majoritymag.com

Matt Talbot Center

In the late 1800’s Matt Talbot was a legendary Irishman revered for his decision to turn his life around through a pledge to sobriety and his commitment to help others do the same.  Today, the Seattle-based nonprofit that bears his name, is following in his footsteps. 

The Matt Talbot Center is a recovery program that offers hope, services, and support for the addicted, homeless and menatlly ill.  Their free program incorporates a variety of treatment, relapse prevention and life skills sessions, as well as shelter, food, fellowship and weekly Bible studies.  In order to create a holistic approach members are involved in cooking and cleaning at the facility and engage in a variety of activities outside the building such as hiking and biking in the summer and visiting museums and theaters (for plays, symphonies, etc.) in the winter.  Once they’ve completed the program participants may also opt to live in the “clean and sober housing” which consists of a 50-unit apartment complex above the center as they transition into their new lives.    

Over the past 25 years of working with men they have witnessed numerous success stories and within the next couple years MTC will be opening a center for women and children as well.  To find out more, or how you can contribute click here. 

-JH 

Posted in HEALTH & FITNESS | No Comments » |  SHARE

Mortality Rate Drops, Life Expectancy Rises

Here are some cool facts you can share with friends around the office.  A couple weeks back, the Center For Disease Control (CDC) released statistics that show a marked decline in U.S. Deaths between 2005 and 2006 (I know its 2008, but I guess it takes them a while to get all the data together)  Anyway, the overall decline was about 3%, and the amount of deaths from 8 of the top 10 killers like heart disease, strokes, cancer, respiratory disease and others  decreased even more dramatically.  In addition the report also says the life expectancy for children born after 2006 is 78.1, a new record high. 

Maybe we’re finally starting to do a better job taking care of ourselves and those around us…I’m sure we all hope to see these positive trends continue, so let’s keep it up.

-JH

Posted in HEALTH & FITNESS | No Comments » |  SHARE

Back On My Feet Adds Baltimore, Turns 1

Back On My Feet founder Anne Mahlum announced yesterday that her organization, which uses running to help homeless men in Philadelphia get their lives on track, will be expanding to include the city of Baltimore in their program.  To help fund the Baltimore addition, and continue to build on the success in Philly, they also announced a campaign to raise $100,000 by July 3rd (their 1st anniversary)   

In their first year Back On My Feet built a base of over 60 members who have learned the values of attitude, respect, discipline, and leadership through early morning runs and life skills programs provided by partnering shelters and organizations.  Several of the men have found jobs and are now working with housing assistance groups to get their own places. 

We wish Anne and her team the best as they celebrate their first year, and continue to grow.  If you would like to contribute to the $100,000 fundraiser you can do so here, or click here to find out more about how you can get involved with this great organization. 

-JH

Posted in HEALTH & FITNESS | No Comments » |  SHARE

Ride:Well Tour Takes Off

Our friends from the Blood:Water Mission began their Ride:Well cross country journey yesterday on the shores of the Pacific.  Over the next seven-weeks they will make their way from city to city raising money and awareness to fund their 1000 Wells Project, which provides clean water systems for villages in Africa that desperately need it.  Check the schedule to see when they will be in your area and show them some love. 

-JH

Posted in HEALTH & FITNESS | 1 Comment » |  SHARE

Girls On The Run

“Fewer adolescent pregnancies and eating disorders, less depression and suicide attempts…” These are just a few of the goals of Girls On The Run, an organization that uses running to help empower young girls to be strong as they head into their teenage years.  Participants in the program meet several times a week and run while at the same time engaging in activities and conversations aimed at enhancing self-esteem and improving both physical and mental health.  The program culminates with a 3.1 mile run, which is a major accomplishment for such young girls. 

GOTR has expanded to several hundred locations across the country, and is looking to continue to reach more girls.  To see how you can get involved contact you local chapter or if there isn’t one in your area click here to find out how to start one.

-JH

Posted in HEALTH & FITNESS | No Comments » |  SHARE

People’s Grocery Update

A while back we told you about People’s Grocery, a group that is working to improve healthy food opportunities for low-income communities in Oakland.  Today and tomorrow they are hosting volunteer days at their farm and urban gardens and anyone is welcome to help.  If you don’t live in the Oakland area you can still get involved.  Check out PG’s updated website with tons of new resources for healthy recipes, gardening tips, and more.  While you’re there you can even sign up to help sponsor some of their youth education programs. 

