Feel Good Friday - TEXSAR (Texas Search and Rescue)

The Mister Rogers quote, “always look for the helpers” is what has inspired today’s post. In response to the recent flooding in Texas, I went on a search for the helpers and found TEXSAR.

Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Austin, Texas Search and Rescue, known as TEXSAR, is one of the largest non-paid search and rescue organizations in the State. Their mission is “to serve our communities and our state by providing requesting agencies with a highly trained, autonomous search and rescue team.”

What began with six volunteers over 20 years ago has now grown into an organization with multiple divisions across the state that deploy hundreds of volunteers into all 254 counties in Texas. See what that looks like in this short video.

The 380 volunteers with TEXSAR include wilderness search and rescue technicians, flood and switftwater technicians, K9 handlers, medical professionals and pilots. The teams deploy when they are requested by the Governor of Texas; state, local and federal agencies; local law enforcement; and relief organizations such as the American Red Cross. TEXSAR has their own equipment and incident management team. They have already deployed crews, boats and K9s to Kerr County to assist with search and rescue operations there.

TEXSAR also has a community support team that helps with disaster preparation and education as well as providing resources following a crisis or disaster. As part of the celebrations of their 20th anniversary, TEXSAR is posting stories highlighting volunteers who are “Texans helping Texans”. You can read them at this link: 20 years, 20 stories.

If you live in Texas and want to support TEXSAR, you can attend their fundraising Search Party in September or become a volunteer. Search and rescue training is provided. The rest of us can shop for merch, make a donation and amplify their work on social media by following TEXSAR on Facebook or LinkedIn and subscribing to their YouTube channel.

 

Feel Good Friday - National Archives Foundation

Happy 4th of July! Once you finish celebrating Independence Day with a parade or a barbecue, take a moment to learn about today’s Feel Good Friday organization, the National Archives Foundation.

Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Washington, DC, naturally, the National Archives Foundation is “an independent nonprofit that increases awareness of the National Archives’ mission to preserve, protect, and share America’s stories.” 

The purpose of the Foundation is to support the Archivist of the United States in developing programs, technology, projects, and materials that “educate, enrich, and inspire a deeper appreciation of our country’s heritage through the collected evidence of its history.”

Historic documents such as the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights are housed in the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC. There are also regional archives, records centers, and Presidential libraries and museums where you can view pieces of our history. Even a virtual visit to the regional archives is pretty interesting. The National Archives at San Francisco has historic military records, genealogical resources, and a list of former Alcatraz inmates.

Online you’ll find educational resources for students and teachers in a program called Civics for All of US. The goal of this initiative is to promote civic literacy and engagement. You can also explore the Women’s History programming or take a look at America’s 100 docs. The Foundation is inviting people to vote on which documents they feel are most important to US history. The top 16 records will go head-to-head before the United States’ anniversary in 2026! This gallery shows all 100 documents in the competition. 19th Amendment anyone?

Finally, for those of you who like to plan, the Foundation already has events on the calendar to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary next year. Learn more at America 250.

If this post got you feeling all patriotic and you want to know how you can help the Foundation, here’s how. Make a donation, or shop to support National Archives exhibits, public programs, and educational initiatives. You can buy copies of historic documents, books, games and socks! 

 

As always, help spread the word on social media. Follow the National Archives Foundation on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn and subscribe to their YouTube channel. Happy 4th!

Feel Good Friday - Gay For Good

Wrapping up our LGBTQ+ Pride Month series with the story of a group that puts the good in Gay for Good. 

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Long Beach, California, the mission of Gay for Good (G4G) is to mobilize “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+) and ally volunteers to promote diversity, foster inclusion and strengthen ties to the broader community.”

G4G’s values are in service of that mission. They include building community, creating visibility for LGBTQ+ people, promoting diversity, equity and inclusion, advancing sustainability and reducing their environmental impact, all while having fun! 

There are 21 chapters around the country from Arkansas to Dallas-Fort Worth and Washington D.C. These local chapters identify and connect with nonprofits that support the environment, animal welfare, and people in need in their communities. G4G then assists the selected organizations by mobilizing volunteers who donate their time, and by helping to amplify the missions of these organizations within their vast network of LGBTQ+ volunteers and allies.

The volunteer opportunities are wide ranging. The Phoenix chapter is creating posters and signs for Make-A-Wish Arizona, the Denver chapter is helping Project Angel Heart Kitchen to scoop, wrap, and seal breakfast meals, and the San Francisco chapter is running a beverage booth at SF Pride. You can visit this events page to see volunteer opportunities around the country. Or find your local chapter on main site.

