Back on My Feet To Launch NYC Chapter to Help Homeless

Back on My Feet (BoMF), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to creating independence and self-sufficiency within the homeless and other underserved populations by first engaging them in running, will launch its New York City chapter on April 10.

That morning, Back on My Feet residential members (individuals experiencing homelessness) will begin their journey with BoMF by participating in a one-mile inaugural run through Central Park and ending in the heart of New York City's Times Square. Non-Residential members (volunteers), supporters, corporate sponsors, Back on My Feet staff, and national as well as NYC Advisory Board Members will join all 50 members who will form the first Back on My Feet NYC teams as they run their first mile together.

Following the run, Back on My Feet will hold its traditional "business attire with sneakers" Launch Breakfast, presented by Accenture and NYC Marriott and Renaissance Hotels of NYC, at the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square.

New York City will be the ninth city to gain a Back on My Feet chapter, joining Philadelphia, Chicago, Baltimore, Boston, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Indianapolis, Washington, D.C. and Atlanta.

The first 50 Members of Back on My Feet New York City will be outfitted for sneakers and official Back on My Feet running gear at Jack Rabbit Sports, Back on My Feet NYC's official running store partner.

Founded by Anne Mahlum in 2007, Back on My Feet (BoMF) is a national nonprofit organization that is dedicated to creating independence and self-sufficiency within the homeless and other underserved populations by first engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem. The organization does not provide food nor shelter, but instead provides a community that embraces equality, respect, discipline, teamwork and leadership.

Back on My Feet’s approach focuses on the very profound and innate desire for all of us—regardless of age, race, socio-economic status—to feel recognized, appreciated, valued and important. Through dedication and hard work, Members earn the opportunity to create a new road for themselves by advancing to the Next Steps phase of the program where they gain access to educational, job training and employment opportunities, as well as financial aid. BoMF focuses on changing the direction of people’s lives by changing the way they see themselves.

The organization has had incredible results with 75 percent of Members consistently maintaining 90 percent attendance at morning runs. Fifty percent of Members successfully move from dependency to an independent lifestyle.

Back on My Feet is extremely collaborative with homeless service agencies as well as running and corporate communities. Learn more at backonmyfeet.org.

Heifer International Project Will Revitalize Armenia’s Farms

Heifer International Armenia is distributing agricultural equipment to small farmers, giving them the means to stay on their land and improve their livelihoods. It’s the first part of the Community Agricultural Resource Management and Competitiveness (CARMAC) project, a partnership with the World Bank and Armenia’s Ministry of Agriculture.

CARMAC’s objective is to reverse environmental damage caused by unsustainable grazing, increase the economic viability of small farms through infrastructure improvements, and increase productivity to gain access to more markets. The $22.7 million project aims to assist 78,000 people.  CARMAC has a $10.1 million agricultural component, with Heifer providing $3.7 million. Heifer International Armenia has already distributed three tractors and five balers to several farming cooperatives, enabling the farmers to make the best use of their land and provide better fodder for livestock.

Heifer International Armenia has worked with more than 8,000 Armenian families in the past 11 years, building up family farms through gifts of cattle, buffalos, pigs, chickens, rabbits, sheep, bees, worms, tree seedlings and organic produce. The projects first create food security for the participating families, and then surplus product is sold to earn money for education, medical care and other necessities.

Gagik Khachatryan, director of the Agriculture Project Implementation Unit at the Armenian Ministry of Agriculture, presented the baling equipment. Khachatryan said that without Heifer’s contribution, it would have been impossible to ensure rural community engagement and successfully realize the CARMAC project.

By the end of the project, about 200 pieces of agricultural equipment are expected to be placed within 55 rural communities in Armenia. The modern equipment, along with more careful use of pastures, will boost overall productivity and efficiency of small livestock farms. This will help position local producers to fill Armenia’s growing domestic dairy need and to become more competitive regionally.

