Children & Youth Services

“Unless the investment in children is made, all of humanity's most fundamental long-term problems will remain fundamental long-term problems.”
-UNICEF, "The State of the World's Children"

For most, reflection upon youth brings back fond memories. Some reminisce on the worry-free mindset they once had when the only problem they faced was whether or not they would have a turn with the basketball during recess. There were no thoughts that plague adults, no worry about bills, or work. Unfortunately, some children are never able to experience this “worry-free mindset” as too many children are faced with burdens far worse than bills or work. Many children grow up in poverty, never have enough to eat, are mocked at school because of the poor condition of their clothing, or are forced to stay home to care for younger siblings.

Too many children are neglected, abused, or abandoned and placed in a child welfare system that moves them from foster home to foster home, making it impossible to establish friendships or to keep up with their peers in school, resulting in loneliness and alienation.  Many children have disabilities or diseases that may prevent them from fitting in at school or participating in activities that other kids their age are able to experience. Passionately believing that every child deserves to feel they have value, to feel loved, and to feel that they have something special to offer to the world, the Foundation collaborates with its partnering non-profit organizations who strive to improve the conditions of children who are living in less fortunate situations.

In past, Change a Life funded camperships for medically supervised camps for children with arthritis, blind and disabled children, burn survivors, and children with AIDS and HIV.  Almost 700 low-income school children were shown warmth—in more than one way—when they were given new, warm winter jackets. An annual weekend for the families of 275 children with developmental disabilities that provided the children with a “normal” camp experience and family members with a respite from their care-giving duties brought smiles to everyone’s faces.

The Foundation was able to assist several young girls with Alopecia, a disease which affects hair follicles and causes hair loss, with real, human hair wigs. Several partially sighted youth were provided with portable vision devices that made it possible for them to read the blackboard and take notes for themselves in classes.  One high school student in foster care was able to play in his High School football league and was granted the funds to take his SAT tests for college, a teen-aged deaf girl in foster care was granted the opportunity to participate in cheerleading at her school, and dance supplies were provided to a burn survivor with the courage to pursue her passion.  Children who had been victims of violence, abuse and neglect learned to trust again with through Equine Therapy.  Teens who had left gangs were assisted with the removal of gang tattoos. Many students were granted the funds necessary to receive tutoring, giving them the opportunity to excel in school and later, in life.

In 2008, the Change a Life Foundation assisted children with $206,356 in grants. Positively impacting the minds of children and youth will hopefully create an altruistic heart within those children. A child who has been given the gift of hope at a young age will never forget that gift and will likely have a desire to pass on the kindness that they have been shown.