fundraiser
Melissa Griffith - To Be Like Me Fundraising Page
$2,110 Raised
To Be Like Me is a nonprofit disability awareness program that offers both in-person and online programming. Through meaningful interactions with our LEADers (Leaders in Education and Advocacy for Disabilities), we create a learning opportunity that fosters empathy and compassion and equips our communities to be more inclusive. We also empower our LEADers who have disabilities by providing them employment and a platform to share their stories and advocate for others.
Our Needs
Donation dollars will go toward helping us support our LEADers through employment and leadership training as well as helping to cover in-person and online programming costs.
To Be Like Me is always looking for volunteers to help with our in-person field trips and Community Days and provide a library of recommended books to schools. If you are interested in helping, please email us at hello@tobelikeme.org.
Our Impact
In the 2023-2024 academic year, we educated over 6,500 students, teachers, and community members through our in-person and online programs. This is what teachers are saying:
"Yesterday's experience was more than amazing. What it meant to me is a chance to open my eyes to see and be seen. It is all about inclusion and existing together and reaching an understanding on what it means to be human and how we are all different but still deserve the right to be treated with dignity. I'm so happy I was able to experience this!" – My Urban, M.Ed, Campus Instructional Coach, ILTexas Garland High School
"Our students and staff had an amazing time. They were so engaged and excited. Every adult told me that they were so glad to be part of the group, because they learned a lot. And the kids were very thoughtful when they returned. Thank you so much!!!" – Karen Marx, Principal of International Leadership of Texas- Garland High School
"It was the most impactful field trip that I have ever been on for sure. I definitely want to figure out a way to get staff and some more students attending this next year." – Luke Allison, Superintendent of Schools, Caddo Mills ISD
"What a great experience. Thank you so very much for the fantastic field trip. Each and every person who spoke to the kids did a super job! I loved the pacing of each activity, too." – Marcy Dale and Hannah Gunn, Prairie Creek Elementary 4th grade
"Before Thanksgiving Break, our 4th graders got to go on a field trip to To Be Like Me. I had the honor of attending the field trip with WRE 4th graders. The WRE staff who had the opportunity to attend this field trip all agreed that it was the most meaningful and special field trip we had ever taken. It was an incredible experience for our students! To Be Like Me strives to break down the barriers that exist for those with disabilities, shed light on the positive impact of inclusion, ignite compassion, and foster awareness of the unique abilities of others. Students had the opportunity to learn directly from TBLM leaders who shared their own personal experiences about living with a disability or difference." – Becky Stevens, Principal, White Rock Elementary
The mission of To Be Like Me is to encourage empathy, kindness, and inclusion through disability awareness programs led by people living with disabilities.
Culture of Diversity
Building a diverse team at To Be Like Me is a top priority because we know that representation matters. Disability exists across every culture, race, gender, and class. We want to ensure that our message resonates with every person who experiences our program.
To Be Like Me strives to create a culture of diversity in a number of different ways:
1. We intentionally seek connections with diverse communities and organizations throughout Dallas.
2. We intentionally recruit new team members to better represent the diversity of our city.
3. We listen and learn about the realities for people with disabilities with a variety of cultures and backgrounds.
View our current participation opportunities.
In-Person Volunteering
Volunteer Opportunities
Tolleson Family Activity Center
Ongoing opportunity
Organization name
To Be Like Me
Causes
Education - K-12
Operating Budget
$500,000 - $999,999
Counties Served
Collin, Dallas
BIPOC Serving
Black or African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latinx, Native American, Other
BIPOC Leadership
Neither/None
Equity Statement
Equity Statement
Address
P.O. Box 600101