Missions of top charities chosen by employees in 2007
United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley brings the community together to help improve people’s lives and strengthen the neighborhoods in our region. This focus has not changed, but what has and will change are the needs of the community and its people. Therefore, the focus of our work–not the mission of our organization–has and will change in response. This perspective and ability to unite and apply resources where they are needed most is what makes us uniquely valuable to the community. www.supportunitedway.org.
Community Works
Founded in 1982, Community Works is a cooperative fundraising effort among community-based and community-controlled organizations. Our goal is to develop a stable and growing source of support for our member organizations, primarily through our partnership with local businesses as part of their employee giving campaigns. Community Works expands traditional definitions of charitable activity to include advocacy and community organizing; increases employee awareness of community resources; demonstrates alternative approaches to pressing issues; focuses attention on issues not previously addressed; and fosters the empowerment of donors as they choose where they will direct their contributions. www.communityworks.com
Rosie’s Place
Since 1974 poor and homeless women have found an oasis of hope and nourishment at Rosie’s Place. The mission of Rosie’s Place is to help women maintain their dignity, seek opportunity and find security in their lives. Rosie’s Place, a sanctuary for poor and homeless women, offers both emergency and long-term assistance to women who have nowhere else to turn. Established in 1974, Rosie’s Place is committed to welcoming each guest with respect and unconditional love. Rosie’s Place accepts no government funds, and relies instead on committed volunteers and private supporters to accomplish its effective and innovative work. www.rosies.org
Combined Jewish Philanthropies
Combined Jewish Philanthropies is the country’s oldest Federated Jewish philanthropy. They have worked to take care of people in need, to preserve Jewish learning, and to enrich Jewish culture worldwide. www.cjp.org
Doctors Without Borders
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international medical humanitarian organization created by doctors and journalists in France in 1971. Today, MSF provides aid in nearly 60 countries to people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe, primarily due to armed conflict, epidemics, malnutrition, exclusion from health care, or natural disasters. MSF provides independent, impartial assistance to those most in need. MSF reserves the right to speak out to bring attention to neglected crises, to challenge inadequacies or abuse of the aid system, and to advocate for improved medical treatments and protocols. www.doctorswithoutborders.org .
Phillips Books House Association, Inc.
PBHA is a student-run public service organization at Harvard University. Consisting of 72 program committees, over 1,800 student volunteers, and serving close to 10,000 constituents in the Cambridge and Boston area, PBHA is an organization dedicated to Social Service and Social Action. As a student-run organization, we draw upon the creative initiative of students and community members to foster collaboration that empowers individuals and communities. Through social service and social action, PBHA endeavors to meet community needs and promote social awareness and community involvement at Harvard and beyond. www.pbha.org.
