5 Nonprofits To Get Behind In The Champaign Area

CHAMPAIGN, IL — Nonprofit groups are keystone community organizations in the Champaign area. Fortunately, there is no shortage of organizations to volunteer or get behind financially, and that need your help.

Here are five outstanding nonprofit groups you should know about in the greater Champaign-Urbana area:

1. Mobile Mutts Rescue Transport is a volunteer-based animal rescue transport organization that transports “death row” dogs from high-kill shelters in the South to screened foster-based rescues throughout the Midwest. The operation is a sort of ground relay system in which volunteers transport dogs from unsafe environments into shelters where they will be cared for and then adopted out.

2. Grow In Illinois has been active in Illinois since 1978 after a University of Illinois professor invited the organization into the state. Since its foundation, the organization has developed a network of mutual help groups around Illinois that deals with the mental health needs of patients. The organization’s 12-step mental help program allows clients to grow through their personal lives while working through life challenges.

3. University YMCA works to strengthen communities in the Champaign-Urbana area by promoting social justice initiatives, developing environmentally conscious leaders, and promoting healthy and clean communities. In addition, the not-for-profit organization thrives on a system of global engagement while operating in an interfaith action system in which everyone is included and welcomed.

4. SmileHealthy is an organization that has a mission of providing quality dental care for underprivileged residents and families and that provides quality dental care regardless of their ability to play. Working under the umbrella of Promise Healthcare, Smile Healthy accepts Medicaid and private insurance for dental services that provides a sliding scale of costs depending on the income level of local patients.

5. Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club is a not-for-profit organization that helps to grow young people into productive and caring members of society and responsible citizens. The Boys and Girls Club operates after-school clubs and programming as well as summer programming that provides local youngsters with safety, support, and hope. Founded in 1968, the Boys and Girls Club moved to an old church building located at 201 E. Park St. in Champaign. A $1.45 million dollar renovation took place in 1994. The old structure was converted into a gymnasium, and an 11,000-square-foot addition was built on the east side of the old building.

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