A Mom in Need

Well, today is the final day of March For Charity and I just want to thank everyone who has been a part of it from those of you who retweeted about the posts, my two supporters who made monetary donations to the raffle and those who came by faithfully and commented.  I didn't reach my $2000 goal or come anywhere near close to reaching it, but I'd still say this event was a success.  I wanted to help raise awareness for charities and nonprofits and I did just that.

For this last post, I have decided to not highlight a charity or nonprofit.  Instead, I would like to introduce you all to a mommy of 2 who is really going through a rough patch. I've known her for a while via Twitter and never did I suspect that she was in the current situation that she's in.

Her name is Denise and like I said she's a young mommy of 2.  Her youngest son, LJ, was born 10 weeks premature in 2009.  He has Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.  This means that LJ has chronic heartburn due to the fact the his food and drink come back up from his stomach and into in his esophagus.  So, he's been a series of heartburn medicines since birth.

LJ also suffers from chronic ear infections as well as Laryngeal Penetration and sleep apnea.  Needless, to say LJ has been through a lot.  However, he is making progress and working hard to reach developmental milestones.  And for Denise this has been especially hard having to watch all the testing and wonder what could go wrong next.

Her oldest son Andre suffers from ADHD and anxiety.   However, he does not let his condition prevent him from being like other kids.  He's very smart and is a honor roll student in class.  At home is a great big brother and helps his mom and loves to spend time with his baby brother LJ.

As for Denise, she has been out of work for over three years now.  A few years ago, one of her arms was smashed in the doors of a freight elevator at her then job.  The damage was so severe that she had to undergo three separate repair surgeries.  And even though the surgeries were successful, doctors were unable to restore her arm 100% back to condition and functionality that it was prior the accident.

Thus, Denise says that this has made it challenging for her to get a job because employers aren't willing to accept the fact that there are certain tasks she can't perform.  With two kids who require lots of medical care and medicines but no job Denise has quickly fun out funds.  Determined to be a provider for her family, she even went back to school to be get her Medical Assistant certification.   However, she has yet to obtain a job.

Denise started a blog, Sunshine Pod 22, but says that she received such negative and bullying comments for posting about her struggles and she and her kids deal with their medical issues that she stopped.  Despite having been in this unfortunate situation for over three years, surprisingly she is still hopeful.  She continues to work hard to get her resume out and looks for work so that she can pay off the mountain of bills that have been collecting and provide a decent living for herself and her boys. 

You won't catch her on Twitter or Facebook begging for charity not because she's too proud but because she has received negative responses from users on there as well.  Reading her story and talking to her about her current situation moved me to tears.  As a mom, I don't know if I'd have half the strength to endure what she's going through.  What amazed me about our conversation was that not once did she ask for money.  Instead, she asked about ways she could make money herself.

I was shocked.  This woman is truly remarkable.  She is seriously working hard to put herself out there and not just be satisfied to take charity from others. 

So, I would like to challenge all of my readers, YUMMommy supporters and anyone else reading this post to help Denise and her boys get back on their feet.  She has placed a Donate button on her blog for those who wish to make monetary donations of any amount.  She is also interested in receiving gift cards from stores in here area to use to buy food, clothes, etc.   Please take a minute to stop by her blog and read her story for yourself before you judge or blow this off.

Trust me your giving will not be in vain.  This family needs you and you can make a difference in their lives.

Again thank you to everyone who has been a part of March For Charity.  I'm looking forward to seeing your participation again in March 2012!!

Dress for Success Charlotte

Mission

Dress for Success Charlotte's mission is "to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life."

Why You Should Support Them

Imagine that you've been unemployed for some time and you finally receive a job interview through an employment agency.  You'd be thrilled right?  Then, you look into your closet and realize that you have nothing interview worthy to wear.

No worries, that is where Dress for Success Charlotte comes into play.  They work with not-for-profit and government job agencies to help dress hundreds of no and low-income women for their job interviews.  Each woman is provided with two suits, shoes, cosmetics, accessories and hygiene products.  With the necessary items to look great on the outside for their job interview these women are given a confidence boost. on the inside.