As the project work begins, its significance for rural communities is increasingly evident. During previous decades, rural unemployment in Armenia has forced many people (mostly men) to leave the country to find jobs abroad. CARMAC is designed to bring back hope to farming communities, providing rural families with a chance to stay together and build their future in their homeland.

Heifer’s mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. Since 1944, Heifer International has provided livestock and environmentally sound agricultural training to improve the lives of those who struggle daily for reliable sources of food and income. Heifer is currently working in 40 countries, including the United States, to help families and communities become more self-reliant. For more information, visit www.heifer.org 1-800-696-1918.

Community Respite Program for Soldiers

Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce has created a new Community Respite Program modeled after a similar initiative launched in 2001. The first community respite program organized by the Chamber brought nearly 200 first responders to the Terrorist attacks of 9/11 from New York City to Saratoga for a weekend in 2002 in order to enjoy some peace and time away with their families. This latest community respite program will bring over 160 soldiers from the New York National Guard who have served overseas since 9/11 to Saratoga County along with their families for the same purpose. In total, more than 350 people are expected to participate.

Local participating hotels are offering free or significantly discounted rooms as part of the Respite Program for soldiers. The participating hotels include: The Hilton Garden Inn/Saratoga Springs; Courtyard by Marriott; Residence Inn; Holiday Inn/Clifton Park; Longfellow’s Hotel and Restaurant; Saratoga Hilton; The Inn at Saratoga; Adirondack Inn; Roosevelt Inn & Suites; Holiday Inn/Saratoga Springs; Saratoga Arms; Hampton Inn/Clifton Park; Hampton Inn/Saratoga Springs, and Hyatt Place/ Malta.

To extend this invitation, the Chamber worked with the Saratoga Convention and Visitor Bureau which created a single website on which the participating hotels could post their available rooms and rate information. An email was created by the Chamber that was sent to all qualifying soldiers inviting them to consider booking a vacation using this website. Besides the free or reduced priced rooms, the Chamber is now soliciting area restaurants and vacation destinations to put together gift basket that soldiers will be provided when they arrive at their hotel.

“Our goal will be to provide every soldier and their family with gift cards for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as free tickets to local events and destinations,” said Denise Romeo, Vice President of Member Services and the Chamber’s point person on this initiative. “In 2002, the community generously took care of the vast majority of expenses that the participating first responders may have faced by visiting here and we hope to do the same this time. The goal is to make this visit as fun, relaxing, and free as possible in recognition for the sacrifice they made to all of us and this great country.”

Staving Off Hunger One Garden at a Time

AmpleHarvest.org...and its impact on Hunger in America

By Gary Oppenheimer

AmpleHarvest.org Founder

CNN Hero

According to a 2009 study by the National Gardening Association and Scotts Seed Company, more than 40 million American grow fruit, herbs and vegetables in home gardens – and that number is increasing.  These gardeners, given good soil, access to water, lots of sun, and a little bit of luck, typically wait for months for their crops to start bearing fruit.  Once they start the harvest, they use, preserve and share the bounty... but the squash, tomatoes, cucumbers, etc. keep on coming and from personal experience, I can tell you that there are only so many cucumbers you can give to friends and still have them call you a friend.  While some gardeners compost the excess produce, many others simply let it rot in the garden or worse, throw it into the trash, adding to the waste stream and causing the release of methane gas as it decomposes - contributing to climate change.

According to the USDA, more than 50 million Americans are food insecure – a fancy way of saying people either do not have enough food or they are at real risk of not having enough food for their families.  After hearing numbers like billions and trillions thrown about by government officials, it is somewhat easy to start to think that 50 million is not all *that* big after all.  To put it in perspective,  if you took the combined populations of 23 of our 50 states: Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont and West Virginia and added together, you’d have around 49 million hungry or nearly hungry people.   Some may be your neighbors.  Or you may be one of them yourself.

