Newton Nonprofits and Charities

What more can be said that others haven't? What an outstanding organisastion. <br> <br>Cradles to Crayons is the most professionally well-run, loving, and organised non profit I have had the pleasure of volunteering for. Their work is impactful and critical for children in our city. I have nothing but praise for their team!

The NPO is a historical parenting resource. The work they do state to state and Nation-wide is valuable to families and children. They use their resources well, provide many paths to knowledge and truth while providing free resources to states. Their shared parenting report card is a tool used by many different family law reform organizations, like my. <br>NPO is imperative to the systemic changes needed in family law.

Racist, European dominated organization. These people have a White Savior Complex, especially Clarke and Laura. I have been serving on the board for years and there have been no changes. It is despicable.

A friend of mine was recently diagnosed with AL amyloidosis. As we all do, I immediately started googling to find answers to questions that are, to put it bluntly, unanswerable. Not only was I completely overwhelmed with the amount of information that a google search provided, but I discovered a plethora of contradictory information that left me with more questions than I had when I started. I stumbled across the YouTube videos that ARC has produced and found the first concise delivery of ALA information that was digestible by a non-medical layperson (me). I called ARC's number, left a VM, and received a return call within a day. I spoke with Lori for about 30 minutes and she was willing to answer all of my questions to the best of her ability, point me in the direction of valuable information regarding the disease and treatment, and make recommendations on the best treatment centers in the country. Although it was one short interaction, I am very impressed with the prompt response time and professionalism of ARC. I would strongly recommend that anyone that encounters Amyloidosis reach out to ARC. Incredible company with incredible employees.

As a service volunteers, my husband and I have traveled with Communities Without Borders to Zambia, Africa ten times to work with the wonderful teachers and students they support. I have seen for myself the inspiring teachers and how important education is for the at-risk smart children in this poor country. The programs of CWB bring health and joy to the lives of the entire community. During the pandemic CWB funded a new 3 classroom building and kitchen (see photo) and 3 new teachers for one of the schools enabling students to spend more time in class. We have supported this group financially since I first got to know them. US dollars have a huge impact since the programs are run by all volunteers except one full time manager in Zambia.

BCS has such an important mission of providing support and free transportation to cancer fighting families in Boston area!! <br> <br>GREAT org, GREAT team— the CLOZTALK team is honored to call BSC our partner!! <br> <br>CLOZTALK team <br>>> Jonny Imerman, co-founder

We are two, long-time contributors, who thought we had a reasonably good idea of the wonderful work Connect Africa had been doing for the past six years. However, when we visited Uganda last October it became obvious that we had no concept of how important this work is and how deeply it touches the lives of the villagers. We were almost reluctant to visit because Lynn was scheduled to be in Boston. However, as Lynn promised, the co-director Kalule Charles welcomed us warmly and introduced us, with passion and love, to his Uganda and to the people Connect Africa serves.<br><br>We met the "aunties" and the “jajjas,” relatives who hugged us and cried as they thanked us for enabling their children to attend school and have the opportunity to pursue a promising future. We visited the children in their elementary schools - simply constructed rooms with dirt floors, and saw students crowded together behind rows of long benches. The children would rise en masse to greet us with shy, beautiful smiles, open arms and words of thanks. We visited students at the secondary schools where they board, and we were struck by the seriousness with which they approached their studies. Groups of adolescent girls or boys (never girls AND boys together) would gather on the ground during free time, doing homework and helping each other with their studies. <br><br>We met some of the loan recipients: Teopista is a small shop owner who sells beans, maize and household supplies. We tasted the spirits that Olivia, a spirits’ distributor, sells to local villagers – truly a “potent potable” strong enough to make your body shiver. Edward, a driver of a motorcycle taxi called a “boda-boda”, offered to give Kurt a ride around the town; but having seen the chaotic, high-speed traffic on the incredibly rutted dirt roads, Kurt declined the offer and later wished that he hadn't.<br><br>Our experience in Uganda was filled with contradictions– sobering and encouraging, depressing and hopeful. The people we visited do not have electricity, indoor toilets or running water. They are optimistic, industrious, and determined to improve their lives. The work that Charles and Lynn are doing inspires people, one at a time, to move forward toward attaining their dreams. <br><br>Do visit the Connect Africa community in Uganda. They are currently building a community center with a guest house where you can live and experience change in action. All are welcome.<br><br>With admiration and appreciation of Connect Africa<br>Arlene and Kurt Pressman<br>

Roberta Carson of Zaggo Inc. is a dedicated professional on a mission to help others avoid the maze of confusion associated with a serious condition or injury. The ZaggoCare system can be helpful from the moment a diagnosis is received. The blog and social media posts about the medical healthcare environment are alway thoughtfully written with the patient and caregiver in mind, to provide helpful and current information.