Let's face it, we all feel our best when we look our best!  Not to mention that first impressions on a job interview is everything.  While our clothes should not define us or hinder people from truly getting to know us when it comes to employment they can do just that.  You might give the most fantastic interview ever but all the interviewer can remember is that hole in your shirt under the right arm.

Dress for Success Charlotte works to make sure that employers are able to focus on what you're saying and the skills you can bring to their company.  And if hired, guess what?  Dress for Success Charlotte will also help to jump start your new work wardrobe by providing you with up to five outfits.  Do you know that with a little mixing and matching you can create over 25 different outfit combinations?

Dress for Success Charlotte also provides training and teaching about workforce etiquette, how to balance career and family, achieving financial independence and more through its Professional Women Group organization.

For more information on Dress for Success Charlotte click here.

How You Can Help

Being a nonprofit, Dress for Charlotte depends mostly on the support and donations of the community to keep its doors open and to be able to provide everything that is does to its clients.  You can help them continue to give no and low-income women a fighting chance on job interviews by making financial donations.  

They also accept clothing donations to help stock their merchandise and outfit selections.  And of course, they are always looking for volunteers to assist them as well.

For more information on how you help click here.

More 411

Website

Facebook

Linkedin

Twitter

Or Write:

Dress for Success Charlotte

500-A Clanton Road

Charlotte, NC 28217

Or Call:

(704) 525-7706

Or Email:

Charlotte@dressforsuccess.org

Shopping for JJ

If you follow me on Twitter, then you heard the news that Baby JJ could possibly be here two weeks early. I went to my OB for an ultrasound and to talk about my sugar test as well as my severely low blood count on Monday.  Well, during the ultrasound appointment the tech pointed out that JJ was two weeks more developed than 86% of babies his gestational age.  She estimated according to ultrasound measurements that he's already almost five pounds!!!  That is crazy.

Can you imagine how much bigger he's going to get these last two months?  I mean that's when babies really start to put on their final pounds. So, let's say he puts on two pounds in April and then another two pounds in May.  I'm looking at trying to push out an almost ten pound baby folks!!!  And then think about the carrying around.  My arms are going to beyond tired.

Guess, I better start carrying around and cradling a ten pound bag of sugar to get used to what my baby is going to feel like.  With Moo, I at least had two weeks before she hit the ten pound mark.  JJ is going to come out weighing ten pounds or close to it which means in two weeks he'll weigh 12 pounds or more.  Since, I'm breast feeding, he'll pack on more weight than a formula feed baby in a faster time period.

Anyways, to the hubby and I decided that we needed to go ahead and get a move on getting the rest of the stuff we needed.  So, this morning I got surprised with breakfast complete with fresh orange juice.  I was glad that I didn't have to cook.  And then I enjoyed a nice hot shower minus Moo for a change.  She usually throws a fit if she hears the water running and she's not in there showering with Moo.  She thinks the shower is some kind of magic rain cloud. LOL

After we were all dressed and ready to go, we headed out to do some shopping.  Since my family is taking care of the clothes and toys, we tackled the big items and here are some of the steals we got today:




We got the Graco Kinsey DuoGlider Stroller from Target for $139.99.  That's a whole $10 cheaper than Babies 'R Us.  Needless to say I have scratched this off our registry with them.

Graco Kinsley DuoGlider

And we all know how much I love co-sleeping with Moo.  So, since we'll most likely be moving a week or two after JJ is born and won't be able to get our king sized mattress until then we decided to get a bassinet so JJ can join us.  We settled on this adorable Nod-A-Way by Safety 1st from Target as well.  It was another great buy at $79.99.

Safety 1st Nod-A-Way Bassinet

And since I hurriedly gave away Moo's baby bouncer seat, we  picked up this adorable How Now Brown Cow Open Top Take Along Swing.  Of course, it's from Target too for $49.99.  It has a three point harness and can handle up to 25 pounds!!  I loved it because we can fold it up and carry it to Grandma's or when Moo goes on in home playdates. 

How Now Brown Cow On Top Take Along Swing

We picked up a Munchkin bottle rack from WalMart for $7.99.

