Nonprofit of the Week

El Centro Hispano: Strengthening Communities, Changing Lives

Since its founding in 1992 as The Hispanic Resource Center, El Centro Hispano (ECH) has grown from a small faith-based initiative into North Carolina’s largest Latino-led organization, dedicated to empowering communities, building bridges, and creating opportunities for all.

President and CEO Pilar Rocha-Goldberg was drawn to ECH for its grassroots approach and commitment to amplifying community voices, meeting immediate needs while building long-term opportunities for growth and equity.

Real Impact, Real Stories

José Santaella, a painter, gained essential safety skills through OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 training, preparing him for safer work on construction sites.

Diego Sanchez Tirado began his journey in ECH’s Young Leaders in Action program, earned the Ed Blunt Scholarship, and is now a Stanford student inspiring other young people to pursue higher education.

Gloria Garcia, after 30 years in the U.S., learned to read and write, opening doors to better job opportunities.

Roham Sachdev, a medical student, enhanced his ability to communicate with Spanish-speaking patients through ECH’s Medical Spanish class.

Tamara Baloy received assistance with bills and has since referred others who also benefited from ECH’s support.

Aura Soto transformed her health through ECH’s nutrition program, improving from type 2 diabetes to prediabetic.

Programs That Empower
Serving Durham, Wake, Orange, and surrounding counties, ECH operates three satellite offices, a Mobile Health Unit, and the Ventanilla de Salud at the Mexican Consulate in Raleigh. Programs include workforce development, financial literacy, job placement, ESL and citizenship classes, tutoring, STEM activities, summer camps, leadership and college readiness, and support for LGBTQ+ individuals, older adults, and women. Civic engagement initiatives provide legal clinics, citizenship guidance, voter education, and workplace cultural competency training.

Getting Involved
ECH welcomes volunteers, donors, and partners to help expand its reach. From tutoring youth to supporting events or providing financial contributions, every act of support strengthens programs and helps build a more inclusive, thriving community.

El Centro Hispano continues to transform lives—one person, one family, and one opportunity at a time.

Website: https://elcentronc.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elcentrohispanonc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elCentroHispanoNC

*A special thank you to our volunteer writers and interviewers for the Nonprofit of the Week Spotlight: Len Blackwell, Lisa Dombrowski, Rich Haney, and Danielle Lackland.

2025 Nonprofits of the Week

Arts Access North Carolina

9/15/2025

Arts Access North Carolina is a nonprofit dedicated to creating a positive impact at the intersection of arts, education and disability. Their vision is to have communities in which the arts are universally accessible. They value acceptance, lived experiences, partnerships and collaboration with those in their growing community.

Arts Access was founded by a dedicated group of volunteers who worked to provide wheelchairs to cultural institutions which in turn made them available to their patrons. In the early 1990s Arts Access began providing audio description services, offering individuals with low-vision or who are blind the opportunity to enjoy the performing, visual and public arts. Over the years, they have become one of the largest and most well-known audio description providers in the country.

The Arts Access Gallery was opened in downtown Raleigh in March 2024 to showcase the artwork of disabled artists. The gallery presents 5 exhibitions each year along with artist talks and art classes. This has provided them with a public face for the organization and a new way for people to engage with their work.

Essentially, Arts Access NC provides access to the arts for people with disabilities. This ranges from information about accessible events to providing audio description or exhibiting their artwork.

They work with cultural organizations across the state from theatres to museums and even the NC Zoo. The Arts Access Gallery hosts artist talks and classes throughout the year in Raleigh. They conduct arts education residencies in Special Education classes in Durham and Wake County. Their team of audio describers provide access to people who are Blind or low vision at performances and museums throughout the Triad. Each year they host workshops throughout the state to help cultural organizations expand on the great work they are doing for disabled patrons.

The Arts Access Gallery provides a space for artists with disabilities to exhibit and sell their work. They host Artist Talks quarterly and art classes monthly for adults and youth in the community, and they have a roster of over 130 disabled artists in the state as part of their Artist Link Project. The group is supported with resources for exhibition opportunities, funding and employment.

According to Executive Director, Eileen Bagnall, “At this point, funding is our biggest challenge. There are many unknowns with the current financial situation and we are seeing some impact with reduced funding from our partners. The community support we have is amazing and it drew me to working here. I’m proud to lead Arts Access NC organization into its next journey with the Arts Access Gallery.”

They welcome volunteers, especially in the gallery. Their website has information on how to sign up.

Website: https://artsaccessinc.org

Social Media: @ArtsAccessNC on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

Reviews, Comments, Testimonials:

Em Kibbler, Artist Link Project member:

“What is amazing about the Arts Access Gallery is that it puts the joy of disability at the forefront.”

Robert Parrish, audio description user:

“Audio description made the stage come alive for me!

Barbara Olson, former Executive Director on the Arts Access Gallery:

“The fact that Arts Access has this space just makes me so proud. This is the culmination of a vision, which we call it a dream, you know.” https://artsaccessinc.org

Bike Durham

9/8/2025

Bike Durham

In 2013, a small but determined group of Durham residents came together with one clear goal: make the city’s streets safer for cyclists. What began with grassroots events like Bike-A-Bull City and the Ride of Silence has grown into something much bigger—a movement for transportation justice that now touches every corner of the community.

By 2019, Bike Durham had expanded its focus beyond cycling, embracing a broader mission rooted in racial equity, social justice, and safer streets for everyone. This transformation brought new governance structures, racial equity training, and—by 2020—the hiring of the organization’s first executive director, John Tallmadge. Since then, Bike Durham has played a pivotal role in shaping long-term transportation planning and forging partnerships with a diverse array of organizations across the city and state.

A Mission That Moves the City Forward

Bike Durham works to empower people to walk, bike, and ride public transit more often through events, advocacy, and education. Their vision is simple but powerful: streets that are safe, communities that are connected, and a Durham where mobility is equitable for all. “Access to the community that is safe, affordable, and sustainable is essential for everyone to have the opportunity for a good quality of life,” says Tallmadge.

Serving Everyone on the Move

The nonprofit serves anyone who walks, bikes, or uses public transit in Durham, North Carolina. Through policy advocacy, they push for transportation infrastructure that works for all users—whether that’s protected bike lanes, safer crosswalks, or improved bus routes.

Programs That Make a Difference

Education in Schools & Community: From teaching bike safety in Durham Public Schools to offering adult and teen bike classes, Bike Durham helps residents build confidence on two wheels.

