Family Self-Sufficiency

Change a Life Foundation recognizes the hardship families are facing and has a genuine desire to assist those who are in need of a safe place to live or the tools and job training they may need to attain self sufficiency. The Foundation has provided the last dollars needed to complete Habitat for Humanity homes, funding for service dogs to assist individuals with their daily living activities and grants that allowed many to attend college or to work from home. Burn survivors are given the opportunity to attend the World Burn Congress where they are able to begin to learn how to cope with their scars. Grants for childcare assistance and (gang) tattoo removal have been made to remove barriers that prevent individuals from obtaining employment.

These examples reflect only a few of the ways that Foundation was able to assist individuals with 107 grants totalling $470,984 in 2011. All of grant recipients live at or below HUD low income guidelines and face life’s most difficult challenges. The Foundation provides grants to instill hope and to move these families further towards greater self sufficiency in their lives. 

Pictured above: Reuben and family, clients of Illumination Foundation and formerly homeless, received a grant from Change a Life Foundation to help with the cost of transportation.
Joseph, a client with Just In Time for Foster Youth, received car repairs so that he could continue moving forward as a student, wrestler and valued and punctual employee.

	Jeanette is a 68 year-old hard-working survivor who has been a dedicated mother raising six children on her own. In 1999 Jeanette was the victim of a gunshot wound, resulting in severe visual impairment and loss of independence. The CCTV, an advanced assistive technology device, that Change a Life Foundation has provided has allowed Jeanette to remain independent and save at home.
	Dear Change a Life Foundation, I do not know how to thank you for the gift of my dog. Words just do not seem enough...It has changed my life in so many ways, he is not only my helper, but my best friend. Thank you for all you do for people like me. I hope you know what a Blessing you are. DM
	CA is truly an amazing young boy and an inspiration to anyone who meets him. He was diagnoled with M.D. when he was five years-old and Epilepsy when he was ten, yet his spirit is full of life. The assitance dog that Change a Life provided him not only gives him joy, independence and friendship; His dog is also able to sense the onset of seizures, which helps CA and his mom feel at peace in their daily lives.