There are hundreds of philanthropic organizations in New York City. Anyone hoping to help out a charity might not know which organization makes the most or best impact. This list highlights six outstanding charities who work specifically with children. All of them have multiple ways that you can get involved, whether it be on a large or small scale.
The goal of AHRC is to help people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities build full lives. Currently, AHRC serves over 15,000 individuals throughout the five boroughs. Individuals registered in the program are offered a wide range of programs, services and supports tailored to meet their specific needs. The organization holds their five values, passion, respect, integrity, diversity, and excellence, highly and is committed to promoting a culture that embraces all of these values. AHRC is passionate about recruiting citizens to take action and keep up to date about the current issues. They encourage everyone to be an effective legislative advocate. In addition to donations, there are many employment and volunteer opportunities available throughout the organization.
The Fiver Children’s Foundation
Serving children from underserved communities throughout New York City and central New York, The FIver Children’s Foundation is a comprehensive youth development organization that makes a 10-year commitment to children. The organization has two parts: a character building summer program and year-round out-of-school programs. Fiver’s mission is to “empower children to make ethical and healthy decisions, to become engaged citizens, and to succeed in school, careers, and life.” In order to qualify for the program children must be age 8 or 9 upon referral, be affiliated with a partnering school and community based-organization in an at-risk neighborhood, and qualify for free or reduced lunch. Fiver pledges a 10 year commitment to each participant to ensure long-term support. The goals of Fiver are to help kids who live in at-risk areas work towards college and reach a better quality of life.
There are many ways to get involved with Fiver. Currently, Fiver is searching for volunteers to help with office functions, events and youth programs. Additionally, they are looking to partner with organizations that will host a Fiver intern during four months throughout the summer.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Founded in 1962, “The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment.” The hospital does not deny treatment to any child based on race, religion, for family’s ability to pay. Whether you want to get involved at school, at work, or just in your everyday life, there are many ways to get involved in St. Jude’s. From marathons, to letter writing campaigns, to straight donations, you can always find a way to help out these sick children.
The mission of Global Children is to bring higher education to Cambodia’s next generation. The organization looks to help at-risk young adults, most of whom live in orphanages. Since 2000, Global Citizen has acquired an 86% graduation rate with the 24 young adults who have entered the program. However, within the last 5 years 100% of their students have graduated. Today, there are three Global Children staff members running the programs in Cambodia, and a team in New York City running the behind-the-scenes. There are many ways that you can get involved with Global Children in New York City. You can volunteer at their office as an intern, invite a Global Children staff member to speak in your community, plan to leave Global Children in your will, become a college ambassador for the organization, ask your employer to enroll in a matching gift program, or you can make a donation.
The New York Center for Children
The New York Center for Children is a child-friendly clinic that provides assessment and therapy services to victims of child abuse. Their goals are to provide intervention in cases of child physical or sexual abuse, enhance the coordination among professional agencies involved in the intervention and investigation of child abuse cases, and to provide education in the areas of abuse awareness and prevention training to health professionals and the community. Specially trained medical experts, social workers and psychologists are always at hand on the center to provide confidential and professional help to affected children. Volunteers at the organization can help tutor children on a weekly basis, assist with special events, and watch over children in the centers playroom. Moreover, donations are always welcome.
Since 1919, Save the Children has been fighting for children’s rights, saving their lives and providing hope for brighter futures. In 2013, though their global movement, the organization helped more than 143 million children. Through means such as education, healthcare and crisis intervention, Save the Children has been able to help billions of children. Children are the future of the human race so ensuring that they get what they deserve and need is imperative. Save the Children works in countries all over the world, including in the United States. Marathons, donations, amazonsmile, and fundraisers are just a few of the many ways that you can help out the children of the world.
Remember, these aren’t the only charities in New York City that work to help children. There are countless other amazing organizations too. Keep your eye out for a future blog post that will highlight some additional charities that focus on helping children!
