Catalysts

Introducing Catalysts

It’s time to change how we make change. Join us as we meet inspiring social entrepreneurs who are exploring bold new solutions to big social problems.

Introducing Catalysts

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February 19, 2019

How to Get a Job When You’re Living in Poverty

How to Get a Job When You’re Living in Poverty

In this unique job training program for those experiencing poverty, coaches focus on teaching the “harder skills” - love, forgiveness, and connection.

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By Doug Dais

July 30, 2020

In this unique job training program for those experiencing poverty, coaches focus on teaching the “harder skills” - love, forgiveness, and connection.

From Homeless to Homeowner With a $6K Fixer-Upper

From Homeless to Homeowner With a $6K Fixer-Upper

Acts Housing is empowering low-income families by offering resources for every step of the process, from financial counselors to home renovation support.

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By Doug Dais

June 27, 2020

Acts Housing is empowering low-income families by offering resources for every step of the process, from financial counselors to home renovation support.

Online Eye Exams Will Change the Way We Buy Glasses

Online Eye Exams Will Change the Way We Buy Glasses

The FDA recently lifted restrictions against an online eye exam provider to help optometrists reach their patients during the pandemic. Will vision care go virtual for good?

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By Doug Dais

June 20, 2020

The FDA recently lifted restrictions against an online eye exam provider to help optometrists reach their patients during the pandemic. Will vision care go virtual for good?

Business Boot Camp for Low-Income Entrepreneurs

Business Boot Camp for Low-Income Entrepreneurs

By developing the skills of entrepreneurs in low-income communities, this nonprofit is empowering people to generate sustainable income and become a force for economic growth in their neighborhoods.

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By Jennifer Greil

May 20, 2020

By developing the skills of entrepreneurs in low-income communities, this nonprofit is empowering people to generate sustainable income and become a force for economic growth in their neighborhoods.

Staying Sober in Quarantine

Staying Sober in Quarantine

Isolation can be especially difficult for recovering addicts, so this sober active community is hosting virtual fitness classes for free.

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By Laura Howd

April 23, 2020

Isolation can be especially difficult for recovering addicts, so this sober active community is hosting virtual fitness classes for free.

Learning to Code in Prison

Learning to Code in Prison

This progressive organization is on a mission to break the cycle of recidivism, using coding. Incarcerated individuals can now spend their sentences acquiring marketable skills.

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April 8, 2020

This progressive organization is on a mission to break the cycle of recidivism, using coding. Incarcerated individuals can now spend their sentences acquiring marketable skills.

Open Source Textbooks Save Students $1 Billion

Open Source Textbooks Save Students $1 Billion

Many college students’ ability to realize their full potential is hampered by insurmountable expenses, so OpenStax is turning the tide by providing access to free textbooks.

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By Doug Dais

March 23, 2020

Many college students’ ability to realize their full potential is hampered by insurmountable expenses, so OpenStax is turning the tide by providing access to free textbooks.

3D Printed Homes for the Homeless

3D Printed Homes for the Homeless

This 51-acre neighborhood for the homeless will be the first of its kind in the U.S. to have 3D printed homes.

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March 6, 2020

This 51-acre neighborhood for the homeless will be the first of its kind in the U.S. to have 3D printed homes.

How Urban Farming Saved a Dallas Community

How Urban Farming Saved a Dallas Community

In the impoverished community of Bonton, it takes a three-hour bus ride just to reach the nearest grocery store. But the neighborhood is now home to one of the largest urban farms in the US - offering jobs, nutrition programs, and more.

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February 5, 2020

Turning a Construction Site Into a Classroom

Turning a Construction Site Into a Classroom

unCommon Construction offers a unique alternative to your typical internship for high school students. Their program turns build sites into real-world classrooms where interns learn the soft skills they’ll need to succeed in the workforce.

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January 29, 2020

Earning College Degrees In Prison

Earning College Degrees In Prison

In the midst of his prison sentence for murder, Sean Pica helped found Hudson Link - an organization dedicated to reducing recidivism and improving lives through higher education.

