America’s criminal justice system is broken. And The Marshall Project—whose mission it is “to create and sustain a sense of national urgency about the U.S. criminal justice system”—is the nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization telling so many of these necessary stories. From a 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting to a 2018 Edward R. Murrow Award for Overall Excellence, this bold organization (named after civil rights activist / NAACP attorney / first African-American U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall) is creating the kind of journalism that begins to repair our broken criminal justice system, which in turn repairs decades of unjust drug policy and so much more.

Blindness in early childhood can be isolating and overwhelming—for both children and their families—which is why it’s so life-changing to offer comprehensive support, education, and therapy from the start. For over 40 years, Anchor Center for Blind Children has empowered infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with visual impairments through tailored programs that integrate specialized teaching, therapy, and medical care in a sensory-rich environment. These services not only build crucial developmental and communication skills, they also foster confidence and connection in children who may face barriers to social and emotional growth. Just as importantly, Anchor Center provides families with coaching, community, and tools to become strong advocates, ensuring no child is left behind simply because they see the world differently.

Straight from the cradle, I have been a cat lady. I love that they are great companions while remaining independent and curious. To me, they are just about the most amazing creatures on the planet. In my hometown of Los Angeles, our animal shelters are overflowing and kittens are typically the most likely to be euthanized in a shelter. Kitty Bungalow does a great job at trap-neuter-return (TNR) and adoptions. Their volunteer-led team is changing the streets of LA one furbaby at a time. It is my hope that we can save all of the cool cats and kittens and find them forever homes.

The crisis of homelessness is on the rise and everyone deserves a warm and safe place to sleep at night. But when it comes to homelessness, working toward prevention is just as important as offering shelter. By providing access to housing, trauma-informed healthcare, and vocational and supportive services, the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless takes a holistic approach with comprehensive support for those who need it most. The individuals that are suffering from homelessness deserve advocates who understand their needs and work to provide them a place to sleep while also addressing their trauma and mental health.

I chose the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Colorado chapter in honor of my mom, Lynn Teague, who passed away in January 2017. Battling cancer four times in her 57 years, my mom helped raise over $100,000 for the organization’s Team In Training program while participating in 100-mile century bike rides and in-line skate races—all while maintaining a smile and a heart of gold. This #GrasslandsGives donation is to honor those fighting these terrible diseases and my mom, who dreamed of moving to Colorado for its natural beauty and access to medical cannabis.