You've also probably heard me talk about how my hubby has been really involved with wanting to pick out a breast pump.  So, we grabbed a Playtex Petite Double Electric Breast Pump System from WalMart for $79.98.  It's a 16-piece kit that comes complete with pump motor, 2 breast cups, 2 Playtex Drop-Ins bottles, 10 Drop-Ins liners, an adapter, tubing, 2 liner rings, 2 bottle nipples, 2 milk storage sealing discs, 2 extra pump valves and of course the instruction booklet.

We also picked up JJ's first outfit that he will be coming home in and taking his newborn pics in.  However, I'll  let that be a surprise as well as my dress for my baby shower.

Overall, I would say that if you're shopping for baby gear Target is certainly the place to go.  And Big Lots is not bad if yours carries big items like double strollers, bassinets and swings.  WalMart has the best prices on baby clothes, bottles, breast pumps and diapers.  So, keep that in mind for future baby shower registries.

Audubon Nature Institute

Mission

Audubon Nature Institute's mission is help preserve native Louisiana wildlife by enhancing the care and survival of animals with research and conservation.

Why You Should Support Them

We often think of zoos and nature institutes as just great places to visit and wholesome entertainment for the family.  However, they are nonprofits as well.  They do much more than collect animals for us to ooh and aww over.  

In fact, the Audubon Nature Institute actually works to protect endangered animals through tons of conservation and research efforts.  The Zoo helps to save these endangered animals by giving them a safe a place to breed, studying their breeding habits and even releasing those endangered species back into protected areas of the wild.  By releasing the animals, Audubon Nature Institute is helping to rebuild and replenish wildlife that would otherwise be extinct.

Also, during the oil spill in the Gulf, the Zoo assisted in efforts in to save and rehab marine wildlife that were affected.  They cleaned and nursed sick animals back to excellent health and housed them safely in their Aquatic Center.  Audubon not only cares about animals but the environment as a whole.  They became the first caterer in Louisiana to be certified green.

Through supporting organizations like Audubon Nature Institute, we are giving animals a fighting chance and making strides to be better to Mother Earth.  For more information click here.

How You Can Help

There are many ways to help Audubon Nature Institute.  If you enjoy working one on one with animals, you can always sign up to be a volunteer at the Zoo.  You can also help Audubon to continue to keep its doors open and be safe haven for animals by making a financial donation.  Money goes towards food for the animals, medical expenses, upkeep on the living areas and so much more.

More information on how you can get involved click here.

More 411

Website

Blogger

Facebook

Flickr

Twitter

Or Write:

Audubon Nature Institute

PO Box 4327

New Orleans, LA 70178

Or Call:

(504) 581-4629

Or Email:

give@auduboninstitute.org

March For Charity Twitter Party

As many of you know, this is the last week of my March For Charity highlight posts.  Can you believe it we're already at the end of March and April is merely a few days away.  Anyways, I'd like to give out a special thank you to Little Miss AOK Bowtique and Baby Making Machine for being the only two to make financial donations to the raffle portion.  So, it looks like they will be taking home some wonderful prizes.

Oh you'd like to win some wonderful prizes too?  Well, all you have to do is donate at least a $1 to be entered in the general raffle and at least $5 to be entered to win the grand prize.  All money will be donated to the charity that gets the most votes by April 7th.  And yes, the ChipIn widget works to process the donation, it just doesn't update to reflect the amount.  Idk why that is so and tried to reset it. Anyways, to refresh your memory check out the prizes I have up for raffle below.

Wonder Bumpers (excludes Wishes of Windsor) from Go Mama Go Designs

ReUsies Sandwich/Snack bag from ReUsies (2 winners)

Ruffle Leggings from Kangacoo Designs

Decorative Wall Vinyl Decal from Trading Phrases (3 winners)

Grand Prize

7-8.0mm Freshwater Pearl Stud Earrings from Pure Pearls 

And I'd like to cordially invite you all to join me Friday, April 1st at 10PM to talk about our favorite charities, how we support charities and why we should support charities.  The rest of the details are listed below.  Don't forget to RSVP by linking up your Twitter accounts only.  Also, please feel free to follow any or all of the other attendees.