Transit Travel Training: Specialized programs help riders navigate public transit with ease.

Community Building: Monthly community meetings and larger advocacy events give residents a platform to learn, connect, and take action on transportation equity.

The Challenge of Capacity

As a small organization with big goals, Bike Durham faces the challenge of limited staff capacity. “Sometimes what we want to do is shaped by what we’re able to take on,” Tallmadge explains. Still, the team’s passion and partnerships allow them to make an outsized impact.

How You Can Help

Durham residents can support Bike Durham in many ways—by volunteering, joining a community meeting, attending an advocacy meetup, or becoming a member. “We need your time, talents, and treasure,” says Tallmadge. The best first step? Sign up for their email list at bikedurham.org/email-signup.

Learn More & Get Involved

Website: www.bikedurham.org

Social Media: @bikedurham on Instagram and Facebook

Bike Durham isn’t just about bikes—it’s about building a Durham where every trip, no matter the mode, is safe, sustainable, and accessible.

Families Moving Forward

9/1/2025

Families Moving Forward Transforms Lives, One Family at a Time

Families Moving Forward helps Durham families in the crisis of homelessness find stability and secure permanent housing.

They provide temporary housing, case management, skills education, and connection to community resources to help parents and children thrive in stable homes.

You can take part in creating brighter futures for local families in need by volunteering or donating to Families Moving Forward (FMF). Whether you’re preparing a delicious meal, organizing fun activities for children, or offering a compassionate ear, every moment you spend with FMF is meaningful—and fun! FMF believes in the transformative power of community.

Together, we can all make a real impact and create lasting change. Visit fmfnc.org to learn how you can get involved today! Let’s move forward together—one family, one smile, one act of kindness at a time.

Volunteering with FMF is more than giving back; it’s about building connections and being part of a supportive, uplifting community. FMF recently hired a new Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, Maryn Leopard. Before joining the team at Families Moving Forward, Maryn worked as a farm hand at Frog Pond Farm, a small farm focused on emotional horsemanship and equine therapy. A Durham native, she is excited to take on her new role as a volunteer coordinator and is pleased to give back to the community that helped raise her.

Donations, big or small, help provide safe housing, critical resources, and hope to families on their journey to stability. Join their community of caring volunteers who create a loving, supportive environment for families in crisis. From mentoring children to helping with daily operations, every hour you give brings a family closer to home.

You can donate: Your financial support at https://fmfnc.org/donate provides:

Safe shelter for families with nowhere to turn

Educational programs that help children thrive despite adversity

Resources that empower parents to achieve lasting independence

The tools families need to transition from homelessness to hope

And you can give in kind, to make a family’s room at The NEST feel like home by donating essential items from their wish list.

By working with the Triangle Nonprofit and Leadership Center. Families Moving Forward was the first in North Carolina to receive Social Enterprise Initiative Certification for Volunteer Support.

Consider joining them in finding the way home for Durham’s families.

You can meet all involved with FMF and their Chefs for Change at the FMF Gala on Thursday, November 6. Tickets on sale soon!

Visit fmfnc.org to donate, volunteer, or learn more.

Oh, and looking for a new position? FMF is seeking a new volunteer coordinator to support and advance their efforts.

Visit fmfnc.org to donate, volunteer, or learn more.

Homelessness starts at home, and so does the solution.

Horse & Buddy

8/25/2025 – Horse and Buddy began when the owner of a local barn followed a physical therapist’s suggestion to put her child with special needs on a horse. Janet Mason, executive director at Horse and Buddy, started volunteering soon after and quickly saw the profound impact the experience had on children and their families. What began as a grassroots effort evolved into something bigger—Horse and Buddy moved to a new location, became a nonprofit, and joined PATH International (then NARHA), which helped the nonprofit grow into the structured and impactful organization it is today.

The mission at Horse and Buddy is to enrich the lives of individuals with diverse needs through equine-assisted services and activities in a safe, caring, and accepting environment. The programs offered at Horse and Buddy support the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of each participant and empowers them in unique and transformative ways. Riders build strength, motor skills and confidence. Seniors enjoy the outdoors, connect with others, and engage with horses in a calming, supportive setting. Those involved in mental health programs participate in therapy where horses are active partners in their healing process. The tremendous impact of the organization is felt through a sampling of testimonials.

“Horse and Buddy has given us something rare and deeply meaningful—a place where differences are not only accepted but embraced, and every individual is genuinely valued for who they are.”

“The staff and volunteers are always joyful, friendly, caring, accepting and very skilled in making the needs of each rider a priority for lessons.”

“Riding has helped a great deal with Atle’s core strength and muscle tone which in turn has stopped the progress of his spine curvature. But this is all secondary to how much Atle enjoys riding the big horse!  Just to see his smile and how excited he gets when it is time to go to the barn makes our day.”

“Before Riley started riding at Horse and Buddy, he would refuse to try new things, was extremely shy or would shut down when in slightly stressful situations. From the minute he met the staff at Horse and Buddy and first sat on Joe, he was a different child. When his session ends, he can’t stop talking about the horses and staff.”

Horse and Buddy is located in New Hill, NC serving individuals throughout Wake County and surrounding areas. Horse and Buddy offers a variety of programs including therapeutic horseback riding, Silver Saddles for seniors, equine assisted psychotherapy, equine partnered play therapy, mindful retreats, and corporate team building programs.

The biggest challenge Horse and Buddy face is funding. Demand for their services is growing. They currently have 60 riders on their waitlist, and their mental health and senior programs continue to expand. They’re planning to build a second arena and new office space to meet this need, but they can’t do it without strong community support.

If you’d like to get involved, you can learn more at horseandbuddy.org! Whether you want to volunteer, donate, or simply explore what they do, your support makes a real difference. You can also follow Horse and Buddy on Facebook and Instagram @horseandbuddy.

Website: www.horseandbuddy.org

Facebook/: facebook.com/horseandbuddy

Instagram: @horseandbuddy

The Women's Center

8/18/2025 – The Women’s Center (TWC) began as a welcoming portal of reentry for women transitioning out of incarceration in 1977. Over time the program expanded services to reach women experiencing homelessness. Amy Smith, Executive Director, joined TWC in 2023 because she, like many of our board members, staff, and volunteers, has a personal connection to someone experiencing homelessness. Amy believes that all people deserve a safe place to call home and want to be a part of the work to make that happen in our community.

