Chances for Children Carolinas
Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts
Since the storm hit and the devastation to our area became apparent, we have been here in WNC helping in every way that we can. Initially it was physically feeding people and helping with a disaster supply hub in the heart of East Asheville and now as we move into the next phase of recovery our plan is to continue helping.
Chances for Children Carolinas 501(c)(3) is the sister organization of Grateful Village and we have been collecting and distributing monetary donations for the local community. At this point, the needs of our community are vast and becoming more clear with each passing day. Financial contributions will help tremendously as we tackle each day of the long road ahead. Our neighbors need help with purchasing vehicles, securing housing and paying for utilities until they get back on their feet and so much more.
For many in our region the return of basic services like power and unsafe running water feels like luxury. Sadly, many in our village have no home to return to and even worse have lost loved ones. We have not yet accounted for all of our loved ones and the extent of how this has effected us is still in that place of "unthinkable." Each time we hear another story of survival or loss we are humbled at the thought of the trauma this storm has caused to our neighbors near and far. There are so many more stories we haven't yet been able to hear because we are still so disconnected and stranded from each other.
We know that you want to give and that you want to know that your donations are making a clear difference in the lives on someone effected. That's what we would want if it were happening to your community.
Grateful Village has a HUGE WNC family and our reach in the community is wide with thousands gathering at our events each season. We served 480 souls on our 3rd day of food service at Groce United Methodist Church in East Asheville under the leadership of our partner Marsha Van Rjissen (The Prom Dress Exchange organizer and fellow Wee Trader). We used Groce as a hub to take and distribute donations in East Asheville for anyone with a need to be met. Now that portion of our efforts has come to an end, but our families are committed to continue helping as many as we can because our motto is "TogetherWeThrive and until each person is safe and has basic needs met, none of us can thrive.
WAYS WE ARE USING DONATIONS:
- Providing immediate financial assistance to gain access to basic needs, including but not limited to shelter, clothing, food, personal care items, cell phones and transportation for those who have suffered a loss.
- Supporting the helpers. We have members of the community that are working to support the needs of multiple other households with elderly, disabled or small children. Providing assistance to the helpers allows your donation to grow exponentially!
- Working with other community organizations who are identifying where the greatest needs are and working collabortiavely to support those families and individuals who would never ask for help.
- WHEN A NEED ARISES WE WILL TRY & MEET IT.
Do you or your organization (church, school, group) want to sponsor a family to help them rebuild their life after Hurricane Helene? Let us know & we will contact you.
In partnership with Grateful Village, Chances for Children Carolinas is hosting a holiday fundraiser November 22-24 to raise funds for Hurricane Survivors. At this unique event, communities from across the country will be donating like new and new giftable items that our community has asked for. A pop-up store will be set up at the Fairview Community Center where our community can shop for themselves and their loved ones this holiday season in a dignified way. The items will be offered for AMAZING prices and 100% of the purchase price will go directly to local families here in WNC. The event will feature local vendors and the perfect amount of holiday cheer that we all need after what we have endured.
If you would like to purchase a shopping voucher to allow a family to shop the event for free, you will be doubling your gift!! Someone shops and the money you have spent goes right back into a families ability to afford housing, rent, utilities, food and peace!
Chances for Children Carolinas
Unlocking Brighter Futures.
% of children in low income families can't afford to participate in activities they are passionate about.
Nationally, research shows that around 40% of children from low-income families are unable to participate in extracurricular activities due to cost, compared to only 10% of children from higher-income families. If this national pattern applies to North and South Carolina, many children—especially those from low-income backgrounds—face barriers to participating in the activities they want.
What We Do
At Chances for Children, we strive to empower children across North and South Carolina by providing scholarships that enable them to pursue their passions through extracurricular activities. We believe that every child, regardless of financial circumstances, should have the opportunity to explore their interests, develop their talents, and build lifelong skills through sports, arts, and other enriching programs. By removing financial barriers, we aim to foster a future where all children can thrive, dream, and reach their full potential.
Our Mission
To empower children to pursue their passions by providing scholarships for extracurricular activities.
Our Story
Chances for Children Carolinas was started by a group of 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders in a Destination Imagination Club service project. The team of 7 elementary schoolers were passionate about all different activities outside of school and wanted for those same activities to be accessible to their peers. The parents of these children realized the impact and need for an organization that could provide scholarships to kids who were passionate just like their own kids. The rest is history! (Original team pictures to the right)
Chances for Children is an organization for children by children.
Today
Today, Chances for Children Carolinas provides scholarships to kids with the help of our amazing partners and donors.
Scholarships
How It Works
Submit an application
Through the button below or the page labeled “Apply”, fill out the full application. Please give us clear detailed answers to the questions. You will receive an email with a copy of your responses ensuring that your application request went through.
Wait for us to contact you
Sit back, relax, and let us work with our partnerships and community to get you into the activity your child is passionate about. We will reach out to you via text or email regarding any questions we may have for you. We will then inform you when your child is all set to jump into their activity.
Show up to the activity!
Once you receive confirmation your child is all set, all you have to do is show up and let them get straight to it.
How You Can Help
Getting Involved
Donate
Every dollar counts. Donations as low as $1 can make an impact on a child’s life that could change it forever.
Become a Partner
If you are a business interested in investing into kids passions and futures reach out for information on how to become one of our partners.
Spread the Word
Tell your friends, family, and someone walking by you on the street that they can help make an impact in a child’s passion being able to become possible. Or, if you know a child/family who would be interested in applying, tell them that we are here for them.
