Nonprofit organizations enrich any community in countless
ways, and Boston
is no exception. This city is home to so many local groups that reach out to
help people (and animals!) in need, and we're proud to acknowledge those that
you, the readers, have nominated as the outstanding examples. So while you're out sampling our noms for best burrito or bar-hopping among the nominated dives and fancy cocktail joints,
consider making some time for doing good too. (And don't forget to volunteer
your vote in this -- and all of -- our Best 2013 categories!)
AIDS ACTION COMMITTEE | ROXBURY
The AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts fights against HIV/AIDS
on every level. They carry out their mission by advocating at the state and
federal levels to spread awareness and improve education, all while working
directly with the one in six people in Massachusetts that have been diagnosed with
the disease. They also own and operate four Boomerangs thrift stores, which
allow customers to bargain hunt in support of the fight against AIDS. [aac.org]
ANIMAL RESCUE LEAGUE
OF BOSTON | BOSTON
You need only visit the ARL's website to have your heart
strings tugged - hard. The nonprofit handles rescue calls all around the state,
operates a top-notch shelter and adoption program, and even hosts a veterinary
office on the premises. The ARL helps animals that are already in danger while
aiming to educate pet owners on proper and responsible animal care. And of
course, without them, the South End would have to do without a Christmas tree
covered in little pictures of pets each holiday season. [home.arlboston.org]
BIKES NOT BOMBS |
JAMAICA PLAIN
Bikes Not Bombs has found a way to use the bicycle as a
"vehicle for social change." By reclaiming thousands of bicycles each year, the
organization provides opportunities for people to develop practical skills they
can use to find jobs. Their programs also encourage more sustainable methods of
transportation. And if all that wasn't enough, Bikes Not Bombs raises funds
through an affordable bike repair shop in Jamaica Plain. [bikesnotbombs.org]
FUTURE BOSTON ALLIANCE | BOSTON
The aim
of this tech-savvy nonprofit (who sees Boston as "less than the sum of its parts," according to the manifesto on their website) is a bright future. In short, their mission is to
foster the growth of a creative economy in Boston. Future Boston's website provides a hub where
like-minded young professionals can come together to discuss their ideas for
positive change, and push back against the red tape that can strangle new and
innovative businesses. Check out their weekly -- free- series Assemble! every Wednesday night at the Emerald Lounge in the Revere Hotel. [futureboston.com]
THE HOME FOR LITTLE
WANDERERS | BOSTON
The Home for Little Wanderers takes a truly multi-faceted
approach to taking care of young people in need. The nonprofit provides
behavioral health services, adoption and foster care services and numerous
other specialized forms of support to children from birth to age 21. Their advocacy department pushes to get child
welfare issues into the mainstream political discourse and they run a special program for at-risk LGBT and questioning young people. As their website states, The Home for Little Wanderers never gives up on children, and they don't let
children give up on themselves. [thehome.org]
LOVIN' SPOONFULS | BOSTON
Lovin' Spoonfuls strives to feed the hungry by recovering
food that would otherwise be wasted. The organization's volunteers pick up
perishable foods from businesses such as grocery stores, farmers markets,
produce wholesalers and others, and turn the goods around to service the hungry
and underprivileged in the greater Boston
area. Since it was founded in 2010, Lovin' Spoonfuls has served over 450,000
pounds of food to those who need it most.
[lovinspoonfulsinc.org]
Get helping, and then get voting! And don't forget that if you don't see your fave local non-profit repped here, you can write it in!