The mission of the Women’s Center of Wake County is to use evidence-based practices to provide stability and housing to single women experiencing homelessness. TWC seeks to reduce the number of women experiencing homelessness in our community, as well as limit the duration of their homeless experience. They work with each woman to break the cycle of domestic violence, trauma, sexual assault, human trafficking, and homelessness.

The Women’s Center serves adult, unaccompanied women who are experiencing homelessness in Wake County. Nearly 60% of the women they serve have no income and 100% live below 30% AMI. More than 50% of their clients are African American and approximately 30% are elderly. 91% of TWC clients have histories of sexual violence. These women do not have a network of support to meet their immediate needs of food, shelter, and clothing. Their long-term needs include health care, legal support, and permanent housing.

As Wake County’s only day shelter for single women experiencing homelessness, their impact in the Raleigh community is addressing short- and long-term goals of women living without shelter. In 2024, they worked alongside 1,873 unique guests through one of their three proven interventions: day shelter, housing, and our Recuperative Respite Overnight Shelter.

Through our day shelter, the Women’s Center provided 73,267 meals in 2024. Monday through Friday, they provide breakfast, lunch, and to-go meals for their guests along with case management, physical and behavioral health appointments, document retrieval and more. They also worked with 26 women through our transitional housing program and moved 17 women into permanent housing. Their 11-bed Recuperative Respite Overnight Shelter opened in June 2024 and served as a safe, reliable shelter for 18 women in its first 6 months of operation. Recuperative Respite serves as a bridge between short- and long-term needs, housing women recovering from illness or injury for up to 90 days while they receive case management, housing navigation, and access to 24-hour health care. With these three programs they create a path to self-sufficiency for women experiencing homelessness.

Amy Smith said “our biggest challenges are finding sustainable funding that provides flexible support and changing the perception that homelessness is something that people could avoid if they wanted to. Homelessness is not a choice, it’s a life-threatening condition, and it will take the support of the whole community to solve this problem.”

You can help! They are always looking for volunteers to provide meals, both for their day shelter and Recuperative Respite. They also need folks to help sort donations in the warehouse. Individuals and community groups can host donation drives for clothing, home goods, and hygiene supplies. They have a list of urgent needs on our website, and you can follow us on social media to get regular updates. They also have corporate engagement opportunities, so talking to your employer about becoming a partner is a great opportunity!

Website: http://www.wcwc.org

Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/WomensCenterTheTriangle

https://www.instagram.com/womenscenterthetriangle

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-women-s-center-of-wake-county

WakeEd Partnership

8/11/2025 – WakeEd Partnership (WakeEd) was founded in 1983 as North Carolina’s first independent local education fund. It grew out of the Raleigh Chamber as a way to harness business support for public education. With seed funding from the Ford Foundation, WakeEd was established by leaders in both education and business to promote innovative teaching, strengthen student achievement, and support teacher enrichment and professional development in the Wake County Public School System—North Carolina’s largest school district. That same year, WakeEd began awarding teacher grants, raising funds through Pieces of Gold, a student showcase of music, song, and dance performances that continues today under the school district’s leadership.

WakeEd’s mission is to unite businesses and the community in supporting all educators and students in Wake County Public Schools. Today, about 80% of families in Wake County continue to choose public schools. WakeEd believes strong public schools are the heart of our community and the engine of our economy. And they believe every student should have access to the resources needed for an excellent public education. They serve the 160,000 students and 20,000 teachers and staff in Wake County Public Schools.

WakeEd’s leadership has a very strong commitment to their mission. President Keith Poston, said, “As for what drew me to this work, after more than 20 years leading public relations and corporate communications for several Fortune 500 companies, I made a career pivot in 2014 because I wanted to give back and do something more meaningful in the community. That opportunity came when I joined the Public School Forum of North Carolina—and later, WakeEd Partnership—two organizations dedicated to supporting and strengthening public education.
Public schools have always been both important and personal to me: my mother, sister, and father-in-law were all educators, and my wife, daughter, and I have all been well served by North Carolina’s public schools. I believe public education is the cornerstone of this state’s future, and I’m proud to be part of an organization that works every day to protect and strengthen it.”

While their programs are open to all schools, WakeEd targets supporting the teachers and students in most need. Their programs are designed in partnership with the school district to prioritize participation by historically marginalized groups and Title I schools, which have high enrollment of children from low-income families. The categorization of Title I schools is also tied to the percentage of students who qualify for the Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Program. More than 56,000 students in the school district qualify for this program – a population that is larger than the total student enrollment at all but four school districts in North Carolina.

WakeEd’s priorities are to:

Mobilize partners to actively engage in public education.

Support public school educators and students.

Champion and advocate for Wake County Public Schools.

They design and implement programs that have meaningful impact on education outcomes in Wake County Public Schools. Their programs align with the needs and academic priorities of the school district. These include literacy development, college and career preparation, and teacher professional development and support.

Each and every program has a community component. They recruit and train community volunteers to provide literacy support to struggling young readers. They partner with businesses to offer career readiness and professional development to students and teachers. Further, they engage individuals and business alike to donate essential classroom supplies to 100% of Wake County Public Schools so teachers do not have to spend their own money on basic supplies for their students. They could not provide this level of support to students and teachers without their 1,300 volunteers.

Biggest challenges? In a time marked by rapid change and recovery from the global pandemic, last fall we set out to develop a new strategic plan to guide our work for the next five years. In conversations with educators, funders, board members, and community stakeholders sent one clear message: it’s time for WakeEd to be louder, bolder, and stronger than ever.

You can help!

Donate: When you donate to WakeEd Partnership, you support their programs that provide direct support to students and teachers in the areas of literacy development, college and career preparation, teacher education, and classroom supplies. Donate today at www.wakeed.org/support.

Volunteer: When you volunteer, you are an active participant in making a difference in Wake County classrooms. Current volunteer opportunities include reading with struggling 1st grade readers through our Partners Read program and organizing supplies at their Tools4Schools free classroom supply store for teachers. Learn more and sign up at www.wakeed.org/volunteer.

Run a Supply Drive: Host a supply drive to collect new or gently used supplies for our Tools4Schools free classroom supply store. Donations can be dropped off year-round at the Tools4Schools store in Raleigh or this summer at one of our supply drive drop-off locations throughout Wake County. Learn more and register at www.wakeed.org/supply-drive.