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January 21, 2020

In the midst of his prison sentence for murder, Sean Pica helped found Hudson Link - an organization dedicated to reducing recidivism and improving lives through higher education.

Rethinking Addiction Recovery With Fitness

Rethinking Addiction Recovery With Fitness

As drug overdose deaths climb higher, this gym is challenging the thinking behind traditional models for addiction recovery services with free memberships open to anyone sober for at least 48 hours.

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January 8, 2020

As drug overdose deaths climb higher, this gym is challenging the thinking behind traditional models for addiction recovery services with free memberships open to anyone sober for at least 48 hours.

The Mental Health Movement for Chicago’s Inner City Youth

The Mental Health Movement for Chicago’s Inner City Youth

A remarkable transformation is taking place in several inner-city Chicago schools, and it's resulting in fewer gangs, drugs, and homicides. Could this new model of group therapy be the cause, and is it scalable?

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November 13, 2019

Women Supporting Women to Overcome the Trauma of Abuse

Women Supporting Women to Overcome the Trauma of Abuse

When domestic violence survivors share their stories, they feel empowered and find their voice. At Leap to Success, women have the opportunity to do both, forming a clear path to healing from the trauma of abuse.

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October 23, 2019

Investing in Families to Escape Poverty

Investing in Families to Escape Poverty

The greatest investment of all may be in people’s strengths and initiative. This nonprofit is doing just that, and it’s working.

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October 2, 2019

The greatest investment of all may be in people’s strengths and initiative. This nonprofit is doing just that, and it’s working.

OGU: Original Gangsters United Ending Gang Violence

Can Former Bloods and Crips Unite to Break the Cycle of Violence?

OGU: Original Gangsters United Ending Gang Violence

For the children of Dallas, these ex gang leaders may be their only chance.

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September 10, 2019

What do you get when former Bloods and Crips gang leaders come together? Original Gangsters United, a pathway to ending gang opposition, promoting peace, and saving younger generations from senseless violence. Antong Lucky is a former Bloods gang leader in Dallas, Texas. Like most children, Antong never aspired to be a part of a gang or to end up in prison. But sadly, many communities affected by peer pressure and gang violence leave kids with no choice. When Antong left prison, he began working to bring opposing Dallas gang leaders together to put an end to gang violence. And it worked.

More on Social Entrepreneurship

Nonprofits Innovating in the Face of COVID-19

Nonprofits Innovating in the Face of COVID-19

Wondering how you can help during the coronavirus? Here are five organizations that need your support, and how your donation could be doubled.

By Teresa Carey

April 4, 2020

Wondering how you can help during the coronavirus? Here are five organizations that need your support, and how your donation could be doubled.

This Urban Farm in Dallas Grows Financial and Social Opportunities for Residents

This Urban Farm in Dallas Grows Financial and Social Opportunities for Residents

A once impoverished and isolated neighborhood in South Dallas is now flourishing thanks to Bonton Farms.

By Amanda Winkler

February 6, 2020

A once impoverished and isolated neighborhood in South Dallas is now flourishing thanks to Bonton Farms.

Shedding the Stigma of Substance Use

Shedding the Stigma of Substance Use

By achieving fitness goals together, The Phoenix community is peeling off the shame, regret, and stigma often associated with addiction.

By Esther Landhuis

December 18, 2019

By achieving fitness goals together, The Phoenix community is peeling off the shame, regret, and stigma often associated with addiction.

Bloods and Crips Unite to Steer Kids Away From Gang Violence

Bloods and Crips Unite to Steer Kids Away From Gang Violence

These former Bloods and Crips are coming together to spread peace on the streets and end the cycle of gang violence by mentoring local youth.

By Amanda Winkler

December 2, 2019

These former Bloods and Crips are coming together to spread peace on the streets and end the cycle of gang violence by mentoring local youth.

