Every year, after the frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, comes a day dedicated to generosity: Giving Tuesday. It’s a global movement that transforms communities by encouraging people to donate, volunteer, or simply spread kindness. Since its inception, Giving Tuesday has empowered millions to make a difference, proving that collective action can drive immense change.

Giving Tuesday began in 2012 as an antidote to the consumerism of the holiday shopping season. Created by New York’s 92nd Street Y, the Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact in New York City, in partnership with the United Nations Foundation, this movement was designed to harness the spirit of giving during the holidays. What started as a simple idea to promote generosity has grown into a worldwide phenomenon that spans across countries, cultures, and causes.

Since its inception, Giving Tuesday has seen exponential growth, inspiring millions to give back in various ways. By 2022, the initiative raised over $3.1 billion in donations in the United States alone, making it one of the largest giving movements in the world. The impact of Giving Tuesday is a testament to the collective power of people coming together to support causes they care about.

But Giving Tuesday is not just about financial contributions. It’s a day that encourages everyone to get involved in their communities in ways big and small. People donate time by volunteering, sharing knowledge, supporting small businesses, and spreading awareness on social media. Whether it’s offering a helping hand to a neighbor or raising funds for a global cause, Giving Tuesday empowers individuals to uplift their communities through acts of kindness.

This global day of giving connects people to thousands of nonprofits, charities, and grassroots initiatives, from large-scale organizations to local community groups. The beauty of Giving Tuesday lies in its inclusivity- anyone, anywhere can take part in making a difference. Whether you donate money, volunteer your time, or raise awareness, your actions have a direct impact on the causes that matter most. This simple yet powerful idea has created a movement that brings together people from all walks of life, uniting them in the shared goal of building a better world through generosity.

How You Can Empower Afghan Girls This Giving Tuesday

This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to join Embrace Relief’s mission to create lasting change for Afghan girls through our L.E.A.R.N. (Learning and Education for Afghan girls’ Rights and Needs) program.

In Afghanistan many don’t have the tools they need to build a better future. Through L.E.A.R.N., these girls can access high school and college-level courses online, focusing on degrees like Computer Applications that prepare them for careers in the global workforce.

But the program’s success depends on you. Your support allows students to thrive in a safe, structured online environment with access to mentorship, resources, and cutting-edge curriculums.

• $80 a month sponsors a girl’s education, covering tuition and essential materials.
• Monthly donations provide long-term stability for programs like L.E.A.R.N., ensuring students can complete their degrees and achieve their dreams.

By giving monthly, you’re not just making a one-time gesture—you’re creating a ripple effect of empowerment that lasts a lifetime.

Join the Giving Tuesday movement today and change lives through the gift of education. Together, we can create brighter futures for Afghan girls and their communities.

For more information on the Embrace Relief L.E.A.R.N. program, click here.

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and indulgent food. But once the dishes are washed and the guests are gone, there’s always one big question: what do we do with all these leftovers? Enter goat cheese—a creamy, tangy ingredient that takes your holiday leftovers from mundane to magical.

Goat cheese is a trendy favorite for its creamy texture and tangy flavor, making it a versatile ingredient in countless dishes. It’s the perfect addition to elevate your Thanksgiving leftovers into gourmet creations. Ready to give your leftovers a delicious twist? Let’s dive into five irresistible recipes that will have you savoring every bite!

1. Goat Cheese Turkey Sandwiches

Turkey sandwiches are a classic, but this version makes them unforgettable. Here’s how to create it:

• Ingredients: Leftover turkey slices, 2 tablespoons of goat cheese, cranberry sauce, baby spinach, and ciabatta bread (or any hearty loaf).
• Instructions:
  1. Toast your bread lightly to give it a crisp yet soft texture.
  2. Spread goat cheese on one side of each bread slice for a creamy base.
  3. Layer turkey slices, a spoonful of cranberry sauce, and a handful of baby spinach.
  4. Add the top slice of bread, press gently, and enjoy!

The tanginess of goat cheese pairs beautifully with the cranberry sauce and savory turkey, making it the perfect blend of Thanksgiving flavors.

2. Mashed Potato Goat Cheese Croquettes

Transform leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, creamy bites that are perfect as an appetizer or snack.

• Ingredients: 2 cups mashed potatoes, ½ cup goat cheese, 1 egg, 1 cup breadcrumbs, oil for frying.
• Instructions:
  1. Combine mashed potatoes and goat cheese in a bowl, mixing until smooth.
  2. Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized rounds and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
  3. Beat the egg in a small bowl, and place breadcrumbs in another bowl.
  4. Dip each ball into the egg and then roll in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
  5. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the croquettes until golden brown on all sides (about 2-3 minutes per side).
  6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

These croquettes are a crispy, creamy delight that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

3. Sweet Potato and Goat Cheese Flatbread

Leftover sweet potatoes become the star of this sweet and savory flatbread.

