Aug. 17 is National Nonprofit Day, a day for celebrating selfless organizations that work to make our world a better place. Because of its progressive culture, the Bay Area is a hot spot for nonprofits. That means there’s no shortage of organizations to learn about and support in celebration of this national holiday. Here are four local nonprofits worth looking into:
Though headquartered in New York, the International Rescue Committee has offices in Oakland and San Jose. IRC’s mission is to support refugees in all ways — from fieldwork in countries enduring ongoing humanitarian crises to helping refugees resettle here in America. IRC also uses its platform to educate the masses on humanitarian crises happening around the world. Its Bay Area locations aim to help refugees rebuild their lives in America through programs focused on employment, economic empowerment, legal aid and food security.
The Bread Project is a nonprofit based in Berkeley which supports marginalized folks who are often left out of the job market. It offers a job training program called the Bakery Production Bootcamp, through which participants gain work experience and are connected with job opportunities in the area. Once participants graduate from the program and move on to permanent employment, the Bread Project continues to support them for more than a year through supplemental training and services. Since its founding in 2000, the Bread Project has trained and graduated nearly 2,000 participants.
This Richmond-based nonprofit recognizes that people of color and low-income people are disproportionately affected by pollution, climate change and other environmental issues. That’s why Communities for a Better Environment specifically addresses environmental health in California’s most vulnerable communities. In addition to building and preserving eco-friendly spaces, this organization also empowers community members to continue the fight for environmental justice through environmental workshops and training.
GLIDE was built out of the Glide Memorial Church located in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco. The foundation’s mission is to “create a radically inclusive, just and loving community mobilized to alleviate suffering and break the cycles of poverty and marginalization.” A long-standing San Francisco establishment, GLIDE has been holding programs and services that support marginalized folks in the Tenderloin for more than 50 years. Some of GLIDE’s ongoing projects include a free legal clinic, daily free meals and Men In Progress, a rehabilitation group for men with a history of violence.
We at the Clog are proud to be centered in a place with such passion for serving our community. This national holiday is a perfect opportunity for you to do your own research on local nonprofit organizations with honorable missions. Maybe donate to your favorite, if you’re able. Happy National Nonprofit Day!
