Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reflect on the goodness around us. We are endlessly grateful for the people who are committed to important humanitarian causes. This month, Niche Homes is recognizing six organizations that are hard at work here in our local community and across our nation. We hope these examples will inspire you and remind you that there really is so much goodness in the world.
Photo credit IRC
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The International Rescue Committee/ Betsy Broadwater
Chosen by Niche Homes agent Betsy Broadwater, The International Rescue Committee (IRC) “responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future.” The Salt Lake City office of the IRC opened in 1994and have welcomed over 11,000 refugees into our community since then. They offer a variety of programs to support people as they navigate the transition to the United States and build a new life here. For more information about the agency’s specific requests for donations or to find out about volunteer opportunities visit their website: https://www.rescue.org/united-states/salt-lake-city-ut.
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Operation Underground Railroad/ Hilary McDonough
Hilary McDonough has supported Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.) for years.
This privately run organization is actively working to break the cycle of human trafficking. They work with law enforcement agencies in 34 U.S. States and 22 countries to free survivors from these unimaginable situations. They also provide aftercare services to the survivors. Learn more about O.U.R.’s efforts and make a donation to this worthy cause at their website: https://ourrescue.org.
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High School Family Resource Centers/ Karly Nielsen
As a mother of three teenagers, Karly Nielsen understands that high school can be a stressful time. She is grateful that for students attending East, West, and Highland High Schools in Salt Lake City, there are social safety nets in place for when unforeseen challenges arise. Karly has chosen to recognize the family resource programs that provide for students in need of food, clothing, and other supplies at our local high schools. Here is the information about each program and how to contribute:
Bring donations to the front of the school every Wednesday from 2:45pm-3:15pm and look for students with a red cart. Donations can also be made at the front office, Monday-Friday from 8am-2pm. They are also collecting donations to help families during the holidays. Email easthighsanta@gmail.com to find out more.
Here are a few items the Family Resource Center can always use:
Nonperishable food items, backpacks and school supplies, large and extra-large coats, business casual clothing, shoes for women and men. Contact sara.palomino@slcschoolsorg for drop off information.
Contact melinda.smith@slcschools.org for information about the program and how to contribute.
Photo credit RISE Foundation
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R.I.S.E. Gary Sinise Foundation/ Kerry Harding
The Gary Sinise Foundation is very close to Kerry Harding’s heart. The mission of the foundation is to serve our nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need. The foundation’s R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment) program focuses on building specially adapted smart homes for our most severely wounded heroes. They also provide home modifications, mobility devices, and adapted vehicles to our injured, wounded, ill, and/or aging heroes. During the holidays they partner with American Airlines to take 1700 children of deceased service members to Disney World, as holidays can be especially hard. To learn more or donate to this important cause please visit their website: https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/rise.
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Single Parent Project/ Kristin Kassing
The holiday season can be overwhelming for single parents. The Single Parent Project is here to help with that. This local non-profit organization, started by Kristin Kassing’s sister-in-law Megann Brimhall and her friend Alissa Harrod, aims to support working single parents who make too much for government assistance but not enough to thrive. They offer financial assistance for day to day expenses and a variety of resources to help single parents better their financial, personal, and emotional well being. Their Christmas Project provided 65 local families with gifts in 2020 and they could use your help to top that in 2021. Find out more at: https://www.singleparentproject.org.
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Pacific Autism Alliance/Pingree Center/ Mele Brown
Mele Brown knows how important it is for parents to have social support. She has been an active member of the Pacific Autism Alliance since 2015. This social media support group is specifically for families with children who have autism spectrum disorders and has over 300 members. The Carmen B. Pingree Autism Center for Learning is another incredible resource for these families. This center provides services for children with autism spectrum disorders and their family members, including preschool, elementary, and adolescent programs, as well as a new adult learning program. The Pingree Center uses financial donations to offer scholarships and to continue to grow their program. Please consider making a donation today: https://carmenbpingree.com.