Website: www.wakeed.org

Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/WakeEdPartnership/

https://www.instagram.com/wakeedpa/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/wake-education-partnership/

https://x.com/wakeedpa

Wheels4Hope

8/4/2025 – The website for Wheels 4 Hope says it all: “Get On the Road to a Better Life: Providing Transportation to those in Need Since 2000”. Founded by mission-minded Raleigh leaders who saw the need of struggling families as they sought reliable transportation, John Weistart (law professor) and Chris Simes (engineer and “car guy”) sought a solution for the lack of reliable transportation relative to struggling families seeking access. Options for economically challenged people to buy a car were limited in Wake County, and these people were often taken advantage of by having to pay inflated prices and interest rates. Knowing a vehicle is often the critical link to getting and keeping a job, meeting family obligations, and pursuing educational opportunities, Wheels 4 Hope opened an all-volunteer garage with philanthropic investment from congregational partners, local garages, and corporate stakeholders. As the working population increased in North Carolina, Wheels 4 Hope sought to expand its reach to the Triad region, thus opening a second location in Greensboro, in 2012.

With the confidence of private donors, local municipalities, partner agencies, and corporate garages, Wheels 4 Hope seeks to further expand its reach across North Carolina, so they can assist in the direct betterment and upward mobility of the working poor.

Qualified recipients are referred by their partner agencies so that they can be considered to receive a vehicle that has been donated and restored to sound mechanical condition.

Recipients pay $500 for their vehicle and are responsible for insurance, title, and transfer fees. Each program car comes with a six-month warranty. Once a recipient is approved for a vehicle, Wheels 4 Hope schedules a date for pickup and Car Blessing. The Car Blessing is a celebration with friends, family, case workers and the car donor–celebrating this new chapter in their life. At this time the car donor passes the keys to the recipient and they drive away on a new journey. 

According to Executive Director, Lisa Brusca-Sykes, their biggest need right now is receiving enough donated vehicles to fill the need of those without transportation.

If you know somebody that has an extra car that they could donate, Wheels 4 Hope accepts All vehicles in ANY condition, and they will pick it up for free!

You can help!

Volunteer as a Car Runner or Volunteer Mechanic!

Website: www.wheels4hope.org

Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/Wheels4Hope/

Assistance League of the Triangle Area

7/28/2025 – Assistance League of the Triangle Area (ALTA) exists to transform the lives of women, children, and families in the Triangle through community programs, serving Durham, Orange, and Wake counties. It began in 1997 when “The Resolution To Organize” was signed and submitted by 45 dedicated women interested in charitable service to the community who wished to organize as a chapter of the National Assistance League. Of this newly formed chapter, these women became the founders and charter members.

According to senior leadership, ALTA’s biggest challenges are unmet needs and “so much more that we wish we could do” for their community. Unfortunately, some children do not receive their clothing/shoes bags, and some students do not receive scholarships. Growing ALTA membership is key to growing their impact on the community. They would love to increase their volunteer base, as well as obtain more funding to ensure more students have the opportunity to succeed at school.

From Deb Woolfolk, Board President, “We are an all-volunteer organization, so we do not have an Executive Director. We believe essential needs are met in our community and families flourish through supporting education. Responding quickly to local needs is an important value of our organization.”

ALTA’s services include:

The Operation School Bell® Program serves students in local schools by providing new clothing, shoes, hygiene items, and school supplies. Students most in need are selected by the schools’ counselors and social workers. Often, students with housing instability are selected by the school district liaisons to receive much needed new clothing and shoes for each school year.

The Scholarships Program awards scholarships to students in need of financial assistance who plan to attend North Carolina colleges, universities, and technical schools. Scholarships are offered to high school seniors, students working towards an undergraduate degree, and returning scholars who have received a scholarship in the previous year.

Additionally, they offer Philanthropic Programs that serve our community through pediatric hospital emergency departments, local non-profit organizations, and crisis outreach projects.

How can you get involved, volunteer and support ALTA?

Become a volunteer member. Membership provides consistent volunteer experience, servicing the local community along with social interactions and the enjoyment of belonging. As a member, you have a voice by voting on board leadership, annual budget, philanthropic programs, and fundraising activities.

Come Join us – Assistance League of the Triangle Area

Financial Support through direct donation at our website:

Donations – Assistance League of the Triangle Area

Shop and donate at A-Z Thrift Shop or shop online at eBay to help fund our philanthropic efforts in the community.

A-Z Thrift Shop, 1621 N. Market Drive, Raleigh, NC 27609

Assistance League Triangle Area | eBay Stores

Experience Team-Building activities. Each year, they partner with small local groups to bring volunteerism to other organizations and/or corporations. Activities may include hosting food, clothing, or backpacks drives, volunteering in their thrift shop, packing clothing for a school in their Operation School Bell® Program, or fulfilling an unmet need in our community. They work directly with the group to customize your experience. In-person activities are limited to 12 people due to space constraints. To inquire, please email us at info@altriangle.org.

Website:

altriangle.org

Social Media:

A-Z Thrift Shop | Raleigh NC | Facebook

Assistance League Triangle (@azthriftshop) • Instagram photos and videos

Open Table Ministry

7/21/2025

Open Table Ministry seeks out and guides those experiencing homelessness and poverty to long-term health and wholeness by building ongoing trusting relationships, meeting practical and personal needs, making connections to community resources, and bridging critical gaps in the social services system.

Open Table Ministry serves individuals experiencing homelessness in Durham. It began as a field education placement site through Duke Divinity School, where seminarians were invited to share roadside meals with individuals experiencing homelessness – building relationships, listening to stories, and learning from people with very different life experiences. What started as a grassroots effort rooted in presence and shared humanity grew into something more. In 2009, Open Table Ministry was incorporated as an independent nonprofit to continue and expand that work with greater structure and sustainability.

Executive Director Drew Wooten shared: “While I’m not the founder, I was deeply drawn to the mission because of its relational heart – meeting people where they are, walking alongside them without judgment, and holding space for dignity and transformation. Open Table Ministry’s commitment to showing up consistently for our unsheltered neighbors resonated with my calling and values, and it’s an honor to help lead this work forward. At Open Table Ministry, we focus on presence over programs—showing up consistently, meeting immediate needs, and helping people navigate a path forward. In a world where many feel invisible, we seek to offer connection, dignity, and belonging.”

Open Table Ministry offers:

Free Store: Every Tuesday morning at Trinity UMC, they provide access to clothing, showers, and essential personal items in a welcoming, dignified environment.

Office Hours: No appointment needed – individuals can come for help with mail services (vital for those without a permanent address), obtaining ID documents, and navigating Durham’s homeless services system.

