DonateAbout Us
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower marginalized and at-risk young people around the world with education, healthcare, comprehensive support services and leadership development training – a combination service model known as Positive Youth Development. We are committed to creating positive changes in the lives of children and youth and breaking the cycle of poverty.
Our Vision
A Chance In Life envisions a world where every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, has equal opportunities to thrive, realize their potential and become leaders in their communities.
Our Values
Our core principles – Gratitude, Respect, Opportunity, Welcoming, Trust and Humor (G.R.O.W.T.H.) – define our organization and guide our approach to every aspect of our work. Each value plays an important role in our pursuit of growth and our commitment to serving more at-risk young people in the next 75 years and beyond.
G.R.O.W.T.H.
Gratitude
Serving almost 6,000 children in 12 countries around the world is possible solely through the generosity of our supporters. Our gratitude for those who make our work possible – from our donors and volunteers to our Partners – underscores everything we do.
Respect
From our interactions with supporters to our programs for children, we are led by our respect for the inherent dignity of each person, and their capacity to make a difference in the world.
Openness
Our mission has blessed A Chance In Life with the opportunity to work with people from all walks of life. Our openness to new perspectives and partnerships continues to enable us to serve at-risk youth around the world with care and compassion.
Welcoming
Embracing global mindsets, celebrating diversity and cultivating inclusivity strengthens the work of our staff, board and programs.
Transparency
We are proud to have earned the highest possible ratings in Accountability & Transparency from Charity Navigator and Guidestar, the foremost charity evaluators in the United States. We work hard to always be 100% worthy of your trust.
Humor
Laughter is a universal language that uplifts spirits, creates connections and promotes well-being. We recognize the importance of bringing laughter and joy to our work.
Our first drop-in youth center at the heart of the North Shore of Staten Island, in New York City, where we offer programs rooted in our Positive Youth Development approach, serving at-risk youth and the community from three key areas.
Youth Empowerment
Community Support
