Local Organizations We Support

APPARO

http://www.apparo.org

Apparo, formerly NPower Charlotte Region, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that empowers nonprofits through technology that enhances their missions. As a trusted partner and hub for information technology needs, Apparo works to create a vibrant community of technology enabled nonprofits.

We are the go-to provider of technology strategy, implementation, consulting and support services for nonprofits in the Charlotte area. Apparo convenes the nonprofit and corporate technology sectors, delivering solutions that multiply nonprofit effectiveness for a better Charlotte.

Value Statement
Technology and passion can change the world.

Apparo helps local nonprofits leverage technology to create positive social change in our community. Philanthropy is woven into Charlotte’s corporate fabric, with employees who are eager to support a cause and impact the community using their skills. Nonprofits are devoted and purpose-driven but often lack the resources to reach more people in need. Connecting nonprofits to corporate volunteers gives them access to IT education and training, and affordable IT solutions that they need to effectively achieve their missions.

* Apparo understands nonprofits because we are one

* Apparo has a rich history with Charlotte’s IT leaders that influences Apparo’s culture and the local nonprofit community

* Apparo gives IT professionals a chance to impact the community by using their expertise and technology passion

F.F. STEVEN COAKLEY

http://ffstevencoakley.org

“We will never forget…” best describes the mission of the foundation. Not just about what happened to so many people on September 11, 2001 and how our lives have changed but “we will never forget” about how Steve and so many firefighters lived their lives and were always there to help us.

The charter of the foundation is to provide educational scholarships, donate funds and/or equipment to local emergency services to increase the safety of the public and first responders, and hold an annual memorial weekend to honor Firefighter Steven Coakley, FDNY Engine 217 & those lost on 9/11.

The foundation is funded by several annual fundraising events as well as being financially supported in many other ways. The purpose is to raise funds throughout the year to support the charters of the foundation. In the past these events have included silent auctions, private monetary donations, restaurant sponsor proceeds, business donations and many, many hours of great people volunteering their time. There are several upcoming events that are planned for the upcoming year not only to raise funds for the foundation but so “we will never forget” Steve and all the other heroes that we have lost.

FLORENCE CRITTENTON SERVICES

http://www.fcsnc.org

The mission of Florence Crittenton Services (FCS) is to promote health and hope for tomorrow’s children by providing comprehensive health, educational and social services for pregnant and non-pregnant adolescents and women, mothers and their babies in the foster care system.

Florence Crittenton Services was established by Charlotte civic religious leaders in 1903. After an article in the news was published detailing the suicide of a single and pregnant 16-year-old, citizens joined forces to provide a safe place and understanding, rather than condemnation, for single, pregnant women.

Philanthropist Charles Crittenton donated funds and requested that the program be named in memory of his daughter, Florence, who died of scarlet fever at the age of four. Since that time, nearly 39,000 young mothers and their babies have received medical/prenatal care, social services, education and career services, adoption and parenting support services at Florence Crittenton Services.

By the 1980s, FCS was serving a different population than in the previous decades. FCS had a multicultural population of young women. Many were victims of sexual abuse, emotional disturbance, substance abuse and neglect or abandonment by their families. FCS began to develop new services, such as infant daycare, pregnancy testing and counseling and pregnancy prevention, as well as substance abuse prevention and education.

In 2003, local philanthropist Sarah Belk Gambrell made it possible for FCS to extend its services to parenting girls and women in foster care. Sarah’s House now helps six young women and their children with the same social services offered in its maternity and prevention programs, along with services specifically geared toward raising healthy and stable children.

In 2011, FCS began its first Independent Living Program focused specifically on 16-21 year old girls and women in custody of the Department of Social Services. Called Legacy Hall, this preparation for adult living skills program assists clients with a focus on preventing negative behaviors and the development of self-sufficiency.

ISABELLA SANTOS FOUNDATION

https://isabellasantosfoundation.org

For almost five years, Isabella defied the odds. In 2007, Isabella was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood cancer called Neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is a rare and deadly cancer that affects approximately 750 children a year. The survival rate for children diagnosed with high risk Neuroblastoma is less than 40% and less than 5% once the child has relapsed. However, countless doctors called Isabella a miracle. Relapse after relapse, she kept fighting…and kept beating it. Unfortunately, in June 2012, her parents were told the cancer had returned and this time, it would be relentless. Isabella’s fight ended on June 28th, 2012.

We carry the torch on…we will continue to fight Isabella’s fight in her honor and for all children who are fighting Neuroblastoma. In 2009, the Isabella Santos Foundation (ISF) was established through Isabella’s parents to raise awareness and research funds for Neuroblastoma, and received it’s 501(c)(3) status in 2010. At the time, Isabella’s parents were in hopes that ISF could help fund research projects potentially to save Isabella’s life. Although Isabella is no longer with us, we hope another child can be saved and will continue to raise money and awareness for the awful disease that stole her life. Over the last six years ISF has donated over $1,500,000 for Neuroblastoma research and other children’s cancer charities. Support our mission and donate today.

ISF benefits hospitals/organizations that specialize in Neuroblastoma research such as Children’s Oncology Group, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in Manhattan, Helen Devos Children’s Hospital and The NMRTC, The Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia (CHOP), Van Andel Institute (VAI) in Michigan as well as various other national and local research hospitals such as Levine Children’s Hospital here in Charlotte. We also raise awareness and funds for charities that directly impact children with cancer such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte and support our local blood bank Community Blood Center of the Carolinas.