There are many nonprofit organizations in Mobile that go unrecognized. Each of them provides the community with a different necessary service, but the only way for them to keep operating is through donations, events, and volunteers. Here are just a few of the nonprofit organizations you should support in Mobile!
The Ronald McDonald House provides a supportive home environment for families with seriously ill or injured children in local hospitals. The Ronald McDonald House came to be after Fred Hill, who played for the Philadelphia Eagles, had a daughter with leukemia. After spending many nights in a hospital waiting chair and eating out of vending machines, he realized there had to be something better for families with children in the hospital. He brought the idea to the McDonald family and the owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, and in 1974 the first Ronald McDonald House opened! In Mobile, we can thank Gray Zimich for bringing the house to us! She stayed in one with her son in Boston while he was being treated for a brain tumor, and quickly realized Mobile needed one as well. The Ronald McDonald House was opened in Mobile in 2000 and has since supported 9,000 families with the help of donations!
Bras For A Cause is a group of volunteer business people, who care greatly for local men and women fighting against breast cancer. Since 2014, the group has hosted an annual event that helps assist local breast cancer patients with immediate needs, such as copays, transportation, rent, groceries, etc. Volunteers work all year long planning this spectacular event where local businessmen model outrageous bras that are auctioned off to the highest bidder. This year, the 7th annual Bras For A Cause event will be hosted on October 8, and you won’t want to miss it! Donations can be given at the event as well as online.
Lifelines Counseling has served Southwest Alabama for over 60 years by offering family and financial counseling, crisis services and prevention education. Their goal is to provide real solutions for real problems experienced in everyday life. Their therapists and advisors are trained professionals who can deal with any situation! Lifelines Counseling also goes above and beyond in the community as they work with local agencies, businesses and community members to provide the best services! You can donate or book an appointment through their website and Facebook page.
The Penelope House helps victims of partner abuse gain social and economic independence. They provide shelter, counseling, advocacy and referrals to community resources and agencies across Alabama. The shelters provide refuge for victims and their children if they need to escape a life-threatening or violent situation. They also have a crisis hotline available to those in need 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Penelope House hosts events such as the Mobile Chocolate Festival and operates a thrift store, Penelope’s Closet, to raise money to support the victims. You can visit their website to donate and learn more about their services!
Aide for Animals is a no-kill adoption center, assisted living and retirement home for domestic dogs and cats. They are dedicated to providing food, medical attention and safe homes for once unwanted animals. Aide for Animals also takes special care of animals with disabilities. They are always looking for homes for the animals and are grateful for donations given through their website! For more information, check out their website and Facebook page.
The Child Advocacy Center has a mission to be the Mobile community response to child abuse. At the CAC, abused children are interviewed by a trained team of professionals. From there, the child and their non-offending family member are referred to counseling and preparation for the criminal justice process. Education and training programs are also provided in abuse awareness and prevention. The Child Advocacy Center was opened in 1988, and currently has 28 professionals from 7 different agencies with the goal to help young victims of crime receive all the help and service they need! On their website, you see events they host to raise money and donate.
All of these organizations, and many more, do much good in the community. They are all nonprofits and rely on hosting events and donations to keep going. Be sure to check out their websites and donate if you can, or if you know someone who volunteers at any organization be sure to tell them thank you!
Author: Michelle Murrill
CEO Southern View MediaMichelle Murrill is the head honcho at Southern View Media. She and her team work on digital marketing strategies for local businesses. She has lived on the Gulf Coast for 31 years. Her favorite things about living in the Mobile area include being near the beach, eating at all the great local restaurants and all the great events and community involvement!
