If you could start a non-profit group, what area of "need" would you focus on?

Question

I have many ideas (areas I see that need improving) for starting a non-profit business, but I want to know what other ordinary people see as the areas / things that need attention in the U.S. today?? Education? Crime? Poverty? Disease? Environment? Other?

Answer 1

Poverty, there are so many low income or no income families out there that need real help. I would raise money to help these familes with cost that gov. aid does not cover. Such as electric bills, gas bills, and such. Poverty is one of the main reasons for crime.

Answer 2

Senior housing. Too many seniors have to choose between a little trailer or hotel room and not much social life, or a retirement community where people may or may not have compatible interests. I would like to start a pagan retreat house, mostly for seniors but also for young people who want to get to know their elders, a place to have sabbats and bring the children to learn about the traditions.

So far it's only a dream, but it has a name: Highway 9 3/4 Retreat. And soon, there will be a Highway 9 3/4 Books store, which will help raise the group needed to create the Retreat. I'm thinking it will work as a community a little like a monastery or an ashram, possibly even have recognition as a religious organization for tax purposes.

Answer 3

There are 2 that come to mind (though I realize there are many many areas of need) The first is (in my state NH anyways) there seems to be no help for those who are suicidal. A good friend of mine tried to kill himself a few weeks ago. When he got home from the hospital he was really in need of some psychiatric help and wanted to get better. Because he was so distraught and depressed, I did allot of calling for him. What I found is that there are plenty of programs to help people who have lost loved ones to suicide, but NONE to help those who are suicidal...isnt that backwards?? Also the places that were recommended for treatment do have a sliding fee, but the lowest is $70.00 for a visit. This person has no income. It was quite frustrating for me, and very disappointing. The other area I think that needs to be addressed is assistance for working single mothers. I work 40 hours a week and have a 3rd grader. I make too much money to qualify for government assistance, yet not enough to not be struggling from week to week. My furnace just broke down and now I have no heat, I applied for assistance and was told I make too much money. OK, but if I was lazy, sat on my couch watching soaps and eating bon bons I'd get help....that just is wrong. Single parents (I know it's not just mothers) who are doing what they can to make life better for them and their kids should not be rejected for help. I never take advantage of programs I don't need, I just would never do that. But when there is an emergency...like not having HEAT, you'd think it would be available!

Answer 4

Psychosocial rehabilitation, recovery focused, support groups, run by the people for the people, transitional care, post hospital, pre hospital to prevent relapse.( for people with mental illness)
Schizophrenia, and many mental illnesses are so devestating, people kill themselves etc, to get away from the hell they endure from people who don,t understand, don,t accept them and who just dont give them a chance to live , well.
Mental illness is unique. like aspergers and autism, can be so hideous to live with only because people don,t take the time to make available safe and truting enviroments where these people can get well, stay well, meet people and make lasting friendships,
Where they can rebuild their broken lives and become valued people in society.
These are the people that can teach what they need to get well, what works, what doesn,t. they maybe the ones that can help scientists and clinicians wipe out mental illness, and the need for so many awful but sometimes necessary medications , that are often worse than the illness.
Sandy T

Answer 5

if family and family life were the priorities in America (and around the world) we wouldn't have half the problems you've listed, and we'd be much better equipped to deal with problems

Answer 6

Non-profit clinics and pharmacies.

Answer 7

Hunger or education!!!! hmm and what about Tolerance/Racism?

Answer 8

America has a need for God.

Answer 9

homelessness and poverty -