Since they began, Gay For Good has organized 2,845 service projects for 962 nonprofits, and volunteers have donated time valued at $3.7 million.

In the spirit of diversity and inclusion, all are welcome to join a project. If this sounds like a fun way to spend your time, you can sign up for the mailing list to be notified of volunteer opportunities. Other ways to support G4G include making a donation, shopping for merch, rounding up your purchases at Walmart, or linking your Ralph’s card so a percentage from your purchase is donated to G4G. You can also amplify their work on social media by following Gay For Good on Instagram and LinkedIn. Happy Pride! 

Feel Good Friday - Oakland LGBTQ Community Center

Today’s LGBTQ+ Pride Month organization is local, well to me at least. Time to learn about the Oakland LGBTQ Community Center.

Founded in 2017 by two African American gay men, and headquartered in Oakland, California, the mission of the Oakland LGBTQ Community Center (the Center) is to enhance and sustain “the well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals, our families and allies, by providing educational, social, and health related activities, programs and services.”

The Center is the first multi-ethnic, intergenerational, multi-service center for the LGBTQ community in Oakland. It’s also the first all-inclusive LGBTQ community center led and founded by African Americans in the state of California. 

In addition to blazing trails, the Center lives up to it’s multi-service description. In this 5-minute video staff from the Center talk about the work they do and the impact it has on both them and the community. One of the main services offered is support groups. Whether you’re young, old, trans, Latinx, Black, or in recovery, there’s a support group for you. Check this calendar to see the schedule for group meetings and other activities.

The Center also runs a wellness clinic where people can address their physical health and schedule an appointment for sexual health testing. They have a small food pantry and a lending library where you can borrow both fiction and non-fiction books that center the LBGTQ community and history. Biography of Grace Jones anyone?

Other programs offered by the Center including mental health resources and emergency housing and rental assistance have been suspended due to funding cuts. However, you can still visit this community resources page to find a list of other organizations that can provide assistance.

If you’d like to help the Oakland LGBTQ Community Center achieve their vision “to become Oakland and Alameda County's premier network of programs and services for the LGBTQ community” there are many ways you can do so. Those of us who live in the Bay Area can volunteer our time. No matter where you live you can make a much needed donation to the Center and amplify their work on social media. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Happy Pride!

Feel Good Friday - The Venture Out Project

Not only is June LGBTQ+ Pride Month, it’s also summer and a perfect time to get out and explore nature. What a great day to learn about today’s organization, The Venture Out Project.

Founded in 2014 by Perry Cohen, and headquartered in Florence, Massachusetts, the mission of The Venture Out Project (TVOP) is “to provide a safe and fun space for queer, trans, and LGBTQ+ people to experience the outdoors.” They do this by leading backpacking and wilderness trips for the queer and transgender community, and by conducting transgender inclusion workshops for educators, adventure professionals, and summer camps.

You can sign up for overnight adventures like campouts, rafting or forest bathing or if you’d like to test the waters before bringing your tent, there are plenty of volunteer-led day hikes across the country and skill building workshops in New England. This 15-minute documentary produced by REI gives a great overview of the trips and how impactful it can be for people to show up as their full selves in community with others. Participants get to enjoy nature and forge lifelong bonds while making unforgettable memories.

In addition to leading these outdoor adventures, TVOP “offers educational programs and services to those looking to make their existing programming more inclusive and affirming of trans and gender diverse people.”  

Since they began, The Venture Out Project has become a nationally recognized nonprofit supporting LGBTQ+ community building and challenge-based personal development outdoors. TVOP volunteers have led over 50 adventures for more than 500 LGBTQ+ participants from across the globe.  

If you’re interested in getting outdoors, take a look at the trip descriptions and sign up for one that fits your schedule and your interests. If you’re Wilderness First Aid certified, consider becoming a volunteer and leading a trip. Or, if you prefer to support TVOP from the comfort of home, there ways you can do that too. Shop for merch, make a donation and amplify their work on social media by following The Venture Out Project on Facebook and Instagram.

Feel Good Friday - Stonewall Community Foundation

June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month and what better way to celebrate than to highlight work being done by the Stonewall Community Foundation.

Founded in 1990 and headquartered in New York City, the Stonewall Community Foundation “strengthens the LGBTQ community and Movement by making strategic, values-driven investments in dynamic organizations, projects, and leaders.”

The organization is named after the uprising at the Stonewall Inn in 1969 that gave birth to the gay rights movement in the U.S. The founders were inspired by the growth of LGBTQ nonprofits during the AIDS crisis in the 1980s and wanted to create a foundation “where loss could inspire legacy and the power of individual giving could be amplified”.

