One World Strong Foundation received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation , which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations. One World Strong Foundation , based in Newburyport, MA, is strengthening how communities support people impacted by acts of violence, hate, and other traumatic events. Centered on connection and shared understanding, the organization brings together individuals who have lived through profound challenges and are seeking pathways toward healing and stability. Through peer-to-peer support, mentorship, and resource navigation, One World Strong creates spaces where individuals can connect with others who understand the complexities of recovery. Its work focuses on reducing isolation by fostering relationships rooted in empathy, shared experience, and mutual respect. At the core of One World Strong’s mission is the belief that healing is strengthened through community. Many individuals affected by traumatic events face long-term emotional, physical, and social impacts. The organization responds by offering opportunities to connect, share experiences, and learn from others who have navigated similar paths forward. “From the very beginning, One World Strong was built on the understanding that connecting with others who have lived through similar traumatic events can be a critical part of healing,” said Dave Fortier, President and Executive Director. One World Strong also extends its reach through ResilienceNet, a mobile platform that connects users to recovery resources, prevention services, and community networks. The platform supports individuals and practitioners alike by providing access to educational materials, service directories, and peer communities designed to promote resilience and long-term well-being. By prioritizing collaboration and lived experience, One World Strong helps individuals build confidence, regain a sense of belonging, and move forward at their own pace. Its work reflects a commitment to meeting people where they are and supporting recovery through understanding, access, and connection. “One World Strong creates meaningful connections for individuals navigating the impact of traumatic events, and we are proud to support their efforts to build community through peer connection and shared understanding,” said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

The SBB Research Group Foundation invited three prior grant recipients to share updates on their critical efforts to support the local community. The Foundation awarded additional grants to further each of the respective organization’s missions (organizations listed alphabetically): Center for Independent Futures (Evanston, IL) partners with individuals with disabilities to support independent living through person-centered coaching, education, housing support, and inclusive community connections. With its initial grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation, the organization provided targeted COVID-related assistance and free virtual and in-person social activities for Evanston Township High School Transition House students and alumni. These efforts helped reduce isolation while fostering connection, engagement, and daily structure during a critical period. Peer Plus Education and Training Advocates (Chicago, IL) serves underserved communities across the Midwest by delivering culturally sensitive programs that address complex health, education, and psychosocial challenges, along with non-medical education, training, and workshops. The organization used its initial SBB Research Group Foundation grant to support and expand programming aligned with its mission. Building on the impact of this funding, Peer Plus continues to strengthen community access to education and supportive resources. Will’s Place (Skokie, IL) is a nonprofit café that creates meaningful employment and job training opportunities for adults with disabilities while promoting inclusion, equity, and community understanding. The Foundation’s initial grant helped cover essential operating expenses, making it possible for Will’s Place to employ and train 25 young adults with disabilities while continuing to grow sustainably as a mission-driven café. “These organizations have demonstrated incredible commitment to empowering their communities. We’re grateful for the opportunity to support them as they continue their vital work and expand the impact of their programs,” said co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation, Matt Aven. The Foundation encourages any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to apply for a grant at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant . Donations are awarded to different organizations monthly. This story can be found on Business Wire

The Andrew Weishar Foundation collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation , which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program. The SBB Research Group Foundation sponsored the Andrew Weishar Foundation (AWF) to provide holiday assistance to families facing financial difficulties due to cancer diagnoses. KC Casper, along with other volunteers from the SBB Research Group Foundation, wrapped Christmas presents for the families during the event. Maggie Sommer, Executive Program Director at AWF, shared stories about each family, fostering personal connections between the volunteers and recipients. Following the event, gifts were distributed to six families supported by AWF, with the goal of bringing joy and easing financial strain during the holiday season. Casper expressed satisfaction at observing the impact of their holiday event with the Andrew Weishar Foundation, emphasizing the personal connections made and the event's focus on providing relief to families facing challenges. For more details, please visit www.weish4ever.org This story can be found on Yahoo!

The SBB Research Group Foundation named Rishi Sharma a recipient of its STEM scholarship . The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Rishi Sharma, a second-year medical student, studies at the University of Chicago. Sharma has helped to develop diagnostic tools and is working toward the development of AI tools for rare cancer diagnosis and low-cost drug repurposing “Sharma isn’t just committed to medicine, he’s committed to the future of medicine and ensuring it’s better for patients. I’m pleased we could support him in his endeavors," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation . For eligibility criteria and more information on the Foundation’s STEM scholarship, please visit www.sbbscholarship.org . This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

The SBB Research Group Foundation named Tiffany Sudijono a recipient of its STEM scholarship . The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Tiffany Sudijono, a sophomore, studies cognitive science and information science at University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. She has led the development of an AI driven Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) that uses adaptive simulations and personalized feedback to improve global clinical training efficiency for medical residents. She also designed and evaluated multiple digital health interventions—spanning perinatal emotion regulation, smoking cessation, and bipolar disorder care—while conducting large scale systematic reviews and mentoring graduate teams in data analysis. “Tiffany is a forward thinker and is already finding ways to improve medicine through technology. I’m proud we could be part of her journey," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. For eligibility criteria and more information on the Foundation’s STEM scholarship, please visit www.sbbscholarship.org . This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

