For more information, please visit: www.inspirechangefoundation.org
The Inspire Change Foundation was established in 2010 by former Biggest Loser contestant and nationwide health advocate Tara Costa as a way to pass on the lessons learned through The Biggest Loser and pay it forward for generations to come. Through her own inspirational journey, Tara has become a master motivator and inspirational mentor for thousands of people all over the world. The Inspire Change Foundation is yet another dream Tara has seen come to fruition with hard work, desire and an unmatched passion for giving back. Stay tuned for more details! In the meantime, feel free to contact us at info@inspirechangefoundation.org with any questions or comments!
MISSION:
The mission of the Inspire Change Foundation is to promote a healthy lifestyle by encouraging you to embrace positive changes to achieve your goals and inspire change in yourself and others.
VISION:
The Inspire Change Foundation strives to be the most trusted source for inspiring you to become empowered to lead a healthy active life.
What’s stopping you? Join Tara now…
Get Inspired. Change Your Life.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Youth In Need
To learn more, please visit: www.youthinneed.org
Youth In Need is a nonprofit child and family services agency, headquartered in St. Charles, Mo. Through a variety of crisis prevention and intervention programs, Youth In Need is dedicated to building positive futures for the community’s most vulnerable children, teens and families.
Each year, Youth In Need serves more than 10,000 children, teens and families with residential homes, foster care case management, homeless outreach, counseling and support groups, education and infant, child and family development at more than 25 sites, spanning 100-miles, in six counties in eastern Missouri.
Youth In Need was founded by community volunteers, who opened the organization’s Emergency Shelter in 1974. It is through the generous support of community volunteers, business leaders and donors that Youth In Need has been able to continue its mission of believing in the power of potential.
Because every child deserves a future...
Youth In Need has been serving the greater St. Louis area since 1974, when volunteers reached out to the agency's first client. A teenage runaway, who left her home after another beating, was picked up on the streets and taken to the local jail with adult criminals. Troubled by the community's response to runaway and homeless teens, volunteers changed the way these teens were treated by opening Youth In Need's Emergency Shelter.
Today, more than 300 full- and part-time staff serve more than 10,000 of the area's most vulnerable children, teens and families at 25 locations in six counties in eastern Missouri.
A reputation for excellence...
Youth In Need is applauded for the professionalism of its staff and effectiveness of its programs.
Youth In Need:
Is nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation.
Is a recipient of the United Way of Greater St. Louis' highest possible quality rating.
Is a recipient of the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance Seal of Approval.
Is recognized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as an "exemplary program."
Practices evidence-based programs, based on solid research and proven, effective approaches.
Youth In Need is a nonprofit child and family services agency, headquartered in St. Charles, Mo. Through a variety of crisis prevention and intervention programs, Youth In Need is dedicated to building positive futures for the community’s most vulnerable children, teens and families.
Each year, Youth In Need serves more than 10,000 children, teens and families with residential homes, foster care case management, homeless outreach, counseling and support groups, education and infant, child and family development at more than 25 sites, spanning 100-miles, in six counties in eastern Missouri.
Youth In Need was founded by community volunteers, who opened the organization’s Emergency Shelter in 1974. It is through the generous support of community volunteers, business leaders and donors that Youth In Need has been able to continue its mission of believing in the power of potential.
Because every child deserves a future...
Youth In Need has been serving the greater St. Louis area since 1974, when volunteers reached out to the agency's first client. A teenage runaway, who left her home after another beating, was picked up on the streets and taken to the local jail with adult criminals. Troubled by the community's response to runaway and homeless teens, volunteers changed the way these teens were treated by opening Youth In Need's Emergency Shelter.
Today, more than 300 full- and part-time staff serve more than 10,000 of the area's most vulnerable children, teens and families at 25 locations in six counties in eastern Missouri.
A reputation for excellence...
Youth In Need is applauded for the professionalism of its staff and effectiveness of its programs.
Youth In Need:
Is nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation.
Is a recipient of the United Way of Greater St. Louis' highest possible quality rating.
Is a recipient of the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance Seal of Approval.
Is recognized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as an "exemplary program."
Practices evidence-based programs, based on solid research and proven, effective approaches.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Habitat For Humanity
For more information, please visit: www.habitat.org
You can also make a donation in honor of Mother's Day at: https://www.habitat.org/cd/giving/one/donate.aspx?link=387&askstring=1&source_code=DHQOA1104W1005&tgs=NC8yNS8yMDExIDg6NDU6MzQgUE0%3d
Habitat for Humanity fact sheet (frequently asked questions)
What is Habitat for Humanity International?
A nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry.
We seek to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action.
To accomplish these goals, we invite people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need.
Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1976 by Millard Fuller, along with his wife, Linda.
Today, we have helped build over 400,000 decent, affordable houses and served more than 2 million people around the world.
Habitat volunteers and homeowners build side-by-side in New Orleans, Louisiana
How does it work?
Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses alongside our homeowner (partner) families.
Habitat is not a giveaway program. In addition to a down payment and monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor (sweat equity) into building their Habitat house and the houses of others.
Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit and financed with affordable loans.
The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments are used to build still more Habitat houses.
How are partner families selected?
Families in need of decent shelter apply to local Habitat affiliates.
The affiliate’s family selection committee chooses homeowners based on their level of need, their willingness to become partners in the program and their ability to repay the loan.
Every affiliate follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection.
Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing the families who receive Habitat houses.
What are Habitat affiliates?
Community-level Habitat for Humanity offices that act in partnership with and on behalf of Habitat for Humanity International.
Each affiliate is an independently run, nonprofit organization.
Each affiliate coordinates all aspects of Habitat home building in its local area—fundraising; building site selection; partner family selection and support; house construction; and mortgage servicing.
Where does Habitat for Humanity operate?
Habitat is a worldwide organization, operating in all 50 states of the United States, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and dozens of other countries. Use our search engine to find local affiliates and connect with Habitat in your community.
Our operational headquarters are located in Americus, Georgia, USA.
Our administrative headquarters are located in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
How are donations distributed and used?
Donations, whether to a local Habitat affiliate or to Habitat for Humanity International, are used as designated by the donor.
Gifts received by HFHI that are designated to a specific affiliate or building project are forwarded to that affiliate or project.
Undesignated gifts are used where most needed and for administrative expenses.
HFHI’s most recent audited financial statement is available online.
Who controls and manages Habitat for Humanity International?
An ecumenical, international board of directors determines policy and oversees and guides the mission of Habitat for Humanity International.
Board members are dedicated volunteers who are deeply concerned about the problems of poverty housing around the world.
The HFHI headquarters office operates with an administrative staff, assisted by a core group of professional and support employees and supplemented by volunteers.
Each local Habitat affiliate is managed by its own local volunteer board.
How does Habitat work with the government?
Our Government Relations and Advocacy team works with legislators and housing regulators to increase support for affordable homeownership and eliminate poverty housing.
We monitor public policies related to housing, community and international development.
We advocate policy choices that increase access to decent, affordable housing for people around the world.
We accept government funds for infrastructure, utilities, capacity building or training, and house building. We accept these funds so long as they have no conditions that would violate Habitat’s principles or limit its ability to proclaim its Christian identity.
How does a Habitat for Humanity affiliate get started?
Habitat affiliates start when concerned citizens of diverse backgrounds come together to address the problem of poverty housing in their community.
These volunteers research the community’s affordable housing needs and resources and evaluate the potential success of Habitat’s self-help model in their community.
The group then applies to HFHI to become an official Habitat affiliate.
If you are interested in eliminating poverty housing in your community, please call (800) HABITAT or (800) 422-4828. Those calling from outside the United States may contact HFHI headquarters at 01-229-924-6935.
How can I become a volunteer?
Use our search engine to find your local Habitat for Humanity and their volunteer opportunities.
Explore our Get Involved section.
How can I get more information?
Through any of the following methods:
Explore our Contact Us page.
Write to Habitat for Humanity International, 121 Habitat Street, Americus, GA 31709-3498, USA.
Call 1 (800) 422-4828.
E-mail us with your General Questions.
You can also make a donation in honor of Mother's Day at: https://www.habitat.org/cd/giving/one/donate.aspx?link=387&askstring=1&source_code=DHQOA1104W1005&tgs=NC8yNS8yMDExIDg6NDU6MzQgUE0%3d
Habitat for Humanity fact sheet (frequently asked questions)
What is Habitat for Humanity International?
A nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry.
We seek to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action.
To accomplish these goals, we invite people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need.
Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1976 by Millard Fuller, along with his wife, Linda.
Today, we have helped build over 400,000 decent, affordable houses and served more than 2 million people around the world.
Habitat volunteers and homeowners build side-by-side in New Orleans, Louisiana
How does it work?
Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses alongside our homeowner (partner) families.
Habitat is not a giveaway program. In addition to a down payment and monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor (sweat equity) into building their Habitat house and the houses of others.
Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit and financed with affordable loans.
The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments are used to build still more Habitat houses.
How are partner families selected?
Families in need of decent shelter apply to local Habitat affiliates.
The affiliate’s family selection committee chooses homeowners based on their level of need, their willingness to become partners in the program and their ability to repay the loan.
Every affiliate follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection.
Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing the families who receive Habitat houses.
What are Habitat affiliates?
Community-level Habitat for Humanity offices that act in partnership with and on behalf of Habitat for Humanity International.
Each affiliate is an independently run, nonprofit organization.
Each affiliate coordinates all aspects of Habitat home building in its local area—fundraising; building site selection; partner family selection and support; house construction; and mortgage servicing.
Where does Habitat for Humanity operate?
Habitat is a worldwide organization, operating in all 50 states of the United States, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and dozens of other countries. Use our search engine to find local affiliates and connect with Habitat in your community.
Our operational headquarters are located in Americus, Georgia, USA.
Our administrative headquarters are located in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
How are donations distributed and used?
Donations, whether to a local Habitat affiliate or to Habitat for Humanity International, are used as designated by the donor.
Gifts received by HFHI that are designated to a specific affiliate or building project are forwarded to that affiliate or project.
Undesignated gifts are used where most needed and for administrative expenses.
HFHI’s most recent audited financial statement is available online.
Who controls and manages Habitat for Humanity International?
An ecumenical, international board of directors determines policy and oversees and guides the mission of Habitat for Humanity International.
Board members are dedicated volunteers who are deeply concerned about the problems of poverty housing around the world.
The HFHI headquarters office operates with an administrative staff, assisted by a core group of professional and support employees and supplemented by volunteers.
Each local Habitat affiliate is managed by its own local volunteer board.
How does Habitat work with the government?
Our Government Relations and Advocacy team works with legislators and housing regulators to increase support for affordable homeownership and eliminate poverty housing.
We monitor public policies related to housing, community and international development.
We advocate policy choices that increase access to decent, affordable housing for people around the world.
We accept government funds for infrastructure, utilities, capacity building or training, and house building. We accept these funds so long as they have no conditions that would violate Habitat’s principles or limit its ability to proclaim its Christian identity.
How does a Habitat for Humanity affiliate get started?
Habitat affiliates start when concerned citizens of diverse backgrounds come together to address the problem of poverty housing in their community.
These volunteers research the community’s affordable housing needs and resources and evaluate the potential success of Habitat’s self-help model in their community.
The group then applies to HFHI to become an official Habitat affiliate.
If you are interested in eliminating poverty housing in your community, please call (800) HABITAT or (800) 422-4828. Those calling from outside the United States may contact HFHI headquarters at 01-229-924-6935.
How can I become a volunteer?
Use our search engine to find your local Habitat for Humanity and their volunteer opportunities.
Explore our Get Involved section.
How can I get more information?
Through any of the following methods:
Explore our Contact Us page.
Write to Habitat for Humanity International, 121 Habitat Street, Americus, GA 31709-3498, USA.
Call 1 (800) 422-4828.
E-mail us with your General Questions.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
American Diabetes Association
For more information please visit, www.diabetes.org.
DIABETES BASICS:
Diabetes mellitus (MEL-ih-tus), or simply, diabetes, is a group of diseases characterized by high blood glucose levels that result from defects in the body's ability to produce and/or use insulin.
Diabetes often goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem so harmless. Recent studies indicate that the early detection of diabetes symptoms and treatment can decrease the chance of developing the complications of diabetes.
DIABETES SYMPTOMS:
Type 1 Diabetes
Frequent urination
Unusual thirst
Extreme hunger
Unusual weight loss
Extreme fatigue and Irritability
Type 2 Diabetes*
Any of the type 1 symptoms
Frequent infections
Blurred vision
Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
Tingling/numbness in the hands/feet
Recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections
*Often people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms
DIABETES STATISTICS:
Data from the 2011 National Diabetes Fact Sheet (released Jan. 26, 2011)
Total prevalence of diabetes
Total: 25.8 million children and adults in the United States—8.3% of the population—have diabetes.
Diagnosed: 18.8 million people
Undiagnosed: 7.0 million people
Prediabetes: 79 million people*
New Cases: 1.9 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed in people aged 20 years and older in 2010.
* In contrast to the 2007 National Diabetes Fact Sheet, which used fasting glucose data to estimate undiagnosed diabetes and prediabetes, the 2011 National Diabetes Fact Sheet uses both fasting glucose and A1C levels to derive estimates for undiagnosed diabetes and prediabetes. These tests were chosen because they are most frequently used in clinical practice.
