Dreams for Kids
Children's Charities
There are many organizations across the world united around a common desire to facilitate the development, success, and happiness of children everywhere.
The Arc of the United States - Since 1950, The Arc has been a valuable resource and policy advocate for individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, along with their parents and caretakers. The Arc believes that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have strengths, abilities and inherent value, are equal before the law, and must be treated with dignity and respect.
Best Buddies - Through six programs entitled Middle School, High School, College, Citizens, Jobs, and e-Buddies, Best Buddies provides a way for all participants to make lasting, real connections with their fellow citizens at any age and is a resource for the intellectually disabled looking for integrated employment.
C.A.S.T for Kids - This is an extraordinary outdoors program, not dissimilar to Extreme Recess, that provides disabled and disadvantaged children quality recreational and educational opportunities through the sport of fishing.
Camp Courageous - Thousands of campers with disabilities attend Courageous' recreational and respite facilities annually. Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Camps are run entirely through donations.
Canines for Disabled Kids - Promoting Independence and enhancing the lives of children with disabilities by providing access to trained assistance dogs. Because all kids deserve companionship and freedom!
CarePages - Founded by a family whose newborn son was born with a congenital heart defect, CarePages is a free, easily accessible web page service created to connect family and friends when their loved one is receiving care. It serves as a virtual meeting place where families can share photos and news updates.
Child Care Law Center - All children deserve safe nurturing child care. CCLC uses legal tools to advocate for low income children, those with disabilities, and others facing barriers.
Children’s Fund - Supports healthy development and education for disadvantaged and disabled children in America and internationally. Children's Fund also advocates solutions at the grassroots level that address children's needs.
Childvision, Inc. - Holds visions of every child reaching their full potential as successful, thriving adults! Providing education, life skills training, and hope to orphaned and underserved children worldwide.
The Council for Exceptional Children - CEC is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted. This non-profit website is a great resource for teachers, advocates, parents, and students themselves, with a strong focus on fulfilling the individual’s potential, their right to education, and government responsibility.
Covenant House - Serves homeless and at-risk youth in 21 cities. No child turned away. Always open, always free. Call NINELINE (1-800-999-9999) for nationwide assistance.
Dream Factory, Inc. - Children who deal with serious illness suffer physical and emotional pain everyday. Dream Factory helps give children memories of happiness by making their dreams come true.
INMED Partnerships for Children - Children are the bridge to the future. INMED inspires communities worldwide to provide children with the tools and opportunities to develop into healthy, educated, and self-sufficient adults.
National Center for Learning Disabilities, Inc. - NCLD's vision is to ensure that all children are screened for learning disabilities as routinely as other developmental problems. Early intervention dramatically increases learning success.
National Mentoring Partnership - MENTOR works to connect every young American with a caring adult mentor by providing leadership, resources, technical assistance and national standards to the mentoring field.
Reach the Children - Facilitates self-reliance in communities dedicated to the well-being of underprivileged children through holistic Community Empowerment Initiatives whereby they free themselves from the shackles of extreme poverty.
The Sibling Support Project - The Sibling Support Project is a national effort dedicated to the life-long concerns of brothers and sisters of people who have special health, developmental, or mental health concerns. The SSP works to train local service providers on how to create community-based peer support programs for young siblings; to host workshops (know as SibShops), listservs, and websites for young and adult siblings; and to increase parents' and providers' awareness of siblings' unique, lifelong, and ever-changing concerns through workshops, websites, and written materials. SSP also provides a list of adult sibling support organizations around the country.
Special Olympics, Inc. - The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type winter and summer sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Currently serving 2.5 million people with intellectual disabilities in more than 200 Programs in over 180 countries, Special Olympics empowers people to realize their potential and develop life skills through year-round sports training and competition.
Voices for America’s Children - VOICES is a national network that speaks up and gets results by advocating for public policies that ensure a brighter future for all children.
Youth Leaders for the Future, A Legacy Initiative - Youths learn to create projects, resolve conflict, and understand cultural differences. As young leaders, they bring skills home to their communities and become responsible global citizens.