Emergency White Flag Shelter: During the coldest months of the year, they operate overflow shelter beds to ensure people have a safe, warm place to stay when temperatures drop dangerously low.

There are so many meaningful ways for the community to get involved with Open Table Ministry. One of the best is by volunteering on Tuesday mornings at their Free Store (https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090c4eacae2caaf85-free#/). Whether you can come every week or just once in a while, your presence will help create a welcoming space where unsheltered neighbors can access clothing, showers, and essential items with dignity.

They also love when groups – faith communities, businesses, schools, and others – organize drives for much-needed items like gently used shoes, backpacks, or sleeping bags. These donations go directly into the hands of people who need them most.

Website: opentableministry.org

Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/opentableministry/

https://www.facebook.com/opentableministry

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090c4eacae2caaf85-free#/

The Help Center NC

7/14/2025 –

Twanna Joyner Jones (founder and Executive Director) founded this Triangle nonprofit in 2017, driven by a passion to create positive impact. Jones said, “From a young age, I was inspired to make a differences, guided by my mother and grandmother’s selfless examples. Our organization is built on the principals of compassion, love, and kindness, empowering us to serve others with hope and empathy.”

The Help Center NC is committed to creating lasting change by providing critical assistance and hope to families struggling with hunger and other pressing issues, empowering them to overcome adversity and thrive. The Help Center NC provides nutritious food and emergency essentials to community members facing hunger and other challenges. Their program includes: Food Pantry, Mobile Pantry, Senior Support Services, Helpful Buddy Packs, Healthy Pantry and Youth Enrichment.

Shemecka McNeil, founder of Slice 325, nominated The Help Center NC as our Nonprofit of the Week because, “The Help Center NC doesn’t just show up, they stand in the gap. Whether it’s food, faith, or a friendly face when someone needs it most, they’re consistent, committed, and community-first. They don’t do it for attention, they do it because it’s what Christ would do. From feeding families to supporting folks through storms (literal and spiritual), The Help Center brings dignity, heart, and healing to people who’ve been overlooked. That kind of love in action deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated. This is what true community work looks like.”

 To volunteer with The Help Center NC or host a drive, here’s how you can get involved and make a difference. Visit our website , contact our office at 919-391-7300.

Website: www.thehelpcenternc.com

Social Media: @helpcenternc

Healing Pines Respite

7/7/2025

“Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for.”

Maya Angelou

Good Medicine
Healing Women with Cancer Through Respites, Nature, and Connection

Cancer is a thief.

It steals precious time from families.

It steals money and upends finances.

It steals peace of mind.

Healing Pines Respite (HPR) is a local organization helping women who have first-hand experience with cancer. This includes both survivors and those in active treatment. HPR provides respites and support by helping women build community—helping each other realize they’re not alone in their journey. Respite attendees also learn the value of taking time out for self-care, despite all the responsibilities in their lives.

According to HPR co-founder, Katerina Gmitter, “When women thrive, there is a ripple effect on their families and communities. We grant women space away from their daily obligations, guiding them to focus on their healing journey.”

“I realized I need to focus on me, but I didn’t know where to start. This is the beginning.
When I take care of myself, I can take care of others.”

—young ovarian cancer survivor

Gmitter was a young mother of two small children when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Co-founder Jessica Murley lost her father to pancreatic cancer. Her work with HPR is her personal way of honoring him.

Together, Gmitter and Murley created HPR to address an important gap in Triangle-area cancer care.

“We are fortunate to have so many world-class medical and research institutions here,” said Murley. “Their contributions to the battle against cancer save millions of lives each year. But cancer damages more than just the body. Recovery is a lifelong process which requires healing both the mind and spirit.”

Last year, HPR served more than 200 women. With community support, the organization can expand their reach. Both Greensboro and Charlotte have active programs. More are planned across the state with more planned in Wilmington, Tarboro and Asheville.

To fund their work, HPR receives grants, as well as donations from area businesses. But the biggest and best event is the annual Golf Classic and silent auction. Last year, there were 98 golfers (including duffers!), and the goal is to host 120 this year. The 2025 Golf Classic will take place Monday, September 29 at Governors Club in Chapel Hill.

Through HPR, Gmitter and Murley are meeting an oft-ignored need for women with cancer. Their work is indeed “good medicine.”

Learn more about Healing Pines Respite.

[SOCIAL LINKS]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healingpinesrespite

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingpinesrespite/

The Bull City Woodshop

6/30/2025

Andrea Bowens has a passion for being part of organizations that invest in positive opportunities for youth engagement. When she recognized that most schools no longer offer shop classes for students to casually and creatively learn hands-on trades, she founded the nonprofit, Bull City Woodshop.

Bull City Woodshop is a youth-centered organization that guides individual development, fosters community connection, and cultivates creativity through woodworking. Its mission focuses on positive mentor relationships between the volunteers and youth, individualizing their experiences to maintain a safe and creative working environment.

Bull City Woodshop started humbly in Andrea’s 1.5 car garage in 2021 with 9 students enrolled in a 6-week cohort. In 2022, the organization was able to secure a 6000 sq ft warehouse in downtown Durham transforming the space into a fully functional woodshop. Today, there are over 100 students a semester with nearly half re-enrolling to continue their woodworking skill refinement. The response to the mission has been tremendous –

“Bull City Woodshop is clearly a labor of love—and it shows. We are so grateful for what you’ve built, and for the ways it continues to shape and support the youth in our community.” – Meytal

“He realized this wasn’t just a “class”—it was something he could take pride in. Something real, hands-on, and full of purpose. He was so excited to come home to show his craftsmanship and tell us about the next project.” – Brittaney

“It is difficult to find group enrichment opportunities that work for kids with autism and ADHD, and having an adult who had experience with this population was really helpful.” – Erin

Bull City Woodshop primarily serves youth in grades 7-12 in Durham County but also has opportunities for youth grades 3-6 and adults. The nonprofit offers after-school programs, daytime homeschool classes, summer camps, adult classes, community outreach events, and private parties.

Bull City Woodshop is a newer nonprofit and is experiencing significant growth. Their biggest challenge is to create the infrastructure necessary to sustain growth–including volunteer onboarding and training systems, improved policies and procedures, and increased budget for additional staff and space. There are many ways to volunteer and contribute including in-kind knowledge such as business development, grant writing, photography, and marketing.

