Dear Donor,

Beyond a reasonable doubt, these children with incarcerated parents face stigma, instability, and a fragmented support system. Our website only touches on the systemic injustices, emotional trauma, and chronic instability that became their childhood, due to no fault of their own. Most likely, they have dealt with financial stress throughout their youth, and even felt like a burden to their single parent or the relative that raised them. Affording everyday life became a challenge, so attending college unattainable. Not to mention, the ongoing emotional distress and developmental scars took a toll on their self-esteem as well as their hopes and dreams.

STAND A CHANCE is determined to make some changes for this demographic of exceptional young people. Some of these kids grew up hard and fast, they have witnessed ugly situations—-and this movie was not even rated PG. In so many ways, these hardships make them more resilient to a few failures. Instill a little confidence in them, and they are tenacious They are done trying to fit in, but they are ready to rise above it all and shin! Not only that, they are so incredibly grateful for each and every opportunity that comes their way. We don’t have to worry about self-entitlement issues up in here. They are just so happy to know they actually STAND A CHANCE.

College decisions can be stressful enough on a high school student, even one living in a Barbie World. Their heads are spinning about where to apply, scholarship applications, writing the right essay to get admitted, moving out of your home—-to a strange town, the family pressure, peer pressure—do I follow him/her? It’s a real dilemma, so everyone tries to tell them what to do, and they are NOT. TRYING TO HEAR IT.

STAND A CHANCE meets them where they’re at. Getting a college education is a real asset. One with a promising career attached, like a nurse—-even better. But sometimes a traditional school environment is not right. So many fulfilling careers that do not require a degree at all. Le Cordon Bleu, Culinary Institute…London, Paris,New York City, if you want to be a chef, that’s a fantastic career. There are probably 10 right here in New Orleans, and scholarships as well as grants and loanss are available. Trade Schools are the best route for many—-Cosmotologist, Physical Therapist, Electrician, Air Traffic Controller,

The use of staggered sentences aims to keep at least one parent with their children, but often results in the loss of parental rights when both parents are incarcerated, exacerbating emotional and developmental harm. Children are vulnerable to stigma, emotional pain, and intergenerational cycles of incarceration, often lacking support and connection to their parents. Numerous programs, such as In Arms Reach, PEN Pals, and Project Storybook, seek to mitigate these impacts through mentoring, communication, and support initiatives, emphasizing the importance of maintaining familial bonds and addressing the trauma caused by incarceration. Despite these efforts, the systemic default often causes children to suffer long-term consequences, calling for more research, policy reform, and community-based interventions to safeguard their well-being and familial relationships.

It’s not even that complicated—-they need basic human needs that we all need—- love, understanding, acceptance, encouragement and stability. They need to be seen and heard and understood.

STAND A CHANCE would like to fills in the blanks for these kids. By providing solid support through meaningful, viable opportunities that create a sense of belonging for these students, they gain confidence and build people skills for a career and a healthy social presence.

Key components of our mentorship program:

• Holistic support: mentoring focused on emotional healing, resilience, and leadership development.

• Practical guidance: assistance with FAFSA, college essays, admissions, and career counseling.

• Expanded training: vocational and technical options (for example, CPR certification), hands-on learning, and alternatives to traditional classrooms.

• Asset-based approach: identifying and cultivating individual strengths—public speaking, bilingualism, creativity—and measuring growth in social-emotional skills such as leadership, emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and resilience.

• Long-term impact: sustained mentorship, community support, and measurable outcomes aimed at reducing future justice-system involvement.

Invest in these dynamic individuals, because they all STAND A CHANCE. I have confidence in them to thrive and succeed, and most importantly BE HAPPY and proud of themselselves.

Sue Ann Staton

Founder & Director