• Ingredients: 1 store-bought flatbread or pizza crust, 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes, ¼ cup goat cheese crumbles, 1 tablespoon honey, fresh sage leaves (optional).
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  2. Spread the mashed sweet potatoes evenly over the flatbread.
  3. Sprinkle goat cheese crumbles on top, followed by fresh sage leaves.
  4. Drizzle honey over the flatbread for a touch of sweetness.
  5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the flatbread are crispy.

This flatbread is a perfect balance of flavors, from the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes to the tangy goat cheese and sage.

4. Goat Cheese and Stuffing Muffins

Who knew stuffing could be this versatile? Turn it into muffins packed with flavor.

• Ingredients: 2 cups leftover stuffing, 2 eggs, ½ cup goat cheese, ¼ cup chopped veggies (like onions or bell peppers).
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a muffin tin.
  2. In a large bowl, combine stuffing, eggs, goat cheese, and veggies. Mix until fully incorporated.
  3. Scoop the mixture into muffin tin compartments, pressing down slightly to compact.
  4. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and firm to the touch.
  5. Let cool slightly before removing from the tin.

These muffins are a savory snack or breakfast option, perfect for on-the-go enjoyment.

5. Cranberry Goat Cheese Dip

Got leftover cranberry sauce? This dip is a crowd-pleaser at holiday parties or a cozy night in.

• Ingredients: 1 cup cranberry sauce, 4 ounces goat cheese, 2 tablespoons orange juice, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon.
• Instructions:
  1. Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth and creamy.
  2. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or fresh rosemary.
  3. Serve with crackers, pita chips, or sliced vegetables.

The tartness of the cranberry sauce and creaminess of goat cheese make this dip irresistible.

From Leftovers to Livelihoods: The Power of Goat Cheese in the S.E.E.D. Program

While you’re enjoying these creative goat cheese recipes, consider the global impact of this versatile ingredient. Embrace Relief’s S.E.E.D. program empowers women in Uganda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Kenya, and Afghanistan by providing goats and training to build sustainable businesses.

For women like Meseret Tafesse, goats are more than livestock—they’re a lifeline. Through the S.E.E.D. program, she learned to care for her goats, sell their milk, and support her family. “I believe that getting these goats will give me hope to get a financial income,” Meseret shares.

A one-time $160 donation can give a woman and her family in need two fully-vaccinated goats that she can breed! These goats will be able to provide her approximately $100 per month- for contrast, that’s the average monthly salary of a teacher in Africa! These goats can produce enough milk to feed her family and generate income, transforming lives one household at a time.

This holiday season, as you reimagine your Thanksgiving leftovers, consider how even small actions can create a ripple effect of change. Whether it’s turning sweet potatoes into a flatbread masterpiece or helping a family thrive with the gift of goats, we all have the power to make a difference.

Join us in supporting the S.E.E.D. program and empowering women entrepreneurs today. Together, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

For more information on Embrace Relief’s S.E.E.D. program, click here!

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, reflection, and coming together as a community. As we gather around the table with our loved ones, it’s essential to remember the power of community support and how it can create lasting, positive change. This Thanksgiving, let’s celebrate the spirit of giving back and the impact that strong, supportive communities can have on our lives and the world around us.

Community support can take many forms, from volunteering and charitable donations to simply being there for one another in times of need. When communities come together to support each other, they create a network of resilience, strength, and compassion. This interconnectedness is especially important during challenging times, as it fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

Consider these creative local volunteering ideas to get involved and support your community this Thanksgiving:

1. Organize a Food Drive: Partner with local businesses, schools, and community centers to collect non-perishable food items for families in need. Hosting a food drive not only helps those who are struggling but also brings the community together for a common cause.
2. Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen: Many soup kitchens and shelters need extra hands during the holiday season. Gather a group of friends or family members and spend a day preparing and serving meals to those in need. It’s a rewarding way to give back and connect with your community.
3. Create Care Packages for the Homeless: Assemble care packages filled with essential items like toiletries, warm clothing, and snacks. Distribute these packages to homeless shelters or directly to individuals in need. This small act of kindness can make a significant difference in someone’s life.
4. Host a Community Clean-Up Day: Organize a neighborhood clean-up event to beautify local parks, streets, and public spaces. This activity not only improves the environment but also fosters a sense of pride and unity within the community.
5. Support Local Schools: Volunteer your time or resources to support local schools. Offer to tutor students, help with after-school programs, or donate school supplies. Supporting education is a powerful way to invest in the future of your community.
6. Visit Seniors in Assisted Living Facilities: Many seniors in assisted living facilities feel lonely during the holiday season. Arrange visits, bring small gifts, or organize a festive event to brighten their day and remind them that they are valued members of the community.