Diversity in the Outdoors: Bridging the Adventure Gap

Diversity in the Outdoors: Bridging the Adventure Gap

This DC nonprofit is defying statistics by promoting diversity in the outdoors and connecting people from all walks of life with the wonders of nature.

By Teresa Carey

November 29, 2019

This DC nonprofit is defying statistics by promoting diversity in the outdoors and connecting people from all walks of life with the wonders of nature.

These Top Chefs are Helping End Child Hunger in the U.S.

Chefs work together to end child hunger.

These Top Chefs are Helping End Child Hunger in the U.S.

A group of culinary professionals in Chicago is volunteering their talents to end child hunger in the US, and some are going all the way to Capitol Hill.

November 28, 2019

A group of culinary professionals in Chicago is volunteering their talents to end child hunger in the US, and some are going all the way to Capitol Hill.

Can Friendship Keep At-Risk Youth Off the Streets?

UTEC an organization that is helping young people overcome poverty, gang involvement, and unemployment.

Can Friendship Keep At-Risk Youth Off the Streets?

Carlos felt addicted to the thrill of crime at a young age. Today, he yields a different, positive influence on the streets with UTEC.

By Linda Wang

November 25, 2019

Carlos felt addicted to the thrill of crime at a young age. Today, he yields a different, positive influence on the streets with UTEC.

How Old Skool Café Helped This Teenager Overcome Adversity After Trauma

How Old Skool Café Helped This Teenager Overcome Adversity After Trauma

After suffering a violent gang beating, Desiree Maldonado experienced major medical and emotional issues. She turned from a shy and nerdy 14-year-old kid to a hard and angry rebel. This is how one restaurant job changed her trajectory.

By Lise Metzger

November 23, 2019

Old Skool Café Provides an Alternative to Gangs and Violence

Old Skool Café Provides an Alternative to Gangs and Violence

As a former prison guard, Teresa Goines watched kids drift in and out of the justice system. Now she runs a jazz-themed eatery that hires at-risk youth and gives them a place to learn and grow.

By Esther Landhuis

November 18, 2019

As a former prison guard, Teresa Goines watched kids drift in and out of the justice system. Now she runs a jazz-themed eatery that hires at-risk youth and gives them a place to learn and grow.

This Nonprofit Gives Bikes and People New Life

This Nonprofit Gives Bikes and People New Life

Working Bikes has spent nearly two decades rescuing bicycles from the waste cycle to give people purpose, access to jobs, and independence.

Life Jackets Are Used to Create Jewelry, Opportunity for Refugees

October 3, 2019

Working Bikes has spent nearly two decades rescuing bicycles from the waste cycle to give people purpose, access to jobs, and independence.

CATALYSTS

CATALYSTS

Life Jackets Are Used to Create Jewelry, Opportunity for Refugees

Hordes of bright orange lifejackets are strewn across the rocky beaches of the Greek island of Lesbos. Discarded...

By Teresa Carey

September 20, 2019

Hordes of bright orange lifejackets are strewn across the rocky beaches of the Greek island of Lesbos. Discarded after a perilous journey at sea, they exemplify the risk that refugees are willing to take in search of a better life. A Minnesota fashion start-up creates jewelry from discarded refugee life jackets. There are currently 26 million refugees worldwide....

This Social Enterprise is Cleaning Up Chicago One Street at a Time

This Social Enterprise is Cleaning Up Chicago One Street at a Time

This nonprofit is not only polishing the streets of Chicago, but providing a "clean slate" for its interns. Those with a criminal background, dealing with addiction recovery, or domestic violence, are welcome to take part in job training and counseling.

This Restaurant Gives At-Risk Youth a Second Chance

September 30, 2019

It's a muggy Wednesday morning in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood, the temperature and humidity rising before the sun. Lena, decked out in her eye-catching slate shirt and chartreuse vest, leans slightly out into the busy rush-hour traffic, sweeping litter (wrappers, cups, lots of cigarette butts) from the gutter into her dustpan. On the sidewalk, she empties her collection into a cart. As she moves down the street,...

