Michelle Bonton, executive director of the Anderson Center for the Arts, shows off a photograph.
Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer
With thousands of nonprofit organizations in Houston, it can be daunting to find the one that connects with your giving spirit.
Giving Tuesday, which falls on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving each year, is a good time to join the global movement to support local charitable causes. You can support a food pantry or help a mental health organization for teens. Maybe even contribute to an arts initiative.
Here are a few organizations in the Houston area to consider supporting during #GivingTuesday.
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Julia C. Hester House: Julia C. Hester House is a long-standing community center in Fifth Ward that supports residents through regular food distributions and youth development programs. The center helps more than1,500 residents annually. It’s named after Julia C. Hester (1881-1940), a teacher who opened her home to provide a safe place for children in the community.
The Rose: The Rose provides mammography screening, diagnosis, early access to treatment and support to all women, regardless of their ability to pay. Its mobile units visit 43 counties in Southeast Texas. This year, the organization’s newest program, Mammogram to Medical Home, supports women who are uninsured or don’t have a doctor but need a mammogram.
Bread of Life: Founded by pastors Rudy and Juanita Rasmus in 1992, Bread of Life’s mission was to serve hot, nutritious meals to homeless people in downtown Houston. It’s grown to now provide needed services, resources, housing and more for the homeless population.
iWrite: The program helps children from across Houston, particularly those from underserved communities, build writing skills critical for their success. Students engage in creative writing/illustration workshops and have the opportunity to become published authors and, ultimately, discover their voices.
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BEAR (Be a Resource for Children): BEAR provides help for at-risk and CPS-involved children and their caretakers in the Greater Houston area. The organization provides clothing and personal necessities through its BEAR Necessities program, holiday gifts for children and back-to-school supplies. Its Heart Gallery of Greater Houston is a traveling photo exhibit of children in foster care who need forever homes.
The Black Man Project: The program focuses on empowering young boys and creating safe spaces for young Black men to engage in dialogue that promotes leadership, accountability and brotherhood. The Healing Forward initiative provides therapy, haircuts and healing conversation to at-risk youth.
