Children and Youth Guidance

Best Buddies Tennessee

Best Buddies in Tennessee offers one-to-one friendship, integrated employment, and leadership development programs for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Tennessee.

Big Brothers/Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a one-to-one mentoring organization that supports our city’s children and their families through friendships with caring adults who serve as volunteer mentors.

Boys & Girls Clubs

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis (BGCM) provides after-school care for children ages 6-18 with programs in six core areas of education and leadership, character development, healthy life choices, career awareness, athletics, and the arts. Students also take part in site-by-site programs, including karate, ballet, robotics, foreign languages, cultural studies, soccer, tennis, and much more. BGCM is a safe, stable place that ensures physical and emotional safety while discouraging crime and violence in our local communities.

Porter-Leath Children’s Center

Porter-Leath is a non-profit focused on empowering children and families to achieve a healthy, optimal, and independent lifestyle through community programs and outreach.

Crisis Service and Special Needs

Dismas House

The mission of Dismas House is to create a safe haven for formerly incarcerated men transitioning out of prison—a place that would build a deeper sense of community for both parties and would help returning citizens find supportive services, obtain jobs, and become full and successful participants in the larger society.

Hope House

Hope House aims to improve the quality of life for individuals and families affected by HIV and poverty through services such as early childhood education in a safe, loving environment for children infected or affected by HIV/AIDS, community resources to ensure our children and adult’s needs are met, and other assistive programs.

REP Memphis

REP empowers refugees and immigrants in Memphis, TN, by offering high-quality, tailored programming that encourages, educates, and equips individuals, families, and the community.

YWCA Abused Women’s Services

The YWCA of Greater Memphis Abused Women’s Services (YWCA-AWS) empowers domestic violence survivors to take control of their lives while offering them safety and the resources to ensure their self-sufficiency. Domestic violence is any pattern of behaviors that attempts to control and intimidate a partner or family member through fear, manipulation, isolation, financial abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse and/or verbal abuse.

Disabilities and Independent Living

Memphis Center for Independent Living (MCIL)

The Memphis Center for Independent Living offers comprehensive Independent Living Programs that provide people with disabilities with the advocacy, training, resources, and peer support needed to live independently.

Shelby Residential and Vocational Services (SRVS)

Shelby Residential and Vocational Services’ (SRVS) mission is to provide the services that people with disabilities need to live meaningful lives as members of their communities.

Healthcare

Christ Community Health Services

The Christ Community Health Services offers physical, mental, and spiritual healing through compassionate care to meet the needs of the medically underserved in our community.

Church Health Center

The Church Health Center is a faith-based healthcare not-for-profit dedicated to making the highest quality healthcare accessible to more Memphians, especially those facing social and economic challenges. They conduct an average of 60,000 patient visits a year in Memphis and serve as a model for countless communities across the nation.

Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood is one of the nation’s leading providers of high-quality, affordable health care and the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With or without insurance, you can always come to us for your health care. If you’re concerned about cost, you may qualify for low- or no-cost services.

Literacy and Education

Literacy Mid-South

Literacy Mid-South provides literacy resources to learners of all backgrounds and ages through innovative literacy programs, access to a wide range of literacy resources, volunteer tutoring for adults to improve reading or English language skills, and cross-sector coalitions that align strategic partners.

REACH Memphis

REACH is a college prep program for high school students in Shelby County, Tennessee. This nonprofit prepares high-potential students from public high schools for college and careers through mentoring, exposure to summer academic/leadership experiences, intensive college preparation counseling, and career planning.

WYPL Talking Library

The WYPL Talking Library reads news and other printed information on the library’s public radio station, intended for the visually impaired.

Meals and Shelters

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis works in partnership with families in need of adequate shelter to build decent, affordable homes. The homes are then sold to Habitat’s partner families, at no profit and with basically no interest charged. Partner families invest hundreds of hours of their own labor — sweat equity — into building their homes and the homes of others. Their mortgage payments go into a revolving “Fund for Humanity” that is used to help more families build decent, affordable homes.

Homes for Hearts

Homes for Hearts builds single-family tiny homes for people experiencing homelessness and partners with organizations to help move Memphians toward affordable and sustainable homeownership. 

Memphis Family Shelter

Memphis Family Shelter is the primary provider of domestic violence services in West Tennessee. The YWCA empowers domestic violence survivors to take control of their lives while offering them safety and the resources to ensure their self-sufficiency.

Memphis Tilth

Memphis Tilth is a community garden and food hub that aggregates locally grown produce and other agricultural items from local producers and farmers and then distributes them to community members via a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) style produce subscription. They also use this network to source local products for restaurants, hospitals, and other outlets.

Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA)

MIFA supports the independence of vulnerable seniors and families in crisis through high-impact programs such as Meals on Wheels and long-term care.

Legal and Environmental Causes

CASA Court Appointed Advocates

Court Appointed Special Advocates are screened, trained, qualified community volunteers appointed by judges to advocate for the best interests of children who have been abused or neglected.

Mid-South Peace & Justice Center

The Mid-South Peace and Justice Center is a multi-issue, multi-race organization whose mission is to engage, organize, and mobilize communities to realize social justice through nonviolent action. We work to educate and train new community leaders to lead campaigns for racial, economic, environmental, and social justice

Wolf River Conservancy

The Wolf River Conservancy is a non-profit land that aims to protect and restore the Wolf River watershed through community service projects, serving as River Guides and Greenway Ambassadors, or assisting with many other efforts.

The post A List of Special Services and Community Programs Around Memphis appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Midtown Mosque Food Pantry

1276 Jackson Ave. Memphis, TN 38107

901-672-7195  

Friendship Baptist Church Food Pantry

1355 Volintine Ave

Memphis, TN 38107

901-274-5990

Mid South Food Bank Mobile Pantry

Locations vary

Grace Baptist Ministries Food Pantry

1231 N. Manassas Street

Memphis, TN 38107

901-543-0715

Catholic Charities – Fig Tree Food Pantry

1325 Jefferson

Memphis, TN 38104

901-722-4797

St. Mary’s Catholic Church Soup Kitchen

155 Market Street

Memphis, TN 38105

901-522-9420

First Presbyterian Church

166 Poplar Ave

Memphis, TN 38103

901-525-5619

St. John’s U M Church Pantry

1207 Peabody

Memphis, TN 38104

901-726-4104

St. John Baptist Church Pantry

640 Vance Ave

Memphis, TN 38126

901-525-1092

Mississippi Blvd Christian Church Food Pantry

Memphis, TN 38104

901-726-1142

Neighborhood Christian Center Pantry

223 Scott St

Memphis, Tennessee 38112

901-881-6013

First Unitarian Church – St. John’s UMC Soup Kitchen

292 W. Virginia Ave

Memphis, TN 38103

901-526-8631

Brinkley Heights Baptist Church Food Pantry

3275 Rosamond Ave.

Memphis, TN 38122

901-491-6822

Christ Missionary Baptist Church

494 South Parkway East

Memphis, TN 38106

901-948-9786

Our Lady of Sorrows Food Pantry

3686 Thomas

Memphis, TN 38127

901-353-1530

Bellevue Baptist Impact Ministries Food Pantry

3759 N. Watkins

Memphis, TN 38127

901-358-3391

New Allen A M E Church Pantry

1559 South Third Street

Memphis, TN 38106

901-775-0925

Leawood Baptist Church Food Pantry

1202 Dyer

Memphis, TN 38122

901-328-1025

St. Michael Food Pantry

3848 Forrest Ave

Memphis, TN 38122

901-323-0896

St. Luke’s United Methodist Church Pantry

480 S Highland

Memphis, TN 38111

901-767-7260

University Cluster Food Pantry

480 S Highland

Memphis, TN 38111

901-452-6262

NAMBC Food Pantry

1423 Norris Ave

Memphis, TN 38106

901-359-6371

St. Anne Food Pantry

706 S. Highland

Memphis, TN 38111

901-458-4238

Memphis International Church Food Pantry

1435 Wells Station Road

Memphis, TN 38108

901-452-7993

Catholic Church of Ascension Food Pantry

3680 Ramill Rd

Memphis, TN 38128

901-372-1364

RMBC Community Services Food Pantry

3560 S Third Street

Memphis, TN 38109

901-789-4570

Good Neighbor Love Center Food Pantry

709 E Broadway Ave

West Memphis, AR 72301

870-735-0870

United Methodist Neighborhood, Grace Food Pantry

1619 E. Raines Road

Memphis, TN 38116 0

901-336-0188

Hope House Ministries Pantry

653 Hwy 77

West Memphis, AR 72301

870-732-4902

Halal Food Pantry

4412 South Third St.

Memphis, TN 38109

901-789-1904

Iglesia Apostolica Food Pantry

3966 Jackson Ave

Memphis, TN 38128

901-210-5551

United Methodist Neighborhood, Asbury Food Pantry

2969 S. Mendenhall

Memphis, TN 38115

901-363-1135

St. Paul Baptist Church Food Pantry

2124 E. Holmes Road

Memphis, TN 38116

901-346-5544

Tabernacle COGIC

7701 U.S. HWY 51

Southaven, MS 38671

662-404-8857

Samaritans Food Pantry

2600 Goodman Road

Horn Lake, MS 38637

662-393-6439

First United Methodist Church Food Pantry

8029 Wilkinsville Rd

Millington, TN 38053

901-872-4414

Capleville Community Food Pantry

4725 Riverdale

Memphis, TN 38141

901-363-1859

Sacred Heart Southern Mission

6144 Hwy 161 N

Walls, MS 38680

662-342-3180

Heartsong Church UMC Neighborhood Center

800 N. Houston Levee

Cordova, TN 38018

901-755-6332

The post Food Pantries and Assistance Services in Memphis appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Vincent Astor

Chances are, if you’ve read any LGBTQ+ history about Memphis, Vincent Astor is the reason why. His efforts to preserve this city’s pride and history surrounding the gay community have shed light on various figures and organizations that have made this city more inclusive. You can read some of his work here.

Terrell Buckner 

As the organizer of the first Memphis Black Gay Pride, Terrell Buckner created an event in the mid-90s meant to bring people together and give them somewhere they feel at home. This festival has grown exponentially through the years and is now known as Tri-State Black Pride.

Kayla Rena Gore and Illyahna C. Wattshall

These founders of My Sistah’s House aim to “bridge a gap in services for trans and queer people of color (TQPOC) in Memphis, TN” by providing safe, emergency housing, advocacy, and resource assistance through the building of tiny homes around the 901. You can visit their website to donate if you’d like to support their efforts.

Gwendolyn Clemons

Gwendolyn is a proud queer woman dedicated to empowering others in the LGBTQ+ community through the nonprofit efforts at Relationships Unleashed. This organization aims to focus on issues related to HIV/AIDS and transgender people, and she co-founded this nonprofit with her son, Davin Clemons, in 2014. You can visit their website and support them here.

The post 5 Notable LGBTQIA+ Figures Who Made History in Memphis appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Did you know that November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month? There are so many perks to adopting a senior pet. For starters, you’re giving them a new lease on life and opening up your home to a shelter animal who desperately needs the love. And though they say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, that’s not true! Senior pets are trainable, and you’re able to skip some of the training that comes with a new puppy or kitten like potty training, basic commands, and not tearing up your shoes while you’re away. Here are the best places in Memphis to adopt a senior pet this month, as well as some great local spots to show them around town!

Where to Adopt in Memphis

With so many rescue organizations in the 901, you have so many options in finding the right senior pet for you. In fact, the hardest part may be not taking them all home! Check out these local shelters to find your next best furry friend, or if you can’t bring home a new pet just now, you can always volunteer, donate, or even foster an animal temporarily.

• Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby Co.
• Bartlett Animal Shelter
• Woof River Animal Rescue
• Memphis Pets Alive
• Tails of Hope Dog Rescue
• House of Mews
• Sunny Meadows Safe Haven for Pets
• Germantown Animal Shelter
• Mewtopia Cat Rescue
• New Beginnings Animal Rescue

Pet-Friendly Spots Around Memphis

Want to socialize your new pet? Thankfully this city has many pet-friendly places, including doggy daycare if your senior pet enjoys being around other animals. 

Parks

• Memphis Botanic Garden
• Shelby Farms
• Overton Park
• Bartlett Dog Park
• Mud Island
• Memphis Dog Park
• The Barking Lot

Restaurants and Patios

• Slider Inn
• Memphis Made Brewing Company
• Belly Acres
• Young Avenue Deli
• Hammer & Ale
• Central BBQ – Midtown
• Elwood’s Shack
• Otherland’s Coffee Bar
• Grind City Brewing
• Babalu Tacos and Tapas
• Railgarten
• Cheffie’s Cafe
• Miss Cordelia’s
• High Cotton Brewing Co.
• Aldo’s Pizza Pies
• Celtic Crossing
• MEMPops
• Majestic Grille
• SOB – South of Beale
• Café Eclectic
• Wiseacre Brewing Co
• Cafe Ole
• Loflin Yard
• Felicia Suzanne’s

Stores and Shops

• Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid
• Hollywood Feed
• Three Dog Bakery
• Burke’s Book Store
• Crosstown Concourse
• Woof Gang Bakery

Daycare and Boarding

• Camp Bow Wow
• Brown Dog Lodge
• Mutt Island
• PetSuites – Collierville
• River Dog Inn
• Dogs Rule Memphis
• Barks and Recreation

Hotels

• The Peabody Memphis
• Days Inn at Graceland
• Arrive Hotel
• Hyatt Centric Beale Street
• Staybridge Suites, Poplar
• Moxy Hotel
• Residence Inn
• The Westin
• The Memphian
• The Guesthouse at Graceland
• Central Station Hotel
• Homewood Suites
• Sheraton Memphis

You might also be interested in: How to Break Bad Habits and Build Good Ones

The post Celebrating Adopt a Senior Pet Month in Memphis appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Upcoming Events

Rise Up: Stonewall and the LGBTQ Rights Movement at MoSH

Opening on June 4th and running until late September, you can visit the traveling exhibit at the Memphis Museum of Science and History that explores the Stonewall Inn’s illustrious history and the June 1969 police raid. Created by the Newseum in Washington, D.C you can view images and artifacts from the gay rights movement for yourself.  

Memphis Proud: The Resilience of a Southern LGBTQ+ Community at MoSH

In this companion exhibit to Rise Up, you can further examine the South’s LGBTQ+ history and roots, through spotlights of community events, local leaders, and stories of activists within the space. This also opens on June 4th and runs until September 26th.

Movie Night: Pride Edition at The Haven

Catch Victor/Victoria for movie night on June 10th. There will be food trucks and free popcorn, so make a night of it and bring your friends! Oh, and did we mention it’s free? Be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time!

Tri-State Black Pride

From June 16th through the 19th, you can stop at the DoubleTree in East Memphis for a simultaneous Pride Month and Juneteenth event. With educational sessions, keynote speakers, and even live entertainment shows (including drag and comedy), the weekend will be full of activities. Purchase your tickets at Eventbrite now.

Pride Musical Festival

At Overton Shell Park on June 19th, attend the 2nd Annual Pride Musical Festival presented by Tri-State Black Pride. Check out their full lineup of artists and acts, and purchase your tickets for as little as $10.

Drag & A Musical at Dru’s Place

For an interactive show of Chicago, head over to Dru’s Place on June 24th! They’ll be selling concessions and participation bags so be sure to grab your tickets in advance for this fun night out. Tickets start at $20 and sponsorship opportunities are available.

A Night Out With OUTMemphis: Queer Prom

Join OUTMemphis at the Memphis Botanic Garden on June 25th from 7:30 to 10:30 PM for a prom night like no other! This 21 and over event will have dancing and drinking, all for a good cause. Grab your best dancing shoes and your favorite person for this amazing night that supports LGBTQ+ Memphians. 

Atomic Rose – Weekly Events

One of Memphis’ hottest (and most inclusive) nightclubs, the Atomic Rose has weekly events all June each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Check out their weekly itinerary and keep in mind that Fridays and Saturdays are for 21 and over, while on Sundays they allow for all ages!

Donate/Volunteer

OUTMemphis

This organization works on empowering, connecting, educating, and advocating for the Midsouth’s LGBTQ+ community. They provide services and events for all ages of the community, as well as a crisis hotline. You can donate or volunteer your time.

Choices – Memphis Center for Reproductive Health

Choices is an orgainzation with sexual and reproductive services that are LGBTQ-friendly. They also offer medical care and counseling, and you can donate, volunteer, or support through Amazon Smile and Bonfire.

The Haven

The Haven offers free and confidential testing for HIV and Hepatitis C, community education and empowerment, and free PrEP and PEP Prescriptions in order to provide support and well-being services in Memphis. You can donate or volunteer through their contact form.

Friends for Life

Friends for Life works to prevent the spread of HIV and help those affected by HIV/AIDS through a holistic, client-centered approach and a variety of services. You can donate, volunteer, or start your own fundraiser with them.

Relationships Unleashed

Relationships Unleashed aims to fight inequality through comprehensive programming for the black LGBTQ community. You can donate or support them by shopping through their Amazon Smile link.

Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood offers high-quality, affordable healthcare and is the nation’s largest provider of sex education. Their services are available to anyone, regardless of insurance. You can donate, volunteer, or support in other ways.

Friends of George’s Theatre Company

This theatre company has worked toward bringing live shows and entertainment, while also raising funds for local LGBTQ+ charities and organizations. You can donate and see their upcoming events to support their shows.

Be Loud and Proud

Pride Month is more than waving rainbow flags and attending parades. It’s about understanding the history and culture surrounding it, while also advocating for equality. How do you plan on making Memphis a more LGBTQ+-friendly community this month?

You might also be interested in: Black Memphis LGBTQ Voices You Must Know 

The post How to Get Involved in Memphis for Pride Month appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Cover Photo Credit: Ashley Benham Photography

If you had to describe Memphis in one word, first of all, could you? Secondly, which word would you decide is most important above all the rest? Memphis is so rich in history, diversity, life, community, that it’s hard to sum it up so easily. But it’s also these exact qualities that often need the most tending to, the most care and appreciation.

We’ve gathered an inexhaustive list of various organizations and businesses you can support this month, from advocacy groups to performing arts institutions. These capture the spirit of Memphis, while also building up the community, relaying our history, and providing safe spaces for everyone. 

Advocacy

Memphis’ support of local businesses is a great point of pride. Uplifting entrepreneurs and small business owners is what we’re good at, and the following list not only gives some directories to find those brands, but it also has ways to give back so that other potential businesses can flourish and prosper. Be sure to check these out:

• Black Business Association of Memphis
• Mid-South Minority Business Council Continuum
• MLK 50
• Memphis Black Business Directory
• Buy 901

The Arts

Memphis is a city full of arts, music, and performance. It’s no wonder there are so many different theaters and venues. Even the Orpheum has had some amazing touring productions and programs for kids and adults alike. Here are some organizations focused on bringing representation to the forefront and creating opportunities for different communities to enjoy live entertainment:

• Hattiloo Theater
• Memphis Black Arts Alliance
• Collage Dance Collective
• Memphis Slim Collaboratory
• LilyRoze Studios

Community

Martin Luther King Jr. said it best, “At the heart of all that civilization has meant and developed is ‘community’ – the mutually cooperative and voluntary venture of man to assume a semblance of responsibility for his brother.” Memphis may be a big city, but it has the feel of a small-town community at times. Here are some organizations you can support that will give back to the city as well, when you do:

• JUICE Orange Mound
• Memphis Urban League
• Memphis Artists for Change
• NAACP Memphis

Historic Institutions

This city is tied to so many historic sites and monuments from civil rights, and a lot of these places today still attract visitors from far and wide to get a glimpse of the history for themselves. Supporting these organizations gives them a chance to spread the word, upkeep artifacts, and create learning opportunities as well. Consider visiting and donating to these places:

• National Civil Rights Museum
• Stax Museum of American Soul Music
• Royal Studios
• The Withers Collection
• Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum

Memphis has so much to offer, but of course, there are always national and global organizations that can use your attention and generosity. Let this list be a guideline to start locally and build your way out to help communities all over. Black History Month shouldn’t end when February does. Continue to support these businesses and organizations throughout the year, perhaps even with some monthly donations. Let’s keep the giving spirit going all year round.

You might also be interested in: Best Restaurants Memphis 

The post Ways to Give Back this Black History Month appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Memphis Transformed and Clean Memphis have partnered up with Choose 901 and Volunteer Odyssey for a challenge with a goal to reduce litter around the city! As we all know, the pandemic has had such a huge impact on the way we live our lives. One of the many lesser-known effects would have to be our litter production. Since the beginning of the pandemic, our litter production has grown by more than 200%! With litter in our cherished water system and our communities overall, it’s time to fight back and clean up our city. 

So how do we challenge ourselves and our community to get to cleaning? By using the Litterati app! The teams behind the challenge are using this new tool to help capture litter pollution data, create better prevention strategies, and allow us all to track our impact! 

Ready to get out there and starting making a change? Pick up 50 pieces of litter over the weekend and document it in the app! Starting today (4/22) through Sunday (4/25), use the app to record your litter clean up and, if you’re among the Top 10 Volunteers, you’ll get a chance to win prizes to some of the cities favorite local restaurants PLUS some 901 swag. With gift cards to restaurants like The Beauty Shop, Chef Tam’s, Babalu, it’s safe to say that it’s a pretty sweet reward for cleaning up the city. 

Be sure to follow Memphis Transformed and Volunteer Odyssey and click here to get registered and download the app!

This is our city (and planet), Memphis! Let’s join together to make a difference. 

You might also be interested in: How to Break Bad Habits and Build Good Ones

The post Celebrate Earth Day with Litterati and Memphis Transformed! appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Engage the people at all levels. Empower and uplift the most marginalized and disenfranchised of voices. Equip our communities with the tools necessary for transformation. These are the imperatives of an effective leader for a city in the midst of a social, political, economic, and public health crisis. We need our leaders to walk the walk and talk the talk. To not just tell us something that can be done, but show us—through their political organizing, housing and food justice efforts, community healthcare and arts programs, and more. Missouri may be the “Show Me State”, but Memphis is definitely the “Show Me City.”

I will never hate on Atlanta, especially not today. But Memphis is the true mecca of civil rights activism, culture, and revolution. So much so, that many Memphians recognize a duty of service in our DNA. 

Here are three young Memphis changemakers doing just that:

Justin Davis

U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley says, “The people closest to the pain should be closest to the power.” This philosophy is one Justin Davis has adopted into his leadership style. As brilliant an academic and a writer as the Pushcart Prize nominee is, he spends more time making space than taking space. Davis got plugged into the Memphis Bus Riders Union with Paul Garner and the Mid South Peace and Justice Center during his time at Rhodes College. The membership, leadership, agenda, and goals of the organization are centered around Memphis public transit users, with most members riding the bus to and from meetings. Davis’s poetry resonates heavy and has touched many through the journals, magazines, and media outlets that have published his work. He continues to refine his craft at the University of Memphis, pursuing an MFA in poetry. Being a full time student hasn’t stopped his work with the bus riders. “No Buses, No Peace,” can be heard chanted at their demonstrations. The peace that comes from affordable and accessible public transit is the vision that Justin strives for every day. 