Empowering Educators: The R.I.S.E. Program in Tanzania

One inspiring example of community support in action is Embrace Relief’s R.I.S.E. (Reach, Inspire, Support, Educate) program. The R.I.S.E. program is dedicated to empowering women in Tanzania through education and leadership development. By providing female teachers with the opportunity to advance their careers and become school administrators or supervisors, the R.I.S.E. program addresses the gender gap in school leadership positions and promotes women’s empowerment in Tanzania.

In Tanzania, only 19% of school leadership positions are held by women, and 61% of teenage girls are not enrolled in school. The R.I.S.E. program seeks to address these disparities by providing female teachers with the necessary training and support to take on leadership roles within the education system. Through partnerships with the Agency for the Development of Educational Management (ADEM), the Tanzanian Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MoEST), and the Ishik Medical and Education Foundation, Embrace Relief ensures the success and sustainability of the program.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s essential to recognize the importance of supporting initiatives like the R.I.S.E. program. By empowering female educators in Tanzania, we can help create a more equitable and prosperous future for all. For as little as $15 a month, you can help women worldwide achieve their dreams and become leaders in their communities.

This Thanksgiving, let’s give thanks for the power of community support and the incredible impact it can have. Together, we can create a world where women thrive in every field, breaking barriers and leading us into a brighter future.

For more information on Embrace Relief’s R.I.S.E. program, click here!

As we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving and express our gratitude, it’s essential to reflect on the rich history and contributions of Native American women. Their resilience and leadership have shaped our world in profound ways, and their stories continue to inspire women’s empowerment today. Thanksgiving, a time of giving thanks and reflecting on the past, offers a perfect opportunity to honor the remarkable Native American women who have contributed so much to our society.

Native American women have long been leaders, warriors, and advocates for their communities. For example, Sacagawea, a Shoshone woman, played a crucial role in the Lewis and Clark expedition by acting as an interpreter and guide. Her knowledge and bravery were instrumental in the success of the journey, and her story remains a symbol of strength and resilience. Another inspiring figure is Wilma Mankiller, the first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. She dedicated her life to improving the lives of her people, focusing on education, healthcare, and community development. Her leadership and vision continue to inspire women leaders today.

Susan La Flesche Picotte, the first Native American woman to receive a medical degree, is another extraordinary example of resilience and leadership. She dedicated her life to improving healthcare for Native American communities, overcoming significant barriers to become a trailblazer in her field. Her legacy lives on as a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication.

Today, Native American women continue to lead and innovate in various fields. They are educators, activists, artists, and entrepreneurs, making significant contributions to their communities and beyond. For instance, Deb Haaland, a member of the Laguna Pueblo tribe, made history as one of the first Native American women elected to the U.S. Congress. In her role, she advocates for environmental justice, Indigenous rights, and women’s empowerment, showing that Native American women continue to break barriers and lead the way.

The resilience and leadership of Native American women are not limited to the past. These women serve as role models for women of all backgrounds, demonstrating that with courage and perseverance, anything is possible. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the contributions of Native American women and honor their resilience and leadership. Their stories remind us of the importance of supporting women’s empowerment initiatives that continue to break down barriers and create opportunities for all women.

Supporting Women Through Embrace Relief’s Empowerment Programs

While Native American women have made remarkable strides, many still face significant challenges, as other women do worldwide. Embrace Relief is dedicated to providing education, entrepreneurship, and leadership opportunities to create opportunities for women in need. Our R.I.S.E. (Reach, Inspire, Support, Educate), L.E.A.R.N. (Learning and Education for Afghan girls’ Rights and Needs), K.E.E.N. (Kenyan Entrepreneurial Empowerment Network), and S.E.E.D. (Sustainable Entrepreneurship through Eggs and Dairy) programs provide women with the tools, training, and resources they need to succeed.

For example, the R.I.S.E. program focuses on leadership training for young women in Tanzania, empowering them to become leaders in their communities. The L.E.A.R.N. program provides higher education opportunities for Afghan girls, helping them achieve their dreams and break the cycle of poverty. The K.E.E.N. program offers vocational training for aspiring entrepreneurs in Kenya, fostering economic independence and creating sustainable businesses. The S.E.E.D. program supports women in rural areas by providing resources and training for sustainable agriculture, helping them achieve financial stability and contribute to their communities.

This Thanksgiving, as we celebrate change and empowerment, consider making a monthly donation to support women on their journeys. For as little as $15 a month, you can help women worldwide achieve their dreams and become leaders in their communities. Together, we can create a world where women thrive in every field, breaking barriers and leading us into a brighter future.

For more information on Embrace Relief’s women’s empowerment programs, click here.