March For Charity Twitter Party

Friday, April 1, 2011

10 PM

Hosts: @yummommies

Hashtag: #MarchForCharity

March of Dimes

Mission

The March of Dimes' mission is "to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality."

Why You Should Support Them

I'm sure that I don't have to tell most of you how unpredictable pregnancy can be.  While the journey of bringing life into this world is by the greatest gift ever, it can sometimes be a very dangerous for both mom and baby.  Today pregnant women have a whole slew of pregnancy complications that just happen at any minute. And even if you do go full term there's still a lot of complications that can happen with the baby such as birth defects and even worse infant mortality.

Founded in 1938 to originally fight off the out of control polio epidemic, the March of Dimes is not working around the clock to help families who are facing pregnancy related challenges through research,community service, education, and advocacy.  Their team of professionals strive hard to figure out causes of why some babies are born premature, with birth defects and more.  The March of Dimes also works in hospitals to be a support system for those families of babies in the NICU.

March of Dimes representatives assist families with everything from counseling and understanding their baby's condition to helping those in need of financial assistance secure funds to pay for treatment.  Having had a tough pregnancy my first time around, I felt comforted knowing that the March of Dimes was there if ever I would need them.  I was very thankful of the reading material I received from them on little things that could help better my pregnancy and increase my chances of a full term delivery.  

And even now that I am in the last trimester of my second pregnancy, I still comfort in knowing that if anything should suddenly happen, there is someone that my family and I can turn to for support.  For more information on the March of Dimes visit their website here.

How You Can Help

You help the March of Dimes by making a financial donation.  The money collected goes towards funding research that is crucial in helping to reduce the number of babies born prematurely and with birth defects.  This money also helps to fund community service and educational programs for both citizens and medical professionals.

Also, the March of Dimes is always looking for volunteers and service partners.  You help by taking part in campaigns like the March for Babies.  And of course one of the best ways you can help is by spreading the word about this wonderful organization and how they are fighting to help moms and babies.  

For more information on opportunities of how you can get involved click here.

More 411

Website

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

*PS-My playgroup is participating in an upcoming March for Babies walk and would love your help with meeting our $8000 goal.  You can check out our team page here.

Room at the Inn

Mission

The mission of Room at the Inn is to be 'a safe haven and source of hope for pregnant mothers and their children.'

Why You Should Support Them

One of the scariest scenarios that can happen to a young woman or woman of any age is an unplanned pregnancy.  It's like one day you're going about life without a worry in the world and then the next you're looking at this positive pregnancy test that has just changed everything.  What are going you going to do?  What if the father doesn't want to be involved?  How are you going to make it?

Thankfully, Room at the Inn is there to help.  They provide free residential housing for moms 18 years old and  older for up to 24 months with up to 2 children.  While living in this residential housing moms are taught about life skills like cooking, healthy living, building their faith, family planning and much more.  Room at the Inn also provides counseling services to help these moms with obtaining education and career opportunities to prepare and enable them to support themselves and their families.  They also offer many outreach programs to pregnant women and moms in the community.

With organizations like Room at the Inn, we can see more moms being better prepared and able to not only take of themselves and their children, but also they will be able to make better choices in the future.  Sometimes, when it seems like life is crumbling before us all we need is someone to show us the way and prove that there is hope.  And Room at the Inn is doing just that for pregnant women and moms in the Charlotte area.

For more information on Room at the Inn click here.

How You Can Help

If you are a mom, soon to be a mom, or parent in general, I am sure that you can understand and appreciate the importance of having a program like Room at the Inn.  Being a nonprofit, this organization relies solely on the generosity and giving of strangers in order to keep their opens and to provide free services.  You can help them continue to expand and help mothers by making a financial donation, signing up to become a volunteer or donating gently used and new items like cribs, baby clothes, maternity clothes, and more.

For full details on how you can Room at the Inn click here.

More 411

Website

Facebook

Or Write:

Room at the Inn

PO Box 75384

Charlotte, NC 28275

Or Call:

(704) 525-HOPE (4673)

Operation Homefront

Mission

Operation Homefront's mission is to provide "emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and wounded warriors."