-JH

picture via Plenty Magazine

Posted in HEALTH & FITNESS | No Comments » |  SHARE

Ride:Well Bike Tour

On June 9th a group of cyclists will embark on a seven-week ride from Los Angeles to Washington D.C.  Its called the Ride:Well Tour, and the goal is to raise funds and awareness for the Blood:Water Mission, a non-profit group that helps communities in Africa to create systems for clean blood (in reference to HIV/AIDS) and clean water.  B:WM’s current goal is to provide wells, sanitation systems, and training on how to manage and maitain the them to 1,000 sub-Saharan villages. 

Throughout the cross-country trek, riders will be stopping in various cities to speak about the mission, and encourage others to get involved.  If you live in any of these cities you can join in on a one-day ride with them, or click here to find out how else you can help.

-JH

Posted in HEALTH & FITNESS | 1 Comment » |  SHARE

Save The Children & Not On Our Watch

I’m sure by now you’ve all read about the devastating losses due to the cyclone in Myanmar.  So far, few humanitarian aid groups have been allowed in to help, however,  Save The Children has been working in the country since 1995 and has programs operating in all of the regions severly affected by Cyclone Nargis.  In the past weeks Save The Children has been able to provide lifesaving aid through food, clean water, shelter, blankets, and medication to nearly 200,000 people.  In addition they are working to help fix schools and ensure the rebuilding of Myanmar’s education system so classes can resume in June as normal. 

STC is seeking $10 million in donations for its response in Myanmar and has already raised over $3 million from various donors.  Included in that is a $250,000 donation from Not On Our Watch, a non-profit headed by celebs George Clooney, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt and Don Cheadle.  On top of that donation Not On Our Watch has also committed to match dollar for dollar (up to another $250,000) any donations made to STC’s Myanmar efforts.  In the past years the group has already provided over $1 million for STC work in Darfur and continues to help raise funds and awareness to help children in that region as well.

You can help save children in these regions to by donating here.

-JH

Posted in HEALTH & FITNESS | No Comments » |  SHARE

Driving For Donors

In 2006, then 10 year old, Pat Pedraja was diagnosed with Leukemia.  In the process of learning about the disease, Pedraja found out that he and many other Leukemia patients may one day need a bone marrow transplant to save their lives, but unfortunately there was a major shortage of bone marrow donors. 

Determined to do something about the problem Pat and his family started Driving For Donors.  They turned their RV into the “Donormobile” and traveled to 30 major cities across the country inviting people to become bone marrow donors.  By the end of 2007 they had racked up close to 6,500 new donors, raised about $150,000 dollars to pay for potential donor tissue tests, and in the process educated millions about Leukemia and bone marrow donation. 

Last week, Pat and the family hit the road again for the 2008 Tour which is currently hitting several locations in the Northeast.  You can keep track of their progress on Pat’s Blog, and learn more about how you can help here. 

-JH

Posted in HEALTH & FITNESS | No Comments » |  SHARE

Back On My Feet

Early each morning, while out on her daily run, Anne Mahlum passed by many homeless men; a regular site in the streets of Philadelphia.  One morning however, it dawned on her that while she was moving forward they were stuck in the same place.  Inspired to help change that, Anne created Back On My Feet, a program that uses running to help motivate homeless individuals to get their lives on track.

The BOMF program partners with several shelters across the city.  It requires anyone who wants to join to live in one of the affiliated shelters and be clean and sober for at least 30 days.  Once a new member joins a team they get their own gear: shoes, shirts, and a hat.  The teams meet early in the morning three times a week and run together with trained staff and volunteers who help the members increase their distance and strength as time goes on.  Everyone cheers each other along throughout the workout, creating a real sense of family among the group.

Back On My Feet has only been “running” for about 9 months now, and they have already grown to 4 teams with close to 250 members, and seen some great success stories (see video) along the way.  In addition to the physical training program they also partner with local agencies to help members take the next steps toward long-term employment. 

 Back On My Feet is a great example of how ordinary people can use their talents to make a difference.  If you want to learn more about how you can get involved too, click here.

-JH

Posted in HEALTH & FITNESS | 3 Comments » |  SHARE