Under 20 years of age
215,000, or 0.26% of all people in this age group have diabetes
About 1 in every 400 children and adolescents has type 1 diabetes
Age 20 years or older - 25.6 million, or 11.3% of all people in this age group have diabetes
Age 65 years or older - 10.9 million, or 26.9% of all people in this age group have diabetes
Men - 13.0 million, or 11.8% of all men aged 20 years or older have diabetes
Women - 12.6 million, or 10.8% of all women aged 20 years or older have diabetes
DIABETES BASICS:
Diabetes mellitus (MEL-ih-tus), or simply, diabetes, is a group of diseases characterized by high blood glucose levels that result from defects in the body's ability to produce and/or use insulin.
Diabetes often goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem so harmless. Recent studies indicate that the early detection of diabetes symptoms and treatment can decrease the chance of developing the complications of diabetes.
DIABETES SYMPTOMS:
Type 1 Diabetes
Frequent urination
Unusual thirst
Extreme hunger
Unusual weight loss
Extreme fatigue and Irritability
Type 2 Diabetes*
Any of the type 1 symptoms
Frequent infections
Blurred vision
Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
Tingling/numbness in the hands/feet
Recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections
*Often people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms
DIABETES STATISTICS:
Data from the 2011 National Diabetes Fact Sheet (released Jan. 26, 2011)
Total prevalence of diabetes
Total: 25.8 million children and adults in the United States—8.3% of the population—have diabetes.
Diagnosed: 18.8 million people
Undiagnosed: 7.0 million people
Prediabetes: 79 million people*
New Cases: 1.9 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed in people aged 20 years and older in 2010.
* In contrast to the 2007 National Diabetes Fact Sheet, which used fasting glucose data to estimate undiagnosed diabetes and prediabetes, the 2011 National Diabetes Fact Sheet uses both fasting glucose and A1C levels to derive estimates for undiagnosed diabetes and prediabetes. These tests were chosen because they are most frequently used in clinical practice.
Under 20 years of age
215,000, or 0.26% of all people in this age group have diabetes
About 1 in every 400 children and adolescents has type 1 diabetes
Age 20 years or older - 25.6 million, or 11.3% of all people in this age group have diabetes
Age 65 years or older - 10.9 million, or 26.9% of all people in this age group have diabetes
Men - 13.0 million, or 11.8% of all men aged 20 years or older have diabetes
Women - 12.6 million, or 10.8% of all women aged 20 years or older have diabetes
Friday, April 22, 2011
Warriors In Pink
For more information, visit www.fordcares.com
Ford is proud of its 17-year National Sponsorship of the Komen Race for the Cure®. To date, Ford has dedicated more than $110 million to the cause. Our commitment runs well beyond raising funds. We know that awareness leads to early detection and early detection saves lives, so we are also working to increase breast cancer awareness, last year creating over one billion media impressions. We also encourage our employees to participate. More than 75,000 Ford employees have participated in the Race for the Cure and thousands of our dealers support local events in their area.
More than 75,000 Ford employees have run or walked in Races across the country to support the cause, and thousands of Ford Dealers across the nation have gotten involved by participating in their local Komen Race for the Cure events.
Nancy Brinker founded Susan G. Komen for the Cure in 1982 in memory of her sister, who died of breast cancer at age 36. 1983 marked the beginning of the Komen Race for the Cure, which has grown from one Race in 1983 to more than 127 Races and more than 1.7 million participants planned for 2011.
The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Series raises significant funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer, celebrating breast cancer survivorship and honoring those who have lost their battle with the disease. With funds raised by the
Komen Race for the Cure Series, Komen, along with its Affiliate Network, is able to fund breast cancer research grants, meritorious awards and educational, scientific and community outreach programs around the world.
For information on how to sign up for the Komen Race for the Cure® in your area, please call 1-888-603-RACE or visit komen.org.
Ford is proud of its 17-year National Sponsorship of the Komen Race for the Cure®. To date, Ford has dedicated more than $110 million to the cause. Our commitment runs well beyond raising funds. We know that awareness leads to early detection and early detection saves lives, so we are also working to increase breast cancer awareness, last year creating over one billion media impressions. We also encourage our employees to participate. More than 75,000 Ford employees have participated in the Race for the Cure and thousands of our dealers support local events in their area.