As a public foundation, Stonewall raises money and funds over 200 nonprofits every year in over 30 issue areas that advance queer liberation, including racial, social, and economic justice.  Examples of funds that receive grant money include: the LGBTQ+ Youth Fund, which makes grants to programs and organizations supporting LGBTQ+ youth in New York City; the Emergency Response fund which supports organizations serving individuals impacted by natural disasters, and acts of violence; and the Swish Ally Fund which grants funds to organizations doing the work on the frontlines of the LGBTQ+ movement for equality, liberation, and justice.

In the 35 years the foundation has been running, they’ve awarded $27 million in grants to over 700 nonprofits in 132 cities. They also support 650 individuals each year with micro grants and scholarships. You can go to this page to read stories about organizations that have received grants. Whether they’re providing safe harbor for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers, anti-violence education, or a space for queer theater, these groups have been able to make a bigger impact thanks to funding from the Stonewall Community Foundation.

The 2025 Vision Awards, which honor extraordinary individuals who use their voice to make the world a better place for LGBTQ+ people, are happening on June 18th in New York City. If you live in the New York metropolitan area, attending will be a fun way to support the Stonewall Community Foundation. For those of us farther away, we can show our support by making a donation and spreading the word on social media. Follow the Stonewall Community Foundation on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Feel Good Friday - Asians Fighting Injustice

We’re closing out Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by highlighting a non-profit organization in New York, Asians Fighting Injustice.

Founded in 2021 and headquartered in New York City, the mission of Asians Fighting Injustice (AFI) is “to fight all forms of injustice and decrease AAPI hate by providing services that support the victims of anti-AAPI hate crimes, curating educational resources that increase the safety of our city, and executing programs which aim to unite the various communities of NYC.”

AFI was created in response to the alarming increase in hate and bias incidents targeting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) across the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have two main programs that help with the goal of reducing Asian hate crimes in their local communities. 

Dumplings of Love is a monthly food distribution program that supports both businesses and individuals. AFI purchases discounted meals prepared by local AAPI owned businesses, and volunteers hold events where they distribute these meals in underserved communities. These events are opportunities to showcase how diverse the AAPI community is, gain increased exposure for the businesses who participate, and feed people in need. At past events AFI has distributed food, along with toys, books, hand sanitizer, feminine hygiene products and diapers.

The Hate Crime Victim Support group is creating educational materials to spread awareness of the historic and systemic roots of hate and bias targeting the AAPI community. They have comprehensive support services for individuals impacted by hate and bias, including culturally competent mental health resources. AFI is also advocating for policy reforms and forging partnerships with government agencies, law enforcement, civil rights organizations, and community-based nonprofits to leverage resources and expertise and expand their impact.

 

Asians Fighting Injustice is a 100% volunteer run organization so your support makes a big difference. If you live near New York City you can become a Community Support Volunteer by completing this application. The rest of us can fight anti Asian hate by making a donation, shopping for merch and spreading the word on social media. Follow AFI on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

 

Feel Good Friday - TAPS

Memorial Day is Monday and many of us are getting ready to enjoy a long weekend. Before you head off to whatever adventure awaits, take a moment to learn about the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, also know as TAPS.

Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, TAPS is “the national nonprofit organization providing compassionate care and comprehensive resources to all those grieving a death in the military or veteran community.”

TAPS provides a variety of programs to survivors nationally and worldwide. Key services include grief counseling, peer support networks, casework assistance, survivor seminars and retreats, Good Grief camps for children and teens, online resources, a 24/7 military survivor helpline (800-959-8277), and assistance connecting survivors to community-based resources and support services. You can see the full list of programs here.

All programs are offered free of charge and it’s important to note, survivors doesn’t just include spouses, children, parents, and siblings. TAPS programs are open to extended family members, battle buddies, and friends. In this 9-minute video, survivors talk about the death of their loved ones and the impact TAPS has made in their lives.

In addition to the programming, the TAPS website has a wide variety of resources, including education assistance, suicide loss support, advocacy updates, a magazine and a link to search for events in your area.

In 2024, TAPS had 3,433 survivors attend their seminars, they awarded $584 million in education benefits and scholarships, they answered 18,901 helpline calls and over 10,800 people engaged with the care team. You can read more details on the TAPS Impact Report 2024.

If you would like to help the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors care for the families of America’s fallen heroes there are many ways to do so. Volunteer your time, make a donation, shop for merch and amplify their message on social media. Follow TAPS on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn and subscribe to their YouTube channel.