In late 2008, the members of the West Milford (NJ) Community Garden, unhappy with the fact that the excess food they grew in past years was often left to rot in the garden while people in the community were going hungry, created a program that gathered the excess garden bounty, sorted and then distributed it to several food pantries in West Milford.  The gardeners reported a great deal of personal satisfaction knowing that they were making an important contribution to the welfare of the community while also pursuing the sustainability goal of zero waste.  At the same time, food pantries, which typically only have canned fruit and vegetables available, reported that this garden fresh produce was being taken by clients almost as fast as it became available.

In May 2009, a nationwide program called the AmpleHarvest.org Campaign was created to enable gardeners who grow fruit, vegetables, herbs or nuts to share their excess harvest with a local food pantry – easily found at www.AmpleHarvest.org or at the free AmpleHarvest iPhone or Android apps.

Backed by Google Inc. and the US Department of Agriculture, more than 4,700 food pantries across all 50 states can now receive garden fresh produce from local backyard gardeners who use AmpleHarvest.org.  In August 2011, AmpleHarvest.org was highlighted on the White House web site (www.AmpleHarvest.org/WhiteHouse).

This one of a kind program has garnered an enthusiastic response nationwide.  For example, the Community Resources Center Food Pantry (California) reported:

 “Within one hour of registering Community Resource Center on the Ample Harvest website I received a call from a local family of four with 10 orange trees. I spoke with the mother of the family and she said that until she heard of AmpleHarvest.org her family was spending time cleaning up rotten fruit off the ground. Now her family can spend time harvesting fruit to give to low income families in their community. Since speaking with her, she has dropped off 8 large bags full of locally grown oranges”

Providing fresh produce to local food pantries offers a number of benefits to both the recipient as well as the community.  Not only is fresh produce healthier than canned (no excess salt or sugar in the diet) goods, it tastes a lot better, has a much smaller carbon footprint and has eye appeal too.  Children, given the opportunity to enjoy fresh veggies are more likely to eat a healthier diet as they get older.  

According to an article about AmpleHarvest.org in the Huffington Post, the more fresh produce people have access to, the lower our national long-term health care costs will be.  Lastly... by helping to feed our neighbors in our community instead of throwing the excess away, we both reduce the waste stream and we reduce the out of pocket costs needed to keep people from going hungry.  All this because an ample harvest was given to a pantry and not wasted.

The AmpleHarvest.org Campaign has been successful largely due to help and support from people in communities across America... and you can help too!  As more food pantries learn about it and sign up, more gardeners across the country will be able to share their ample harvest, and garden by garden, hunger in America will be diminished.

• If you know of a food pantry in your community, possibly in your house of worship, a local YMCA or other civic location please visit AmpleHarvest.org/addpantries to learn how you can help your local food pantry benefit from the AmpleHarvest.org Campaign.
• If you belong to a community organization, please share with the other members, information about AmpleHarvest.org and urge them to share the information with their network of friends and family nationwide.
• Urge your local print and electronic media outlets to consider reporting on AmpleHarvest.org.  Press information is available at AmpleHarvest.org/press
• If you grow food in a home garden and harvest more than you can use, preserve or give away, please use AmpleHarvest.org or our iPhone or Android app to find a local pantry eager for your excess harvest
• If you belong to a community garden or CSA, please let the other members know that they can donate excess food.
• Print the AmpleHarvest.org/gardenershop flier to learn about how you can help nursery/garden shop customers learn more about AmpleHarvest.org

One out of every six Americans are hungry. It doesn’t have to be that way.

Visit www.AmpleHarvest.org/waystohelp to learn more.

Colon Cancer Alliance Gives Nearly $125,000 in Grants

Colon Cancer Alliance's Blue Note Fund Celebrates First Year With Nearly $125,000 in Grants

The Colon Cancer Alliance's Blue Note Fund, a program providing financial support for colon cancer patients in need, celebrated its first year by awarding grants totaling nearly $125,000 to more than 400 patients. This year, in an effort to support the growing need of its beneficiaries, proceeds from the Colon Cancer Alliance's nationally recognized Dress in Blue Day program will go toward the fund.