More than 75,000 Ford employees have run or walked in Races across the country to support the cause, and thousands of Ford Dealers across the nation have gotten involved by participating in their local Komen Race for the Cure events.
Nancy Brinker founded Susan G. Komen for the Cure in 1982 in memory of her sister, who died of breast cancer at age 36. 1983 marked the beginning of the Komen Race for the Cure, which has grown from one Race in 1983 to more than 127 Races and more than 1.7 million participants planned for 2011.
The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Series raises significant funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer, celebrating breast cancer survivorship and honoring those who have lost their battle with the disease. With funds raised by the
Komen Race for the Cure Series, Komen, along with its Affiliate Network, is able to fund breast cancer research grants, meritorious awards and educational, scientific and community outreach programs around the world.
For information on how to sign up for the Komen Race for the Cure® in your area, please call 1-888-603-RACE or visit komen.org.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Ronald McDonald House Charities
To learn more about Ronald McDonald House Charities visit: www.rmhc.org
The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. Guiding us in our mission are our core values:
* Focusing on the critical needs of children.
* Celebrating the diversity of the programs we offer and the staff, volunteers and donors who make them possible.
* Staying true to our heritage of 36 years of responsible stewardship.
* Operating with accountability and transparency.
Vision
We believe that when you change a child’s life, you change a family’s, which can change a community, and ultimately the world.
We strive to be part of that change and part of the solution in improving the lives of children and their families by providing programs that strengthen families during their most difficult or challenging times. We extend our reach and impact by leveraging our 36 years of experience and strong relationships with local communities and people in the field to continually establish Chapters across the globe. We continually work to improve and expand our core programs, while also developing new services to address the unique needs of the communities we serve.
We don’t do it alone. We rely on our Chapters to identify needs and carry out our mission on the ground. We rely on our strong relationships with the medical community to provide access to health care. We rely on strategic alliances with organizations that have the knowledge and infrastructure to extend our reach. We rely on you – our donors, volunteers, staff and friends.
RMHC makes an immediate, positive impact on children’s lives through our global network of Chapters in 52 countries and regions and through our three core programs: Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.
We award grants to other nonprofit organizations that align with our mission to positively impact the health and well being of children.
We are also committed to education. Local Chapters award thousands of scholarships each year through RMHC U.S. Scholarships to students entering college across the United States.
The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. Guiding us in our mission are our core values:
* Focusing on the critical needs of children.
* Celebrating the diversity of the programs we offer and the staff, volunteers and donors who make them possible.
* Staying true to our heritage of 36 years of responsible stewardship.
* Operating with accountability and transparency.
Vision
We believe that when you change a child’s life, you change a family’s, which can change a community, and ultimately the world.
We strive to be part of that change and part of the solution in improving the lives of children and their families by providing programs that strengthen families during their most difficult or challenging times. We extend our reach and impact by leveraging our 36 years of experience and strong relationships with local communities and people in the field to continually establish Chapters across the globe. We continually work to improve and expand our core programs, while also developing new services to address the unique needs of the communities we serve.
We don’t do it alone. We rely on our Chapters to identify needs and carry out our mission on the ground. We rely on our strong relationships with the medical community to provide access to health care. We rely on strategic alliances with organizations that have the knowledge and infrastructure to extend our reach. We rely on you – our donors, volunteers, staff and friends.
RMHC makes an immediate, positive impact on children’s lives through our global network of Chapters in 52 countries and regions and through our three core programs: Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.
We award grants to other nonprofit organizations that align with our mission to positively impact the health and well being of children.
We are also committed to education. Local Chapters award thousands of scholarships each year through RMHC U.S. Scholarships to students entering college across the United States.
Boys & Girls Club of America
In every community, boys and girls are left to find their own recreation and companionship in the streets. An increasing number of children are at home with no adult care or supervision. Young people need to know that someone cares about them.
Boys & Girls Clubs offer that and more. Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence.
Boys & Girls Clubs are a safe place to learn and grow – all while having fun. It is the place where great futures are started each and every day.
There are 6 main programs that we concentrate on. Education & Career, Character & Leadership, Health and Life Skills, Arts, Sports, Fitness and Recreation, and Specialized.
To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America, please visit: www.bgca.org
Boys & Girls Clubs offer that and more. Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence.
Boys & Girls Clubs are a safe place to learn and grow – all while having fun. It is the place where great futures are started each and every day.
There are 6 main programs that we concentrate on. Education & Career, Character & Leadership, Health and Life Skills, Arts, Sports, Fitness and Recreation, and Specialized.
To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America, please visit: www.bgca.org
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