Jordan Occasionally

Jordan Occasionally is a true cornerstone of the resistance on all fronts. Musically, JD views their work as a time capsule, capturing not only their individual growth but the urgency of our collective current moment. Amid a generation “tired of waiting for change,” JD’s passionate leadership in Black Lives Matter demonstrations and calls to action toward defunding and abolishing police is yet another move toward a flourishing community ecosystem. A mission of combating injustice through mutual uplift remains at the forefront of JD’s activism. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, they leapt into action, creating an initiative to provide free masks, sanitizing products, and informational resources for those most in need through a series of pop-ups in the Memphis area. Known as PPEFORBIPOC (Personal Protective Equipment for Black and Indigenous People of Color), this effort directly reflects the root of JD’s artistry: empathy, understanding, and spurring social change through cultivating community. “People can see your joy and your radiance and it will inspire them,” JD says. “My joy is social justice. My peace is social justice. Who I love is social justice. Writing our experiences into my music, sharing our stories, and promoting what matters most, that’s my revolution. That’s my legacy.”

London Lamar 

London Lamar is a native Memphian and is one of the youngest members of the Tennessee General Assembly. This year marks her second term as a State Representative. 

London works tirelessly to engage young Memphians in politics. She started organizing millennials in college at Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana and continued that work after moving back to Memphis in 2013. Her first order of business was reorganizing the then dormant Shelby County Young Democrats organization. The Young Dems have given a voice and opportunities to countless young people to engage in politics locally and nationally actively. London has boots on the ground in organizing grassroots campaign efforts in just about every election in Memphis. London has a strong presence that is only growing stronger as she drafts and passes legislation to benefit her district on a Statewide level. London looks forward to educating young voters, developing youth into motivated citizens, and making progressive changes to the State of Tennessee. “For Memphis to thrive, we must become intentional about growing the next generation of leaders through opportunities to make a real impact,” says London. 

The fight for justice, equity, and equality to continue. There is much work for all of us to do for Memphis to become the city we all know she is capable of being. Find a cause that you believe in and fight like hell to make a difference. 

You may also be interested in: Coworking Space Memphis: why remote workers should be based here

The post 3 Young Civic Leaders Cultivating an Ecosystem of Impact appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Room in the Inn

Room in The Inn Memphis serves those who are experiencing homelessness by providing those in need a safe environment where they can find shelter and a little bit of hope. At the core of their mission is to serve the community with hospitality, dignity, love, and respect. 

Click here to Volunteer

Click here to Donate

For more information, please contact volunteers@ritimemphis.org

Memphis Child Advocacy Center

The Memphis Child Advocacy Center is a unique organization that focuses on the needs of marginalized, abused, and neglected children. The Memphis Child Advocacy Center’s mission is to create “…a community where children are safe, families are strong and victims become children again. Our mission is to serve children who are victims of sexual and severe physical abuse through prevention, education, and intervention.” 

Their team of professionals, including therapists, investigators, advocates, and others work with children and families in the Memphis area to provide the care, therapy, and resources to greatly improve the quality of life for children in need. 

Click here to Volunteer

Click Here to Donate

Saint Mary’s Soup Kitchen

Since 1870, Saint Mary’s Catholic Church Soup Kitchen has provided more than 300 meals a day for our communities less fortunate, and homeless citizens. This organization is reliant upon the kindness and generosity of those willing to donate their time and resources for the betterment and support of those less fortunate. A very small donation of $1 a day will support the continued feeding of hungry Memphians who are reliant on the organization to stay afloat, especially during such a critical time for our community.

Click here to Volunteer 

Click here to Donate

For more information, please contact stmaryssoupkitchen@gmail.com. 

Dorothy Day House

The Dorothy Day house provides temporary housing and other support services for families that are in need of assistance, a safe place to stay, and other resources to aid those who are less fortunate, homeless, and in need. The Dorothy Day House keeps homeless families together in a community that will support a safe environment – this approach is a stark contrast to most homeless shelters which tend to separate families by their age, sex, and circumstance. The mission of the Dorothy Day house revolves around the strength of the family unit and finding comfort and safety within one another, avoiding the deeply traumatic event of family separation. According to the Dorothy Day House website, “This home-like atmosphere provides a sense of security, especially for the children, fosters self-esteem and uplifts the human spirit. It creates one of the most vital ingredients for escaping poverty—hope.”

Click here to Volunteer 

Click here to Donate 

For more information, please follow this link

Out Memphis

Founded in 1989, Out Memphis supports our LGBTQ brothers and sisters who are in need of support, resources, and allies. According to the website, “ OUTMemphis strives not only to provide services but to support LGBTQ+ issues and individuals to become a part of every aspect of civic life for every demographic. We host social support groups, peer-led projects, and social activities specific to trans men and women of color, seniors, parents of queer youth, Latinx individuals, men of color, and every intersection of the LGBTQ+ community and our allies.”

Click here to Donate 

For more information, please contact info@outmemphis.org

You may also be interested in: Made to Dream Co. by Allie Arcos: We’re all Made to Dream

The post Give Back to Memphis – 5 Organizations you can Support Today appeared first on We Are Memphis.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving and all that is good with Memphis, we want to highlight just a few of the hundreds of young people giving back in Memphis. Our city has so many bright and shining stars working tirelessly to create better systems, policies, and access to resources. You heard it here; first, Memphis will look nothing like the city we see today in 15 years because of the heartwork young people are doing in this city. 

Mario Bradley // @GroveheroOfficial

The Frayser High School graduate is an author, internet sensation, comedian, local serial entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Known by most as Grovehero, Mario is inspiring the next generation of Memphians in one of our most underserved communities. Whipping his “Is the fish ready yet” food truck around the M, GroveHero is quickly turning into the neighborhood hero. Over the last several months, GroveHero has used his internet-based platform to promote a positive message. In September, he hosted a “Guns Down Block Party” where the community could safely gather for free food, fun, and entertainment. This summer, he hosted a “Put the guns down and pick up the Water guns” water gun fight that offered fun, free food, and a positive message.  

Mario said he is inspired to give back to his community because he knows that no one really has anything and nobody is doing anything to help. He said, “when you grow up in the neighborhood and see the needs and understand the experience, it is mandatory for you to give back if you got it.” 

Christina Crutchfield // @cecfield91

Christina is a Memphis transplant with strong ties to the community. She works for the Heights Community Development Corporation as a community coordinator. The Heights is a neighborhood-based organization focused on bringing good healthy development into the Heights Communities. The Heights works on housing development, business/commercial development, and public space development, such as parks and libraries. Christina works to make sure every project is community-led or, at the very least, has community support. She also makes sure outside investors have the best interest of the community. If they do not, she raises awareness, makes a ton of noise, and works with the local government to shut it down (specifically with blighted or abandoned property).

Nikolaus B. Knight // @nikatknightt

Nik currently works at Dunbar Elementary in the Historic neighborhood Orange Mound. Nik views education from a holistic lens, and leverages his networks to raise money and awareness for black male students in low-income areas. He believes in transforming educational spaces so that they are safer for black children to thrive, and training black male teachers to build virtual inclusive and engaging classrooms. Often, Nik provides additional food and supplies to his students by facilitating huge donation drives to the students in his community. Over the last few years, Nik has been on a mission to give students an experience they deserve and fill in the gaps between what is and what’s possible. 

As the holiday season approaches, find a way to give back. Our community needs your time, talent, and treasure. Follow groups like Volunteer Memphis for opportunities in your area. MIFA, the Union Mission, and the Salvation Army are just a few non-profit organizations that always need a helping hand to lend a helping hand during the holidays and throughout the year.  

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities on Thanksgiving Day

• Community Meal Distributor – YMCA of Memphis & The Mid-South
• Community COVID-19 Testing Volunteer – Cherokee Health Systems
• The Enchanted Forest at the Pink Palace Museum
• Pick-up Site Volunteers – Memphis Tilth
• Guest Hospitality – Room In The Inn – Memphis

You might also be interested in: 5 Pet-Friendly Memphis Parks 

The post How Memphians Give Back to the 901 appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Adopt, Foster, or Donate? Our furry friends (and the organizations that support them) are also living through this pandemic, which unfortunately means animal shelters and animal adoption organizations are facing difficult times as well. It’s true that many of us have already decided to add a furry friend to our families, however, there are equally as many animals that truly need our support at this time. Even if you are unable to bring one of these lovable creatures’ home, it is important that we keep them in our thoughts and support them with our actions! Here are a few organizations that you can help to support today! Whether you plan to Adopt, temporarily foster, or donate to these organizations, your furry friends will appreciate your care!  

Memphis Animal Shelter:

The Memphis Animal Shelter, located at 2350 Appling City Cove in Memphis, is currently celebrating Clear the Shelters Month! This push to find homes for both dogs and cats that have been taken into the shelter gives you a chance to bring home a furry friend at the reduced adoption fee of only $20 during the month of August!  The $20 adoption fee includes This opportunity to become a pet parent gives you the Currently, the city run Animal Shelter is packed full of pups and kitties who would love nothing more than to become part of your family! The Memphis Animal Shelter also accepts donations, as well as hosts a program for those who wish to foster an animal until a forever home is found!

The Adoption Fee includes:

• Spay/neuter
• Microchip
• Vaccinations for rabies (if old enough), distemper, parvo, and Bordetella
• Deworming treatment for hookworms and roundworms
• Heartworm test
• Collar
• Leash
• Customized ID tag

Details:

The Memphis Animal Shelter is open for adoptions 7 days a week from 12 P.M. – 4 P.M. and will stay open until 7 P.M. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Memphis Animal Shelter

2350 Appling City Cove 
Memphis, TN 38133 
(901) 636-PAWS (7297) 
MAS@memphistn.gov

Memphis and Shelby County Human Society

Founded in 1933, the Human Society of Memphis and Shelby County has provided aide, comfort, and care to thousands of animals. The Humane Society of Memphis’s mission, “Be Human. Be Humane,” extends deeply into the lives of the furry citizens of Memphis by providing the care and love that injured, neglected, scared, and abused animals so badly deserve. The Human Society, a no kill organization that is dedicated to the finding each and every animal in their charge the perfect home, houses no less than 100 animals at any time, providing the best veterinary care, foster program, and adoptions to help bring these abandoned animals back to health, and find the best homes for them.  As an independent entity, The Memphis Human Society relies upon donations and fostering to continue their mission to save these animals from a bleak future. For more information, or to Donate, please visit their website.

Details:

Open from Tuesday-Saturday 10 A.M.- 4 P.M. Closed Sunday and Monday. Animal Intake hours Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County

935 Farm Road, Memphis TN, 38134

Phone: 901.937.3900

Mewtopia Cat Rescue

Mewtopia Cat Rescue is a not for profit community service that specifically rescues homeless, abused, abandoned or owner-relinquished cats and kittens.  Operating under the Mission of compassionate care for felines, Mewtopia’s mission abides by three main Goals:

• Placing cats with responsible owners through adoption
• Helping trap, alter and release stray/feral cats
• Educating the public on responsible animal ownership

Through the adoption process, Mewtopia does everything in their power to match the perfect kitty with the right family, going above and beyond in order to make sure your new friend is perfect for your life.

Adoption fees start at $100 and help to pay for litter, cleaning supplies, and medical treatment for their rescues.