Website: https://www.bullcitywoodshop.org

To volunteer, please visit: https://bullcitywoodshop.org/pages/get-involved-info

To donate financially visit: https://bullcitywoodshop.org/pages/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebullcitywoodshop/

Facebook: https://http://www.facebook.com/thebullcitywoodshop

Humble Beginnings: Students in a Garage

The Woodshop Today

First Tee - Triangle

6/23/25 – We are pleased to showcase First Tee — Triangle as our Nonprofit of the Week! First Tee exists to enable kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with life skills curriculum, they create learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids carry to everything they do.

They proudly serve youth at five golf course facilities across the Triangle and 14 Wake County Elementary schools.  In January 2020, they became the proud owners of TriGolf driving range formerly known as Triangle Golf Complex. This land has become the home of First Tee — Triangle Center for Youth Development.

TriGolf is a premier golf facility designed by renowned architect Gil Hanse and proudly home to First Tee — Triangle, serving over 2,000 kids each year. As a community staple, TriGolf is dedicated to promoting the game of golf and providing a welcoming environment for all golf enthusiasts. Their expansive offerings include a state-of-the-art 32,000 sq. ft. Himalayas-style putting green, a 28-bay driving range equipped with Toptracer technology, and two indoor/outdoor simulator bays equipped with Trackman Radar Technology.  Whether you’re practicing your game, hosting an event or outing, or spending quality time with your kids, TriGolf is the perfect place to enjoy the sport and connect with others.

Looking ahead, First Tee is excited to announce the opening of a Peter Millar Par-3 Golf Course in the fall of 2025, further enhancing their offerings and providing even more opportunities for golfers to thrive.

According to President/CEO, Brandon Baker, “Our biggest opportunity for growth is continuing to find quality coaches and mentors to volunteer in our programs on a consistent basis. We love our coaches and the more we have, the more children we can help!”

How can you get involved?

Visit this page: https://firstteetriangle.org/get-involved-2/

Consider volunteering directly with the youth, donate gently used equipment, join a committee, spend time at TriGolf, or consider donating financially.

Website: FirstTeeTriangle.org as well as TriGolf.org (our home facility)

Social Media: @Firstteetriangle and @TriGolf on Instagram, Facebook

Merrick Moore Community Development Corporation

6/16/2025 – Celebrating Merrick Moore Community Development Corporation as our Nonprofit of the Week

The Merrick-Moore Community Development Corporation (MMCDC), a community-based 501(c)(3) organization, is committed to fostering community bonds and enhancing the quality of life for underprivileged and disenfranchised residents in Durham, North Carolina. Rooted in a rich history dating back to the 1940s, MMCDC focuses on community preservation, sustainable development, and education, ensuring that the legacy of its residents continues to thrive.

MMCDC offers free access to fresh fruits and vegetables from our community garden, monthly food distributions, and essential home repairs through the GHI Home Repairs program for income-qualified homeowners. Additional initiatives include technology training for seniors and air monitoring devices to promote a healthier environment. Furthermore, they advocate for infrastructure improvements, focusing on safer streets and expanded sidewalks to enhance accessibility and safety.

Executive Director Bonita Green has led Merrick-Moore since 2019, and she recently enrolled in TNVLC’s Service Enterprise training. She recognizes the immense value volunteers can bring—to fundraising support, to event coordination and to community outreach.

The Merrick-Moore Community Development Corporation (MMCDC) welcomes all community members to join our mission of upliftment and progress. There are numerous ways to get involved and make a meaningful impact: You can help!

Volunteer Opportunities: Participate in community events, educational programs, and outreach initiatives. Your skills and time are invaluable in helping us create lasting change.
Support Through Donations: Contributions, whether financial or in-kind, help sustain our projects and expand our reach to those in need. Every donation directly supports programs that enrich lives and strengthen our community.
Engage in Collaborative Partnerships: Local businesses, schools, and organizations are encouraged to collaborate with MMCDC. Together, we can amplify our efforts and achieve greater outcomes.
Spread Awareness: Share information about MMCDC with friends, family, and colleagues. Advocacy is powerful in attracting support and inspiring others to join the cause.

By coming together, Merrick-Moore residents can continue to cultivate a thriving, inclusive, and empowered community.

Website: merrickmoorecdc.org

Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Nextdoor

Hope Renovations

6/9/2025

Renewing Lives, Restoring Hope: Your support matters to Hope Renovations

Hope Renovations builds futures and transforms lives with a dual mission: preparing underemployed women and gender expansive individuals for construction careers and helping older adults age in place. Hope Renovations believes that everyone deserves a safe and dignified place to call home. They transform crumbling houses into havens, repair communities, and rebuild lives—but they can’t do it alone. With your support, they can continue their mission to provide critical home repairs for low-income families, seniors, and veterans who lack the resources to maintain their homes.

Hope Renovations was one of seven organizations selected for the prestigious Women in Apprenticeship & Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) grant. This month the Department of Labor terminated this grant along with others administered by the Women’s Bureau. As a result of the grant termination, Hope is losing $300,000 of a $700,000 grant a third of our entire program budget.

Founder and CEO, Nora El-Khouri Spencer is quoted speaking to how this funding was used to support our training program. “To be losing a development program at a time that’s really critical to bringing on workers, it’s insulting to the industry,” Spencer said.

Now more than ever, Hope Renovations can use your help. Your generosity has a direct impact on those in need. A $50 gift supplies weatherproofing materials to seal a drafty window. $250 funds a wheelchair ramp for a disabled homeowner. Every dollar fuels their work, from fixing leaky roofs to restoring heat in winter. These repairs aren’t just about structures; they’re about stability. A safe home means healthier families, children thriving in school, and seniors aging with dignity and respect.

The Ripple Effect
Hope Renovations doesn’t just fix houses; they strengthen communities. Each repaired home lifts property values, reduces blight, and inspires neighbors to take pride in their streets. Volunteers often say they receive more than they give–the joy of seeing a family’s gratitude is unforgettable.

Volunteer Your Skills or Time
Whether you’re a seasoned contractor or have never held a hammer, your time matters. You can join their volunteer crews for hands-on projects—no experience needed! Hope Renovations provides training and tools. Prefer behind-the-scenes work? Help organize donations, coordinate outreach, or share their story on social media. By working with this organization, we can all turn compassion into action.

Act Now
To make a donation, visit https://www.hoperenovations.org/donate or sign up to volunteer https://www.hoperenovations.org/volunteer. Your contribution, big or small, writes the next chapter of hope. Let’s rebuild futures—one home at a time.

