For our first meeting of 2014 – our annual Member-Guest night – our group voted to support Fill This House. This charity was presented by member Dana Hastings and supports those teens aging out of foster care in Cuyahoga County. The charity serves teens who have been living in group homes or numerous foster homes, have few belongings, and very limited support. Generally, at age 18, assistance and custodial rights cease and many foster teens are left to fend for themselves. By raising funds, purchasing items, and conducting collection drives in the corporate and faith communities, Fill This House has the ability to provide newly emancipated youth with household goods, such as towels, dishes, flatware, bedding, pots & pans, toasters, kitchen utensils, etc. Our contribution of $12,875 (+matching contributions) will go a long way in supporting their efforts.
Also presented at the meeting was Hands On Northeast Ohio by Terri Postel. The mission of this organization is to engage Northeast Ohio individuals and organizations in citizen-managed volunteer opportunities that meet community needs, strengthen community involvement, and build capacity of local nonprofit organizations. Also presented was Reach Out and Read Greater Cleveland by Lynn Wieland, a member who also entertained the group with a bit of stand up comedy! Reach Out and Read is an evidence-based nonprofit organization of medical providers who promote early literacy and school readiness in pediatric exam rooms nationwide by giving new books to children and advice to parents about the importance of reading aloud.
Please check out their websites – as they are all very worthy of our attention and consideration. Also, a big THANK YOU to our presenters Dana, Terri and Lynn for their passionate presentations.
