One Family One Community

ONE FAMILY ONE COMMUNITY IS A SHOWCASE OF THE POSITIVE PROGRAMS AND GOOD WORKS OF INDIVIDUAL ASSOCIATED MEMBERS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY.  WE WORK COLLECTIVELY AS A WHOLE TO AID EACH OTHER  IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATIONAL, ECONOMICAL, POLITICAL AND SOCIAL PROJECTS. HERE, OUR STAFF ARE CONSTANTLY STUDYING, LEARNING, AND APPLY THOSE SKILLS WHICH WOULD ACCELERATE OUR GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT AS A POSITIVE FORCE WITHIN OUR RESPECTIVE COMMUNITY. PLEASE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE LEGAL RESEARCH TEAM AND KNOW THAT ALL ARE WELCOME TO JOIN IN RESEARCHING NEW LAWS AND LEGISLATION WHICH WOULD ASSIST US IN OUR CAUSE AND THE CAUSE OF THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE. 

WE WILL BE HIGHLIGHTING NEW UPDATES ON PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS. WE WILL BE GIVING RECOGNITION TO THOSE ASSOCIATED MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE. SO VISIT THIS WEBSITE OFTEN, TO STAY IN TUNE TO WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE COMMUNITY NEAR YOU.

Learn more.

Volunteering in America

Volunteers are resolute in their commitment to serving their neighbors and communities, with 62.8 million adults volunteering almost 8.1 billion hours in local and national organizations in 2010, service valued at almost $173 billion. Explore this website for the most comprehensive data on volunteering ever assembled including volunteer profiles for all 50 states and the District of Columbia as well as hundreds of metropolitan areas, rankings, demographic trends, and profiles of volunteer organizations making an impact on some of our nation's toughest challenges.

Did you know that your family could be leaving an important mark in American history, simply by giving time and service to your community? The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal agency for volunteering and service is an important part of communities. This month, CNCS released new data on volunteerism. Volunteering in America is the most in-depth report on national service – spotlighting:

·         who volunteers
·         what cities have the highest rates of volunteerism
·         how Americans are serving their community.

You can follow CNCS on Facebook and Twitter, or learn how you can volunteer in your community at www.serve.gov.

Knit for Kids 2010

Knit for Kids is a global organization created by Guideposts.  As the holidays are here, times are tough in many areas and in many households, however when you give to others it can warm your heart and build your own family bond.

Knitting may seem old-fashioned to some teens, but isn't it a great opportunity to learn when you know you will be helping keep a needy child warm?  Many grandparents and parents have been knitting for generations - let's start this tradition now in your family.

Since 1996, when Guideposts Knit for Kids began, the program has grown beyond anyones imagining because of dedication and creativity. Thanks to many, some kids for the first time in their lives have had something new; for others, the sweaters are cherished hand-me-downs.

A “million smiles”, that’s a conservative estimate of how many people have been touched with joy by these gifts: the children who have received them directly or as a hand-me-down, their parents or guardians, and needleworkers like you who found your lives changed as you created these treasures with heart and hands.
Start your family tradition today through stitches of love.  Whether you are in Clay, Duval or St. Johns County, download the simple knitting patterns here and share them with your friends and family.

Do you prefer to crochet?  Click here for the pattern.

Get your teens involved today.  To learn more about Knit for Kids and where to send your sweaters, click here.

Read more.

Taylor's Closet: Making a Difference

In 2005, Ft. Lauderdale teen, Lindsey Giambattista founded Taylor's Closet, an organization, which is named after her twin sister that died at birth.  Taylor's Closet provides clothing to needy children throughout the world.

About Taylor's Closet:


Taylor’s Closet had its first outreach in early December, 2005. We set up a mini “shop” on the salon-deck of a large yacht in the Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade and invited girls from local foster care programs to come by and shop. There were some 30 girls on the cruise that night who were blessed with new clothes, and a handful of parents, kids and program administrators who got to see the love of Christ in action as well.

Since then we’ve seen God bless this ministry in some huge and wonderful ways. In December of 2006, we opened our first permanent “store” for foster girls. Several local businesses have put aside their business agendas to come alongside and help out. One in particular, RCC, designed and paid for the cost to build the store. We’ve had clothing donations from all over the world. - Taylor's Closet


As the holiday time approaches, it is time for you and your family to go through your closets and take up a collection to help those that truly need your generosity.  As the weather is getting cooler, even in South Florida, we need to take the time to be grateful for what we have and consider giving what we really don't need.