Why You Should Support Them

We all get hit with hard times.  And our men and women serving in the military are no different.  Like us, they too experience financial hardships and have been impacted by the recent decline of our economy.  And for those who have been wounded in the line of duty, it is often hard to find a job that will cater to their injuries.

Luckily there are organizations like Operation Homefront to step in and help meet the needs of these men, women and their families.  They works to assist service members and wounded veterans with everything from emergency financial relief to providing emergency home repairs, food and much more.  

 Operation Homefront believes "those who wear our country's uniform do so with a sense of duty, knowing they support the causes of freedom.  We serve by serving them and their families."  And this is truly the ultimate way that we can even begin to show our appreciation for these men and women putting their lives on the line so that we don't have to.

For more information on services offered by Operation Homefront click here.

How You Can Help

I encourage to assist Operation Homefront with its mission help these military families by either making a donation, becoming a volunteer or starting an Operation Homefront chapter in your city.  In addition, you can also help by contributing to the specific need of a service member and/or their family.  A list of current need requests is updated regularly here.

For more information on how you can get involved with Operation Homefront click here.

More 411

Website

Facebook

Flickr

Foursquare

Twitter

Wordpress

YouTube

Or Write:

Operation Homefront

8930 Fourwinds Dr, Suite 340

San Antonio, TX 78239

Or Call:

(212) 659-7756

(800) 722-6098

Or Email:

To email Operation Homefront click here

A Day of Discovery

I am happy to report that Moo has been feeling much better this week. Her meds have worked and she is back to her normal self.  And after being shuffled from the emergency room to the pediatrician and stuck in the house for almost two weeks, I was more than thrilled when presented with the opportunity to take her to the Discovery Place here in the Queen City.  As a matter of fact, the first time I ever visited Charlotte was on a trip to the Discovery Place when I was a Brownie in Girl Scouts.

I remembered all the fun I had exploring and playing with all the different exhibits.  My favorite was the exhibit they used to have on the human body. It had a giant ear that you could climb inside and everything.  It was amazing to say the least.  And I thought it was just the coolest thing ever.  So, I was curious to see how Moo would react on her very first trip there as well.

Would she love it as much as I did?  Would she be bored?  Would she get cranky?  I had so many thoughts and questions running through my mind as we got Wednesday morning.  However, as we approached Uptown, I could hear Moo chattering away in her car seat about all the different stuff she was seeing out her window.  If you've never been to Charlotte, then let me just say that Uptown is really a beautiful place with lots of tall buildings and great sites.

She squealed with even more excitement as parked in the parking garage and got out the car.  It was like she could tell we were somewhere really special.  I felt relieved.  This was a good sign that today was going to be a fun day for her.  In we went and first up on our list was a trip to the KidScience room.

She had a blast playing at the water table station.  The purpose of the water table station was to teach kids about the flow of water.  They had a water wheel and the kids were suppose to figure out which pipes to use to get the water to make the wheel move.  We ended up making two trips back to the KidScience room so that she could get her fill of the water.

I have to admit that even I got caught up in the fun of the KidScience room. See my cute little glow board masterpiece above?  It's a rocket ship and a star.  I did a good job of following the pattern. Don't you think so.  After the KidScience room we headed to the aquarium exhibit.

Let me just say that she loves, loves, loves fish.  It doesn't matter what kind of fish it is, she loves them all! She literally ran to look into all the different tanks.  It was surreal to stand back and watch her little face light up with joy and wonder.  We even found Nemo. LOL

Also, during our visit we checked out the Rain Forest exhibit and saw some pretty neat birds and a large tortoise.  The tortoise was my favorite part of the Rain Forest exhibit because I love turtles. My brother and I had several for pets.  We enjoyed all the science experiments and the race exhibit they had set up on the second floor.

Overall, I would say that this is by far the best outing we have had to date. She had a wonderful time and I discovered that the Discovery Place is still a place filled with just as much fun, adventure and wonder as it was when I was a little girl.



