Children with an incarcerated parent often face barriers that reach far beyond the classroom. STAND A CHANCE responds with scholarships, mentorship, and character-building programs that provide stability, strengthen self-belief, and create a clear path toward higher education. Through sustained support, the organization helps break the cycle of intergenerational incarceration and gives children the opportunity to define their own future.

Teamwork into Action

Three women in a library, surrounded by shelves of old books, engaging in a discussion with open books in front of them, and a laptop on the table, with others studying in the background.

Team at STAND A CHANCE welcoming students.

Sue Ann Staton • Founder & Director

MEET OUR TEAM

providing answers, encouragement and support

BONNIE BRACO • DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Bonnie is on point, all day everyday. Retired from a successful career in the corporate world, she keeps things running smoothly, even working part-time. She has been indispensable to the daily operations at STAND A CHANCE. Bonnie is highly organized and very knowledgeable on a vast array of topics. She keeps everyone focused on the next task ahead, making sure we meet all of our deadlines and our filing requirements for our nonprofit status.
DINAH THIBODEAUX • SCHOLARSHIP LIASON

As s high school English teacher for most of her life, Dinah’s passionate about higher eduction. Her encouraging nature and joyful spirit enables her to effectively work with students with an incarcerated parent. Dinah also has a vast number of academic contacts around the country to resource for incoming student needs. She tackles challenges with her endearing Southern charm and her motto has always been “nothing is impossible”.
HEATHER HANSEN • DIRECTOR OF FUNDRAISING

My oldest and dearest friend, and we landed in the same city after all these years. Heather is intuitive and full of insightful ideas to reach our goals for fundraising, which is no surprise after her success on projects in Atlanta. She brings a delightful energy to our organization and her contribution to the team is nothing short of extraordinary. It has been a blessing to reunite with my close friend in this illustrious city to work together on this worthy cause.
MATTHEW WHITAKER • DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

Matt juggles the books for STAND A CHANCE, so we can continue our mission. After a lucrative career in the Financial District, he came back to his home state to settle down. He is an invaluable asset to our team by keeping the finances afloat. When the budget seems to be impossible, Matt gets creative, and we manage to stay on track. In addition, Matt plays an active role in mentorship recruitment and serves as an interim mentor on occasion.

CPR/AED CERTIFICATION

Quarterly, the local American Red Cross instructs a simulation course performing CPR, while integrating comprehensive AED certification compliant with OSHA standards. OSHA guidelines state that valid workplace compliance requires a practical, hands-on skills check, often done via blended learning or in-person classes, rather than 100% passive online video watching. These invaluable life skills could mean further consideration for employment or save a life. Register for the next class below: The course cost is only $25, which includes the certificate upon completion. If you give blood before class begins, your class is free. Class location and guidelines will arrive via email the week prior.
November 17-19 ‍ ‍
February 16-18
MY FRIEND - FAFSA
None of us enjoy filling out government forms, but with a little help, FAFSA turns user friendly. In fact, you will start to see the opportunities that open up once you get into the swing of things. For example, the Pell Grant is over $7000 every single year that you do not pay back. The first application seems like a lot, but autofill makes it a breeze in the years to follow. Make note, many of the questions are not even required to answer, so read carefully. Do not overshare. If you ever have to call FAFSA, it is a “good call”. You will actually reach a human that is helpful and friendy. Remember, millions are lost yearly in scholarships, because nobody filled out an application. STAND A CHANCE hosts this workshop twice a year in a computer lab at one of the universities. We swiftly turn this intimidating form into your friend that opens up doors and pads your student account. SIGN UP‍
WINNING WITH WRITING
A well-written paper comes from the heart with your inner-most thoughts- - not from the anxiety of an application deadline or the stress of a paper due. STAND A CHANCE hosts a creative writing workshop on the first Saturday of every month where they step into a zen environment, leaving the discord at the door. Some students are avid regulars, but the newcomer alters the setting just enough to have something to write about. Each class sets its own setting, depending on the attendees. Most students are there to put together a winning essay for an application to a college, but ultimately the realize how powerful writing can be. Journaling is encouraged, especially for the regulars. Depending on the priorities of the class, we venture into other topics, such as modern resume building, writing reviews, blogs and not over-using AI. SIGN UP
MENTORSHIP AMONGST PEERS
Most often, kids learn best from each other, particularly those with similar experiences. Children growing up with a parent incarcerated struggle with a unique set of challenges. Their situations are not identical, but they do share the same stigma. One may become a loner with a tendency to isolate; another may act out and become a delinquent. They both feel judged for something they did not do with no control over the outcome. They may feel fear, instability, confusion, anger, loss. When they connect they understand one another. This unique bond allows open communication with no judgment. Ultimately, this mentorship influences better choices for the youngest, but both clearly benefit from the relationship. This is a new program that requires careful matching with consideration of upcoming college obligations. SIGN UP
YOU GET PAID FOR THAT?
This class explores unusual but gratifying career options. Traditional college is the recommended path, but it is not right for everyone. Some have struggled their way through high school with dyslexia. Others prefer to work outside with their hands…Or perhaps one thrives in sales. We host an interesting and thought-provoking guest speaker monthly to present an alternative career path. We have hosted a drone pilot, an elevator mechanic, a cybersecurity tech, and a business owner with a nursery for baby alligators. The takeaway: Be true to yourself. Choose a career that you enjoy. Be excited about your work. Do what you love and love what you do. FAFSA will qualify culinary school, cosmetology school, as well as other trade schools. This course is a personal discovery for the path that best suits you. Location and speaker will be emaile.d SIGN UP
ME & MY MAC
It is almost impossible to be a good student without your own computer. Sure, you can go to the library, but a personal laptop certainly encourages healthy study habits. STAND A CHANCE hit a small jackpot by connecting with a refurbished computer dealer. We have only gotten a few so far, but the recipients are ecstatic and forever grateful. If you are in need of a laptop, complete the registration form below, and we will certainly try to accommodate you. If you are an individual or corporation that is upgrading your equipment, please consider donating your used equipment to one of our kids with an incarcerated parent. It will be most appreciated by many. You will receive a receipt for a tax-deductible donation via email. Thanks so much! I need a computer! ‍I would like to donate a computer(s).