Posted by Caroline Walker
If you’re already a LIFT volunteer, you know why you do it.
If you’re not, get ready to see why you’re going to want to LIFT for yourself.
Since 1998, the national nonprofit LIFT has been combating poverty in the U.S. by teaming up volunteers with families who need assistance finding their financial footing. According to the most recent U.S. census, 43.6 million people were living in poverty, “the largest number in the 51 years for which poverty estimates have been published.” It’s an alarming statistic, and it’s an issue we have to tackle. LIFT helps provide resources and services for finding stable work, housing, childcare and health care opportunities. To date, the program has helped 40,000 clients get squared away for a fair shot at the American dream.
Yesterday kicked off the second annual WHY I LIFT campaign, an initiative that gives volunteers a platform to share their experiences, help drive support and encourage other people to get involved. We’ll be featuring some of the stories toward the end of the month, testimonials from people whose lives have changed on account of diving into service.
LIFT currently operates in Boston, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., with additional opportunities in the national office. If there’s a program in your area, it’s the perfect time to do a little research to see if it might be a good fit for you, then get some fresh, up-to-date perspectives from active LIFT volunteers.
If you’re up for the challenge, get ready for a life-changer. Volunteer Bishara Addison wrote last year:
“When I graduate this May from The George Washington University, my diploma will say that I majored in political science. However, I believe this is a mistake. I really majored in LIFT, with a concentration in workforce development and a special interest in fulfilling basic human needs.”