Workers face a number of struggles after a critical injury. But for those workers that are also parents, the struggle reaches further, leaving concerns about the welfare and future of their children. Kids’ Chance of America began in 1988 to provide educational scholarships for the children of workers catastrophically injured or killed on the job.

Kids’ Chance believes that we can make a significant difference in the lives of all children affected by a workplace injury by helping them pursue and achieve their educational goals. The organization supports more than 36 state and affiliated member groups with funding and strategic assistance. They have awarded 5,593 scholarships totaling over $16.6M.

Kids’ Chance Awareness Week, November 14-16, 2016, is designed to increase the charity’s visibility through special events around the country. Every chapter and corporate partner are hosting activities to raise money and encourage students to apply for scholarships.

Paradigm Outcomes and Kids’ Chance of America

Paradigm has made a sizeable donation to Kids’ Chance every year since 2011. All Paradigm donations are earmarked to help establish an organization in each state. We began our involvement with 15 and have since grown to 36. Through the commitment of Paradigm and others, Kids’ Chance of America has grown from a $15,000 to a $500,000 sustainable charity.

In addition, Paradigm employees volunteer at the national level and in several state chapters including California, Illinois and Nebraska. They award scholarships, raise money and staff events on behalf of the organization.

“I feel a sense of purpose and satisfaction knowing that all our funds raised go to the children of injured or killed workers for educational opportunities,” said Kurt Vonder Haar, marketing manager. “I am happy to give my time and be a part of the wonderful things the organization is able to accomplish.”

During Awareness Week, Paradigm will raise money through an ongoing donation collection, and fundraising lunches and casual dress passes. In October, Paradigm hosted a 5K walk during its annual Network Manager Summit. Thanks to the co-sponsor Comp-X and the 54 participants, the event raised $10,800 which was split between Kid’s Chance of America and Kid’s Chance of California.

Paradigm Outcomes has been active throughout the year by sponsoring many state events, such as the Kids’ Chance of Missouri Golf Tournament in May and the Kids’ Chance of Illinois Golf Tournament in September which raised nearly $20,000.

Shawn Twiss, associate vice president of sales, attended the Builders Insurance Golf Tournament and said, “It was great to hear the personal story from one of the Kids’ Chance scholarship recipients on hand at the event. She had an incredibly positive attitude and made the most of the support she received. She has an extremely bright future.”

Kids’ Chance is looking for partners similar to Paradigm Outcomes to support deserving young people like her. If your group wants to make a difference, contact Paradigm or visit www.kidschance.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook all week for more news.