paraguadParaquad is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower people with disabilities to increase their independence through choice and opportunity. Founded in 1970 in St. Louis, Mo., by Max and Colleen Starkloff, we are one of the oldest non-residential Centers for Independent Living in the country. Paraquad’s guiding principle is to advance the independent living philosophy. We look toward an integrated community in which people with disabilities are valued and participate in all aspects of society. We strive to make St. Louis more accessible for all people. A city that is more accessible is appealing to all members, not just people with disabilities who need more accessible areas.

City: St. Louis, MO
E-mail: contactus@paraquad.org
Web: http://www.paraquad.org

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Virginia OrganizingVirginia Organizing, founded in August 1995, is a state-wide grassroots organization dedicated to challenging injustice by empowering people in local communities to address issues that affect the quality of their lives.  Virginia Organizing especially encourages the participation of those who have traditionally had little or no voice in our society.  By building relationships with diverse individuals and groups throughout Virginia, Virginia Organizing enhances their ability to work together at a state-wide level, democratically and non-violently, for change.  The overall purpose of Virginia Organizing is to create a strong political force for long-term change which has a diverse grassroots base and includes people who have not been active before.

City: Charlottesville, Virginia
E-mail: http://www.virginia-organizing.org/contact
Web: http://www.virginia-organizing.org

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ipaIllinois People’s Action (IPA) is the state’s largest faith-based community organization. The mission of IPA is to organize for justice in local communities and throughout Illinois’ urban and rural communities. IPA works with local grassroots and faith leaders on wide variety of justice issues they themselves identify. IPA provides leadership training and development, staff support and consultation, and access to institutional and financial resources. IPA uses the democratic power of the people to engage in civic dialogue with decision-makers.

City: Bloomington, IL
E-mail: don@illinoispeoplesaction.org
Web: http://www.illinoispeoplesaction.org

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stepbystepNow celebrating its 25th anniversary, Step by Step, Inc. is a regional, grassroots, non-profit organization serving eight counties in rural and urban West Virginia. Step by Step ensures that disadvantaged children living in geographically and culturally-isolated communities receive continuous, comprehensive care from birth to independent adulthood. Whether at our community centers, in our after-school and summer programs, or as part of our home visits, at-risk children, youth, and their families have access to free education services, healthcare, economic support, and an array of training and advocacy resources. Along with a broad network of local, state, and regional partners, Step by Step empower children and their families to “dream, work, and grow” together.

City: Charleston, West Virginia
E-mail: sbsadmin@stepbystepwv.org 
Web: http://www.stepbystepwv.org/

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Since 1979, Sisters Of The Road has been an essential part of the Old Town/Chinatown neighbourhood. Sisters offers a space to build community, empower ourselves, learn from one another, dine with dignity and organize for justice and human rights for all.

Sisters’ Mission: Sisters Of The Road exists to build authentic relationships and alleviate the hunger of isolation in an atmosphere of non-violence and gentle personalism that nurtures the whole individual, while seeking systemic solutions that reach the roots of homelessness and poverty to end them forever.

City: Portland, Oregon
E-mail: info@sistersoftheroad.org   
Web: http://sistersoftheroad.org

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bread and rosesBread & Roses is a non-profit intentional community. We are dedicated to creating a world that is organized by the principle of generosity rather than self-interest. Bread & Roses has lovingly served the homeless, the poor, and the marginalized of Thurston County for over a quarter century. Bread & Roses is, first and foremost, an intentional community. Our commitment to social justice is realized in the daily hospitality that we offer to the homeless – a warm, comfortable, and nurturing home in which to heal from the traumas of street life. From civil rights to community planning, and from volunteerism to community organizing, Bread & Roses has reminded us all of our obligations to our neighbours in need.

City: Olympia, WA
E-mail: admin@breadandrosesolympia.org    
Web: http://breadandrosesolympia.org

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maine people's allianceMaine People’s Alliance was founded in 1982 (and officially incorporated in 1983) in the Lewiston/Auburn area with a focus on housing, rent and utility rate reform issues. In 1984, our sister organization, the Maine People’s Resource Center, was created. MPA’s purpose is to bring individuals and organizations together to realize shared goals. We focus on leadership development to increase the number of citizen leaders prepared to work for positive social change. We are known for our ability to do grassroots organizing and education that reaches more than 100,000 Mainers each year with direct personal contact and quality leadership development work that has yielded dozens of leaders and staff for MPA and other organizations.

City: Portland, Maine
E-mail: amy@mainepeoplesalliance.org    
Web: https://www.mainepeoplesalliance.org