"I donated to the Blue Note Fund because it's a charitable effort that has a positive impact on people living with colon cancer," said Daniel Prewitt. "I know firsthand how overwhelming colon cancer treatment can by physically, emotionally, and financially. During tough times, any help patients and families receive to pay their bills is welcomed. The demand for these funds is staggering. If you're going to donate to a cause, make it this one!"

Since its inception, the Blue Note Fund has received more than 1,000 applications from patients facing financial hardship during treatment, and with applications soaring nearly 350 percent from the first to fourth quarter of 2011, it's important to ensure that funding grows to meet the rising need. The success of the Blue Note Fund has kept the phones ringing at the Colon Cancer Alliance Helpline call center with application requirement questions as well as "thank you" calls from grant recipients.

"Every day, we hear from people who have had their lives devastated by colon cancer. The need for the Blue Note Fund is abundantly clear," said Andrew Spiegel, CEO of the Colon Cancer Alliance. "We've seen first hand the positive effect the fund has on a patient's spirit when fighting this disease."

An estimated 142,000 new cases of colon cancer will be diagnosed in 2012. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. However, through recommended screenings, this cancer can be caught early when treatment is most effective—or even prevented altogether when pre-cancerous polyps are detected and removed.

The Blue Note Fund is a collaborative effort between the Colon Cancer Alliance and Board Member Charlie Kelley, a Grammy nominated producer and musician. The fund's name is derived from a soulful musical term "Blue Note," as well as the color blue—the official color of colon cancer awareness.

For more information: www.bluenotefund.org.

Report Shows Foundation Funding of Advocacy Produces a Return on Investment of $115 to $1

Advocacy by 110 nonprofit organizations over a five-year period has brought more than $26.6 billion in benefits to low-wage workers, communities of color, rural residents and other marginalized groups, according to a new study from the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP), released today.


The report, Leveraging Limited Dollars: How Grantmakers Achieve Tangible Benefits by Funding Policy and Community Engagement, found that every dollar grantmakers and other donors invested in policy and civic engagement provided a return of $115 in benefit.


Leveraging Limited Dollars, which distills findings from the seven reports produced as part of the organization's Grantmaking for Community Impact Project (GCIP), provides solid evidence of the impacts of foundation-funded policy advocacy, community organizing, and civic engagement. The report explains why these strategies are successful and how they create stronger communities.
   
"This report demonstrates without a doubt that foundation funding for advocacy and civic engagement results in substantial benefits for families and communities across the nation," said Aaron Dorfman, executive director of NCRP. "These strategies enable nonprofits and grantmakers to address complex social and economic challenges effectively and improve the lives of the under-served."


To further showcase the effectiveness of such work, NCRP compiled a directory containing every advocacy and community organizing impact that was achieved by 110 organizations in 13 states over a five-year period. The directory is a compilation of data reported in each of seven "Strengthening Democracy, Increasing Opportunities" reports, and includes monetized and non-monetized impacts.


The report also offers suggestions about how to begin funding advocacy to funders who want to start leveraging their grant dollars for maximum results.


The seven GCIP studies brought to philanthropy a highly rigorous and comprehensive methodology to help grantmakers understand the impact of funding for advocacy and social change. The research was conducted over a three-year period and cost more than $1 million.


"Leveraging Limited Dollars: How Grantmakers Achieve Tangible Benefits by Funding Policy and Community Engagement" is available on NCRP's website. Click here..


The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy in Washington, D.C., is a national watchdog, research and advocacy organization that promotes philanthropy that serves the public good, is responsive to people and communities with the least wealth and opportunity, and is held accountable to the highest standards of integrity and openness.

MLK Day Will Be Marked as a National Day of Service

Momentum is building for the annual Martin Luther King Day of Service, as thousands of organizations across the country put the finishing touches on volunteer projects to bring Americans together to serve their neighbors and advance Dr. King’s dream of social justice and economic opportunity for all.

With the holiday just days away, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) is urging Americans to visit MLKDay.gov to find volunteer opportunities in their communities and make MLK Day a “day on, not a day off.”