The SBB Research Group Foundation named Luis Joshua Cordero a recipient of its STEM scholarship . The $2,500 award empowers students to create value for society by pursuing higher learning through interdisciplinary combinations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Luis Joshua Cordero, a second-year graduate student, studies population aging and clinical epidemiology at Rutgers University. Cordero conducted health services and qualitative aging research, including studies on care-seeking pathways for symptomatic gallstone disease and person-centered care experiences in various long-term care settings. “Luis's commitment to the wider community is admirable. I’m pleased that he is part of the SBB Research Group Foundation community through this scholarship," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. For eligibility criteria and more information on the Foundation’s STEM scholarship, please visit www.sbbscholarship.org . This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

The Andrew Weishar Foundation collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation , which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program. For the third year, the SBB Research Group Foundation partnered with The Andrew Weishar Foundation, an organization dedicated to easing the financial and emotional burdens of families facing serious medical challenges, to provide holiday support for five families. Volunteers wrapped gifts from each family’s wish list and came together for a holiday event. Throughout the event, a representative from The Andrew Weishar Foundation shared updates about the families it supports, offering insight into the difficulties these households continue to face. Their presence helped volunteers understand how thoughtful, practical assistance such as gift giving fits into the foundation’s broader mission of providing comfort and stability during deeply stressful periods. “It means so much to support families who are already going through an extremely difficult time in their lives,” said KC Casper, a volunteer from SBB Research Group Foundation. Casper noted that wrapping the gifts reinforced how The Andrew Weishar Foundation’s work directly touches families who need compassion and relief. To learn more about The Andrew Weishar Foundation, please visit: www.weish4ever.org This story can be found on Business Wire

World Wildlife Fund collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation , which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program. The SBB Research Group Foundation supports the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) with a continued partnership dedicated to expanding ongoing conservation efforts for the black-footed ferret, one of North America’s most endangered species. This year’s contribution builds on the SBB Research Group Foundation’s previous support and helps WWF broaden the reach of its disease mitigation strategy across additional prairie dog colonies. In 2024, WWF focused on advancing drone delivery systems for vaccine-laced bait pellets, a critical tool for combating sylvatic plague in prairie dog populations, the primary food source for black-footed ferrets. With the 2025 partnership, WWF is now able to apply these upgraded technologies across a larger habitat range, allowing vaccination efforts to reach new sites that were previously inaccessible. Expanding this work is critical to stabilizing prairie dog numbers and, in turn, improving survival for the black-footed ferret. “WWF has proven how targeted vaccine delivery can protect both prairie dogs and the ferrets that rely on them,” said Erin Noonan, a volunteer with the SBB Research Group Foundation. “This year’s support is about helping and strengthening the long-term health of this fragile ecosystem.” The SBB Research Group Foundation values the opportunity to continue supporting WWF’s conservation initiatives. To learn more about WWF and their efforts to save the black-footed ferret, please visit: WWF Black-Footed Ferret . This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

The Dragonfly Foundation collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation , which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program.   SBBRG Foundation volunteers came together to assemble Valentine’s Day kits that will be distributed during The Dragonfly Foundation’s upcoming holiday event. The hands-on activity gave volunteers the opportunity to directly support families impacted by pediatric cancer while strengthening connections among team members through shared service. The Dragonfly Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing ongoing emotional, financial, and practical support to children and families affected by pediatric cancer. “This project was a wonderful way to start the year with purpose,” said Jaime Djuric, a volunteer at the Foundation. “We came together to write heartfelt cards and prepare meaningful gifts that will brighten families’ Valentine’s Day. It was truly a team effort from start to finish.” The volunteer initiative brought participants together around a shared goal of giving back, providing meaningful support for The Dragonfly Foundation’s Valentine’s Day event. Through collaboration and service, volunteers helped create moments of care and connection for families impacted by pediatric cancer. To learn more about The Dragonfly Foundation and its mission, visit: www.chicago.dragonfly.org This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

Heartland Animal Shelter collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation , which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program. Volunteers gathered to create enrichment “busy boxes” for shelter dogs—interactive puzzles designed to reduce kennel stress and provide mental stimulation through scent, texture, and treat-based engagement. Heartland Animal Shelter is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing care, rehabilitation, and adoption services for homeless animals, while promoting humane education and responsible pet ownership. “We wanted to do something that had an immediate and meaningful impact on the dogs at Heartland,” said Laura Heisinger, a volunteer with the Foundation “The busy boxes are simple, but they provide critical mental enrichment that helps reduce stress and supports overall well-being. It was incredibly rewarding to see how engaged and enthusiastic our colleagues were throughout the event.” The project resulted in the completion of two large boxes of enrichment puzzles, providing Heartland Animal Shelter with several weeks’ worth of activities for dogs in their care. The supplies were created using donated recyclables and volunteer-prepared materials, maximizing both sustainability and impact. To learn more about Heartland Animal Shelter and how to support its mission, visit: heartlandanimalshelter.org . This story can be found on Business Wire