We recently learned about The Lift from a friend who volunteers for this very cool organization: "The Lift Garage is a 501c3 nonprofit aimed to move people out of poverty and homelessness by providing low-cost car repair, free pre-purchase car inspections, and honest advice that supports our community on the road to more secure lives."

Did any of you read the Star Tribune series STATE OF THE RIVER?? FMR is a grassroots organization working with citizens of the Twin Cities to address issues of land conservation, watershed protection, and river corridor stewardship in and around the Mississippi River. Knowledge and clean water are power!

Our friend's mother works as a doula for this incredible organization. Everyday Miracles' mission is "to reduce health disparities and improve birth outcomes for at-risk moms, [through the use of] doulas, wellness, education and supportive community."

This organization and its cause are worthy of SO MUCH SUPPORT.

Because we were raised by compassionate community-minded people, we can't help but pause during the wedding planning madness and reflect on how many families in our community have no opportunity for such luxuries. The need for affordable housing in the Twin Cities outpaces demand, and the frigid temperatures put added stress on families in need. The Dorothy Day Center in downtown Saint Paul provides nightly emergency shelter, housing services, meals, showers, veteran services, laundry, mental health assistance, mail, and chemical health support groups. We both see the effects of economic poverty on families we meet during the work day, and we admire and support those who combat those challenges directly.