The adoption fee includes:

• Spaying/neutering
• Flea treatment (Advantage or Frontline)
• Worming for hook and round worms
• Testing for FIV/FeLV
• Vaccinations (first round)
• Ear mite treatment
• Nail trimming

This organization is fully funded and staffed by volunteers who are passionate about the lives and wellbeing of these cute creatures, however, without donations and adoptions, the Mewtopia Cat Rescue could not exist. 

Please visit the Mewtopia website for more details, about how you can become a proud cat mom or dad, foster a kitty, or Donate to the grass roots organization!

Details:

Mewtopia is open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 12 P.M. – 2 P.M. By Appointment Only

Mewtopia

1010 South Yates Road
Memphis, Tn 38119

901-503-9328

You might also be interested in: Connor Ryan Photographer Profile 

The post Adopt, Foster, or Donate? 3 Animal Shelters you can support today! appeared first on We Are Memphis.

While there are many lanes of activism, one great way to stand in solidarity with our BIPOC communities is to put your money where your mouth is. If donating to the cause is a way you’d like to get involved, we put together a list of racial justice organizations for you to consider. While this is not an exhaustive list (not even close!), these organizations are putting in the work day in and day out for a more just and equitable future.

Black Lives Matter – Memphis Chapter 

#BlackLivesMatter was founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer. Black Lives Matter Foundation, Inc is a global organization in the US, UK, and Canada, whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes. By combating and countering acts of violence, creating space for Black imagination and innovation, and centering Black joy, they are winning immediate improvements in the lives of Black people. The Black Lives Matter Memphis chapter is a grassroots community organization in Shelby County that works to promote justice and equality to all. 

Campaign Zero

Over 1,000 people are killed by police every year in America. Campaign Zero calls on local, state, and federal lawmakers to take immediate action to adopt data-driven policy solutions to end this violence and hold police accountable. Funds donated to Campaign Zero support the analysis of policing practices across the country, research to identify effective solutions to end police violence, technical assistance to organizers leading police accountability campaigns and the development of model legislation and advocacy to end police violence nationwide.

Color of Change 

Color of Change is the nation’s largest online racial justice organization. They help people respond effectively to injustice in the world around us. As a national online force driven by 1.7 million members, they move decision-makers in corporations and government to create a more human and less hostile world for Black people in America. As part of their work, Color of Change leads campaigns that build real power for Black communities. They challenge injustice, hold corporate and political leaders accountable, commission game-changing research on systems of inequality, and advance solutions for racial justice that can transform our world. 

The Equal Justice Initiative 

Founded in 1989 by Bryan Stevenson, a widely acclaimed public interest lawyer and bestselling author of Just Mercy, EJI is a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides legal representation to people who have been illegally convicted, unfairly sentenced, or abused in state jails and prisons. We challenge the death penalty and excessive punishment and we provide re-entry assistance to formerly incarcerated people. EJI works with communities that have been marginalized by poverty and discouraged by unequal treatment. We are committed to changing the narrative about race in America. EJI produces groundbreaking reports, an award-winning wall calendar, and short films that explore our nation’s history of racial injustice, and we recently launched an ambitious national effort to create new spaces, markers, and memorials that address the legacy of slavery, lynching, and racial segregation, which shapes many issues today.

Fair Fight 

Voter suppression of voters of color and young voters is a scourge our country faces in states across the nation. Georgia’s 2018 elections shone a bright light on the issue with elections that were rife with mismanagement, irregularities, and unbelievably long lines and more, exposing both recent and also decades-long actions and inactions by the state to thwart the right to vote. Fair Fight promotes fair elections in Georgia and around the country, encourages voter participation in elections, and educates voters about elections and their voting rights. Fair Fight also brings awareness to the public on election reform, advocates for election reform at all levels, and engages in other voter education programs and communications. 

Just City

Inspired by the work of the Shelby County Public Defender’s Office, Just City was founded in 2015 by a group of activists, attorneys, and civic leaders. Their mission is to advance policies and programs within Shelby County and the State of Tennessee that strengthen the right to counsel and mitigate the damage caused to families and neighborhoods as a result of contact with the criminal justice system. They aspire to be a powerful, independent voice to support the individuals, children, and families who are, or have been in contact with, the criminal justice system; to advocate for strong, consistent adult and children’s right to counsel policies; and to accelerate community-driven solutions to the problems present by the criminal justice system. 

The Marshall Project

The Marshall Project is a nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization that seeks to create and sustain a sense of national urgency about the U.S. criminal justice system. They achieve this through award-winning journalism, partnerships with other news outlets and public forums. In all of their work they strive to educate and enlarge the audience of people who care about the state of criminal justice. 

Mid-South Peace and Justice Center

Founded in 1982, the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center is a multi-issue, multi-race organization whose mission is to engage, organize, and mobilize communities to realize social justice through nonviolent action. Their existence has been prompted by the chronic problems of social and economic injustice prevalent in the Delta South and especially in Memphis. They believe the response to the challenge of violence can only be found by addressing inter-related causes of injustice such as poverty, racism, and unequal access to resources necessary to meet basic human needs. 

MLK50

MLK50 launched on April 4, 2017 as a one-year project and has since grown into a full-fledged nonprofit digital news site focused on poverty, power and public policy. They’re a member of the Institute for Nonprofit News and follow the organizations ethics policies. This nonprofit reporting project on economic justice began in partnership with the National Civil Rights Museum’s MLK50 commemoration. 

Movement for Black Lives  

The Movement for Black Lives (M4BL), formed in December of 2014, was created as a space for Black organizations across the country to debate and discuss the current political condition, develop shared assessments of what political interventions were necessary in order to achieve key policy, cultural and political wins, convene organizational leadership in order to debate and co-create a shared movement wide strategy. They operate under the fundamental idea that we can achieve more together than we can separately. 

NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund

This is America’s premier legal organization fighting for racial justice. Through litigation, advocacy, and public education, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF) seeks structural changes to expand democracy, eliminate disparities, and achieve racial justice in a society that fulfills the promise of equality for all Americans. LDF also defends the gains and protections won over the past 75 years of civil rights struggle and works to improve the quality and diversity of judicial and executive appointments. 

REFORM 

At REFORM, the Alliance started with the unjust re-imprisonment of recording artist Meek Mill due to minor technical probation violations. The shocking two-to-four year sentence Meek received in November 2017 spurred the international #FreeMeek movement, which lead to his release on bail in April 2018. While Meek had the resources and public platform to fight his case, he and the other founders of REFORM recognized that his case is only of millions – and that the vast majority of people trapped in the system don’t have the resources to fight back. At REFORM, they are bringing together leaders in business, government, entertainment, sports, technology, art, and culture to give voice to the voiceless. 

The Tri-State Defender

The New Tri-State Defender is a weekly African American newspaper serving Memphis and the nearby areas of Arkansas, Mississippi and the rest of Tennessee. It was founded in 1951 and is one of the longest continuously-published African American papers in south. The Tri-State Defender and TSDMemphis.com is your home for news, entertainment and information specifically focused on the African-American community in Greater Memphis and beyond.

You may also be interested in: Black Artist Memphis: The Who’s Who of Black Memphis Art Renaissance

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“What does it take to really connect with people who are disengaged and disconnected in disinvested communities?,” asked Britney Thornton, founder of JUICE Orange Mound.

JUICE is a resident-led, nonprofit organization serving people currently living in Orange Mound. Orange Mound is one of Memphis’ chronically under-resourced neighborhoods. 

Read the full article on HighGroundNews.com!

You might also be interested in: Ongoing Education: Online College Courses to Further Your Knowledge

The post The Unreachables: Memphis nonprofit meets its no-tech neighbors at their doorsteps appeared first on We Are Memphis.

The U.S. Census Bureau is hiring thousands of workers for four different positions for the 2020 Census. According to the Memphis Area Census Office, the U.S. Census is currently hiring Memphis residents for clerk and supervisor roles.

The census is important because “the results are used to determine your representation in Congress, and they help inform how billions of dollars are distributed for hospitals, schools, roads, and more.”

Clerks

According to 2020census.gov, “clerks are needed in or near area census offices to perform administrative and clerical tasks in support of various functions, including payroll, personnel, recruiting, and field operations. Clerks will use computers or other electronic devices (such as smartphones and tablets) issued by the Census Bureau to conduct their work.”

Supervisors

The bureau is also currently looking for Field Supervisors who will, “supervise census takers, monitor their progress and performance, and ensure that the quality of work is maintained and that work is completed on time. Census field supervisors will use electronic devices issued by the Census Bureau to conduct their work.” The bureau is also looking for Office Operations Supervisors “in or near area census offices to assist in the management of office functions and day-to-day activities required to support field operations. The person in this position supervises clerks, oversees office operations, develops work schedules, oversees assignment preparation and tracking, conducts quality checks, does data entry, and oversees shipment activities.”

Census Takers

According to the Memphis office, applications for Census Takers will be considered starting January 17. Census Takers “will interview household residents and update address lists.” The addresses are verified via maps and address lists. After information is confirmed, Census Takers may call and/or personally visit homes of residents who have not yet completed the census. 

Pay for all of the positions range between $20 to $22 per hour.

How to Apply

In order to qualify for the roles, you must fill out the online application. You will need your social security number, physical and mailing addresses, email address, phone number, and date and place of birth. You will answer some basic assessment questions and then your application will be considered for all available positions in the area. In order to be considered for supervisory roles, you must complete a separate assessment for supervisors. The assessments should take about 10 minutes to complete.

All applicants must also take an English Proficiency Test. If you choose to take the assessment questions in Spanish, the system will also prompt you to take the English Proficiency Test to determine whether you can read, write, or speak in English.

Next Steps

Once you’ve applied, you may be called for an interview. If you are selected for a job, you will be notified about two months ahead of the paid training by email. As part of the process, applicants will also be required to undergo a background check. 

To learn more about employment opportunities in Memphis, check out our Jobs page here.

You might also be interested in: Women of the Bluff: Top 10 Breakers of Barriers and Glass Ceilings

The post Represent Your Memphis Community by Becoming a U.S. Census Worker appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Donate Clothing

If you received clothing that didn’t fit either your personality or your body, consider donating the gift to organizations helping those in need. The Memphis Union Mission accepts men’s and women’s items at its shelter at 383 Poplar Ave. The shelter is in urgent need of men’s clothing of all types, especially cold weather clothing. The men also need toiletries, twin bedding and pillows, pens, notebooks, highlighters, and bibles. Women need non-alcoholic medicines, diapers, wipes, and feminine items. Check out the organization’s list or urgent needs here.

Donate Unwanted Gift Cards

Grandma gets you a GameStop gift card every year – but you stopped gaming years ago. You can donate the cards to benefit families at a domestic violence shelter. Victims of domestic violence often have little belongings. The YMCA of Greater Memphis at 766 South Highland accepts gift cards to help get families through difficult times.

“We appreciate gift cards to Target, Walmart, Amazon, Kroger, and other stores that carry items we frequently require,” according to the organization’s site. “Gift cards allow us to purchase items as-needed, thereby easing the storage challenge.”

The organization is also in urgent need of twin sheets, pillows, and mattress covers. Go to the Shelter Wish List here.

Donate Toys

Did your sister buy your tween a toy that they’ve outgrown? Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital takes toy donations. Items can be taken to the hospital’s main entrance at 848 Adams. Staff from the Child Life department are available between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. The hospital needs toys and games for children of all ages. Check out the hospitals’ needs here.

