Happy August 2023! Whoopie! That deserves all of the exclamation marks I can find because look at us –here we are in August already. Hopefully all of my great readers are having a fabulous summer and enjoying some time outside. We have been getting a nice rain shower almost every day so I go armed with an umbrella to every outing and event because you just never know. Today I am keeping my fingers crossed for no rain because we have a big fundraiser event for Sharing House that is outside and we need a dry sky.
So with August already here it is time to share our results from Comments for a Cause for the past month of July. If you remember, and even if you don’t, our cause was the National Park and Recreation Association. It’s a great thing to be able to enjoy the outdoors and this organization is all about trying to promote health and wellness, equity and conservation. They understand the impact of clean water and the ability of the outdoors to shape the lives of individuals in positive ways. This month Chris and I are happy to report that we will be making a donation of $100 to the National Park and Recreation Association.
I am always looking for possible recipients for our monthly Comments for a Cause and this month I found a great one. It is based out of Massechusetts and offers some great services to youth ages 16-24. This statement from their website, More Than Words, details who they serve:
We work with youth, ages 16-24, who are in the foster care system, court-involved, homeless, out of school, parenting, or involved with the Department of Mental Health. At More Than Words, our young people earn a spot on our team running a successful $4M business, gain promotions, set and achieve personal goals, advocate for their rights, and learn skills to set them up for success in any career path they choose.
A few facts from their success stories are below:
314 Youth served in FY22 across core program and career services
81% of gradates productively engaged in work and/or school
92% earned or are on track for High School Diploma or equivalent
42% eligible graduates pursuing pursuing post-secondary education
$840K in wages earned by youth working at More Than Words
86% working graduates who held a job for 6+ months
Now I don’t know about you, but I think those are some pretty impressive numbers. Kudos to all who have worked hard to keep these young people engaged and on the right track. It is not easy in the world today for some to overcome the obstacles that life has dealt them and at More Than Words there are people who genuinely care about the success of these young people. Follow up is key and several testimonials refer to the fact that adults don’t always follow up but that that is not the case with More Than Words. How refreshing.
I have shopped their online shop (here) and found some great gifts Of course there are books and more books for sale on their site as well.
This organization supports empowerment and what a difference that can make in the life of a young person. Thank you to each and every one who has worked so diligently to create More Than Words and allow it to become a safe space for these young people to learn and work. What a blessing.
This month Chris and I are thrilled to announce that with every comment made on any post during the month we will donate 50 cents to More Than Words to help them in their efforts to change the world one young person at a time. At the end of the month we will tally up our totals and make our donation. If you are interested in learning more about their organization please click on the links below. Don’t forget to shop!
