Community Spotlight: Local Charities We Love

Whether you were born and raised in Las Vegas or are new to the area, you’ve probably noticed Vegas is much more of a caring, tight-knit community than its sin-city epithet implies. I can’t tell you how many of my clients, for example, have insanely busy professional lives, yet still make the time to be extremely active in local and even national philanthropic efforts.

That whole best-of-both-worlds thing is one of my favorite characteristics of our city--it’s a place where you can have your (vodka-laced) cake and eat it, too. So today, I wanted to focus on the flip side of the sin in our city, shining the spotlight on some of our favorite local charities. Have a look, and--if you’re not too full from that aforementioned cake--get involved however you can.

Dave Rice Foundation: Established in 2012 by UNLV Basketball Head Coach Dave Rice and his wife, Mindy (whose son Dylan was diagnosed with autism at two years old), the Dave Rice Foundation focuses its efforts on education around and support for autism and other developmental disorders. The Foundation partners with the UNLV Center for Autism to offer parent and teacher trainings and--new as of this past year--an assessment clinic that works to bring solid answers and support plans to frustrated parents. You can donate here or contact the Foundation to learn about its current needs.

Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth: A cause that I think everyone can get on board with, the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth’s mission is to eliminate homelessness among Nevada’s youth. The organization has made some serious strides--successfully fighting to get the “Right to Shelter” Law passed (making it possible for abused and neglected children to receive critical services they couldn’t otherwise access), opening the state’s first full-service drop-in center for displaced youth, and bringing the “Safe Place” program to Southern Nevada (to name only a few). Find out how you can get involved here.

Boys and Girls Club of Southern Nevada: A program that just about everyone has heard of or come into contact with at some point, the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Nevada made our list for its solid history and simple mission: to enable young people to reach their full potential. The Club offers engaging (and fun) programs and activities to keep kids off the streets and under the supervision of caring guardians. For only $30 per year, for example, a working mom can ensure her kid has somewhere safe to go after school lets out--we think that’s pretty remarkable. Find out more about donating and volunteer opportunities here.  

The Nevada Homeless Alliance: Dedicated to reducing and ending homelessness in Southern Nevada, the NHA works to educate the community and connect the public and private sectors through open communication around the issue of homelessness in our community. Its signature event, Project Homeless Connect, a service and resource fair for Southern Nevadans who are homeless or of low-income, has assisted more than 15,000 homeless clients access important resources in the past five years alone. Learn how you can get involved here.