All People Making a Difference
- When Iraqi women face discrimination, her legal clinic can help
Rajaa Abd Ali provides legal support to Iraqi women facing violence and prejudice, and educates women about their rights ‘because education is the most powerful weapon for them.’
- Difference MakerShe opened a car repair shop to help those with limited incomes
Cathy Heying founded The Lift Garage, a non-profit auto garage in Minneapolis, in order to make car repairs affordable for low-income customers.
- Difference MakerAs migration to South Africa swells, one man helps bridge cultural divides
For migrants living in South Africa, violence from locals can be a regular experience. That's why Marc Gbaffou is encouraging dialogue and community engagement between the two groups.
- From Kenya’s postelection violence, an online community forms to give aid
When Sallinder Nyawira tweeted that she could help others, the response was overwhelming, and RescueBnB was born. It aims to map the locations of those in need and connect them with volunteers.
- When a young person is in crisis, this woman is a text away
Rainy Roth is a volunteer for Crisis Text Line, drawing on her own experiences as a child. ‘If I can reach out to one texter and tell that person, “I get it,” then the texter will understand it will be OK,’ she says.
- Difference MakerEast St. Louis has had it tough. But here’s how one woman celebrates the good.
After a Navy and civil service career, Charmaine Savage began publishing a top-notch magazine that highlights those making a difference in her hometown.
- Difference MakerShe believes in teen parents and helps them stay in school
Nicole Lewis earned her college degree as a young mother. ‘I knew that other young parents could achieve the same success if they had the support and resources to get there,’ she says.
- For urban high-schoolers in Kansas City, a launching pad for their careers
The nonprofit Green Works gives opportunities such as internships to these students, who are often disadvantaged in engineering and other fields.
- Five ways to give back this year
With 2018 well under way, here are some ideas for being ‘the best you’ – from shopping in your closet to being an extreme volunteer.
- Difference MakerA young Boston restaurateur who’s helping to change the game
Irene Li and her siblings first rolled out the Mei Mei food truck and now also have a restaurant on the edges of Boston University. All along, Ms. Li has been looking for ways to improve an interconnected food system.
- How a hockey club is taking on the suicide rate among military veterans
The New England Eagles Veterans Hockey Club skates to raise awareness of the suicide rate. Just as important, the team provides camaraderie and support for its players, who are veterans and current service members.
- How a Ghanaian decided to set up a food bank
Eric Darko had never seen one before a visit to the US. Now he’s launched Eastern Harvest Food Bank, which is believed to be the first food bank in Ghana with warehouse operations.
- A digital solution when children can’t find books in their mother tongue
Library for All is a nonprofit that provides young readers in developing countries with digital books in their mother tongue. Research suggests that children benefit from reading in their strongest language.
- Difference MakerShe’s bringing the ocean – as well as science – closer to low-income youths
Shara Fisler founded Ocean Discovery Institute in San Diego to engage the area’s young people. Activities include looking at creatures in tide pools, learning about molecular biology, and even swimming with whale sharks.
- This woman’s approach to mentoring in San Jose won a prize
Knowing that mentors can make all the difference for youths, Gisela Bushey designed the organization Critical Bridge. In October, it was named a recipient of the $50,000 Encore Prize.
- One woman’s journey from CEO to minister to puppeteer
As a pastor in Detroit, Lottie Hood created the Underground Railroad Living Museum Flight to Freedom Tour. Then she brought all her experiences together to help at-risk children.
- Meet the 11-year-old inventor working to improve lead water testing
Spurred by the water crisis in Flint, Mich., Gitanjali Rao invented a device that makes testing for lead at home easier.
- In Switzerland, a 161-year-old organization that champions animals
The Zurich Animal Protection Association lobbies to keep animals safe and manages its own shelter, which last year alone found homes for more than 400 furry friends.
- Five ways to give this holiday season
Are you going to do the same thing this year? Here’s a lens on giving more broadly – beyond presents under the tree.
- Difference MakerPet grooming: how one woman thinks it can help people exit the poverty cycle
Natasha Kirsch, trying to assist those whose past was a barrier to employment, looked for jobs in high demand and that offer good pay. The result of her search is a job training program – The Grooming Project.