Charities to Know in the Triangle
By Kali Whitaker
“Make a positive impact on the world around you.” It’s more than just a key element of Hilltop’s mission statement. We believe that making a difference in the lives of others is a critical component to living a fulfilling life. There is a plethora of organizations in the Triangle working to improve lives – we have listed only a few. To be clear, we are not ranking or grading local charitable organizations, but we hope to make you aware of opportunities to get involved and make a difference in a way that aligns to your skills, hobbies or interests.
About (via bbbstri.org)
As a proud big sister for over 4 years, I couldn’t not include Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Triangle (BBBS) in my list of great charities in the triangle. BBBS is a non-profit organizations that matches kids in need of mentorship with a caring and kind adult. One of the things I find unique about the organization is that the mentor-mentee relationship is 1:1, allowing the mentor to focus all her time and attention on her mentees growth. Additionally, the organization supports the mentor relationships with a match support specialist who checks in every few weeks, provides ideas for fun activities, and shares insight for how to make the relationship even more productive. Over the years that I have been involved I have seen so many children grow and succeed in ways that they never imagined they could before – whether it be feeling confident in themselves or preparing themselves to be the first person in their family to attend college. I have also seen an incredible difference in myself such as being more patient, more thankful and learning to seek out joy in life’s little moments. (You can learn more about my mentoring experience by checking out the videos my little and I helped with)
The Facts:
Being a match is rewarding yet it is a commitment. Mentors agree to spend 8 hours per month with their mentees - but don’t worry, between sporting events, cooking classes & movies, the time flies by!
After being matched for 18 months, mentees in the program are:
46% less likely to begin using drugs
52% less likely to skip school
They also found that littles were more confident in school and had healthier relationships with their family members.
How you can help:
Are you a business leader? – become a corporate or community leader to unite your business’s charitable giving to Big Brothers Big Sisters’ programs
Have a passion for mentoring? – become a big brother or a big sister! Chances are whether your passion is the arts, sports, science, cooking, or more, that there is a child who shares your interests and would love to learn from your life experiences!
Military Missions in Action (MMIA)
About (via militarymissionsinaction.org):
Based in Fuquay Varina, MMIA is the brainchild of Mike Dorman, a 20-year Coast Guard Veteran, who founded the organization after becoming aware of the high number of veterans returning home with disabilities as well as the growing number of aging veterans of the Vietnam War, Korean War and World War II. The group aims to honor veterans with the gift of independent living and works to make their homes accessible, safe and comfortable. The group’s work has expanded to helping provide deployed troops with much needed supplies, assistance for military families with special needs children, and other programs to assist in the emotional, mental and social rehabilitation of veterans.
The Facts:
“In 2015, for every $1.00 donated, $.97 was spent on providing services to veterans with disabilities, supporting our servicemen and women in combat areas and their families, and just $.03 was used for administrative costs.” – via militarymissionsinaction.org
Through 2015, MMIA had completed the following programs and services:
Shipped more than 30,000 care packages to men and women serving overseas
Provided furniture and household goods to 124 previously homeless veterans
Supplied more than 24,000 homeless veterans with health and hygiene items and seasonal clothing
Provided 2,400 golf clubs to military installations for their wounded warrior programs.
How you can help:
Donate money – take advantage of matching gift & corporate giving programs to help your donation go further!
Volunteer your time – coordinate fundraisers, spread the word on social media, pick up and deliver used furniture, and apply your construction expertise to building projects
Donate goods – gently used golf clubs, toiletries, and more can all be used to empower and support veterans and active duty troops.
Orange County Rape Crisis Center (OCRCC)
About (via www.ocrcc.org):
Located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, OCRCC aims to end and prevent sexual violence via “support, education and advocacy.” They offer a wide range of services including: workshops, support groups, a 24-hour help line and much more. Interestingly, the organization also offers bilingual services to better serve the Latino community. Enabled by continued support and generosity, all services offered by OCRCC are free and confidential.
The Facts:
“In 2014-15, we provided 898 community education programs to 13,614 youth and adults.
That same year, the organization served 524 survivors, providing support to them and their loved ones as well as offering resources for professionals and community members.
How you can help:
As an Outreach Ambassador, represent the Center by educating the community about the services and programs provided
As a Latino Advocates, support community outreach and education to Spanish speakers in your community
As an Office Volunteer, assist with tasks and special projects in the Center’s business offices.
Girls on the Run Triangle
About (via gotrtriangle.org):
Targeted towards third- through eighth-grade girls, Girls on the Run is a ten-week program that builds confidence, character, teamwork and lifelong relationships through running. The 10-week program culminates with a service project and 5k run, which illustrates the girls’ ability to positively impact their community as well as their grit and determination. The effects of the program are still apparent long after the program is completed, as participants report feeling more confident than their peers in academics, social relationships, their bodies and their self-worth.
The Facts:
85% improved confidence, competence, caring or connection to others
97% of girls said they learned critical life skills
Girls who were least active at the start increased physical activity by more than 40%
How you can help:
Become a coach – With a 10-week commitment, coaches follow a set curriculum and work with a small group of girls to teach life skills and build self-confidence. Be warned – you might see positive changes in yourself as well!
Volunteer at a 5k – help coordinate the event, manage the event, or get a group of friends together and participate in the race yourself.
As we highlighted already, this is NOT an exhaustive list. There are many other worthwhile charities right in your backyard. To name just a few that Hilltop has worked with: Housing for New Hope, the Raleigh Rescue Mission, the Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill, and Darkness to Light. We can’t wait to hear how you are making a difference!