As you know by now…my work in the nonprofit sector is a passion. The work, mission, stories and independent sectors ability to change lives and save lives is inspirational. I wanted to take a moment to highlight some people and organizations. I will continue to build upon this list of people I meet, support and work with. Whenever I talk with someone who shares their true passion to make a difference, I feel we can all make the world a better place.

Big Love Little Hearts – Estrella Rosenberg
Big Love Little Hearts is the first and only organization that matches children with congenital heart defects (CHD) who need live saving surgery but do not have access to appropriate care, with the many generous organizations, surgeons and healthcare professionals who donate their time, talent and resources to perform these repairs for free. Each year more than one million babies are born with CHD. That means 500,000 infants will need lifesaving surgical intervention in 2009…and every year thereafter. Imagine how many of these one million babies, through no fault of their own, will be born to modest families in underdeveloped nations. 

Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation – Kathleen Casey
Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation is a national organization whose mission is to eliminate pediatric cancer and to provide hope and support to those who are touched by it. Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation’s Small Miracle Program is to support pediatric cancer patients (ages 0-19) and their families as they face the many physical, psychological, and financial challenges that accompany the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric cancer. Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation provides funding for Information and Support Service Grants to pediatric cancer facilities that are servicing the “immediate needs” of pediatric cancer patients and their families. Research Grants are awarded to junior investigators whose research efforts are targeted specifically to pediatric cancer.

The Chicago Project for Violence Prevention – The Chicago Project has designed and tested a new intervention — CeaseFire — that approaches violence in a fundamentally different way than other violence reduction efforts. CeaseFire works with community-based organizations and focuses on street-level outreach, conflict mediation, and the changing of community norms to reduce violence, particularly shootings. CeaseFire relies on highly trained outreach workers and violence interrupters, faith leaders, and other community leaders to intervene in conflicts, or potential conflicts, and promote alternatives to violence. 

National Safe Place – @safeplace
Safe Place provides access to immediate help and supportive resources for all young people in crisis through a network of sites sustained by qualified agencies, trained volunteers and businesses. Safe Place is a national youth outreach program that educates thousands of young people every year about the dangers of running away or trying to resolve difficult, threatening situations on their own. This easily replicated community initiative involves the whole community to provide safe havens and resources for youth in crisis.