A Special Request

Do you have that one relative who always gives you or your kids teddy bears? There is one place that is in need of those cuddly gifts. The Memphis Child Advocacy Center has a special program for children who may have come from distressed situations when they first enter the center. Each child gets the chance to choose a teddy bear from the center’s “Bear Wall.”

“When kids visit the Child Advocacy Center for the first time, it is usually because they’ve been violated by someone they trust—resulting in an undeserved sense of shame,” the organization’s website said. “On their first visit to the center, kids get to pick a cuddly new friend from our wall of bears. Your gift of a brand new teddy bear affirms their goodness. It provides them a choice they have control over. And it gives them comfort. We need medium-sized bears (14” high or more) that are brand new.”

The organization is also in need of packaged snacks and drinks, therapy supplies, and gift cards for department and office supply stores. Check out how you can help here. For more stories about Memphis culture, check out our Culture page.

You might also be interested in: Memphis Activities | Cultured Arts & Events Calendar

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Serving more than 370,000 people across 31 Memphis-area counties, the Mid-South Food Bank shows the real meaning of the holiday season. The agency, started in 1981 as part of the Feeding America initiative, wants no one in the area to go hungry, especially during the holidays.

The organization supplies food to its Mid-South partner agencies from its new facility at 3865 S. Perkins Rd. Shortly after the new facility opened in July, its former executive director, Estella Mayhue-Greer announced her retirement. Cathy Pope, a veteran in the food non-profits, took over the helm. For the holiday season, the organization has two ways for people to donate to the food bank while spreading holiday cheer.

Save Time. Feed Families.

For $10 each, send your holiday card list to the Mid-South Food Bank and they will send out personalized cards for you. You can save time, give to a good cause and dazzle your friends and family at the same time. For a minimum $50 donation each, your friends could receive a “Cookie Letter.” The recipient will receive gourmet cookies and a letter explaining that the donation was used to give food to partner agencies to feed needy families during the holiday season.

The organization seeks to give away 25 million pounds of food by 2025. 
To learn how you can help, go to the Mid-South Food Bank donation page. To learn more about Memphis initiatives, go to the WeAreMemphis business page.

Sink your teeth into the mouthwatering flavors of Memphis BBQ

The post Mid-South Food Bank Brings Cheer to Memphian Communities appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Memphians of all ages are no strangers to giving back to their community. You’ve likely seen it yourself—young people organizing fundraising events, running donation drives, hosting car washes, or selling candy to support causes close to their hearts. Want to find even more ways to get involved or encourage your kids to join in the philanthropic spirit? Check out these volunteer opportunities in Memphis that empower kids to make a real difference in our community.

Do. Or Do Not. There’s No Try in Memphis Youth Volunteering

Greta Thunberg’s activism proves youth can change the world through volunteer opportunities in Memphis.

This year, Greta Thunberg reminded the world of youth’s power to effect change. As young Memphians volunteer, they follow in her footsteps, proving that one person’s dedication can shift perspectives. From environmental advocacy to community support, volunteer programs in Memphis empower kids to create local and global impact. If you’re a young Memphian, here are some ways to connect with causes that matter and discover your inner philanthropist! 

Nurturing Young Changemakers: Volunteer Activities Your Kids Will Love

Engage young minds with community-oriented volunteer activities across Memphis.

Finding ways to connect young people with volunteer work in Memphis is key to meaningful engagement. Volunteer Odyssey and Choose901 offer ideal starting points, helping to match interests with community needs. These platforms connect users to various opportunities, such as:

• Animal Care: Memphis Animal Services and the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County welcome young animal lovers who can support shelter staff with daily care, adoption, and events.
• Community Assistance: At St. Mary’s Soup Kitchen and First Congregational Church’s “Food Justice” program, children can serve meals to those in need, instilling compassion and empathy for others.
• Food Programs: Through MIFA, and with a grown-up’s permission, kids of driving age can volunteer to deliver food to older adults, building bonds and understanding community needs.
• Tech Learning: Cloud901, a teen space in the Memphis Public Library, lets tech-savvy youth assist with classes, events, and programs for kids and adults alike.

These activities let children explore their interests and see how small acts of kindness can significantly impact their city. Engaging kids in volunteer work now can plant the seeds for lasting community involvement.

Youth Empowerment Through Volunteer Service

Help children see the value of community service and personal growth.

Volunteering offers more than good deeds; it builds character. Youth volunteering fosters respect, patience, leadership, and an understanding of good citizenship. Research shows that children who volunteer are more likely to do so as adults and even one hour per week can reduce negative behaviors.

Opportunities for youth to serve exist throughout the city:

• Humane Society of Memphis: Animal care and adoption support.

• Community Health: The YMCA of Memphis and the Veterans Affairs programs provide roles for youth to assist in civic engagement and wellness initiatives, helping foster leadership skills and empathy.
• Environmental Stewardship: At Memphis Botanic Garden (MBG), children and teens can support conservation and environmental education, learning about sustainability while assisting with garden upkeep and special events.
• Memphis Farmers Market: MFM has a variety of opportunities for kids (and adults) to help with set-up and tear-down, market check-in, and a variety of other market day activities. Not only do these opportunities lend a helping hand to Memphis’ local agricultural community, but they also provide young Memphians with a chance to learn where their food comes from!
• Memphis Public Library: Teens aged 16 and up can volunteer at one of the many Memphis Public Library branches! From supporting community-focused events and activities to helping out around the shelves, there are a varitey of unique opportunities

Encouraging youth involvement in Memphis’s vibrant community is the perfect way to foster lifelong service habits and reinforce positive behaviors.

Kid-Friendly Volunteer Programs in Memphis for Every Interest

Find the right volunteer opportunities for young Memphians through community resources.
Memphis offers a wealth of volunteer opportunities for kids eager to make a difference. Resources like Volunteer Odyssey and Choose901 list various ways children can get involved, from supporting animal shelters to assisting at food pantries. For families and kids looking to make a meaningful impact, these resources open the door to new experiences.
Programs include:

• Food Support: The Mid-South Food Bank welcomes volunteers to sort and distribute food for those in need.
• Community Assistance: Dorothy Day House allows families, including children, to help homeless families, keeping them together and secure.
• Animal Welfare: At Memphis Animal Services, kids can assist with pet care and adoption events, learning compassion for animals and people alike.

These opportunities help young people gain hands-on experience while making positive contributions to their city. From education to food security, Memphis has options for kids to get involved in causes that resonate with them.

Inspire Youth to Make a Difference Through Volunteering in Memphis

Help young people build life skills and community bonds through volunteering.

Volunteering in Memphis provides valuable life skills and character-building experiences for children and teens. Through organizations like Volunteer Odyssey, MIFA, and Choose901, families can find age-appropriate roles to spark kids’ interest in service and social change. These activities don’t just benefit the community—they also shape children into empathetic, engaged citizens.

Local programs that cater to youth interests include:

• Animal Welfare: With Memphis Animal Services, kids learn responsibility through roles in animal care and adoption assistance.
• Education and Heritage: The National Civil Rights Museum allows young volunteers to assist in welcoming visitors, helping them connect to Memphis’s rich history and their roles in a more inclusive future. Additionally, Sister Reach Youth Ambassadors (SYA) focuses on education and advocacy, empowering youth through mentorship programs.
• Community Health and Wellness: YMCA Memphis offers teen-centered civic engagement programs, empowering youth through workshops and volunteering in health, fitness, and education.
• Community Support: Friends for Life – 1st Monday Dinner Volunteers and Habitat for Humanity ReStore give kids hands-on experience with service, where they help organize meals or assist in community projects that promote housing stability.

By starting young, children develop leadership, problem-solving, and empathy, making a lasting impact on their communities. Encourage kids to explore volunteer work in Memphis and witness their growth into empowered, compassionate individuals.

The post Kid-Friendly Volunteering Opportunities in Memphis appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Best of all, you don’t have to do it alone. In fact, volunteering is the only team sport where every participant is the MVP! So grab your family, friends, and coworkers and start living through giving. Here’s a list of local volunteer opportunities. Many are holding events in December to help get you started. 

• American Cancer Society – ACA’s mission is to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. ACA has volunteer opportunities ranging from community event support with Relay For Life, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, and more…
• Carpenter Art Garden – Work with the children of Binghampton on various art projects and tutoring. Volunteers are also needed to help provide snacks for the kids on a daily basis. 
• Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) – Serve as an unbiased advocate for abused and neglected children who come through the court system. Volunteers are well trained and are asked to commit to working 3-5 hours per week. You can change lives by becoming an advocate for those most in need.
• Constance Abbey – Serve neighbors and homeless friends by offering warm showers, laundry facilities, clean clothes from the clothing closet, coffee, and food. Constance Abbey also provides advocacy for those who want to know about community resources. Guests are also invited to attend recovery meetings, bible study, and chapel services. 
• Dorothy Day House – Help homeless families stay together as they work to rebuild their lives and have volunteer opportunities every Sunday and Monday. On Sundays, they need volunteers to be babysitters for the children of Dorothy Day House and to also join the families for Prayer and Dessert. On Monday nights, volunteers are needed to provide a meal for the families of the house. Dorothy Day House also has an ongoing need for volunteers to help with cleaning, house maintenance, and yard work.
• First Congregational Church – Serve a free hot lunch to people who may need it. You can volunteer by assisting in the making of the food or by moving supplies.
• Germantown Community Library – Help search for missing books, reorganize bookshelves, greet and provide general information to visitors.
• Habitat for Humanity Restore – Sort and organize donations, stock shelves, assist customers, test appliances and electronics, and much more.
• ​Hopeworks – Help break the cycle of crime, addiction, and generational poverty that traps so many in Memphis. HopeWorks provides various volunteering opportunities from being a lunch provider or faith encourager, to providing commodities and volunteering at events. Sign up to become involved.
• Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County – Help with multiple tasks such as caring for animals and help animals find a new home! 
• Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital – Help make a difference in their patients’ and family’s lives. Le Bonheur has a wide variety of opportunities ranging from reading, crafting, and socializing with the kids in the hospital.
• Memphis Athletic Ministries – MAM’s mission is to coach, grow, and lead the youth of Memphis by helping them discover their identity in Christ and their purpose in the community. Volunteers are needed with Homework Help, Assistant Coaching, and more…
• Memphis Botanic Garden – Become a horticultural volunteer, a volunteer docent, or a children’s garden volunteer. Volunteer roles within the children’s garden include being a greeter, a gardener, a play and learn supporter, or an educator.
• Memphis Crisis Center – More than 15,000​ people call the Memphis Crisis Center hotline each year. Callers are in crisis ranging from suicidal thoughts to unemployment, financial problems to depression, and everything in between. Volunteers are thoroughly trained to take calls and assist callers with their immediate problems, as well as providing the resources for long-term help. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least two shifts per month.
• ​​Memphis Child Advocacy Center (CAC) – Help children who are victims of sexual and severe physical abuse. At the CAC, you can make care and hygiene packages for child victims or sort through teddy bears that will be given to child victims. 
• Memphis Farmers Market – Give back to your community by supporting local farmers, producers, and artisans, while educating market visitors about healthy eating habits, good nutrition, and the benefits of “eating fresh and local.” Whether you’re interested in serving on one of their numerous committees, or you’d rather roll up your sleeves, “dig in the dirt,” and plow into ‘fun on the farm’ on market-day Saturdays, the Memphis Farmers Market has a spot for you! 
• Memphis Zoo – Calling all animal lovers. Individuals, families, and groups can sign up for a variety of jobs including small projects, event workers, and even volunteer docents. The zoo also holds dedicated family volunteer days where parents and children can come together to do something beneficial for the environment. 
• Mentor Memphis Grizzlies – The TEAM UP Youth Mentoring Partnership is an affiliate of the National Mentoring Partnership (MENTOR), the unifying champion for expanding quality mentoring relationships in the United States. The Partnership serves as a clearinghouse for training, resources, awareness, and advocacy, providing the critical link between MENTOR’s national efforts and local organizations and programs that foster and support quality mentoring relationships.
• Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA) – Deliver meals on wheels to the elderly or physically challenged. MIFA provides emergency relief for families by helping them pay for rent, utilities, food, clothing, and other essentials. If families are in danger of becoming homeless, it will find them temporary housing. Volunteers can assist with these efforts by performing clerical duties, delivering meals, gardening, fund-raising and more. MIFA offers something to fit nearly any schedule and level of ability. 
• ​Mid-South Food Bank – Perform tasks related to the collection, organization, and delivery of food. Jobs include sorting through canned food donations, bagging food donations, and encouraging the public to donate.
• National Civil Rights Museum – Volunteers are needed on the weekend as greeters and exhibit monitors from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. Responsibilities include assisting guests, directing groups, and providing Museum information with a friendly attitude.
• Room in the Inn – Help serve dinner and breakfast as well as help the guests settle in for the night. Room in the Inn hosts homeless guests at congregations throughout Memphis during the winter months
• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – Play with patients both one-on-one and in group settings, clean toys, and help restock shelves. Volunteers are needed to commit to a once a week shift for at least eight months. 
• St Mary’s Soup Kitchen – Anyone can sign up to volunteer for a certain date and time. Volunteering involves serving food. 
• Urban Bicycle Food Ministry – Deliver burritos to the hungry of Memphis with Urban Bicycle Food Ministry. Volunteers are needed every Wednesday evening and Saturday morning to help make burritos and then hand them out throughout the city. 