“We cannot do all the good the world needs, but the world needs all the good we can do.” — Join us today.

Slice 325

6/2/2025

Slice 325: Cooking Up Change, One Community at a Time!

This vibrant nonprofit tackles food insecurity head-on across North Carolina and beyond, empowering communities through innovative culinary education and hands-on programs.

Its mission is simple: to make sustainable, affordable, and culturally relevant nutrition accessible to all.  Slice 325 teaches individuals and families how to stretch their food dollars without sacrificing flavor, dignity, or health. In a world where “eating healthy” can sound like a luxury, it aims to make that a reality, one pot, one pantry, one community at a time.

Slice 325 serves communities across North Carolina and beyond, from rural towns to urban centers, from church basements to virtual reality classrooms. Slice325 focuses primarily on historically underserved communities where food insecurity, chronic disease, and health disparities are real, but so is resilience.

Slice 325 offers hands-on cooking classes, grocery store tours, health workshops, VR immersive learning, youth gardening programs, and “flavor boot camps” that teach people how to use herbs and spices instead of salt and sugar. It also provides food boxes, educational materials, and creative events, ranging from “cook-a-longs” to “pepper drops,” that bring people together around the table, both in person and virtually. From immersive cooking classes and grocery store tours to youth gardening initiatives and flavorful boot camps, Slice 325 teaches families how to stretch their budgets without sacrificing taste, dignity, or nutrition.

Slice 325 can’t do it alone, though.

How can the community get involved, volunteer, and support this organization?
Come hang out with them virtually or in real life. You can volunteer, donate, sponsor a class, share your kitchen wisdom, or just show up with a smile (and maybe a can opener). Every hand helps. Slice 325 is always looking for partners, flavor adventurers, and folks who believe in health equity with a side of sass!

Together, let’s slice through barriers and nourish communities with creativity, compassion, and a dash of fun. Visit Slice325.org to donate, volunteer, or learn more today!

Founded in 2017 by health advocate Shemecka McNeil, Slice325 began with a simple question: How can families eat well without going broke or bored?

Possible additional text near the bottom

Why Support Slice325?

Impact Lives: Your donation directly funds cooking classes, nutrition workshops, and community resources.

Volunteer With Purpose: Host a food drive, assist in classes, share your culinary wisdom, or lend your professional skills.

Champion Food Equity: Join Slice 325’s mission to make healthy eating accessible, affordable, and joyful for everyone.

Durham Crisis Response Center

5/26/2025

Be a Lifeline for Survivors: Support the Durham Crisis Response Center (DCRC)

The Durham Crisis Response Center works with the community to end domestic, sexual and family violence and human trafficking through advocacy, education, support, and prevention.  For these resounding efforts, it is our Triangle Nonprofit of the Week.

It’s our city’s principal provider of shelter and support services to survivors of domestic, sexual, and family violence and human trafficking and their families in the Durham area.

Its continuum of service includes a free and confidential 24-hour Help Line; emergency shelter; safety planning; crisis intervention; information and referrals for job training, housing, and childcare; counseling and support groups; legal advocacy; assistance with filing for victim compensation; hospital accompaniment; community education and outreach.

DCRC also offers educational workshops and professional training for service providers, law enforcement, hospitals, faith-based organizations, schools, civic groups, and other community members.   It is a vital resource for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. Through their comprehensive services, including emergency shelter, crisis intervention, legal advocacy, counseling, and support groups, DCRC empowers people and their families to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.  But they can’t do it alone. Your support makes all the difference.

Volunteer Your Time:
DCRC offers opportunities to get involved, whether it’s through direct support, advocacy, or community outreach. Your time and compassion can help create a safer, more supportive environment for survivors.  For example, Help Line Advocates answer the 24-hour helpline, taking evening and night shifts at any point 365 days a year.  They work directly with victims of domestic, sexual and violence and human trafficking providing support, referrals, and general information.

Donate to Save Lives:
Financial contributions ensure that DCRC can continue providing critical services to those in need. Your donation helps fund emergency shelter, counseling, and other life-saving resources that empower survivors to heal and thrive.

The Center relies on donations to provide vital services in our community. Contributions are important for funding our operations as some of our needs cannot be funded through grants. Individuals, businesses, civic organizations, and faith communities can make a donation to DCRC at any time.

Shana Carignan, DCRC’s executive director, finds that what is particularly rewarding is the “programs not only save lives but also provide individuals with the opportunity to transform their futures”.

Together, we can end violence and create a brighter future for our community!

Visit thedcrc.org to learn more about how you can volunteer, donate, or support their mission. Every act of kindness counts.

Or, get help…

If you are in danger, someone you know has been hurt or assaulted, or you just want to talk, call their 24-hour helpline at 919-403-6562.

Shana Carignan became DCRC’s executive director in October 2024. After 15 years of nonprofit fundraising and marketing, she was excited to step into her new role, and we are excited what is to come under her leadership. “I am truly honored to be a part of the DCRC team. Our agency has a rich history of partnering with the Durham community to offer vital education and support to individuals and families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Knowing that our programs not only save lives but also provide individuals with the opportunity to transform their futures is incredibly rewarding.”

Dorcas Ministries

5/19/2025

“Be the hand that lifts others up”

– Booker T. Washington

Dorcas Ministries: Helping Their Neighbors Thrive

What happens when someone believes in you?

It encourages and motivates you. Most importantly, it makes you believe in yourself.

For almost 57 years, the staff and volunteers at Dorcas Ministries have believed in their neighbors and provided services to lift up those in need.

According to Chief Executive Officer André Anthony: “We are a unique social services agency. We provide more than assistance. Through wraparound services, we help our neighbors find a pathway forward on their journey to success.”

Dorcas Ministries, in partnership with Wake Technical Community College, provides job training, certifications and coaching. Along the way, Dorcas Ministries covers basic needs, such as groceries, gas money and childcare, so clients can focus on achieving their goals.

“I give all credit to God for finding Dorcas. I just happened to get the email about the BioWork cohort, and God opened the door for me.
The workshops and information were really helpful, and all the staff were a blessing, especially the recruiter that I was connected with. The experience was excellent.” – Beti

Dorcas Ministries is supported by donors big and small, but the real powerhouse is…their thrift store. The Dorcas Thrift Shop is one of North Carolina’s most popular thrifting destinations. It’s so well known that customers begin lining up an hour or more before the store opens. Every day is Black Friday!

