Our Values
Our name, Couch Pennies Foundation, embodies our spirit: a comfortable, supportive 'couch' where everyone belongs, and 'pennies' symbolizing the collective power of every individual contribution. What truly binds these elements together are our core values. They shape how we advocate, how we educate others, and how we relentlessly pursue a better future for those affected by rare diseases.
Education
Education is one concept we use to support our mission because there is power in knowledge. When we know better, we can do better. Couch Pennies creates informational graphics that are simple to understand. Much of the material used to talk about RARE disease uses terminology that is unknown to someone without a medical degree. We also want to offer a space to educate family/loved ones, organizations and businesses, and medical physicians. This is done through workshops, webinars, and RARE disease events. The biggest problem with a RARE disease is the lack of understanding. We aim to bridge that Gap.
We provide comprehensive education on RARE diseases through workshops, webinars, and a resource library.
All to empower the community with knowledge.
Advocacy
Advocacy can be defined as the act of supporting a cause or promoting a particular viewpoint to influence decision-making and bring about change. It involves speaking up for what you believe in, raising awareness about important issues, and mobilizing others to take action.
Advocacy gives a voice to marginalized communities, vulnerable populations, and individuals who may not have the resources or platform to speak up for themselves. By advocating for those who are often overlooked or discriminated against, we can help amplify their voices and ensure that their needs are addressed. It is a powerful tool for amplifying voices that may otherwise go unheard and holding those in power accountable for their actions.
We advocate by creating initiatives to advance the RARE community such as our RARE Disease Month projects. Our themes have ranged, with our most recent being "Turning Pain into Purpose". We make posts about the obstacles our community faces to ensure proper care and secure rights for diseased individuals.
Collaboration
Collaborating with other RARE disease nonprofits allows organizations to reach a larger audience and have a greater impact on our communities. By combining their efforts and resources, nonprofits can tackle complex barriers more effectively and efficiently than we could on our own. This amplification of impact can lead to meaningful and lasting change.
Building partnerships with organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and medical professionals to drive progress in research, improve care standards, and provide support to RARE disease patients and their families.
