Merrill Gardens’ Post

As I work to aid Charitable children institutions in transitioning towards family and community care, I often come across organizations dealing with children aging out of the care system. These children often lack independent living skills and encounter numerous obstacles, sometimes without supportive community networks. It's disheartening that they have to leave the system without the support and love of a family. Facilitating the search for suitable families for these children is crucial in ensuring their continued growth and well-being beyond institutional care. #carereform #familycare

Charity—whether through money, food, clothing, or toys—is a vital practice that we should make a regular part of our lives. In Islam, even a simple smile is considered an act of charity. It’s inspiring to see people dedicate their time and effort to something spiritually enriching while supporting those in need. Here are some key takeaways about charity and its significance in Islam. Charity helps alleviate poverty, reduce inequality, and strengthen bonds within the community, fostering a sense of mutual care and responsibility. Islam emphasizes that acts of charity, big or small, are significant in the eyes of Allah, as I said above even a smile can count as charity. In fact , Zakat(charity) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, requiring Muslims to give a fixed percentage (usually 2.5%) of their wealth annually to help the needy, support social welfare, and promote economic balance. Charity is considered a way to purify one’s wealth and soul, reduce greed, and earn Allah’s blessings and forgiveness. The Qur’an and Hadith frequently promise immense rewards for those who give generously. Ultimately, charity benefits both the giver and the receiver, serving as a powerful means to foster a more just, fair, and compassionate society.

⭐️This Giving Tuesday, Be the Difference Oakland Needs⭐️ Oakland’s housing crisis is pushing families of color out of their communities, leaving many without shelter. We’ve found the perfect opportunity to change that—a property ready to house families immediately at 2231 E 28th Street. But there’s an urgent challenge: we have less than 60 days to raise $500,000, or we’ll lose this opportunity. 💛How You Can Help: 1. Donate today at www.just-homes.org. Every dollar brings us closer to our goal. 2. Start a Giving Tuesday fundraiser with your family and friends to amplify the impact. 3. Share this post to spread the word. 🎯Why It Matters:
This isn’t just a property—it’s a safe haven for families to heal, rebuild, and thrive. The spacious rooms, private entrances, and beautiful backyard make it the ideal place to provide stability and dignity to those who need it most. Time is running out. Let’s show what community power can do. Together, we can turn the tide and ensure no family is left behind. 👉🏽 www.just-homes.org #GivingTuesday #JustHomes #HousingJustice #OaklandHousingCrisis #ActNow #DonateToday #SupportBIPOCFamilies

Today, on Patriot Day, we pause to remember the events of September 11, 2001, and honor the lives lost and forever changed. 🇺🇸 As we reflect on this solemn day, let's consider how we can embody the spirit of unity and resilience that emerged in its aftermath: 1.    Observe a moment of silence 2.    Thank a first responder 3.    Volunteer in your community 4.    Donate blood 5.    Support 9/11 charities. Organizations like the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, Tuesday's Children, and the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund accept donations to support their work. 6.    Attend local memorial events 7.    Educate younger generations about this significant day 8.    Engage in random acts of kindness. A simple gesture can make a significant impact. In remembering, we reaffirm our commitment to compassion, service, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. How will you be reflecting today? Share your thoughts or plans in the comments below. #PatriotDay #NeverForget #DayOfServiceAndRemembrance

Jeff Bezos and his partner Lauren Sánchez have announced $110.5 million in grants from the Day 1 Families Fund to support nonprofits tackling family homelessness. This seventh round of funding will assist 40 organizations across 23 states, with grants ranging from $425,000 to $5 million. Notable recipients include Welcome House in Kentucky, Jenesse Center in Los Angeles, and Family Gateway in Dallas, which received $2.5 million each. Since launching the fund in 2018 with a $2 billion pledge, Bezos has donated $749 million to organizations helping homeless families. These contributions are part of Bezos’ broader philanthropic efforts, which now total an estimated $3.5 billion. 📷 Hürriyet Daily News #JeffBezos #Day1FamiliesFund #Philanthropy #Homelessness #SocialImpact

Basepoint staff donated critical funds for the important work of the Ecumenical Community Center (ECC) of Cedar Rapids. Basepoint Tax President Ron Detweiler, who has served as a longtime ECC board member, and Director of Public Relations Shelley Woods, met with ECC's Chief Operating Officer Robin Brunner to present the gift. ECC helps vulnerable community members through unexpected hardships and helps them find and regain stability. In the first nine months of 2024, ECC supported 1,680 community members with financial assistance, personal items, clothing, food, and referrals to other area agencies.

Basepoint staff donated critical funds for the important work of the Ecumenical Community Center (ECC) of Cedar Rapids. Basepoint Tax President Ron Detweiler, who has served as a longtime ECC board member, and Director of Public Relations Shelley Woods, met with ECC's Chief Operating Officer Robin Brunner to present the gift. ECC helps vulnerable community members through unexpected hardships and helps them find and regain stability. In the first nine months of 2024, ECC supported 1,680 community members with financial assistance, personal items, clothing, food, and referrals to other area agencies.

TODOS SOMOS, SOMOS UNO; WE ARE ALL, WE ARE ONE #FCProud #FCPeducates #FCPgrantmaking #BucksCountyPA #Doylestown #nonprofit #grantmaking #grants #giving #philanthropy #SummerYouthCorps

HORNE has recently donated $100,000 to support local organizations across Mississippi and Alabama in our fourth-quarter #SeasonsofGiving campaign! Each will receive funding to support missions ranging from child advocacy and Alzheimer’s care to performance arts, youth support and providing essentials for those in need. • Alzheimer's Association Mississippi Chapter • Ballet Mississippi (Central Miss.) • Mississippi's Toughest Kids-Camp Kamassa (Crystal Springs, Miss.) • Kids Hub Child Advocacy Center (Hattiesburg and Columbia, Miss.) • The Lily Pad (Ridgeland, Miss.) • Love in a Bag - Marvin UMC (Florence, Miss.) • Under His Wings (Baldwin County, Ala.) HORNE’s partners established the HORNE Community Foundation in 2021 to provide financial support to the areas where team members live and serve. During quarterly Seasons of Giving campaigns, HORNE employees nominate non-profit organizations of their choice to receive funding. We’re honored to assist in creating meaningful change and strengthening the communities where our team members are located. Read more about these efforts at https://lnkd.in/eyUHp_c3. #CommunitySupport #weareHORNE

HORNE has recently donated $100,000 to support local organizations across Mississippi and Alabama in our fourth-quarter #SeasonsofGiving campaign! Each will receive funding to support missions ranging from child advocacy and Alzheimer’s care to performance arts, youth support and providing essentials for those in need. • Alzheimer's Association Mississippi Chapter • Ballet Mississippi (Central Miss.) • Mississippi's Toughest Kids-Camp Kamassa (Crystal Springs, Miss.) • Kids Hub Child Advocacy Center (Hattiesburg and Columbia, Miss.) • The Lily Pad (Ridgeland, Miss.) • Love in a Bag - Marvin UMC (Florence, Miss.) • Under His Wings (Baldwin County, Ala.) HORNE’s partners established the HORNE Community Foundation in 2021 to provide financial support to the areas where team members live and serve. During quarterly Seasons of Giving campaigns, HORNE employees nominate non-profit organizations of their choice to receive funding. We’re honored to assist in creating meaningful change and strengthening the communities where our team members are located. Read more about these efforts at https://lnkd.in/eq-tKZ3N. #CommunitySupport #weareHORNE