Across the United States, researchers are examining the impact of a quiet but consequential shift in adolescence: young people have fewer opportunities to contribute meaningfully to their communities through volunteering — particularly structured youth service. Packed schedules and constant adult oversight can crowd out experiences where youth take on real responsibility and see the tangible social […]
Alzheimer’s, one of the most common forms of dementia, affects more than 6.9 million Americans. It’s a complex and debilitating condition, but for millions of families, Alzheimer’s disease does not arrive as a surprise. It is a genetic condition that researchers can now predict through genetic testing. A simple genetic test can reveal whether someone […]
We know it isn’t real. We know that the “person” on the other end of the screen doesn’t have feelings, a body, or a past. And yet, we talk to it, confide in it, even fall for it. Artificial intelligence has entered our emotional lives quietly but decisively. Apps and AI chatbots now listen, flirt, […]
As demand for basic assistance rises and public funding becomes less predictable, nonprofits providing essential services are filling the gaps. That was the clear message from leaders of four of Chicago’s largest social-service organizations at a panel hosted by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Their conversation reflected a broader reality playing out across […]
Own Your Expertise Online At Better Magazine, the Make It Better Foundation’s storytelling hub, we partner with nonprofits to tell nationally relevant, evergreen stories that spark generosity and inspire change. A You Said It submission is the entry point into Better Magazine and the Make It Better Foundation’s broader storytelling ecosystem. Through this initiative, nonprofit leaders, advocates, and […]
Anyone who has ever tried to schedule a specialist appointment, make sense of a medical bill, or advocate for a loved one in the hospital knows how challenging America’s healthcare system can be. It’s a maze of forms, follow-up calls, insurance approvals, and costs that pile up. When things get more complex, it can be […]
One piece of my multifaceted identity is that I’m a grown grieving child. My name is Megan Andriano and I’m a 39-year-old woman who is grateful to wear multiple hats, including that of art therapist and licensed professional grief counselor. When I was 13 years old and my brother was seven, our dad died. While […]
The United States spends more on health care than any other developed nation, yet millions still struggle to access timely, effective treatment. One promising reform gaining traction among policymakers and researchers is integrated care, an approach that unites physical, behavioral, and social health services to treat the whole person rather than isolated symptoms. Health policy experts […]
As momentum builds around Chicago’s Cultural Stadium concept, much of the focus so far has been on its potential to drive economic growth. Originally introduced by Broadway In Chicago CEO Lou Raizin, the Cultural Stadium is a visionary framework for reimagining the city’s cultural, civic, and recreational assets — from museums and theaters to parks […]
Every October, schools, nonprofits, and communities wear orange ribbons and share hashtags for National Bullying Prevention Month. These gestures matter — they signal solidarity, compassion, and the importance of the issue. But awareness alone is not saving lives. The nation is past the point of slogans. Real change requires action. The urgency could not be […]