*Disclaimer:  I was given complimentary tickets to the Discovery Place.  However, the choice to write this post was solely my idea and all opinions expressed are genuinely my own.

The Closet Ministry

Mission

The Closet Ministry's mission is "to help lift economic burdens by providing quality used and new clothing, shoes and linens to men, women and children whose families are under financial strain."

Why You Should Support Them

A lot of us take simple things like being able to buy clothing, shoes, towels, bedsheets, etc.  Well, for some families they have to choose between keeping a roof over their family's head, putting food on and paying bills versus buying clothes.  And this can be extremely rough when you have small kids because they grow so fast.

Started in 2009, the Closet Ministry was started help address the need of providing needy families with clothing items, shoes and linens.  They host Free Shopping Days once every three months.  One these days, each family is given up to $75 'Closet Dollars' to spend.  Merchandise is displayed like you it would be in a regular store and priced between $1 to $5.  Each family is given 30 minutes to go through and shop for items that they need.

For more information on the Closet Ministry click here.

How You Can Help

Interested in helping the Closet Ministry?  Well, you can assist them in providing needy families with clothing, linens and household items making a financial donation.  You can also help by signing up to volunteer at a location closest too you.  You can even donate gently used and new items to be displayed in their store locations.

For information on how you can help the Closet Ministry click here.

More 411

Website

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

Or Write:

Click here to find location closest to you

Or Call:

(980) 939-8055

Or Email:

Click here to use online email form

The Bell Foundation

Mission

The mission of the Bell Foundation is "to dramatically increase the academic achievement, self-esteem and life opportunities of children living in low-income, urban communities."

Why You Should Support Them

Did you know that one of three children will not finish school?  This is a sad statistic. What's even sadder is that most of those children will come from low-income homes in an urban community.  So, how do we reach that one child that is on the verge of throwing in the towel in regards to their education?

The first step is showing that you care.  These children also need to know why education is important.  At the Bell Foundation, they strive to make sure that no child is left behind with their summer and after school programs.  The Bell Foundation pairs highly trained educators with small groups of students.  They then identify each student's specific educational need or area that needs the most improvement.

Also, they not only focus education but the overall well being of the students with mentorship programs and service projects.  Through these Bell hopes to help students gain a sense of community, social responsibility and to reinforce positive strong relationships.  They also work to make sure that parents are just as involved in their child's educational success by opening and increasing the lines of communication between the schools.

For more information on the Bell Foundation and how they are helping to give children a new outlook on education  visit their website here.

How You Can Help

There are many ways that you can help the Bell Foundation make sure that these children have a great chance at a successful future and making wise life decisions.  You can donate financially to help fund programs and services offered.  You can also volunteer at one of their sites and work hands on with kids.  If you are a teacher or tutor, you can offer your services.

For other ways that work with the Bell Foundation to make a better tomorrow for the children of America click here.

More 411

Website

Facebook

Or Write:

Bell Foundation

60 Clayton Street

Dorchester, MA 02122

Or Call:

(617) 282-1567

U.S. Equine Rescue League

Mission

The United States Equine Rescue League's mission is "to save, protect and rehabilitate equines in need."

Why You Should Support Them

 Horses or equines are one of the most beautiful and magnificent animals on this earth.  They are one of the few animals that thrive in just about every country in the world.  They lovely creatures are used for everything from manual labor to entertainment purposes with horse racing.  However, these animals are often the helpless victims of abuse and neglect by careless owners.

Thankfully, that's where the United States Equine Rescue League(USERL) comes into play.  USERL steps in to rescue horses that are clearly being abused and neglected.  They work around the clock to get those horses back to a healthy and rehabilitated state.  Then they work even harder to find these horses new homes with owners that not only have the means to properly care for them but the willingness and passion.

For information on the United States Equine Rescue League click here.

How You Can Help

Are you an animal lover like me?  Then there are many ways that can help USERL.  You can make monetary donations in the form of a memorial or honorarium for a family member, friend, horse or other loved one that want.  You can also make specific financial donations to go towards either food, medical care or farrier care.