Feel Good Friday - Little Tokyo Service Center

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month so let’s celebrate by learning about Little Tokyo Service Center.

Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC) began as a multipurpose social service center “aimed to provide linguistically and culturally sensitive social services to the Little Tokyo community and the broader Japanese American community in Southern California.” 

As they explain in this brochure, “before World War II, there were over 40 historical Japantowns in California alone. Today, LA’s Little Tokyo is one of just four remaining in the entire U.S.” That’s why LTSC is working to ensure this neighborhood remains a vibrant cultural center in Southern California. To do so, they work in six major areas.

Strengthening Little Tokyo promotes a vibrant and diverse neighborhood with community projects and events, support for small businesses and real estate development such as a new multipurpose sports facility and community center. Afterschool programs, bilingual case management and financial workshops are examples of the Nurturing Families programs. Care management, caregiver support, and organized social activities are some of the ways LTSC is Helping Seniors.

For the last 30 years, LTSC has been Building Affordable Housing for low income residents in Little Tokyo. They also operate as a one-stop service center Assisting People In Need with issues such as domestic violence services, transitional housing and multilingual care management. Finally, the Small Business Program provides consulting sessions and networking opportunities for small business owners in Little Tokyo.

Every year, Little Tokyo Service Center helps thousands of people. The way you can help LTSC is by volunteering, making a donation or shopping for groceries. As always, you can also amplify their work by following LTSC on Facebook and Instagram and subscribing to their YouTube channel.

Feel Good Friday - Moms for Moms

Mother’s Day is on Sunday so this is a perfect time to learn about the nonprofit organization Moms for Moms.

Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, the mission of Moms for Moms is “to empower single mothers by providing critical postpartum and newborn essentials to lessen the stress that comes with living in poverty.”

As they explain on their website, 1 in 4 children under the age of 18 are being raised by single mothers and 45% of them are living below the poverty line. Moms for Moms serves the 15,000 single mothers in New York City who are living in abusive, homeless and low-income situations. 

There are two kinds of kits Moms for Moms distributes, Newborn Baby Bundles and Postpartum Recovery Kits. They include items such as diapers, wipes, clothing, baby wash, and bottles and are valued at $200 each. This program fills a gap between federal and state public assistance programs to ensure that new mothers have the essentials they need so they can focus on spending time with their newborn.

Moms for Moms works with local partner organizations such as crisis centers, homeless and/or domestic violence shelters to distribute these bundles to expecting mothers. In the 11 years they’ve been operating, Moms for Moms has provided over 1.2 million postpartum and newborn essentials worth $850,000 to more than 5,250 moms!

If you’d like help Moms for Moms support new mothers in New York City, there are many ways to do so. Volunteer to assemble kits, shop for merch or make a donation. You can also amplify their work on social media by following them on Facebook and Instagram. Happy Mother’s Day!

Feel Good Friday - UnidosUS

Cinco de Mayo is coming up and while it celebrates Mexico’s victory in the Battle of Puebla, it’s also a good reason to learn more about today’s organization, UnidosUS.

Founded in 1968 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., UnidosUS is the largest Latino civil rights organization in the United States. Their mission is “to build a stronger America by creating opportunities for the Latino community.”

As they state on their website, 64 million Latinos live in the United States and they contribute $3.6 trillion to the U.S. economy. UnidosUS uses a combination of expert research, advocacy, programs and a national network of nearly 300 community-based Affiliate organizations to challenge the social, economic, and political barriers that affect Latinos in the United States.

Key focus areas include civil rights and immigration, education, health, housing & financial empowerment, racial equity, voting & political empowerment, and workforce development. Examples of what that looks like in action are college-readiness programs, a training program for housing counselors, supporting policies that prioritize the integration of immigrants and their path to citizenship, job training and voter registration drives. You can view details on all issues on the website.

In 2023, the most recent impact report available, UnidosUS awarded $17.3 million in grants to Affiliates to support their programs and invested $4 million in the HOME initiative which aims to create four million Hispanic homeowners by 2030. Advocacy efforts enabled 2.7 million women and their children to gain access to food and 500,000 people had their Medicaid coverage restored after it was wrongfully terminated.

In addition to all of this, UnidosUS has an extensive collection of research on the Hispanic community in their Publication Library and they also provide information and resources on immigrants rights and what to do if you’re stopped by ICE, getting health care coverage and applying for U.S. citizenship.

If you’d like to help UnidosUS build, stronger communities and a stronger America you can make a donation and amplify their work on social media. Follow UnidosUS on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn and subscribe to their YouTube channel.