Why Nonprofits Must Get Involved in the 2010 Census

It is imperative that nonprofits get involved in the 2010 Census. Why?

1. Programs helping people through a myriad of ways, that would enrich their lives, receive federal funding based on the census. Your local community could potentially lose millions of dollars should there be an undercount in your area, based on census data.
2. Nonprofits have a tremendous opportunity to influence their constituents in the communities they serve, into completing the Census form in order to avoid undercount.
3. Legislative and Congressional districts are redrawn according to count. If there is an undercount in the communities many nonprofits serve, this could lead to underrepresentation.

For more information on how nonprofits can mobilize communities for the 2010 Census, go to http://www.nonprofitscount.org/.

We urge everyone to expeditiously complete and return their Census forms when you receive them. This does not apply to nonprofit participation only. For more information on why the Census is so important, visit http://2010.census.gov/2010census/.

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A Resource for Nonprofits

Here is a useful resource that gives a voice to state and regional associations of nonprofits. The National Council of Nonprofits is the nation’s largest nonprofit network with more than 22,000 member organizations across the country. The National Council works through its network of state and regional nonprofit associations to amplify the collective voice of America’s nonprofit organizations, helping them:

• manage and lead more effectively;
• collaborate and exchange solutions;
• engage in critical policy issues affecting the sector; and
• achieve greater impact in their communities.

To learn more about the benefits of the National Council of Nonprofits, visit their website at http://www.councilofnonprofits.org/.

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Celebrating a New Addition to Our Family!

We are so proud to announce that we have a new addition to our family! Our Favorite Things for a CAUSE website went LIVE online today! http://www.favoritethingsforacause.com. We are so excited because this gives us a greater opportunity to reach an even broader base in the community. 

Since the inception of Favorite Things for a CAUSE, we never expected the impact of the incredible stories from people representing various sectors of mission and ministry in the community, to undoubtedly touch our lives in such a profound way.  The heartbeat of these individuals creates the heart of their mission, as it does ours. Their stories continue to keep us inspired and we hope that by sharing them, you will be inspired to find your purpose, be committed and be of service in your community.

Despite the horrific stories we see or hear reported in the news daily, the untold stories of human compassion and unselfish acts from Good Samaritans all over, is even greater, whether we hear about them or not. If you have a story to share about an ordinary person doing something extraordinary to serve their community, people serving as a mentor or an at-risk neighborhood committed to gentrification and revitalization, please send your story to administrator@favoritethingsforacause.com. We may not be able to report every story shared with us, but we will certainly publish as many as we possibly can. Just remember, be inspired, then become an inspiration.

“Do not wait for extraordinary circumstances to do good action; try to use ordinary situations.”  - Sam Rayburn, U.S. Legislator (1882-1961)

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Saluting Rev. Loretta Harris-Caldwell, Founder of Blessings in the Storm

When Rev. Loretta Harris-Caldwell initially began visiting homeless shelters to minister to the women in Charlotte, North Carolina, she used her life experiences as an example that all things are possible through Christ. About 2 years ago, she started getting calls from other parts of North Carolina, and some calls from out of state. She brought in ladies who were mostly in abusive situations needing to change locations in order to prevent their abusers from locating them.

Blessings in the Storm is a Christian based outreach ministry for women and children. They minister to the women of Charlotte, NC, who have fallen victim to homelessness and worldly addictions. This ministry has been successful in seeing many souls saved and fully transformed. Blessings in the Storm seeks to be a bridge that takes women and children across the abyss from homelessness and worldly addictions, to being independent and self sufficient through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The mission of Blessings in the Storm is to:

• Provide a safe place for women and children with structure, in order to build a new foundation through Biblical principles.
• To offer personalized programs that teaches life management, parenting, and independent living.
• To support active, participatory spiritual development (Church, Sunday School, Bible Study, etc.).
• To ensure each person’s journey will be fostered through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Loretta’s ministry is a “ministry of helps.” The purpose is to come together, breaking down generational barriers of bondage, by using one’s strength for another’s weakness. Additionally, to come together by becoming as one through the power of the Holy Spirit is to achieve freedom and liberty. In 2009, she won three awards: Bank ofAmerica 2009 Local Hero, Links 107.9 – The Link Leading Lady 2009 and WBTV Hometown Hero for her work with Blessings in the Storm.

A tragedy occurred last year that makes Loretta more determined to do what she can to save the women she reaches out to. A beautiful young woman from Ethiopia named Tigist, who was a resident at Blessings in the Storm for two years, was brutally murdered by her boyfriend in the early hours of one fateful Saturday morning in 2009. Unbeknown to Loretta and Tigist, this man had a very dark side, while appearing to be humble and well-mannered. He took Tigist to church, to meet his parents and even helped her learn English. Tigist’s story is one that Loretta holds dear to her heart and use to teach the homeless mothers and children she reaches out to about the dangers that lurk out there. She calls the women she rescues her “daughters” (although she has one biological daughter, Katie D. Brave and a son Donnie Harris, Jr.).

Blessings in the Storm does not receive any federal, state or local funding. The organization has four transitional homes: Naomi’s House, Esther’s House and Sarah’s House are all used for women with children. Ruth’s House is used for single women. Blessings in the Storm currently has the following urgent needs:

• Donations of food, school supplies, and other basic household necessities are always appreciated.
• Monetary donations are needed for mortgage payments, transportation to doctor and job appointments, home maintenance, and monthly utilities. All donations are tax deductible.

For more information about Blessings in the Storm and where to send your donations, please visit their website at http://www.blessingsinthestorm.org/.

Favorite Things for a CAUSE salutes Rev. Loretta Harris-Caldwell for the incredible mission she has undertaken, in order to reach out and help the least of these, regain a sense of hope and self-respect.