Forgirlsake: Common connection (Trafalgar), smart women, common goal. Forgirlsake is a great example of what happens when bright people come together with focus and passion to make a difference.<br><br>Grateful for the education and benefits they had as girls, the Forgirlsake team have chosen to try to make an impact in the lives of girls in less fortunate places or circumstances. They appreciate the power of a good education.<br><br>This group inspires with all that they do, from their online presence, social media activity, local events and their site-specific visits.<br><br>Thumbs up to the Forgirlsake group – wouldn’t it be great if we could make this kind of team, approach and effort contagious!<br><br>A fellow admiring Trafite

GBMP has been our trusted partner in guiding us along the lean journey. Their expertise in the field of continuous improvement and the Toyota Production System has greatly increased our collective knowledge base. Working together, we are providing a fertile ground for Raytheon's culture of Total Employee Engagement to accelerate business growth.

I was introduced to the Newton San Juan del Sur Sister City Project through my work with another non-profit, Random Acts. Together we have managed to fund the construction of a beautiful campus for the Free High School, and earlier this year I was lucky enough to be able to visit Nicaragua and see the school first hand. <br><br>The impact of this school and the Sister City Project's other initiatives cannot be underestimated. During my trip, I talked to countless people whose lives had been changed by the Free High School, from middle schoolers taking their first ever English lesson, to graduates who've returned to the school as teachers, to proud parents who've seen their children's futures transformed. <br><br>We also went out to the villages surrounding San Juan, where the Sister City Project works closely with the community to improve sanitation and access to education. Our group dug wells, built latrines and made bricks to create eco-friendly stoves, and I chatted to local women who told me just how much these projects mean to them. In fact, this was something of a recurring theme - wherever I went in San Juan, whoever I spoke to, they always knew the Free High School and had nothing but wonderful things to say about it.<br><br>I've never been a part of something that does so much good so directly, and with so much respect for the local community. Every moment I spent at the Free High School and in the villages was an absolute privilege and I hope to return to volunteer for a longer period some day. Thank you :)

I have worked with InterfaithFamily as a blogger for 6 years. The organization works hard to push for a more inclusive Jewish community through advocacy and by serving as a resource for couples and families navigating life as a multi-faith family. They are well-respected and invaluable resource.

How a Brain Tumor Changed My Life<br>www.braintumor.org<br><br>In 2010 my world was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with a nearly fist sized meningioma brain tumor. For months, I experienced strange aversions to smells, and had bizarre out of body sensations. My gut was screaming at me 'you have a brain tumor'. Unfortunately, an MRI would ultimately prove my suspicions were right. I was referred to Dr. William Curry, a brilliant neurosurgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital. He removed the entire tumor, and I made a full recovery. I am tumor free today, but continue to be monitored in case of a recurrence. <br><br>Originally, I kept my diagnosis, surgery, and recovery mostly private, as I could never imagine going public with my experience. But along the road to recovery, I met two friends that were also battling brain tumors. I now had an opportunity to share what I had learned, felt, and the chance to help other patients feel like they were not alone. Having that feeling that others will never understand what you're going through, and the fear that you'll never feel like yourself again is terrifying. I hoped I could be a source of strength for others that just started their brain tumor journey. Inspired by the National Brain Tumor Society in 2013, my new friends and I started a fundraising team, Three Fine Limes, to raise money for brain tumor research. <br><br>Sadly, our friend, Steven Aitken, lost his battle with brain cancer in 2014. In honor of Steve, Three Fine Limes participated in the Boston Brain Tumor Walk, and this year I have taken our team on the road to the Washington DC Race for Hope. I am heading to Phoenix in a few weeks, to participate in their 5K. Three Fine Limes are taking on brain tumors in three cities for 2015!<br><br>Three Fine Limes also participated in Head to the Hill, the National Brain Tumor Society's lobby day. Advocates from 38 states attended meetings with members of Congress, to discuss needs of the brain tumor community. At the recent inaugural Grey Gala, the NBTS Interim CEO, David Arons said ' We're a society because that's a group that fights for each other'. I cannot think of a more inspiring group of people to be fighting alongside. <br><br>Because of my personal experience, and the other amazing brain tumor survivors I have met along the way, and for the brain tumor patients who fought courageously, but did not win their battle, I donate, participate in events, volunteer, and advocate for the National Brain Tumor Society ( http://braintumor.org ) to ensure that one day a cure for this terrible disease will be found.

I retired from teaching after having taught for 37 years in elementary grades 3 and 4. After a few years, I truly missed teaching and the children. An add for Soar 55 was in the local news so I called and was interviewed. Jan set me up with a teacher in grade one at Woodrow Wilson School . It just so happened my next door neighbor was the principal!<br>Christine and I worked together for 7 years until she moved to Cape Cod. Luckily, Christine paired me up with a wonderful third grade teacher and we have been having fun for four years now. <br> I just love being back in the classroom and sharing my expertise and knowledge with the children. They are so excited to learn! They make my day each time I go into the room!

