Birthright began very humbly in 1968, with a one-room office and only $300 in the bank. But Louise's steady leadership and powerful vision ensured that the new pregnancy service survived. In later years, Louise was glad the organization did not begin with a lot of money because it caused Birthright to rely on the "good hearts and hard work of volunteers" to provide "lots of love and common sense." Over thirty-five years later, Birthright International remains true to Louise's original vision of personal, one-on-one contact in helping relationships. Louise's Birthright means "approachability and informality" for clients and volunteers, instead of bureaucracy and meetings in highly structured, business-like environments.
Birthright takes a "non-moralistic, non-judgmental" approach toward helping women through their pregnancy dilemmas. Louise regretted the fact that some young unmarried mothers were belittled or ostracized by their relatives: "I can never see anything wrong with any of them." Louise recreated the supportive homelike environment they deserved to have. Moreover, Louise helped formulate a Charter, followed by all Birthright chapters worldwide, to define Birthright's services, to ensure that pregnant women receive the same considerate treatment at every Birthright chapter, and to help volunteers preserve Birthright's good reputation in the future.
In addition to clothing, Birthright performs many other services including:
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| If you or someone you know is facing an unplanned pregnancy, feel free to call a local Birthright. Select Locations and find the chapter nearest you. Or call Birthright at 1-800-550-4900 and speak to someone confidentially. Our volunteers are as near as your telephone, and they want to help. | |
More than new outfits. New outlooks.
SC4K is the only non-profit organization in Greater Cleveland providing new shoes and clothes to thousands of children in need at no charge throughout the year. Through a network of 30 distribution partners, SC4K positively impacts the lives of area children by giving them the self-esteem and confidence that comes from having brand new shoes and clothes.
Shoes and Clothes for Kids is the only non-profit organization in Greater Cleveland providing new shoes and clothes at no charge throughout the year to thousands of children in need.
In 2011, SC4K will distribute new clothing and Payless shoe gift cards with a retail value of $2.2 million.
From 1999 through 2010, SC4K distributed over 150,000 Payless shoe gift cards valued at over $1.5 million.
SC4K distributes items year-round, operating a distribution through an extensive partner distribution network of 30 social service agencies up to six times annually.
The average clothing distribution is valued at $340,000 and the average Payless gift card distribution is valued at approximately $30,000.
The partner agencies are located in areas with high densities of children living at or below at least 185% of poverty. Living at 185% of poverty equates to a family of four living on $40,793 annually.
SC4K procures a majority of its clothing items through a deep-discount purchasing program. Through a network of wholesalers that sell children’s clothing at deep discounts, SC4K is able to purchase between $20.00-$25.00 worth of brand new clothing for every $1.00 spent.
Through our purchasing program, a donation of $40 turns into one thousand dollars worth of brand new clothing and shoes for the children we serve.
In 2011, SC4K will distribute new clothing and Payless shoe gift cards with a retail value of $2.2 million.
From 1999 through 2010, SC4K distributed over 150,000 Payless shoe gift cards valued at over $1.5 million.
SC4K distributes items year-round, operating a distribution through an extensive partner distribution network of 30 social service agencies up to six times annually.
The average clothing distribution is valued at $340,000 and the average Payless gift card distribution is valued at approximately $30,000.
The partner agencies are located in areas with high densities of children living at or below at least 185% of poverty. Living at 185% of poverty equates to a family of four living on $40,793 annually.
SC4K procures a majority of its clothing items through a deep-discount purchasing program. Through a network of wholesalers that sell children’s clothing at deep discounts, SC4K is able to purchase between $20.00-$25.00 worth of brand new clothing for every $1.00 spent.
Through our purchasing program, a donation of $40 turns into one thousand dollars worth of brand new clothing and shoes for the children we serve.
Founded in 1969, this year marks SC4K’s forty-second year of service to families in the Greater Cleveland community.
Here are some more great places to donate your stuff:
Please give what you can. Thanks.
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