Throughout 2010, Causes for Healing is casting a wide and heartfelt net across the non-profit world. Our goal: to highlight, and honor, organizations that we feel are making a big, unique and positive difference in the world for those who need it most.

We’ll look at projects, movements and initiatives that span the spectrum of sustainability, humanitarian aid, disaster relief and health care. We’ll ask, and attempt to answer, what makes each effective at healing the world, its people, and our biggest social, environmental and spiritual challenges.

Although there are thousands (if not more) worthy causes across the planet, we’ll hand select a dozen or so. This limited number makes the project doable for us. It also helps us to quickly and acutely feature those efforts that seem to rise to the surface and create the greatest impact in certain key ways.

March 2010 Winner

P:ear – Creatively  Mentoring Homeless Youth

As the great recession continues to wax and wane, p:ear keeps a candle lit for art and homeless youth. This Portland nonprofit builds positive relationships with homeless and transitional youth, ages 15 to 24, through education, art and recreation. Their efforts affirm personal worth and create more meaningful and healthier lives for those they serve. Each year their programs serve more than 350 homeless and transitional young people. Please join me in support p:ear!

February 2010 Winner

Stand With Haiti