You might also be interested in: Preparing for Your Memphis Job Interview: 6 Essential Steps

The post Giving Back Is the New Black appeared first on We Are Memphis.

While December is the largest month for donations (according to a recent report by the Blackbaud Institute for Philanthropic Impact), supporting our local organizations should happen 365 days a year! Typically, your best course of action when in doubt would be to cross-check one of the major charity watchdogs like BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, or CharityWatch.

“You don’t want to choose a charity by the name alone, since your donation may go to a questionable group,” says Bennett Weiner, Chief Operating Officer of the charity watchdog BBB Wise Giving Alliance. Some organizations may spend too much on administrative and fundraising costs or are outright scammers.

Here is a fully vetted list of local charities that deserve your support this year. 

Alpha Omega Veterans Services, Inc. (AOVS)

• Causes: Counseling, Housing, Homeless Centers, Hospices, Human Services, Mental Health, Military & Veterans Organizations, Veterans
• Mission: Alpha Omega Veteran Services provides social services and short- and long-term transitional housing programs to homeless veterans. The goal is to secure permanent housing, independent living, and total societal reintegration.
• Results: Since inception, AVOS has served more than 8,000 displaced and/or disabled veterans. Facilities include a drop-in/outreach center with a 19-bed transitional center, 32 one-bedroom permanent housing apartments, permanent housing in eight townhouses serving 32 veterans, 10 Single Room Occupancy (SRO) permanent housing units for the chronically homeless, a 15-bed transitional housing facility, and an 8-bed hospice-like transitional facility known as the “Life House” that serves the medically fragile.
• Target demographics: disabled and displaced military veterans
• Direct beneficiaries per year: over 300 military veterans.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis

• Causes: Arts & Culture, Arts Education, Basketball, Boys & Girls Clubs, Children & Youth, Education, Sports, Vocational and Technical Schools
• Mission: “To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” Through a variety of academic and recreational programs, BGCM empowers members to make productive use of their time and make wise decisions in their lives. 
• Results: In 2012, BGCM graduated 100% of its seniors, compared to Memphis City Schools’ average of 72%. 100% of Technical Training Center graduates have been placed in jobs or higher education 2 years in a row. BGCM students introduced President Obama and made the front page of the Washington Post. 
• Target demographics: Greater Memphis Youth
• Direct beneficiaries per year: Over 3,500 youth ages 6-18

CodeCrew

• Causes: Education, Educational Services
• Mission: CodeCrew empowers underrepresented kids to be tech innovators & leaders through practical, hands-on computer science training.
• Results: Since May 2015, CodeCrew has taught more than 1,000 students to code through their summer camps, after school programs, in-school electives, and special events. 
• Target demographics: Greater Memphis children ages 5-18
• Direct beneficiaries: Of the 250 kids CodeCrew serves weekly, 91% are black and Latino youth, 41% are girls who code, and overall, 89% of their students are more likely to study computer science.

Creative Aging Memphis

• Causes: Arts & Culture, Performing Arts
• Mission: Improve the quality of life for Mid-South seniors by providing access to experiences in the arts. Goals accomplished through the hiring of local professional artists to perform and teach seniors in nursing homes, retirement communities, adult day programs, and senior centers.
• Results: Since beginning programming in 2005, Creative Aging has presented more than 5,000 performances and art-making workshops at long-term care and retirement communities, senior centers, and adult day care programs. In doing so, Creative Aging has paid more than $725,000 in performance fees to Memphis artists and brought arts to life for over 30,000 seniors.
• Target demographics: Mid-South seniors.
• Direct beneficiaries per year: More than 6,000 seniors at 50+ residential communities in the Mid-South

Latino Memphis Inc

• Causes: Human Service Organizations, Human Services
• Mission: Assist Latinos in the Greater Memphis area by connecting, collaborating, and advocating for health, education, and justice.
• Results: Latino Memphis Inc accomplishes its goals by encouraging leadership development, education, and the promotion of cross-cultural understanding in partnerships at the local, state, and national levels. 
• Target demographics: Latinos in the Greater Memphis area

Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital Foundation (LBCHF)

• Causes: Health
• Mission: In partnership with donors and volunteers LBCHF promotes philanthropic investment in support of its mission to provide high-quality patient care, research, and advocacy.
• Results: LBCHF has raised more than $18 million. Funds were used for research, education, and aligning their research focus on areas that are major health problems for the local population and community. LBCHF awarded 5 grants for a total of $105,000 to aid in the research of RSV, liver disease, bowel loss, asthma and influenza, and pulmonary hypertension.
• Direct beneficiaries per year: Over 250,000 children, the majority of them under five years of age.
• Target demographics: Although children come to LBCH from all 50 states and many countries, most patients come from six-state referral areas.

Mid South Food Bank

• Causes: Food, Food Banks & Pantries, Food Programs
• Mission: Fight hunger through the efficient collection and distribution of wholesome food and education and advocacy. 
• Results: Since 1981, Mid-South Food Bank has distributed more than 260,000,000 pounds of food and grocery items to its network of charitable agencies. Other programs include Kids Cafe that serves a balanced meal to children twice a week in a restaurant-like setting; Food for Kids BackPack Program that provides easy to open and prepare food to meet children’s food needs over the weekend; and the Mobile Pantry that provides food to smaller pantries in underserved counties.
• Target demographics: The Food Bank distributes food to 325 agencies and churches that feed needy and hungry people in 31 Mid-South counties in TN, MS, and AR
• Direct beneficiaries: Almost 20,000 people a week depend on food from The Food Bank for their next meal; more than 30% are children.

No More Silence Foundation (NMSF)

• Causes: Children & Youth, Youth Centers, and Clubs
• Mission: To provide coping mechanisms through the arts by using multiple educational strategies to help with healing from sexual abuse trauma.
• Results: Since 2014 NMSF has advocated for children and families fighting to survive childhood sexual abuse. NMSF has partnered with the Memphis Police Crime Unit Outreach Department to help educate over 2,000 students annually in efforts to end the silence on child sexual abuse in Memphis and the surrounding areas. Since inception NMSF has serviced more than 100 families, attended court on victims’ behalf, housed victims who once lived in a shelter because of sexual and domestic violence abuse, fed and fully furnished the homes of victims, and provided gifts for victims during the holiday season. 
• Target demographics: Low-income families and at-risk children
• Direct beneficiaries per year: Over 2000 children, teens, and families
• Programs: A Child & Youth Development & Coping Center for educating through the arts to end silence on child sexual abuse. NMSF also offers tutoring, workshops, and therapy camps.

OUTMemphis

• Causes: Arts & Culture, Civil Rights, Cultural & Ethnic Awareness, Education, Human Services, Lesbian & Gay Rights, LGBTQ, Libraries, Neighborhood Centers
• Mission: OUTMemphis empowers, connects, educates and advocates for the LGBT community of the Mid-South
• Target demographics: The LGBT community of the Mid-South

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

• Causes: Health, Specialty Hospitals
• Mission: To find cures and means of prevention for childhood catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. 
• Results: St Jude is the only pediatric research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay. More than 85 cents of every dollar received during the last three years has gone directly to patient care, research, education, and training. 
• Direct beneficiaries per year: Over 5,000 patients 
• Target demographics: St. Jude has treated children from all 50 states and all over the world. Patients are accepted by physician referral based on the patient’s eligibility for an ongoing treatment study, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, religion, or their inability to pay.
• Programs: Most patients are treated on an outpatient basis, which helps them maintain a sense of normalcy with their families. In addition to the major clinics and treatment areas, St Jude has an eye clinic, a dental clinic, a pharmacy, and also provides rehabilitation services. 

There are so many great organizations progressing meaningful causes for Memphians, we invite you to check out this more comprehensive list of nonprofits in Memphis, here’s a directory to learn more about some awesome, local nonprofits.

You might also be interested in: City of Memphis Departments

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Timed to this week’s St. Jude marathon, we are announcing a special collaboration between St. Jude and CodeCrew as one of our final celebrations of A New Century of Soul.

“One of those special things that happens at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is we work with our patients through the medium of art to tell their stories and bring that to life so we have all this amazing creativity, and I’m so excited through the Memphis Brand and the Bicentennial from Memphis that we’re showcasing this, in a whole new way.”

–Emily Callahan, Chief Marketing & Experience Officer, ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Our partner CodeCrew with the innovation team at OSX built this technology whereby you see a physical piece of art and use your phone to experience that art ‘coming to life’ in surprising and delightful ways. 

Imagine looking at a beautiful backdrop, downloading our app, and experiencing the joy of a hummingbird coming to life and interacting with the scene the way the artist wanted you to experience that scene. 

1. First step is to take your phone over your camera scan the QR code, and it will direct you to download the app. You can also go to this [link] or search in your app store forMemphis 200 App.
2. Once you open the app, then the artwork comes to light. Go around town and see these beautiful pieces of art created by St. Jude patients from all over the world and learn a little bit more about their story and also how important it is to have a supportive Memphis community that makes the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital possible.

We’re here to blend art, stories, and technology together and unique and different ways, download the Memphis 200 App today and become a part of a new century soul.

You might also be interested in: Small Businesses To Support in Memphis This Holiday Season 

The post St. Jude & CodeCrew Make Memphis History appeared first on We Are Memphis.

What Veterans Have to Offer Growing Businesses

In Memphis, local unemployment rates are at the lowest in 16 years. According to a Bloomberg analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Memphis is one of the top three large U.S. metro areas in job creation. But—and it’s a big one—46% of all employers say they can’t fill open jobs, giving us the highest reported talent shortage in the U.S. in the past decade. And this is despite businesses continuing to increase wage rates in an effort to fill open jobs. While employment growth always sounds like good news, it’s becoming more difficult and expensive. 

