Over the past two years, our Channel Kindness Reporters have documented the people, communities, and organizations that are helping us build a kinder and braver world.
From raising mental health awareness to supporting LGBTQ+ youth to helping seniors and empowering young people, below is a list of just 10 of the many nonprofits that our Reporters have highlighted.
We invite you to check out their stories, pledge to join Born This Way Foundation’s Multiply Your Good challenge here, and support one of these nonprofits today!
1. The Reflect Organization
There’s a reason this organization’s motto is, “Be open. Be real. Speak your mind.” Founder Jared Fenton believes that all students should feel comfortable talking openly and honestly about their mental health. This national mental wellness nonprofit is dedicated to transforming campus culture by hosting ‘Reflect Dinners’ and empowering students to foster a culture of authenticity, self-love, and allyship on campus. Reporter Nic Doorlay’s full Q&A with Jared can be found here.
2. Project HEAL
Founded by Liana Rosenman and Kristina Saffran, who met while undergoing treatment for anorexia nervosa, Project HEAL (Hope to Eat, Accept, and Live) is creating hope for those experiencing an eating disorder. In this article, Reporter Colleen Werner shares how this organization helps with treatment financing, prevention, recovery support and how it additionally reinforces the idea that full recovery from an eating disorder is possible.
3. Indiana Youth Group
In the United States, there are a limited number of centers for LGBTQ+ youth. Indiana Youth Group, a Midwestern LGBTQ+ youth center, is stepping up and saving lives through their program “THRIVE: Dare to be Powerful,” a one-of-a-kind evidence-based LGBTQ+ suicide prevention program. Reporter Taylor Parker documents that participants of the program have experienced decreased symptoms of depression and an increased self-esteem as well as feelings of connectedness to the LGBTQ+ community.
4. Kids Food Basket
One in five children in Michigan experiences hunger, an issue that Kids’ Food Basket aims to solve by serving thousands of kids each weekday with a nutritious meal. Learn more from Reporter Anna Sun about how the organization empowers communities and battles childhood hunger so that young people can live healthier and happier lives.
5. Score A Friend
Reporter Hanna Atkinson shares her story about how she became involved with Score-A-Friend, an organization that builds friendships by promoting and supporting the inclusion of students of all abilities in schools and across communities. Students interact together in unified sports and have the opportunity to build these clubs and unified electives at all school levels.
6. The Nan Project
Spreading the message that there is help and hope, The Nan Project works to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention in schools across the nation. This organization employs young people who have dealt with mental health-related challenges and invites them to share their stories with school students in order to encourage them to have an open and honest conversation about their own mental health. Reporter Maria Mongiardo’s full Q&A with the co-founder of the organization, Jake Cavanaugh, can be found here.
7. The Princess Project
Everyone deserves to feel beautiful and confident on their perfect prom night. In this video by Reporter Tyrah Majors, see how The Princess Project aims to make this a reality by providing free prom dresses and accessories to high schoolers who would not otherwise be able to afford them.
8. The Jared Box Project
The goal of this national organization is to lift the spirits of children who are experiencing an illness and staying in hospitals. Every Jared Boxes is filled with activities, games, well wishes, and love. Reporter Nora Smith’s interview with the organization’s director revealed that over 250,000 Jared Boxes have been delivered across the United States.
9. Peace First
This nonprofit believes in the power of young people by encouraging them to be powerful peacemakers. By investing in their ideas, connecting them with resources, and providing them with the skills needed to make their ideas a reality, Peace First inspires the next generation to be activists in their very own community. In collaboration with Peace First and Born This Way Foundation, Reporter Taylor Parker was able to collect and give away 6,700 menstrual hygiene products and 450 clothing items to all students in need, specifically women, transgender individuals, and members of other marginalized communities.
10. GlamourGals
More than 1 million seniors will spend time in senior homes across the United States, and it is estimated that nearly 60% of senior home residents never receive visitors. GlamourGals believes that community connections are essential to senior care and provide makeovers and companionship for women in senior facilities. In this article, Reporter Anna Sun writes about the difference one makeover can truly make.
