STUFF I LOVE:
Compassion International
I AM ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE WITH COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL! I discovered this incredible organization thanks to one of my favorite faith leaders, Annie F. Downs. Compassion International elevates the lives of children in poverty - with food, education, career training, spiritual mentorship, medical care, family supplies, toys, and just allowing kids to be kids. And most important to me, they provide safety from violence, abuse, and sex trafficking. I immediately registered and found Joan, a precious girl in Uganda who shares my birthday. She dreams of being a doctor and preaching to people in Uganda's capitol city. And I am dedicated to helping her dreams come true, as well as being a spiritual mentor. Within the first six months of sponsoring Joan, my small monthly donation has provided her family with basic needs, plus goats and an outhouse. I can't say enough about this well-vetted organization. Watch the stories of how you can change a life and change the future.
STUFF I LOVE:
A Fashionable Way to Help Human Trafficking Survivors
I am the BIGGEST FAN of the work Rethreaded does! They give human trafficking survivors a new life and renewed hope through the creation of beautiful fashions and accessories. Human Trafficking is a vile crime that forcefully exploits women, men, and children, so criminals can profit off of labor, sex, drugs, and even vital organs. An industry that generates $150 Billion annually.
“When I was 15, a woman who initially helped me sent me to England. On the first day in England, a man came, raped me and beat me – I was terrified. He forced me to have sex with lots of different men he brought to the house. It was horrible.“
- Grace, from Nigeria (name changed)
This modern day slavery is a disgusting disease infecting every country around the world, including the United States. So, I'm incredibly grateful for Rethreaded's efforts to help survivors break free. And their fashions are stunning!
If you or someone you know might be a victim of human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to 233733
For more information, visit humantraffickinghotline.org
STUFF I LOVE:
Caring for Homeless LGBTQIA+ Youth
I never have, I never will, and I will never want to understand the hatred some people have for the LGBTQIA+ community. How does someone hate love?! It also devastates me to hear how many LGBTQIA+ youth are homeless and attacked on the streets, because their parents kicked them out of the house. Lost-n-Found Youth is an amazing organization that's providing kids with a safe haven. You can help with a charitable donation from your wallet or from your closet. You can also volunteer. Most importantly, make sure an at-risk teen gets the help they need by calling 678-856-7825
STUFF I LOVE:
Feeding People During a Crisis
As far as I'm concerned, Chef José Andrés and the team at World Central Kitchen are saints and superheroes! They head in the direction of a crisis to make sure people are fed. Often times, they arrive before first responders and before a hurricane hits. They were on the ground and preparing meals after the 2020 Beirut explosion. That same year, chefs with World Central Kitchen also fed long lines of voters across America during the election. WCK was in place, prepared, and cooking as Hurricane Dorian moved over and demolished parts of the Bahamas. This is an organization I happily donate to. You can financially support their efforts, or volunteer with WCK when help is needed.