Time to spill the tea: every year, over 250,000 veterans leave the armed services to pursue a new life as civilians. Unlike moving to a new base or post, where the military helps them adjust when veterans separate from the military, they have to find new ways to join or create a social community. Beyond the difficulties in finding compatible jobs, it’s tough for veterans to overcome the misperception that their skills are limited to the battlefield. 

Here’s another way to look at the potential contributions veterans could make to the workforce. Joining the military is a commitment, and veterans are likely to bring this same dedication and discipline to a civilian career—if you know how to find and harness these qualities. After all, business owners and entrepreneurs share a very similar sense of purpose, drive, and mission. By offering veterans opportunities and investing in them as team members, you’ll reinforce a positive and supportive culture that also improves your company’s bottom line. 

10 Tips on Hiring Heroes

To take the first steps in solving the Memphis talent shortage and bring an untapped candidate pool into our growing economy, local employers should be aware of the diverse skill sets that veterans possess and know where to find great candidates. Here are 10 tips to get you started filling jobs with qualified vets as well as supporting veterans looking to join the jobs market #getintoit:

1. Expand Your Recruiting Strategy. Start by attending job fairs on military installations, or posting open positions on military job boards. And speaking of job boards, Military.com’s Careers Channel is the perfect place to start. Other sites include HireVetsFirst.gov, TurboTap.org, HelmetstoHardhats.org, and USAJobs.gov. The best part, you can post open positions free of charge! #ballinonabudget
2. Utilize Existing Government and Private Initiatives. A great local resource,  Veterans Community Partners (VCP) is right here in Memphis. Partnered with the Veterans and Military Student Services Department at the University of Memphis, VPS provides an on-site service delivery model that supports veterans and military students with their transition from military to university life and beyond. Other local resources include the TN.Gov and Memphis.va.gov.
3. Offer Job Openings Specifically Tailored to Veterans. Target veterans by including a helpful tool that allows potential candidates to match their military experience to applicable civilian jobs on the career section of your website. By inputting their service branch and military job title, job seekers can then fine-tune their search to find specific opportunities that are most in-line with their personal aspirations and past experiences. Companies across all sectors can use this framework when looking for talent, thereby bridging the gap between military veterans and civilian jobs.
4. Set Veterans (and Your Company) Up for Success. From their time in the Armed Forces, veterans have become adept at translating large-scale goals and directives from supervisors into actionable objectives and day-to-day tasks. To help a veteran apply this same way of thinking to any workplace, managers should be transparent about how individual tasks fit into the bigger picture.  
5. Offer Opportunities for Career Advancement Frequently. Even following the post-9/11 GI Bill, only 39% of all U.S. veterans take advantage of their education benefits. Offering affordable and easy ways to further a veteran’s education through the workplace can make the process less daunting and is a step in the right direction for your business. 
6. Know How to Translate Military Jargon into Civilian Skills. Tell our veterans they’re in the right lane by using them as mentors for new recruits. The mentors can help prospective employees translate military skills into skills that civilian employers will understand. Military.com offers a skills translator that can translate these military skills.  
7. Consider Providing Transportation. Visit the VA volunteer transportation network for information on accepting alternative options for transportation of eligible veterans. Get involved by volunteering your time or the use of your vehicle for veterans in need.
8. Help Fight Homelessness, Eviction, Foreclosure among Veterans. A strong Memphis economy also means rent prices are rising, more than 12% for the average apartment in just the past six months. Unfortunately, vets continue to face foreclosure, eviction, and homelessness. It’s just a reality. To help our heroes, you can also volunteer with the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, donate your time and effort to Homes for Our Troops, or even provide financial assistance to veteran organizations to prevent the eviction of a military family. These programs can help transform lives—and also economies. We need continued leadership, collaboration, commitment, and a sense of urgency from communities across the country, including ours. 
9. Volunteer at Veteran Organizations. Break protocol and encourage your workforce to volunteer with a veteran organization to make a difference. These organizations depend on volunteers to keep costs down. Clerical work, answering phones, organizing, and stepping in to help with menial work can make an enormous difference. 
10. Offer Free Services to Help Vets in Need. Don’t be humble with your skills, whether these are IT skills, tax preparation training, or medical training, you can support veterans by offering your skills free of charge. You will be able to use your knowledge to help veterans who need these skills right now and who may have limited financial resources to pay for this type of assistance. Often these services can be the first step in getting veterans ready to join the workforce. 

The post Programs that Support Veteran Career Development appeared first on We Are Memphis.

So as Memphis grows, the community, the state and the nation will also grow. There are dozens of people in Memphis who are working to make the city a better place, and, as such, change the world at the same time. Here are just a few of them.

Eli Townsend

Eli Townsend has brought his own take on soul food back to Memphis. Townsend was born here and has spent much of his younger life living around the South, including Little Rock, Arkansas. Finding his calling as a chef, he eventually returned to his home city and opened Sage, a restaurant that offers a high-end yet relaxing dining atmosphere. Because food is the tunnel to a person’s heart, Eli Townsend is changing hearts, which eventually helps to change minds.

Brandice Daniel

Brandice Daniel was born and raised in Memphis. She eventually moved to Harlem, where she thrives as a fashion designer, focusing on her African heritage while bringing in bold, colorful design choices to make her clothing fashion-forward while showcasing the connection with her roots.

Although her primary residence is in New York City, her intimate connection with Memphis is now highlighting the talented individuals living in Memphis. She is one of the utmost fashion beacons originating in Memphis, and she continues to point the spotlight on the city. This shows that even when Memphians move on, they are always (and will always be) a Memphian.

Carolyn Michael-Banks

It is important for people to understand history. History isn’t always comfortable. In fact, it is often extremely uncomfortable. People since the dawn of civilization have done terrible things to one another, and yet it is necessary to learn about these times. When people gloss over the bad, they are more likely to repeat it. Carolyn Michael-Banks discovered all of this during her time as a tour guide in Washington, D.C., and decided to take it upon herself to provide tours of Memphis, educating locals and visitors alike not only of the good but of the uncomfortable aspects of Memphis history. This way, she touches the lives of every single person she speaks with. Because wherever people are from, true knowledge is always power.

Changing the world, one person at a time

Change doesn’t occur overnight. While an individual moment may prove to be the catapult that leads to change, it often requires thousands of hours of work and dedication to reach that point. Each and every one of these people does what they love, and they love where they live, which is Memphis. If you have a passion for the city or want to become inspired in starting your own journey, these are some of the individuals you should look to. Because if they can change Memphis, then so can you. So, why not start doing business in Memphis?

You might also be interested in: 5 Memphis based startups to watch

The post Ways the People of Memphis are Changing the World appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Imagine that after a long job hunt, you’ve landed a position with great benefits. After three months with the company, you attend a benefit enrollment session. The HR representative gives you a heavy packet and says all needed information can be found inside. What would you do if you couldn’t read the information provided? Would you ask for help in a room filled with your coworkers or stay silent? Would you take a guess at the best option hoping it’s the right plan for you and your family?

Basic literacy skills are required to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Think about reading prescription labels, medical paperwork, and job applications. The ability to read and write at a 6th-grade level is a quality of life issue affecting more than 100,000 adults in our community.

The ability to read and write at a 6th-grade level is a quality of life issue affecting more than 100,000 adults in our community.

Now, imagine you’re a 4th grader who reads on a 2nd grade level. You’ve managed to make it this far despite the stress, anxiety, and isolation that often comes with low literacy. What would you do if the language on your standardized test, in your textbook, and your daily worksheet was too difficult to understand? What if your parents also read at a 2nd grade level? Would you become the class clown so everyone would focus on your behavior and not your schoolwork?

76% of 4th graders in Shelby County left 3rd grade without reading on grade level. 3rd grade is the final year students are taught to read. It is assumed and expected that all students are reading at grade level by the end of 3rd grade. Unfortunately, this is not the case in Shelby County.

Literacy Mid-South is transforming Grind City into a community engaged in lifelong learning.

Literacy Mid-South provides education resources to children and adults of all ages and backgrounds. They serve as a literacy hub for local nonprofits by providing them with the tools needed to influence literacy education in Memphis. Literacy Mid-South provides a platform for local organizations to collaborate and maximize their impact on the community. They address low literacy through two programs: The Adult Learning Program and Read901.

Literacy Mid-South is the only organization in Memphis providing adult basic education services to the 100,000+ adults reading at or below a 6th-grade level. They have a dedicated team of 250+ trained volunteer tutors facilitating both one-on-one and classroom sessions for over 600 Adult Basic Education and English Language Learning learners. More than 80% of learners have reached their personal and academic goals.

The Adult Learning Program supports learners like Darlene, who dreams of one day becoming a Pharmacy Technician. Darlene always knew she struggled with reading, but never imagined she was on a 3rd grade level until entering the Adult Learning Program. Darlene was matched with a one-on-one tutor and quickly began making progress. She moved up 3 reading levels every year for four years and exited the program reading at a 10th-grade level!

Read901 is a citywide initiative on one of the most important indicators of academic success: grade-level reading by the end of 3rd grade. Read901 combines the strength of community-based organizations, funders, city agencies, and corporations around 3rd grade reading proficiency. Through partnerships with the Boys and Girls Club, Memphis Athletic Ministries, the Refugee Empowerment Program, Streets Ministries, and many others, Read 901 provides out of school time literacy education to over 3,500 students in Shelby County.

Read901 helps partner organizations bridge the gap between student’s current reading levels and their academic success. Without their support, students like 9-year-old old Sandibel would continue to fall behind in school. When Sandibel entered the program, she tested at a very low reading level. She has since made great strides, even surpassing some of the students that entered the program with her. Now, Sanidibel has empowered herself to become an extremely successful reader and wants to be a police officer one day. Her love of reading has also impacted her family. Sandibel reads a bedtime story to her two baby brothers every night! A love of reading like Sandibel’s is contagious, and Literacy Mid-South is helping it spread to every corner of the city.

Want to join Literacy Mid-South in transforming Grind City into a community actively engaged in lifelong learning? Click Here to get involved!

Sign up to participate in the upcoming New Tutor Training Session on November 10th.

Visit their website at www.LiteracyMidSouth.org to learn more or contact the Literacy Mid-South Team.

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The post Literacy Mid-South Promoting Lifelong Learning here in Memphis appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Wrap and roll for the homeless

Start off September right by providing delicious burritos to homeless Memphians. Stop by the First United Methodist Church at Second and Poplar the morning of Saturday, Sept. 1, and bring a few friends if you can. There will be plenty of wrapping and rolling for all comers.

Let your sense of civic pride blossom

The butterflies that visit Memphis or call it home need your help! The Memphis Botanic Garden is seeking volunteers to record information on butterfly populations and assist with gardening tasks that support butterfly health and migration. Some experience with recording data, basic gardening or conservation is preferred. If you’re willing to get dirty for Memphis’ most glamorous denizens, volunteers are needed on Wednesday afternoons from April to November.

Lend a (second) hand

If you have some weekday mornings free, consider assisting Catholic Charities of West Tennessee with its Clothes Closet, which provides new and gently used clothing and household items to Memphians in need. If you’d like to sort donations and help your neighbors find something that suits them, stop by and lend a hand. Clothes may make the man, but working with those in need makes a community.

Commune with nature

There’s nothing more relaxing than a nature walk. Taking in the sights and sounds is much easier when a trail is well-maintained, and the Lichterman Nature Center would like your assistance in removing debris and non-native plants once a month. If you feel like you’ve been planted in your office chair lately, uproot yourself and take a leaf out of your environmentally minded neighbors’ book.