If you enjoy working hands on with horses, then USERL is always looking for volunteers as well.  For more information on ways to assist this organization click here.

More 411

Website

Facebook

YouTube

Or Write:

U.S. Equine Rescue League

9660 Falls of Neuse Road

Suite 138 Box 300

Raleigh, NC 27615

Or Call:

(800) 650-8549

Or Email:

info@userl.org

Promising Youth, Inc

Mission

Promising Youth's mission is to "support healthy growth in children and adolescents, reduce homeless and institutional living for children, educate and train parents to properly and effectively care for children in need of families and homes, help put a stop to child abuse, neglect and exploitation, as well as to protect children from cruelty and inhumane living and encourage unity and trust" by "offering stability and commitment."

Why You Should Support Them

I don't know how many times I can say it, but children are our future.  They're going to be our future presidents, congress leaders, teachers, and even caregivers.  So, it is imperative that we as parents make sure we are raising our children correctly and treating them like human beings instead of nuances.  After all they didn't ask to be here. That was a choice that we as the parents made to create them.

However, let's be real.  Some parents do not and are not going to treat their children well.  They are too busy being mad at the world for a deed they willing participated in.  Thus, the children in those homes often times act in school, their community, etc in search of attention and as a cry for help and real affection.  Thankfully, we have organizations like Promising Youth who steps in to place these children with foster families that will take the time to show them that they too are important and aren't a bother but a gift of life.

Promising Youth uses various methods of therapeutic treatment to help improve these children's self-esteem, self-love, self-respect and more.  They strive to make sure that each child is treated with dignity and the respect they deserve.  Most importantly they give these children, who are often labeled as troublemakers, hope and a second chance to prove the naysayers wrong about who they are.

For more information on Promising Youth visit their website here.

How You Can Help

Promising Youth is always accepting monetary donations to help them with operation costs and more.  I encourage you please donate to this wonderful organization.  They are working so hard to save and change the lives so many children!

For more information on how you can make a donation click here.

More 411

Website

Facebook

Twitter 

Or Write:

Promising Youth, Inc

2750 E. WT Harris Blvd Ste 105

Charlotte, NC 28213

Or Call:

(704) 509-0009

Don't forget to donate $1 to help raise funds for one of the highlighted charities and be entered to win one of our amazing prizes.  The more you donate, the more chances you have to win!

Angel Canines for Wounded Warriors

Mission

The mission of Angel Canines for Wounded Warriors is "to insure that all wounded warriors in need of assistance from a service dog will receive free air transportation to a vetted Service Dog organization."

Why You Should Support Them

Let me just say that we are all indebted to the thousands of women and men who have and still put their lives on the line to maintain our freedom.  And often times in the line of duty some of those military men and women get injured.  Thus, Angel Canines for Wounded Warriors know the profound affect that trained service dogs can have on injured veterans' lives.

Just imagined that you were injured and lost the use of one of your legs.  How depressed and down would you be?  What would be your motivation for getting out of the house or even getting out of bed for that matter?  Well, for some veterans that motivation to keep going and get up everyday is their specially trained service dog.

Having a service dog gives veterans a continued sense of responsibility and importance.  They have feed their dog, make sure they get proper exercise and everything.  In return, these canines assist them with the daily task of getting around on their own.  

Angel Canines for Wounded Warriors works to make sure that these veterans have free air transportation to and from their service dog facility.  We all know that air travel can be kind of expensive and most wounded vets live on a fixed budget that would otherwise not allow them to afford transportation to a service dog facility.  I think that by helping these vets get a second lease on life is the perfect way to say thank you for all that they have done as well as for having risked their lives for mine and yours.

For more information on Angel Canines for Wounded Warriors click here.

How You Can Help

You can help Angel Canines for Wounded Warriors by making a donation to their organization.  Remember that the funds you donate will go towards covering the transportation costs of vets to service dog facilities where they will be matched up with a service dog trained to cater to their specific injury.

Click here for info on where & how to donate. 

