Psuedostoops is getting her blog audience to help her make her annual charitable donations in a really creative way and I decided to steal her idea for my blog.

The economy sucks and many people are struggling but many non-profits that depend on donations are also having a really rough time of things. I am about to get some extra unexpected money that will be useful for bills, medication and other expenses, but I will also be able to part with a bit to make a charitable donation, which is what I typically do with holiday bonuses, tax refunds and other unexpected monies (I truly believe that you get back whatever you give). So, here goes (totally plagiarizing here, but for a good cause):

For the next five days, I’m going to feature one organization each day. I’m hoping that I can spread the word on some places that are quietly doing very cool work, the kinds of places that might be really hurting as people are unable to give as much in these lean times. I’ll tell you a little about the organization and its mission, give you a link to more info, and then YOU will determine the amount of the donation I make.

Here’s how it’s going to work:

1. I’ll put up a post featuring the organization.

2. I’ll guarantee a minimum $25 donation to that organization.

3. For every comment I receive on that post, I’ll donate an additional $0.25, (capped at a max of $40 for each organization just in case I get a bazillion comments!).

4. Here’s the twist: I have four organizations in mind to feature. Friday is open. I’m hoping that in addition to me telling you about some of my favorite causes, you will use the comments section to tell me a little about some organizations near and dear to your heart.

If you have a favorite organization, perhaps one that is smaller and deserves a little support this holiday season, name it in the comments, and provide a link if you have one (if you’re participating every day, you can name several different organizations, or just name the same one four times to show the depth of your love for them!) I’ll research each organization suggested in the comments, and will chose five finalists. On Friday, I’ll name the five finalists, and will set up a poll for people to vote on which one should receive a final $50 donation.

Here’s my first organization:

Houston Interfaith Ministries – Refugee Services

As you can imagine, Houston has a high number of refugees arriving daily who require shelter, a decent job, a kind word, etc., and the people at Houston Interfaith Ministries help legally admitted immigrants (i.e., post-USCIS proceedings) get settled in this huge and often overwhelming city.

Refugee and Cuban Resettlement

Provides resettlement services to newly-arrived individuals. This includes providing basic needs (housing, furniture, food); helping clients apply for state and other assistance, school enrollment, and ESL classes; and employment preparation.

Match Grant

Offers case management and employment services to eligible clients within six months of arrival. Works with community partners to collect in-kind donations for families.

Employment

Aids in assisting refugee and Cubnas to find employment in the Houston area. We provide clients with intensive orientation regarding how to acquire and maintain a job. Interfaith works with employers looking for highly-motivated employees with strength and character.

Cultural Orientation

Teaches newly-arrived clients the culture, customs and laws of the local community in order to aid the process of assimilation and integration.

Case Management

Enables clients to resolve issues that could prevent them from becoming self-sufficient. Helps clients address medical problems, access government assistance and deal with individual and family issues.

Refugee Cash Assistance

As a sub-contractor of the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, provides cash and rental assistance to eligible clients.

Now come comment on this post to help raise additional money for this great cause. I will have another one tomorrow and every day. Tell me about a grassroots organization in your community that could use a few dollars to help a cause close to your heart and I will post five on Friday for you all to vote on a winner. Thanks! (Problems commenting? E-mail me at ptlawmom at gmail)

P.S. It was this song by Mary Chapin Carpenter that I kept listening to as I was deciding whether or not to go to law school. Hopefully after my semester’s break, I will get back to the idealistic person who really felt motivated by hearing these words.