Get festive

The cultural and ethnic diversity of Memphis is one of its greatest strengths, and the Memphis Japan Festival on Sept. 30 is just one example, providing an opportunity for Memphians of Japanese descent to celebrate their heritage and for all Memphians to explore Japanese art and history. The festival takes place at the Memphis Botanic Garden, and volunteers will assist staff to create an event to remember. Festivals can be physically challenging, so be ready for a full day on your feet as you work to further this culturally rich experience.

Looking for more stories on what makes Memphis great?

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Sunset on South Main Where’s your go-to place to shop or visit here? ——— : @danwils123 ——– Want to be featured on our page? DM us! #BringYourSoul #WeAreMemphis

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One of the ways that Memphis plans on implementing positive change is with the Year to Volunteer effort led by Volunteer Odyssey as part of the #BringYourSoul movement. Year To Volunteer will continue the commemoration of Dr. King and his legacy with a yearlong initiative to mobilize a culture of volunteerism in Memphis. The goal is to engage 10,000 volunteers across the community, generate 85,000 hours of service, and create over $2 million in economic impact by Memphis’ bicentennial in 2019. And now we are challenging you to embody the legacy of Dr. King for the next 365 days and beyond.

The Volunteer Odyssey website will have new service opportunities listed on the 15^th of every month, and you can track your volunteer hours through their site. As the numbers rise, their impact tracking system will allow Memphians to see the impact they’re having on this city. Volunteer Odyssey has also created new service days for the city to get involved; on October 19^th there will be a day of service for corporations and on October 20^th a day of service for individuals and families.

Memphis is revved up for the coming year and we are ready to do even more to make a positive change in our community. We’ve already been named the “Most Charitable City in the Country,” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy magazine in Washington D.C., but we can do even more than that. Dr. King came to our city with a message and a vision of how Memphis could be. Now is the time to make that dream a reality. Inside all of us is the ability to make a positive change in our community, to give the best of yourself to change the world around you. It’s time to bring that energy to the forefront, Memphis. It’s time to #BringYourSoul.

Find Your Year To Volunteer event now.

You might also be interested in: Top 5 Things to Know About Job Hunting 

The post A year to volunteer in Memphis appeared first on We Are Memphis.

One of the many areas affected by institutional racism was education, and we still see the consequences in our school systems across the country today through segregated schools and barriers to education. The aftermath of school segregation has been linked as a cause of an educational gap. Now, Memphis is driving innovation through a variety of non-profits and initiatives that work to close this gap and make quality education a reality for all students.

Fast Facts

• The city of Memphis has presented a plan to potentially pump $6,000,000 into Shelby County pre-kindergarten programs, using funds from property tax revenue without further affecting taxpayers. If approved by the city council, this effort would work towards increasing the accessibility of pre-k for an estimated 1,500 more students.
• Tennessee is also allocating $30 million this year to promote summer-reading programs across the state, which also aims to increase literacy proficiency in young students. Memphis students will directly benefit from the summer reading and pre-k program funding.
• Along with increasing this budget, by 2022 Memphis is planning to raise the full-time hourly wage for school employees to $15 an hour. These policy changes will help schools provide a more stable foundation for children entering pre-k and for the staff and employees of the schools.
• In a recent report by the University of Memphis, researchers write, “It is important to note that greater levels of education appear to be associated with lower poverty rates particularly among the overall population. It is interesting to note that greater high school completion seems to have a dramatic impact on African American poverty rates.”

Memphis is home to countless educational innovators, with over 4,000 charitable organizations dedicated to ending poverty by promoting educational success for underprivileged students.

“The function of education is to teach one to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of education.” -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Innovators

The local organization, CodeCrew provides tech literacy for children around the city, furthering diversity within technological fields. CodeCrew strives to ensure that through developmental learning, students have access to technological education on digital systems and software. This education is essential to prepare students for higher academic careers and making sure they are well equipped with modern skills for high paying, high demand jobs (coding, software developers,etc.). CodeCrew holds several after-school programs, summer camps, three in-school elective programs, and special events throughout the year.

Along with CodeCrew, LITE Memphis works in Shelby County Schools to promote the furthering of education. Their vision is for African American and Latinx students to close the racial wealth gap by becoming entrepreneurs and securing high-wage jobs. LITE Memphis begins their program by taking students into a 6-month entrepreneurship program to develop ideas, places students into paid internships, and then helps students inculcate financial success in their communities through entrepreneurship. The organization’s statistics show 2,000 youths empowered through entrepreneurship, $112,000 invested in small business growth, and that over 90% of students have launched entrepreneurial projects since 2014.

Organizations in Memphis like CodeCrew and LITE Memphis are dedicated to disrupting the achievement gap through innovative, modern approaches. Other non-profits working to close the achievement gap in Memphis include The Memphis Lift, Memphis Education Fund, New Leaders for New Schools, Stand for Children, and many more. It is easy to lose hope and become discouraged when staring at the hard truth of injustice, but the soul Memphis and the vision of Dr. King will never be lost, forever paving a path of light across our world.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Somewhere we must come to see that human progress never rolls in on the wheels of inevitability. It comes through the tireless efforts and persistent work of dedicated individuals.” Memphis is filled to the brim with persistent and dedicated individuals – and we thank them for their work as keepers of Dr. King’s dream.

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The post Issues and Innovators: Remembering Dr. King Over 50 years later appeared first on We Are Memphis.

It houses a network of professionals from 14 local partner agencies who help with the investigation, healing process, and other needs. The Memphis CAC is based on a nationally recognized model of care that creates an environment where children experiencing trauma feel comforted, and sometimes the little things can make a big difference — like a welcoming family reception area, a colorful playroom and a new pal.

Every child who comes into the center for services selects the teddy bear of their choice from what’s known as “The Bear Wall” – a wall of 54 cubbyholes, each stuffed with several brand-new teddy bears of all colors and sizes, some wearing bowties, t-shirts or tiny hats.

Memphis Child Advocacy Center’s motto is “Helping Victims Become Children Again,” and a snuggly teddy bear sends victimized children a positive message.

“The Bear Wall is one of many ways we neutralize the sense of shame caused by abuse,” said Beryl Wight, Memphis CAC Communications and Grants Manager, adding that the process of choosing a bear often inspires smiles, laughter, and even occasional dancing. “It’s so wonderful to see a smiling child standing in front of The Bear Wall, deciding which bear she wants to take home…we want kids who have been victimized to know they deserve a brand-new teddy bear.”

Wight said no one is sure exactly how the tradition began, but The Bear Wall been has remained stocked for more than 20 years, thanks to the generosity of Memphians. During that time, Memphis CAC has received tens of thousands of bears donated by individuals and groups from all over Shelby County. That includes church congregations, groups of co-workers, and even families who hold drives to collect bears and other wish-list items.

“We’ve received bears from people who came here for services as children, families memorializing a loved one who has passed away, and corporations during giving campaigns,” Wight said. “I once accepted a donation of bears from an elementary aged child. She asked her classmates to donate bears instead of exchanging gifts during the holidays. I learned later that she had previously received services at the Memphis CAC.”

In addition to bear donations, the center is seeking more adults in the community to get involved in its Stewards of Children program, in which a trained ambassador presents sexual abuse prevention and response training for parents and professionals who work with children to take simple actions that can help protect kids from predators. To date, about 20,000 Shelby County adults have been trained by Stewards of Children.

Memphis CAC is in the process of expanding its campus to include the neighboring historic property at 1101 Poplar Avenue. In addition to staff, the building houses representatives from law enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office, child protective services and other agencies that together create a strong support system for the children served by Memphis CAC. The expansion will allow them to move even more partner agency members on campus. To strengthen that network and help victims become children again.

If you’d like to donate a teddy bear — brand new and preferably medium sized — for The Bear Wall to comfort a child, please contact Memphis Child Advocacy Center. Because of the confidential nature of services, arrangements must be made ahead of time. Sometimes the wall is fully stocked with fuzzy friends, but the center always has other wish list items, such as packaged snacks and drinks, therapy supplies, and gift cards for department and office supply stores.

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When it comes to generosity and investing in the community, Memphis leads the pack. According to a study from the Chronicle of Philanthropy, Memphis ranks as the most charitable city in the United States.

Inspired to do even better

After trailing Salt Lake City, the last time rankings were revealed, Memphis broke into the top spot in 2017, spurred by increased giving to the public-school system. All told, Memphians give 5.6 percent of their overall income to charitable causes. That number is up from 5.1 percent in 2014, the last time the study was released.

Memphians were largely inspired to keep giving generously by a $90 million donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to the Teacher Effectiveness Institute (TEI) of Memphis City Schools in 2009. Their belief in Memphis’ ability to keep growing and thriving have renewed belief in the Bluff City and opened the floodgates for local residents to also contribute.

Over the last decade, the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis has grown to an asset size of $430 million, and many of the donations coming in were specifically targeted to the public-school system. In 2017, that allowed the group to hand out $161 million in grants around the city.

It’s in our blood

Many also point to Memphis’ being a Southern city rooted in church philanthropy as influencing charitable giving. Cities like Birmingham and Atlanta, who also carry the same distinction, also ranked high on the list.

Besides the education system, other benefactors of Memphis’ philanthropy included:

• Extension of the Green Line bike trail
• Renovation of Shelby Farms Park
• Completion of Big River Crossing project
• Overton Square improvements

Sustained generosity

While some point to big changes in the federal tax code as it relates to charitable giving possibly hampering philanthropic giving across the country, there’s reason for optimism in Memphis. The number of public projects that have been sustained or initiated through Memphis’ generosity seems almost self-sustaining. That is, seeing all the good charitable giving has done for our city spurs continued giving.

Now that’s something to be proud of!

For more information on all things Memphis, click here!

You may also be interested in: Moving to Memphis Tennessee: All You Need To Know 

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Mentorship works, which is why then-President George W. Bush declared January National Mentoring Month in 2002. This year, Memphis celebrates 15 years of mentoring since the declaration. In addition to the intangible effects of mentoring, the hard numbers are pretty staggering as well. Youth who have a mentor are:

• 52 percent less likely to skip school
• 46 percent less likely to use drugs
• 55 percent more likely to go to college
• 81 percent more likely to participate in extracurricular activities
• 90 percent more likely to want to become themselves in the future
• 130 percent more likely to hold a leadership position in a club or sports team

Over 9 million youth in America are in need of a mentor, including youth throughout Memphis. Mentor Memphis is our citywide program that strives to reduce crime and inspire young people by putting them on a positive trajectory.

There’s no shortage of mentoring opportunities in Memphis, each with different time and duration commitments. No matter your degree of availability, there’s a program in need of your help.

Some of the groups taking the lead in Memphis mentoring include:

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mid-South
• Girlzlife Empowering Mentoring Program
• The Giving Hour
• Grizzlies Preparatory Charter School
• Reach Memphis
• STREETS Ministries
• Veritas College Preparatory School
• Virtue Quest
• Youth Villages
• Memphis Grizzlies Team Mentor Program

Those interested in volunteering their time and talents for the betterment of the greater Memphis community can start by visiting the MentorMe website. When you sign up, the site collects some basic information and uses an advanced algorithm to match you to the perfect mentoring opportunity. MentorMe will also offer support by providing the tools you’ll need to be an outstanding mentor.

Although January is drawing to a close, the need for mentoring in Memphis won’t end when the calendar turns to February. By making a commitment to youth in Memphis, you are helping to ensure a bright future for our community at large. Visit the Mentor Memphis webpage on the City of Memphis site today to take your first step.

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