More 411

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Or Write:

Angel Canines for Wounded Warriors

4620 Haygood Rd Ste 1

Virginia Beach, VA 23455

Or Call:

(757) 644-5791

Or Email:

info@angelcaninesforwoundedwarriors.org

Don't forget to donate $1 to help raise funds for one of the highlighted charities and be entered to win one of our amazing prizes.  The more you donate, the more chances you have to win!

FFAWN

Mission

FFAWN's mission is "to inspire women from all walks of life to gain the confidence and skills they need to reach their individual potential."

Why You Should Support Them

As women, we have had to fight to gain the same rights and respect as our male counterparts.  And although, we have come a long way, there are still many challenges facing us today no matter what walk or station in life we come from.  And often times those challenges can be and are extremely discouraging, preventing us from reaching our dreams and achieving our fullest potential in life.

Well, nobody knows more about overcoming challenges and obstacles than R&B singer Mary J Blige.  I'm sure many of you are familiar with her story and how she went from having nothing to becoming one of the best female artists and performers ever!!  In 2007, she decided to partner with music executive and marketing professional Steve Stoute to create a foundation that would serve as a source of motivation, encouragement and knowledge for women and young girls seeking to make something of themselves.

Since then, FFAWN has been helping young girls and women through programs offered at the Mary J Blige Center for Women, the 3E workshop series and the FFAWN Scholarship Fund.  FFAWN works to educate their participants on the importance of education, family, finances, how to live a healthy lifestyle and much more.  FFAWN also offers assistance with financial aid, job placement and learning life skills.

For more information on how this wonderful organization is making an impact on the lives of our young girls and women visit their website here.

How You Can Help

Because FFAWN works to help so many there are many ways that you can get involved with this amazing foundation.  You can make a financial donation to help keep the MJB Center for Women going or even make a donation to their scholarship fund and help a woman go to college.  FFAWN is always seeking volunteers to help them with their cause.  They also accept college interns.

For more information and other ways that you can get involved with FFAWN click here.

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Facebook

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Or Write:

FFAWN

145 W 45th Street

New York, NY 10036

Or Call:

(212) 299-5306

Or Email:

info@ffawn.org

Samantha Frank, Director

Don't forget to donate $1 to help raise funds for one of the highlighted charities and be entered to win one of our amazing prizes.  The more you donate, the more chances you have to win!

Levine Children's Hospital

Mission

Levine Children's Hospital's mission is "to ensure excellent children's healthcare by building partnerships between caregivers and families." 

Why You Should Support Them

If you've been keeping up with my blog, you would know that we have been having a rough couple of days with Moo's health starting with a trip to the emergency room last Friday.  As a parent ending up in the emergency room with your child who has a mystery illness is always a worst nightmare.  For me it was the scariest moment in my life as a mom by far.  I felt completely helpless and worried that whatever Moo had was a result of something I did.

Thankfully, the medical staff at the Levine Children's Hospital was awesome and reassured me that she was going to be fine.  They called in the best of the best to attend to her care.  For a moment, it felt like we were celebrities getting the star treatment.  They made sure that no stone was left unturned before officially diagnosing her.

When it comes to children's healthcare and making sure that your child is well taken care of, I can truly say that I would recommend Levine Children's Hospital to any and all parents in the Queen City and surrounding areas.  They have doctors that are board certified in over 30 different areas of expertise or specialties.  They have a 24 hour, 7 days a week emergency room just for children.  So, you know that your child is being seen and attended to by a physician who specializes in pediatrics.

They are also very involved in the Charlotte, NC community and are well known for giving back to those in need in this area.  Honestly, I could go on and on about how great Levine Children's Hospital is.  They are simply amazing and the care you get at their facility is truly top notch!

For more information on the Levine Children's Hospital click here.   

How You Can Help

You can help the Levine Children's Hospital continue to provide excellent care and services for families like mine by becoming a volunteer or assisting them in their many fundraising efforts.   Trust me that lives you touch will be more than reward enough for getting involved with this wonderful organization.

For information on how you can make a donation or sign up to volunteer click here.

More 411

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Or Call:

(704) 381-2092

Don't forget to donate $1 to help raise funds for one of the highlighted charities and be entered to win one of our amazing prizes.  The more you donate, the more chances you have to win!