What happens in Taylor’s Closet is remarkable. Girls who have been abused, injured or who are just basically suffering from a lifetime of hopelessness, come in to our store and find out that someone cares – that all these beautiful new, designer clothes are there for them – completely free.

When Lindsey was asked in an interview by I Heart Dailey:

How can people help with TC?  Buy our products! We just launched a TC merch line. Go check it out. It’s really cute, and every penny goes to making girls in need feel beautiful!

Created by a teen with a dream, Taylor's Closet has proven to help thousands of children throughout the world.  Lindsey is truly a teen that inspires.  Learn more at www.taylorscloset.org. Watch video on sidebar.

Get your teen involved today!  Giving feels so good, encourage your kids to pay it forward!

Read more.

Prudential Spirit of Community Awards - Teen Volunteers and Community Service

Do you know a teen that are making a difference in the lives of others?  A youth that is reaching out in their community, giving their time, donating items or simply being part of an organization targeted at helping others?  Paying it forward is part of building a community. 

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is the largest youth recognition program in the country based exclusively on volunteer community service. And what better way to recognize our young heroes and inspire others to follow their lead than honoring them with these prestigious awards?

If you know someone from grades 5-12 who has demonstrated outstanding volunteerism over the past year, then encourage them to complete an online application at http://spirit.prudential.com. State and national honorees will receive a cash prize, a trip to Washington, D.C., and an engraved medallion to thank them for the great work they have done. 

This is a great opportunity to reach out and recognize those that are exceptional youths and create a positive and inspiring environment.

If you are a junior or senior in high school, acquiring your community services can make a major difference on your college applications.  What most teens realize is that giving back is actually helping them to build their self-esteem and will give you a warm feeling.

Do you know a special youth today?  Nominate them and they may be rewarded!


Watch video for more information.

Sue Scheff: Lotsa Helping Hands

Lotsa Helping Hand's mission is to provide the communication resources facilitating a world where caregivers feel empowered to ask for help, and in so doing, improve their own health and quality-of-life; volunteers can become part of the solution when family, friends, neighbors or colleagues are in need of help, and community becomes a recognized way to find meaning in both giving and receiving.

Lotsa Helping Hands community helps build emotional and spiritual support as you face the many issues surrounding everyday caregiving. They offer assistance for military families, elderly, schools, parenting, religious groups and more.

Sue Scheff: Volunteer Spot

About Volunteer Spot

Karen Bantuveris, a management consultant working-mom, became a Girl Scout leader and PTA board member once her daughter entered school. Shocked at all the ‘little things’ that made volunteering a hassle, and fueled by frustration with reply-all emails, clipboards, Online! Groups, and late night reminder messages…she decided to do something about it.

VolunteerSpot launched in 2008 with the mission of enabling ANYONE to quickly mobilize and coordinate volunteers in their community, congregation and social network. VolunteerSpot’s simple sign up application makes it easy for community members to participate and say YES to volunteering. No waiting for approvals and passwords, no software to install, just easy, free scheduling and sign up tools for everyday heroes making a difference.

Make your next activity easier than ever before. Try VolunteerSpot today!! Watch their video and learn more.

Start today: http://www.volunteerspot.com/getstartednow

Follow them on Twitter @VolunteerSpot

Sue Scheff: Youths and Great Non-profits

Check this out!

We have just over 100 nonprofits reviewed with about 800 reviews.There are awards for different sized nonprofits and different regions. Winners will get recognition on GreatNonprofits, GuideStar, and VolunteerMatch.

GuideStar is the premiere site for donors and the winners will be featured on its homepage as well as in its newsletter to its subscribers. The contest ends September 30th, but the reviews and the ability to review won't go away!

Sue Scheff: Top Ten Youth Volunteers - Receive Awards

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, the United States’ largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer service. For their extraordinary efforts in serving others through volunteerism, ten middle and high school students from across the country were named America’s top ten youth volunteers for 2009 in a ceremony at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters, capping the 14th year of The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.

Each year, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards honors the outstanding community service of young Americans. The results are now in the top ten youth volunteers from the May 4th ceremony have been announced! Want to watch the winners receive their awards? I invite you readers to watch a webcast event, replaying all of the wonderfully inspiring moments and announcements:

http://www.visualwebcaster.com/event.asp?id=57997

You can get your children and community involved by encouraging them to visit http://spirit.prudential.com/ where they can find out how to become a nominee for next year’s honorary ceremony.