Stand Together

This Restaurant Gives At-Risk Youth a Second Chance

Stand Together

Cafe Momentum offers an alternative to the revolving doors at Texas jails.

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November 5, 2018

Chef Chad Houser was a rising star in the Dallas restaurant scene, but after volunteering with kids in the criminal justice system, he felt a calling to do more. He gave up his job to start Cafe Momentum, a restaurant staffed by kids from the criminal justice system. They’re given year-long paid internships where they are taught the skills to succeed in restaurants and society. It’s his way of trying to fix the problems...

The Phoenix

How The Phoenix Is Fighting Addiction with Fitness

How The Phoenix Is Fighting Addiction with Fitness

The Phoenix

Meet the group that is helping thousands of people transform their lives and unlock their potential.

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September 17, 2018

Meet The Phoenix, the free sober active community that’s using fitness to change how we treat addiction. Scott Strode, the founder, got sober with the help of a gym and wanted to help others with their recovery. Now thousands of people are transforming their lives and unlocking their potential. In doing so they are challenging the stigma around drug rehabilitation by publicly embracing their sobriety and talking about it...

Hudson Link

For People in Prison, a Second Chance to Give Back

For People in Prison, a Second Chance to Give Back

Hudson Link

50% of people released from prison return within three years. This program is changing that.

Watch Now about the article For People in Prison, a Second Chance to Give Back

April 17, 2018

Nearly 50% of people released from prison return within three years. But less than 1% of graduates from Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison ever return. By offering college degree programs, their mission is to give people the tools to turn their lives around and give back to their communities when released. Freethink is proud to present this story in partnership with Stand Together. For more information on other...

Building Community

This Chicago Urban Farm Grows Opportunity, Jobs

Building Community

This Chicago Urban Farm Grows Opportunity, Jobs

Growing Home’s organic urban farms use agriculture as a vehicle for providing job training for people with...

July 27, 2019

Growing Home’s organic urban farms use agriculture as a vehicle for providing job training for people with employment barriers, whether due to prior convictions, medical concerns, poverty, homelessness, or any other issues which make gainful employment difficult.

The Crib: A Place to Call Home

The Crib: A Place to Call Home

For young LGBTQ adults, this is the shelter that accepts many people that are too often turned away.

Helping Kids Through Rowing

August 29, 2019

Every night, young adults pass through the basement door of the Lakeview Lutheran Church, close to the heart of Boystown, the gay neighborhood-within-a-neighborhood on Chicago’s North Side. Like many institutions in Lakeview, the church offers a place specifically welcoming to the LGBTQ community. These young adults are taking refuge at The Crib, an overnight emergency shelter for people aged 18 to 24 who find themselves temporarily homeless. Founded by The Night Ministry in 2011, The Crib is one of the few places in the city where young LGBTQ adults, especially those of color, can find housing and community with others their age in similar situations.

Row New York

Helping Kids Through Rowing

Row New York

Inside the surprising program helping disadvantaged kids in New York thrive.

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August 14, 2018

In the middle of New York City sits an unexpected sight: a boathouse; and inside is an unexpected group of rowers: middle and high schoolers from across the city’s fragile communities. Every year, in this place, thousands of kids show up to find something in themselves — whether strength, confidence, discipline, or community — that can make a difference in their lives. Row New York is one of the most successful after-school...

Coalfield Development

Rebuilding Coal Country

Meet the nonprofit bringing jobs back to coal country.

Coalfield Development

Rebuilding Coal Country

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August 20, 2018

Coalfield Development is a nonprofit on a mission to unlock the resources and potential of coal country. Partnering with local entrepreneurs, they've helped launch six new businesses and trained hundreds of workers across Appalachia. They provide education and training for unemployed workers, from college courses to trade skills, and partner with businesses to help them succeed on the job. The coal jobs might not be coming...

Headstrong

How Veterans Help Each Other Heal Through Therapy

How Veterans Help Each Other Heal Through Therapy

Headstrong

Headstrong believes that trauma is treatable.