Projects will take place in all 50 states, including weatherizing homes, beautifying schools, serving meals, and supporting veterans and military families. Many organizations use the day as a springboard for year-round service, such as signing up mentors and tutors for at-risk youth.

A special focus of the 2012 MLK Day of Service is advancing Dr. King’s dream of economic opportunity. In Philadelphia, a jobs fair will connect 500 people looking for work with prospective employers. In Dayton, Ohio, volunteers will offer help in job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation. Members of AmeriCorps VISTA will fan out nationwide to raise awareness of the Earned Income Tax Credit and offer free tax preparation services.

“Dr. King devoted his life to advancing equality, social justice, and economic opportunity for all, and taught us that everyone has a role to play in making America what it ought to be,” said Robert Velasco II, acting CEO of CNCS. “Now more than ever, we need to take heed of Dr. King’s teachings and work together to achieve his dream. Volunteer service is a powerful way to strengthen economic opportunity. And when better to start than on the day we honor Dr. King?”

In 1994, Congress passed legislation encouraging the King Federal Holiday to be observed as a national day of service, and charged CNCS with leading this national effort. This year, CNCS developed several signature initiatives, including a partnership with Scholastic to create and distribute MLK Day Curriculum for grades 3-5; new MLK Day videos and TV and radio PSAs featuring civil rights leaders; and working with faith, non-profit and community leaders to provide more than 2,000 MLK Drum Majors for Service awards to exemplary volunteers.

CNCS awarded MLK Day of Service grants to six organizations to lead service activities on the day, supporting more than 300 projects nationwide to meet local needs:

HOPE worldwide is mobilizing thousands of volunteers across the nation, focusing on fire prevention and preparedness. Partnering with a number of local Red Cross branches, HOPE worldwide is hosting fire prevention fairs, canvassing to raise awareness of fire prevention, and conducting smoke alarm inspection and installation.

Points of Light is focusing its efforts on meeting the needs of veterans and military families, activating more than 185,000 volunteers through sub-grantee projects. From MLK Day America's Sunday Suppers focused on veterans and military members in local movie theaters in Central California to the nation’s largest MLK service project in Philadelphia with more than 85,000 volunteers. Americans are stepping up across the country to service to connect veterans and military families to jobs and training, education, housing and health care.

Service for Peace is mobilizing more than 25,000 volunteers with a focus on engaging and helping veterans and military families across the country, focusing on a wide array of issue areas, including leading the MLK Jr. National Food Drive, school clean ups, house rebuilding and promoting and restoring community garden art. Through the 40 Days of Peace campaign, Service for Peace will be working to reduce bullying, crime and violence across America from Jan. 16th to Feb. 24th.

Mobilizing nearly 12,000 volunteers on more than 65 college campuses across the country, Wisconsin Campus Compact and its partners will focus on education, healthy futures, economic opportunity and disaster preparedness with events ranging from working with area food banks to hosting a community breakfast for local leaders.

Youth Service America will engage at least 50,000 youth volunteers on MLK Day through partner and grantee schools and community organizations. Young people, ages 5-25, will serve as part of programs organized by 16 MLK Day Lead Organizers funded by CNCS as well as nearly 500 other YSA grant funded projects. Many of these grantees will use MLK Day as part of a Semester of Service™, an extended youth-led experience of at least 70 hours of learning and service. 

Cesar Chavez Foundation is mobilizing more than 6,000 volunteers throughout the southwest and western region of the nation, focusing on education through digital literacy programs, community educational events and service learning projects.

CNCS leads the annual national MLK Day of Service as a part its broader mission to engage Americans of all ages in service to meet critical local and national needs. Working with the King Center, other federal agencies, nonprofit and community groups, faith-based organizations, schools and businesses nationwide, CNCS helps Americans turn the MLK Day into a national day of service to make an impact in their communities.

More information, including details about local service opportunities, is available at MLKDay.gov.