Shelley Hobbs, senior director of marketing & communication, points out: “Every time a customer scores an amazing item at the Dorcas Thrift Store, their purchase serves a higher purpose — empowering us to change lives in our community.”

To learn more about Dorcas Ministries, visit: https://dorcasnc.org/

On April 17, 2025, seven Dorcas Ministries clients graduated with certificates from the BioWork program.

Left to right: Kangugi Karanja, Sonja Self, Natasha Smith, Celene Redgate, Vanessa Vargas, Jordan Williams, Betelehem Zewdie

Urban Ministries of Durham

5/12/2025

This week, as our Triangle Nonprofit of the week, we celebrate Urban Ministries of Durham.

For over 40 years Urban Ministries of Durham (UMD) has provided food, shelter and a future to our neighbors and families in need. Thanks to the generosity of thousands of loyal supporters, Urban Ministries can continue to serve more than 600 hot and nourishing meals every day, provide warm beds every night as the temperatures drop, and so much more. Donations fund essential resources and services that help strengthen the lives of individuals and families in our community.   

UMD is the primary public emergency homeless shelter in Durham. Its mission is to connect with the community to end homelessness and fight poverty by offering food, shelter, and a future to neighbors and families in need. It provides immediate relief to those experiencing chronic or temporary homelessness and work with clients to end their homelessness as quickly and responsibly as possible. By serving as an access point, Urban Ministries connects shelter residents and families to basic needs and life resources to live stably and successfully in our community. 

On average, Urban Ministries of Durham houses nearly 600 men, women, and children per year.  Its welcoming environment and commitment to best practices are designed to promote social equity and foster positive outcomes for the families it serves. Using donations from the community, UMD also distributes groceries and gently-used clothing to over 6,000 homeless or low-resource families each year. Despite challenging times, UMD makes a positive impact on our neighbors in need:

-  250,000 meals served each year;
-  6,000 individuals benefit from our services each year;
- 2,000 volunteers each & every year;
-  600 men, women, and children housed each year;
- 40+ years of providing food, shelter, and a future to our neighbors and families in need.

Contributions to Urban Ministries are making a significant impact by helping to fight poverty, end homelessness, and save lives. Urban Ministries truly appreciates the vital role volunteers and donors play for those they serve. So, this week, as our Triangle Nonprofit of the week, we celebrate Urban Ministries of Durham.

Swim for Charlie

5/5/2025

This week we pay tribute to Swim For Charlie as our Nonprofit of the Week.

Swim for Charlie provides high-quality water safety instruction to second-grade North Carolina students so they can receive vital life-saving water safety skills. Depending on their initial swimming level, children progress through blowing bubbles and putting their faces in the water, kicking, floating on their back, doing elementary backstroke, jumping into the water safely, and more advanced skills.

Swim For Charlie is free to second-grade students in Orange and Durham Counties; it leverages partnerships among students, parents, schools, pool facilities, and donor groups. Students love coming in; on the days of the program, teachers report that attendance is up. It is important to note that it has benefits beyond the pool. As Dr. Kimberly Ferrell, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Schools in Durham, has commented:

The Swim for Charlie program has built confidence, tenacity, and courage in our second-grade students. We have seen an increase in academic performance in our classrooms from our students who have attended the Swim for Charlie program. This partnership created a progressive trusting relationship through the success stories that our students share with their families and school community.

The program began the year before COVID when it served 200 students; over the past three years, the program has grown to serve almost 800, then 1200, and, this year, 1800 students. Over the past few years, Swim for Charlie’s active community has involved 150 volunteer instructors, 300+ school personnel, 300+ individual donors and members of sponsoring organizations, 75 pool personnel, 25 board and committee members, 4400+ parents and guardians, and 350 who have helped to pass the word.

Swim For Charlie was founded in memory of Dr. van der Horst. In his actions as a social justice activist, caring clinician, internationally known infectious disease medical researcher, Public Health crusader, and philanthropist, Charlie was involved in many activities benefiting vulnerable populations.

You could consider donating to this program by going to https://www.SwimForCharlie.org. If you think you might like to help the program grow further as a swim instructor, go to https://www.handsontriangle.org/agency/detail/?agency_id=150348. You don’t need to win races; many instructors help kids learn to blow bubbles and learn to float and be themselves.

We celebrate Swim For Charlie as the Triangle Nonprofit of the Week.

Keep Durham Beautiful

4/30/2025

We are delighted to recognize Keep Durham Beautiful (KDB) as the Triangle Nonprofit of the Week! KDB’s dedication to improving the environment and fostering community engagement is truly inspiring. From planting trees and creating community gardens to organizing litter cleanups and empowering schools, KDB’s impact on Durham is a testament to the power of collective action.

The numbers speak volumes:

233 trees planted last year, with support for 505 more by other groups.

2,400 students across 32 schools engaged with litter kits.

4,713 volunteers giving their time to beautify local neighborhoods.

Being certified as a Service Enterprise organization in 2023 by the Triangle Nonprofit & Volunteer Leadership Center further highlights KDB’s commitment to leveraging volunteer skills effectively. The heartfelt testimonials from volunteers, teachers, and community members demonstrate how much KDB’s work resonates with the people they serve. One volunteer said “Every volunteer event I’ve participated in has been well organized and fun! I always feel appreciated, and I meet nice people. I plan to keep volunteering regularly”. Another commented, “I follow Keep Durham Beautiful … and am just so impressed by your organization’s mission and work!”

There are so many ways you can chip in:

Become a Litter Leader or Tree Keeper to help guide others in environmental stewardship.

Adopt a street with your community.

Subscribe to the KDB newsletter to stay informed about volunteering opportunities.

And mark your calendar for the 4th Annual Durham Bee Day Celebration: June 21 from 9-noon (Durham Central Park) to celebrate Pollinator Week. https://www.keepdurhambeautiful.org/events

If you’d like to support their mission financially, consider:

Attending the Durham Garden Tour.

Ordering a litter kit.

Dedicating a tree.

Sponsoring a litter kit for a school.

Congratulations again to Keep Durham Beautiful for their outstanding work in making Durham a cleaner, greener, and more connected Durham community. 🌳💚

Nonprofit of the Week

2025 Nonprofits of the Week

(919) 321-8910

OFFICE PHYSICAL LOCATION
(Not a mailing address):
3333 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd. Suite A100, Durham, NC 27707

MAILING:
PO Box 3374, Durham,
NC 27702

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