Charity for Change received a $7,500 grant from CVS to help fund its educational program that empowers Pre-K through 5th grade children to achieve their full potential through character education, active charitable and community involvement, academics, and parental and community engagement. The funding will be used to help at-risk children develop the knowledge, attitudes, and skills they need to make good choices or change harmful behaviors, improving overall mental health.
“We are grateful for the support of the CVS and its dedication to meet the critical needs of children, particularly addressing the mental health challenges brought on by the pandemic,” said Karen Conley, founder and CEO of Charity for Change. “The need in our community that Charity for Change addresses is to improve the mental health, emotional well-being, and academic performance of at-risk elementary school-age children.”
At-risk children face barriers to learning and good mental health. This includes children who live in poverty, face language barriers, witness and/or experience violence, physical assault, drug and alcohol abuse, family instability, and criminal activity. Children who grow up in poverty are more at risk of developing negative social behaviors which lead to disengagement, underachievement, isolation, entitlement, bullying, dropping out, and later violence and crime.
The Charity for Change Program teaches children the social-emotional learning skills recognized by education experts: how to understand and manage emotions; set and achieve positive goals; feel and show empathy; establish and maintain positive relationships and make responsible decisions.
