In light of how 2020 is going so far, I’m scared to ask: What’s the worst that can happen? The coronavirus pandemic and racial injustice and tension have caused ripple effects on families ranging from emotional turmoil at home to unstable work conditions, like furloughs and layoffs. Times are tough, indeed.
But take heart. Instead of asking the dreaded question above, I’m asking: What can I do to lighten the load of others, and where can I get started? And the good news is I don’t have to start from scratch (and neither do you)! Turns out there are a TON of organizations already set up that focus on difficulties in our communities and how to help. They tirelessly work to make a difference and to make it easy for volunteers to help. While we may not be able to work hand in hand literally, we can still show support and make a real difference.
Fort Worth Moms has compiled a list of places where you can start your own do-good, be the good, feel-good mission.
ACH Child and Family Services is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children, youth, and families in crisis. With more than a century of experience, ACH brings resources and skills to children and families struggling with life’s challenges. Some of its programs keep children and families together, while others provide a healing home for children who can’t live with their families.
Alliance for Children protects children from abuse through investigations with local law enforcement agencies, Cook Children’s Medical Center, JPS Health Network, Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office, Tarrant County Juvenile Services, and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. The Alliance for Children mission is to minimize the trauma of the abuse so children and families can begin to heal.
Carter BloodCare (for donations for COVID-19 patients) is a blood center that serves north, central, and east Texas. Its purpose is to provide life-saving resources to local hospitals in our regional communities.
CASA of Tarrant County, Court Appointed Special Advocates, is a group of volunteers dedicated to standing up for abused and neglected children. CASA of Tarrant County and its court-appointed volunteers advocate for the best interests of children.
Community Food Bank started as a meager soup kitchen 32 years, but the non-profit organization Community Food Bank has grown to serve a massive population of those in need. Through Community Food Bank, volunteers can donate food, money, and time, including organizing a food drive.
Hope Center for Autism enables individuals on the autism spectrum and their families to live more fully functional lives. Volunteers and donations allow it to host activities and events.
Justin’s Place aims to impact the lives of children by empowering moms to grow mentally, spiritually, and physically, to live a life free of crisis, and walk out of generational poverty. There are several volunteer options on a monthly, weekly, or daily basis, with internships and jobs also available.
SafeHaven of Tarrant County provides domestic abuse services and help to families in the Tarrant County area. It provides immediate shelter and housing, a 24-hour crisis hotline, counseling, legal counsel, plus prevention and reformative services. Volunteers can donate time, gently used items, and funds.
Tarrant Area Food Bank empowers communities to eliminate hunger by providing food, education, and resources through innovation and collaboration. Check out its new farmer’s market nutrition program for volunteers, plus a pantry program and garden workdays.
The Women’s Center goal is to inspire women, men, and children to overcome poverty, violence, and crisis. The center’s services includes rape crisis and victim services, violence education and prevention, employment solutions, and general counseling. Donations and volunteers are welcome and needed.
Valiant Hearts works to support survivors of sex trafficking, stripping, and/or prostitution. Services include emergency housing, classes, counseling, mentorship, education, and more.
Women In Power Empowering is a philanthropic group for African American women creates opportunities for all women to overcome obstacles by providing financial awards, mentoring, and support. It provides financial awards, mentoring, and support, and assists women of Tarrant County to overcome financial barriers.
