Stories
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Winning the Lottery: Connecting with Barker French
Read more: Winning the Lottery: Connecting with Barker FrenchW. Barker French is perfectly at ease sitting in a blue plastic school chair at East Durham Children’s Initiative (EDCI). His comfort is understandable; for the past eight years, French has spent lot of time with EDCI, volunteering first as a founding member and now as Board Chair of the organization. French and his EDCI…
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The Product of Opportunity
Read more: The Product of OpportunityHe seems to own any room he enters. With his boisterous and booming voice, “Cheshire cat” smile, and colorful suits, without knowing Farad Ali, you might assume that he was born into a privileged life. But you’d be wrong. “I didn’t know I was poor, but I was poor,” Ali said. “I was born into…
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A Legacy of Giving: Tips for Family Philanthropy
Read more: A Legacy of Giving: Tips for Family Philanthropy“Hi Nana and Grandpa,” the email began, “After some serious consideration, I would like to donate my $500 to the Ocean Conservancy.” Nana and Grandpa, local residents who started a donor-advised fund when they moved to the area 14 years ago, were elated to receive the note from their oldest grandson. In response to their…
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The Gift of Land
Read more: The Gift of Land“I am sure everyone can find their equilibrium between enjoying life and philanthropy,” says Ish Sud. It’s about making choices. It’s differentiating between what is important and what is not. It’s perhaps spending judiciously on larger items, sacrificing symbols of status, and contributing the cost difference to charity while still being able to enjoy a…
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The Science of a Legacy
Read more: The Science of a LegacyLike many scientists, George Hitchings and Gertrude “Trudy” Elion aren’t exactly household names, despite their incredible achievements. They are best known for winning the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1988. Together, they created innovative drug treatments for leukemia, malaria, AIDS, and more. Those familiar with the history of Triangle Community Foundation may also recognize George…
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Empowering Through Education
Read more: Empowering Through EducationAsk Dr. Umesh Gulati and his wife Usha for advice about living an impactful life, and they’re likely to say, “Have a conversation. Get to know someone.” Preferably someone who’s not like you. In their early years in the United States, the Gulatis were often faced with their uniqueness. In the places they lived and…
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20/20 Sisters of Vision: Improving Quality of Life for All Women
Read more: 20/20 Sisters of Vision: Improving Quality of Life for All Women20/20 Sisters of Vision have never hesitated in helping the women and families of their community. As a giving circle of women of color, their mission is to empower women and families in local and global communities by enabling them to improve their quality of life in health, education, economic development, and spirituality. It all…
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Working Toward a Thriving Society
Read more: Working Toward a Thriving SocietyDr. Bulent Ender was raised to believe that it was his responsibility to give back to those in need. As a first-generation immigrant from Turkey growing up in the suburbs of D.C., he was surrounded by opportunity. Opportunity that came with a clear message from his family and religion. “Being Muslim in origin, Zakat (a…
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Leaving a Legacy
Read more: Leaving a LegacyFor Jim Stewart and Frances Dyer, contributing to the community has always been a part of life. Growing up in Durham, Stewart was keenly aware of his father’s (John “Shag” Stewart) passion and impact in the region, and knew he had big shoes to fill. “My dad’s favorite expression was that a person’s place is…
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Nurturing Youth and Community
Read more: Nurturing Youth and CommunityIt’s a picture-perfect autumn afternoon, and the SEEDS two-acre urban farm is a hive of activity. As you walk through the whimsically designed gates, the space stretches ahead, a fusion of cozy backyard and childhood wonderland. A sprawling herb garden embraces the top tier of the property and offers up fragrant plants that can be…
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Social Justice Through Art
Read more: Social Justice Through ArtHow would people living on death row believe they have a story to share? How would they consider their story even matters? Society would relegate them to its “outskirts” along with others deemed unworthy of story, where difference is uncounted. Lynden Harris and the team at Hidden Voices are working to amplify the stories of…
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Q&A with the Compass Center for Women and Families
Read more: Q&A with the Compass Center for Women and FamiliesThe following is an interview with Cordelia Heaney (C), Executive Director of Compass Center for Women and Families, conducted by Julia Da Silva (J), Programs and Scholarships Associate. J: Tell me a little about the Compass Center. C: Compass Center for Women and Families helps all people navigate their journey to self-sufficiency, safety, and health. We…