September 5th is the annual International Day of Charity. At All Points North Lodge, we believe in the healing and uniting power of extending a hand to those in need and becoming a part of a greater cause.
Take a moment to think back to a pivotal time in your life. Who was there with you? Who challenged you? Who supported you? Who rallied around you?
As you forge meaningful relationships in your own life, you can expand your influence outside of your immediate circle by partnering with a charity you believe in. Maybe for you, that means making a financial contribution, volunteering your time, spreading the word through social media, participating in a local event, or committing to buy your Amazon Prime purchases through AmazonSmile.
A little contribution of your time or effort can lead to pivotal moments for people you may never meet. What have you been given, and what can you give back?
Here are five charities worth considering if mental health and recovery are close to your heart.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Perhaps the most well-known name on this list, NAMI has empowered and supported the cause of mental health in America through “advocacy, education, support, and public awareness.” For over 40 years, this grassroots organization has been working to change public policy, provide educational resources, offer toll-free mental health support, and decrease mental illness stigma.
Shatterproof
Take a look at founder Gary Mendell’s story, and you’ll be captivated by both the heartache of his son’s struggle and the hope of Gary’s vision for Shatterproof. This organization tackles public policy, organizes challenges, combats stigma, and promotes science-based best treatment practices.
To Write Love on Her Arms
In the TWLOHA community, they believe that no matter how dark your past and present may be, help is possible, and hope is ahead. Sounds a lot like APN Lodge, right? TWLOHA responds to individual messages, supplies a treatment search tool, travels across the world to encourage, advocates for mental health and suicide prevention, and even offers scholarships for counseling services to those in need.
FUTURES
Invest in the mental well-being of future generations by actively reducing childhood trauma. FUTURES exists to end domestic violence against women and children. For 30 years, they have been educating professionals on trauma response, equipping community centers and schools to care for children experiencing trauma, and creating networks of men committed to mentoring and inspiring other men to be the change.
What charities do you support as a part of your commitment to mental health, recovery, and the well-being of all people? Send our editor a note at [email protected]. We’d love to add some to our list.
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