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Urban Prep Academy in Chicago, the first all-male charter school in the country, recently announced that all 107 members of their senior class have been accepted to four-year universities.  A big accomplishment considering most of them were far below grade level when they started.  Check out more from this interview on MSNBC.

-JH

Just ran across this cool tee from FiveFour.  The design is inspired by A Better LA, the nonprofit, founded by Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, that has been working to stop gang-violence and rebuild commuities across the city. 

The shirts are $25 and 100% of the sales go to A Better LA.  You can pick one up here and find out more about ABLA here.

-JH

We were big fans of “The Blind Side”, so we were happy to see Sandra Bullock win Best Actress for her portrayal of Leigh Ann Tuohy, the woman who’s caring heart and tough love really made the story.

If you still haven’t seen the movie, you should, but in the meantime check out this video with some clips and interviews.  Its great to see how this story has inspired others to adopt kids how find creative ways to help others in need.

-JH

The boys from Bon Jovi are currently on the west coast leg of their “The Circle” tour.  And while they continue to sell out big arenas on a nightly basis, they are also making some important stops at a number of homeless shelters and rehab programs along the way.  The goal is not only to provide a little joy to the fine folks living in these places, but also to gather info for the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation’s efforts to combat homelessness.

Since 2006 the JBJ Soul Foundation has built over 150 units of affordable housing in seven cities in addition to creating many new programs and partnering with others that address issues related to homelessness and its causes. 

-JH

The government of Sudan and its largest rebel opposition, the Justice & Equality Movement (JEM), signed a ceasfire yesterday.  The agreement included a framework for power-sharing at all levels and $1billion commitment from neighboring Qatar to help rebuild the war-torn nation.

While there is still a long way to go, and several other smaller rebel groups that need to be factored in as well, this is definitely a big step toward in an area that could really use it.

-JH

Over the past 3 years U.S. snowboarder Hannah Teter has partnered with World Vision to support a village in rural Kenya.  By donating all her winnings from competitions and selling products like Hannah’s Gold syrup, and organic hemp wristbands, Teter has helped establish numerous initiatives in the village including education, HIV prevention/treatment, clean water, and sustainable farming. 

After the earthquake in Haiti she has directed a large amount of funds to World Vision’s efforts there as well.

February 11th was the 20th Anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison; a step which eventually led to his acension to the South African presidency.  In honor of the date, ABC News ran this story on former Robben Island prison guard, Christo Brand, and the close friendship he developed with Mandela during his 27 years behind bars.

-JH

Congratulations to our friend Ginger “Mama” Pasarelli and her Soup Ladies crew for being named the Volunteer Organization of the Year in Pierce County.   Mama and her team were were on the scene at the Lakewood Police Department providing food and support after the tragic shooting of four of their officers earlier this year. 

To learn more about the Soup Ladies you can read our previous post here, or click here to find out how you can help.

-JH

These are a few of the numerous resources available at the World Vision Storehouse in Fife, WA where we had a wonderful time volunteering yesterday afternoon.  Whether its computers, clothing, health and beauty needs, or even books and other school supplies, the storehouse supplies it all to various schools and nonprofits who are making an impact in the local community.

We’ll definitely be going back to volunteer again and hope to bring some of you along as well.

-JH

Whether its improving school lunches or helping “at risk” youth get their lives on track, Jamie Oliver is always making an impact with his culinary know-how.  This past week he got the opportunity to present his wish for a “Food Revolution” to some of the America’s most influential leaders at the TED Conference.  Check out the full presentation above.

-JH