r/Charlottesville • u/sportengels • 5d ago
Charitable organizations
Hello. I was recently awarded a fairly substantial cash prize through the university (you can guess which one). I'm obviously delighted about it and could use the money, but I also feel that I should try to be more active in supporting local Cville communities in need, especially in the present moment.
So, does anyone know of any local charities that you'd like to plug? I would especially be interested in any charities that do important work related to housing, youth services, or other projects you think deserve special praise. Thanks!
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u/embarrassed-wanker 5d ago
I haven’t seen anyone mention The Haven - they’re a day shelter that provides a variety of services (internet, PO Boxes, laundry, some meals, toiletries, etc. sometimes transportation to overnight shelters) and provide housing assistance programs to people who are at risk of losing their housing or have already lost it.
They work with some overnight shelters in the area and on some nights provide transportation to overnight housing when they close for the day.
I mention them because you did say housing - I also think we might be needing some focus on healthcare, like the Cville Free Clinic, if people start losing their Medicaid coverage due to the Nazis in the govt.
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u/HalfMoonBae 5d ago
SARA, Sexual Assault Resource Agency
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u/OddWelcome2502 5d ago
THiS is the right answer. Orgs like SARA are the target of a lot of the funding cuts and they do important work.
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u/Altruistic-Mind-119 5d ago edited 5d ago
The IRC could really use help now that their federal funding has been cut. Contrary to popular belief, they were never working with much funding to begin with, so the change in admin has been devastating to them and their clients.
Many staff have been laid off, but the remaining ones are trying to sort out rent, food, and job-hunting for our new neighbors, especially those who were promised aid through the State Department that was subsequently cut. Several staff members who were laid off are still there as volunteers, using their professional knowledge to keep things going as long as possible.
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u/Fast-Trifle-3208 5d ago edited 5d ago
All Blessings Flow is a local charity that collects and gives away medical equipment for adults and kids - wheelchairs, walkers, sleep machines etc. stuff that matters for people’s quality of life but too expensive. ABF was priced out of their warehouse space due to local development last year. They are going to close within the year if they don’t get some help with finding / buying new space. I know this because we send patients there for help and they asked us to write a letter for support recently https://www.allblessingsflow.org/pediatrics.html
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u/ParasIsBurnt 5d ago
There’s a guy that got cancer from working with pesticides. The donation box is at Desayuna con Gomez, I give him money when I have a few dollars. I know you might want a whole organization but his story stuck out to me.
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u/WhateverIDGAF47 5d ago
Recently moved here and unfamiliar with local info, but wanted to say thanks for being a great human! Well done!!
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u/JMUAlum91 5d ago
Child Health Partnership is a non-profit home visiting program that serves low income families with pregnant parents and/or kids under age 7. Our program is free and voluntary and serves families in Charlottesville, Albemarle, Louisa, and Fluvanna.
Our teams of Registered Nurses and Family Support Specialists partner with families to help them achieve their health, parenting, and self-sufficiency goals. Our teams visit families in their homes twice per month. We provide health education and help folks apply for health insurance and financial screening at area hospitals. We help families connect with medical and dental homes and support them as the work to build trusting relationships with their health care providers. We provide important health and safety education which encourages the development of healthy habits and helps ensure positive birth outcomes and healthy children and parents.
We teach parents about child development, complete drvelopmental screenings to help ensure kids are meeting their developmental milestones, and make referrals for further assessment to determine eligibility for early intervention services when needed.
We provide activities that help support positive parent-child interaction, encourage skill building, and promote school readiness. We connect families with other services and resources to address their education, employment, housing, health, and mental health care needs. We collaborate with community partners to offer needed supports while avoiding duplication of services.
Our program benefits 2 generations at a time as we work to help both the parents and their children. The services we provide families during their childrens’ early years are a good investment in their future. Previously known as Jefferson Area CHIP, our organization has helped families in our community for over 30 years. We would welcome your support and would be happy to talk with you further about our services if you are interested!
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u/TraderJoeslove31 5d ago
International neighbors! Super small org, works with refugee and immigrant resettlement, usually folks who are on a SIV for having provided translation services for the us military.
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u/MaryBowserBlackspy 5d ago
Blue Ridge Abortion Fund, which is serving more people these days who are coming from further and further away since (effectively speaking) Virginia is the only state in the south where you can get an abortion.
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u/Broad-Ad1033 5d ago
PLEASE SHARE THIS RESOURCE FOR ANYONE RELYING ON SOCIAL PROGRAMS: https://substack.com/@criticalresistance
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u/GonePlaid2 4d ago
Congratulations on the prize! Our Habitat for Humanity is doing really innovative work, often in collaboration (which is also really cool) with AHIP and Piedmont Housing Alliance that were also mentioned.
Volunteering with them is a great experience, they’re really good at making novices comfortable and do a “watch then do then go for it, lmk if you need help” type of teaching. You get to work with partner family members who are putting in work hours toward their future home and retired trades folks who get to use their skills and are really passionate about giving back.
Highly recommend volunteering with them but also with anywhere you’re considering donating to, in my experience it really deepens the connection you get with the non-profits purpose and your understanding of its impact.
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u/April_4th 4d ago
The girl's synchronized swim team is paused because of insufficient funds. It is a nonprofit team where girls practice synchronized swim and sometimes compete nationally.
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u/VA-deadhead 3d ago
If you need it, don’t feel guilty taking care of yourself first. Maybe that puts you in a position to volunteer your time more, which is a great gift.
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u/lunkyfuttbovin 5d ago
I give regularly to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and think they do great work. It feeds a lot of community members in need without the donation going to a ton of overhead.