Mayyim Hayyim is an inspirational organization. Volunteers make this place sing and the professional staff values the work that the volunteers do day in and day out. If innovation in Jewish life is important to you , check out Mayyim Hayyim.

This School is headed by Sr. Barbara Rodgers, and is known as Newton Country Day School. <br>It is part of the International network of Sacred Heart Schools around the world. <br>It is highly ranked for its academic excellence.

When I stepped out of the train station, a wonderful person put their arms around me and gave me a hug from the heart. I had never know that feeling before so I knew I was making the right decision. <br>I had been battered most of my life and felt truly worthless and less than human. <br>By the time I left The Second Step I had a well paying job and found my self worth. Through all the various programs The Second Step offers, my children and I learned that we do not deserve to be beaten, ridiculed, or degraded. We came out a strong, healthy family unit that was able to live a happy, normal life. The programs, volunteers, staff members, & donors were there every step of the way to guide us, listen to us, comfort us, all from their kind, kind, hearts. <br>That was 13 years ago! I still have wonderful memories of our time of healing at The Second Step. Plenty of pictures to smile at and getting a warm fuzzy feeling every time I think of that one hug from Ms Betty! <br>When times look bleak, I just run through all that was taught to me by the greatest healing place in this state.

This organization funds ground-breaking scientific research into environmental causes of cancer - following through on Rachel Carson's work published in Silent Spring. That's all they do - and who knows, maybe they'll help people prevent getting cancer in the first place. Sure would be better than watching these painful deaths.

GlobalCures is a non-profit medical research organization with a mission to help patients find their best treatment options today, share their clinical outcomes and fund promising therapies. <br> <br>My mother-in-law was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June 2010. As is too often the case with pancreatic cancer, it is detected when few viable options remain. Unfortunately, this was the case with my mother-in-law; the cancer had spread beyond the resectable region and chemotherapy remained our only weapon. The chemotherapy options for pancreatic cancer = one, perhaps two if one is strong enough to handle the side effects. For my mother-in-law chemotherapy did not work and by the end of November the cancer had spread to her liver and lungs. <br> <br>This is where GlobalCures, Inc arrives on the scene. Thanks to my husband's diligent efforts to find alternative cures and treatment options, he happened upon GlobalCures. After numerous discussions, at all hours of the day, we discovered that there were other non-chemotherapy options available. Options that were scientifically sound, but of which doctors were unaware. We implemented a couple of options that were in line with what my mother-in-law was willing to try and were able to reduce her pain to non-existent within a couple of weeks! We tried natural remedies that were not being funded because these compounds were no longer patentable. <br> <br>GlobalCures fills a niche that is sadly missing in our health care system. They offer patients and their families a place to find scientifically-sound alternative options, a place to share their treatment story (positive and negative, thereby building on the knowledge base for other families), and a place that allows you to keep hoping and fighting. <br> <br>My mother-in-law passed away at the end of February however she passed peacefully, in full control of her treatment options, and without pain. For that we are indebted to GlobalCures for being there when we needed them most.

The conductor has opened up a rarely entered world within the Clausura, and given us a window into ethereal music-making that transcends the normal choir repertoire. She has also pioneered the juxtaposition of this world and music with the 'outer' culture and music. Singers and conductor move as one as they transport us to the ether of these other realms, enriching our lives, broadening our sensibilities, and hopefully, making us deeper in all our endeavors. Thank you!!

I first learned about the Arava Institute when I attended a talk by Rabbi Michael Cohen. I was immediately drawn to the Institute's vision and impressed with the work that that its students and members are doing to address environmental concerns in the region. But what is even more inspiring is Arava's commitment to bringing Palestinian, Jordanian, and Jewish students together to work on common problems. Here's to clean water for all!

Everything they say about Jewish summer camp is true. I spent 12 summers of my life at Yavneh, first as a camper then as a counselor. It provided me with a community- my best friends, my nemeses, my crushes. More than that, it reinforced in me the value of community itself, and specifically my community, the Jewish one. My experiences at Yavneh taught me to be adventurous and try new things, to count on my friends, and to relax sometimes and go with the flow- you can't control everything! I believe that overnight summer camp is something every child should experience, and Yavneh was everything I could have hoped for.

NCSC Is a great place serving infants to seniors. It has a well established daycare which provides scholarships and works with agencies such as protective services and welfare. Along with other Newton families this provides a very integrated and enriching daycare program. They continue with an after school program as well as a teen center. This gives many children a home away from home providing a safe fun place with adults to provide guidance.

I have been involved with Gateways, particularly their professional development arm that enters various schools and provides PD as well as one-on-one coaching to teachers in order to ensure that all students are learning and maximizing their potential. Their staff is professional, culturally sensitive, and extremely knowledgeable. They convey their information thoughtfully and in a way that makes teachers enthusiastic about implementing their ideas and methods. Students truly benefit as the teachers work with Gateways to learn to work with each child.