In the wake of George Floyd's death, people may be looking for ways to support black causes either with their wallets or their time.
"There are lots of opportunities when people say, 'How can I help?' " said Karen Morrison, founder of Odyssey World International Education Services.
Her nonprofit is one of many in Clark County -- some big, some small -- rooted in the black community.
• NAACP Vancouver -- The Vancouver NAACP branch formed in 1945 as black families drawn to the area during wartime sought the American Dream; the branch aimed to combat and eradicate the racial discrimination that confronted people in the pursuit of that dream. At noon today, NAACP Vancouver is hosting a "Car Rally for Black Lives" in memory of George Floyd and all black people killed due to racism and police brutality.
Website: naacpvancouverwa.org
Facebook: facebook.com/VancouverNAACP
• YWCA Clark County -- The mission of this local YWCA branch is to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. YWCA Clark County joined its national counterpart in calling for justice for George Floyd and has a memorial for him outside its Main Street facility.
Website: ywcaclarkcounty.org
Facebook: facebook.com/ywcacc
Contact: 360-696-0167 or info@ywcaclarkcounty.org
• Get Hooked Foundation -- Founder Dishaun Berry grew up in a gang-impacted area of Santa Monica, Calif., and went fishing to escape his reality. Now a Washougal resident, Berry founded the Get Hooked Foundation about four years ago to introduce the outdoors and sport fishing to at-risk youth and families in the Portland metro area. Get Hooked Foundation holds fishing events, promotes healthy living and aims to break down the stereotype that the outdoors are only for white people.
Website: gethookedfoundation.org
Facebook: facebook.com/Get-Hooked-129753697736575
Phone: 360-991-2087
• The Noble Foundation -- A grassroots nonprofit, The Noble Foundation says its mission is to ensure all marginalized communities are able to gain connections, knowledge and empowerment to build a more just, equitable, and healthy society. Among its ongoing efforts is educating people about the 2020 census.
Website: thenoblefoundation.org
Facebook: facebook.com/TheNobleFoundation501c3
Phone: 360-635-5235
• Our Place/Nuestra Casa Multicultural Center -- An initiative of The Noble Foundation, the new multicultural center has locations in Kelso and Vancouver. This BIPOC-led (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) organization aims to provide a safe space in Southwest Washington to support communities of color and vulnerable community members.
Facebook: facebook.com/pg/ourplacenuestracasa/posts
• SW Washington Communities United for Change -- This nonprofit is a grassroots, community-based organization that came together to support BIPOC and marginalized community members to dismantle systems of oppression and support Southwest Washington community members through civic engagement. For instance, the group in January demonstrated against racial taunts Hudson Bay's basketball players said they received when the teams played in Kelso.
Website: swcuc.life
Facebook: facebook.com/swwcuc
Phone: 360-762-1451
• Odyssey World International Education Services -- Started in 2006 by Karen Morrison in Spokane, Odyssey World International Education Services relocated to Vancouver in 2014. The all-volunteer organization advocates for social justice and provides services for marginalized families and young people impacted by poverty. Among its recent efforts, the nonprofit offered COVID-19 testing at Community AME Zion Church, one of the few black churches in Clark County. It also collected and distributed culturally specific hygiene products for black people who are homeless. Morrison said there are plenty of volunteer opportunities.
Website: odysseyworld.org
Facebook: facebook.com/Odyssey-World-International-Education-Services-161791690528272
Contact: 360-326-8565 or info@odysseyworld.org
• Hands of Favor -- Retired hairstylist and instructor Derek Thompson makes frequent trips to area homeless shelters and charities to provide free haircuts and grooming services for those in need.
Website: handsfavor.com
Facebook: facebook.com/HANDSofFAVOR
Contact: 360-326-3914 or handsoffavor2@gmail.com
Add to the list
Know another nonprofit that should be added to this list? Email reporter Patty Hastings at patty.hastings@columbian.com
