Among other designations, the month of April is celebrated as National Volunteer Month. As the month comes to an end, Bryan University is reflecting on the importance of volunteering year-round by sharing some of the charities and nonprofit organizations that our team members hold close to their hearts.
To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA) is a nonprofit organization that focuses on providing hope and help for people facing depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide.
This is an organization I’ve been a supporter of since I was in high school. I’m extremely passionate about ending the stigma around discussing your mental health openly and seeking support when you need it.
Hope is real. Help is available. You are not alone.
Emily Bradshaw, Content Marketing Developer/Copywriter
The WCA provides safety to domestic abuse and/or sexual assault victims via their 24-hour crisis hotline, shelter, and court advocacy. They provide healing through therapy services, support groups, and advocacy.
With core values of empowerment, respect, and integrity, they are a nonprofit very close to my heart and were my voice when I didn’t have one.
Kalyn Faulkner, Student Accounts Collection Specialist
My mother was born with JRA. She suffered her entire life. Being born in 1938, they didn’t have as much they do now to help children with this. Unfortunately, it took its toll on her and she passed away at the young age of 52. I also have a friend, whose son was born with this, he is doing very well.
Lorrie Krasnow, Sr. Financial Aid Advisor
I went to a fundraiser a few years ago for The Singletons not really knowing what it was, but once I heard the stories, I was all in. Cancer is devastating on its own, but facing it as a single parent, I can’t even imagine. The Singletons support these families with hope, resources, and a real sense of community. I had been looking for a new organization to support, and right away I knew this was it. I immediately joined their events committee to help with the fundraising events and give back. The work they do is not only impactful, it’s inspiring.
Cheri Fisher, Adjunct Fitness Faculty
This is the first fully no-kill shelter in our area. They care about animals and always want to place them in the best homes. They have a licensed trainer who volunteers and works with the dogs to help improve their chances of adoption and has even had a dog go to the service animal training based on her recommendation.
The organization runs a Saturday program where volunteers can show up at the shelter, are assigned a dog, and participate in training with the licensed trainer.
They also provide vouchers to help pet parents with spay and neuter discounts with their local vets and will provide food for pet parents who are having a tough time financially.
As animal lovers, my husband and I have sponsored adoption fees for pets at the AWA and even gotten our friends who are business owners to do the same. This has also helped get these pets adopted. We also participate in their annual “Howling at the Moon” fundraiser in November and take part in the Saturday trainings when possible.
Carmen Hampleman, Student Success Coach Lead
Second Harvest Food Bank is a non-profit organization that provides food to over 870 feeding partners in Central Florida. Last year, the food bank distributed enough food for 76 million meals to food pantries, soup kitchens, women’s shelters, senior centers, daycare centers, and public schools. Most recently, they opened Mercy Kitchen, a facility where volunteers cook and package meals for kids and seniors.
Having lived in Orlando for most of my life, I’ve had the privilege of volunteering with the food bank and at women’s shelters. I’ve personally witnessed the profound impact Second Harvest Food Bank has had on our community.
Nancy Swerdloff, Faculty Scheduler & Support Coordinator
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