Buying in the Neighborhood - Edition Twenty-three (23)

     What an amazing 2012 it has been, first quarter is over, spring has sprung and the work has just begun.  During this last couple of months, I've had the opportunity to uncover an even longer list of strategically designed organizations that are all about making a difference.  I am almost speechless in that it's hard to describe all the goodness that has been contained in the year so far and it has been evident in all the activities going on.  There is so much collaboration, inventiveness, and support in so many areas.  As some know, I've tagged this year at being limitless and so far that has been the case.  There are an extensive amount of individuals, businesses and organizations that have demonstrated their good intent to help others and support beyond what they do.  People are working outside of the box and creating a new dynamics as well as a new way of doing business.  This is not something just happening in a few areas but this is happening across industries. 

     There are organizations making differences in helping the homeless, working with those experiencing extreme emotional distress, protecting the kids, giving unemployed a chance to begin again, businesses trading and creating those economic lifecycles that I have talked about in other articles.  Seeing beyond the barriers is what many are doing and overcoming obstacles everyday.  The story here is that in society, we must not only show up, but we must step up in order to make a change and a difference for others.  I have to say that we as a community are more now in need of this than in any other time.  I will be calling out those organizations I have come in contact with that are putting their best foot forward and truly walking the walk in getting involved and actually reaching people in need.

Community Based Organizations

• MY LIFE - Magellan Youth Leaders Inspiring Future Empowerment
• Family Involvement Center
• North Phoenix Counseling, Cesar Gamez
• EMPACT - Suicide Prevention Center
• Arizona Suicide Prevention Coalition
• Psychological Counseling Services
• Save the Family Foundation of Arizona
• The Faithful City
• City in the Desert Metro Church

Business Organizations

• Instant Barter
• Show Some Love Celebration Expo 2012

     What these organizations do is that they are going to meet the people and businesses where they are.  They are not asking for others to be special, unique or stand out.  They don't expect you to be the best of the best...what they do expect is for you to communicate you have needs and they have the willingness to provide support to help you find what you are in need or support of and point you in the right direction.  We are all at different places in our journey and our walks vary based on our past experiences and our present influences.  Everyday, there is a lesson to be learned in that you will find someone out there that is less fortunate than you are and your choice everyday is for you to decide, do I ignore the need that exists or do I choose to make a difference today. 
    

     It is tough prioritizing family, work life, school, friends, and more.  But in choosing to live in the present moment, you have the opportunity to impact another person's life.  In many cases it might not cost you anything but a little time and energy.  If you don't have time or energy, then consider the resources you have at your hands.  You probably still have more than most and there are things you can sacrifice to help perpetuate something better for someone else.  When you consider what is best for you, think about the areas you would like help in or if you know of others in need what they need help with.  Anything you can think of there is an opportunity for you to help.  To make it simple, find a local organization that is close to you or in one of your areas that you see everyday or where you have a passion for, then pick up the phone and call them or send them an email and ask how you can help and make a difference.  If you need help finding that organization, please reach out to me directly and I will be happy to point you in the right direction with options.  I only ask that you think about it and put energy towards helping someone else today.  Someone will thank you for that.  Looking forward to making more difference in 2012.

If you are interested in being showcased on this blog, please send an e-mail to BuyinArizonaCampaign@gmail.com with the business website, contact information (e.g. business owner name, phone number and email address), so that a follow up contact can be made to talk with you about your business and what is offered.....