Musicians Foundation Inc. for our Donations by the Dozen. Happy Birthday, Mike! As you can see from the one pager below, Musicians Foundation Inc. helps professional musicians during times of crisis or need.
If you follow some of the stories of the lives they've helped, http://www.musiciansfoundation.org/lives-changed/,  you will see how hard times, fires, injuries, and more have left professional musicians unable to continue careers. Musicians have a passion and support of their art, and the beauty they create for us unquestionably adds to our fulfillment in life. However, very few musicians end up being superstar millionaires, and they all need our support.  If you look at the following stats, you will see how imperative it is they get help and support always and why Musicians Foundation Inc. truly helps when public support isn to enough or circumstances change for musicians.

Statistics on Musicians

• The aggregate total income of a professional musician is $55, 561, according to a survey published by the Future of Music Project in 2012. This number includes additional income from non-musical jobs. The aggregate musical income of a professional musician is $34,455 per year.
• Sound recordings make up an average of 6% of musical artists’ income, according to the Future of Music.
• Live performance makes up an average of 28% of musical artists’ income, according to the Future of Music.
• On a 99-cent download, a typical artist may earn 7 to 10 cents, according to The New York Times. (http://www.musiciansfoundation.org/facts-glance/)

http://www.musiciansfoundation.org

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Thanks and cheers to charity

One thing I wanted to note, because since it became a problem for my nonprofit is this. Even if it says Inc. or LLC or something in the name, an organization may. like Musicians Foundation Inc., still be a nonprofit. For example, I was using LLC, because I had to create an LLC to get the paperwork and banking in place before I could get approved as a nonprofit. Due to sequestration, I took me almost a year (then it's retroactive from the application date), so I forgot to stop using the LLC once I was formally a 501(c)3. I will be fixing that soon, but I wanted any readers to know I always make sure each nonprofit I present to you is legally a functioning nonprofit.

112: Hello, Earth Day

Happy Earth Day,  everyone and hello, American Forest Foundation. I haven't been in a true forest for a long, long time, but I miss it. A forest is not at all like a park, and I think it behooves us to protect and preserve some of the last vestiges of natural beauty in our world, regardless of where and what those are. AFF thinks so too and bases their mission on these values:

VALUES

• All Americans have a stake in the future of our nation’s forests.
• Forest owners are stewards of vital resources that provide value to their communities, the nation, and the world.
• Environmental education enables citizens to learn the skills and gain the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about our natural resources.
• Our success depends on the passion of volunteers and the capacity of state based organizations who share our goals. Likewise, we share responsibility for assuring they have the resources they need to succeed.(https://www.forestfoundation.org/forest-foundation-mission-vision-values-goals)

I have less time than usual to share details with you, but please visit the site of American Forest Foundation, and you will see the way AFF is including family land owners, using innovative tools, educating and advocating for our forests. There are so many thing we would miss in our world without these habitats.

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Our email is DonationsByTheDozen@gmail.com.

Thanks and cheers to charity

111: From Captivity to Peace - An Elephant Sanctuary

Happy Birthday to the ever so wonderful and beautiful Jessica Holbrook. She chose the Donations by the Dozen recipient today for her birthday, and it's the Global Sanctuary for Elephants, which I love. GSE protects and rescues elephants as well as proving sanctuary for them. GSE is piloting their first sanctuary in Brazil and helps other sanctuaries as well.
GSE provides vast places of safety for elephants to heal (physical and emotionally), explore, and find stimulation and empowerment. Elephants can become part of the nurturing, supportive herd, and they elephants need their herd.
Random but: I once watched a documentary I wish I could find again, so if you know it after reading this, please let me know. Elijah was a baby elephant who was so large, his feet had gotten twisted in the womb. His mother could not leave him because he could not stand or walk at first. The herd waited a few weeks, but then the migratory need led them away. Several weeks later, Elijah had healed enough to begin traveling. His mom led him across the savanna in a direct path to more quickly reach the longer,  circuitous route her herd takes each year. At one point, them other elephant came across an elephant skull. She recognized it as the skull of her long lost sister and spent three days mourning it. These are just two of the many touching stories about this herd I saw in the documentary. Elephants are truly special, and I wish every elephant the best. Horrors like poachers and terrible animal keepers do too much damage to these fragile giants. Some day, I will get to spend time with one of these magnificent beauties, but for now, let's support them from afar.
I appreciate the Global Elephant Sanctuary for all of the help and safety it offers. They have a variety of campaigns, including an online auction coming in June. "Every Elephant Matters" to GSE, which is why they take a more costly approach to give each elephant the very best life rather than other avenues of elephant assistance.
I love that Jess shared this nonprofit with me for her birthday, and there's even better news. Since it also my birthday, my best friend, Brett Fowler, and his family are matching each donation this week - Woohoo! Thank you so (SO) much!

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Our email is DonationsByTheDozen@gmail.com.

Thanks and cheers to charity