Teamwork makes the dream work.

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.

Great things in business are never done by one person, they’re done by a team of people.

Steve Jobs

Sue Ann • Founder & Director

Children with an incarcerated parent often face barriers that reach far beyond the classroom. STAND A CHANCE responds with scholarships, mentorships, and character-building programs that provide stability, strengthen self-belief and create a clear path toward higher education and a fulfilling career. Through sustained support, we aim to break the cycle of intergenerational incarceration and give these unfortunate children an opportunity to define their own destination in life.

TEAM CHANCE

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 our deadline and filing requirements for our nonprofit status. Bonnie is a true gem.
DINAH THIBODEAUX • SCHOLARSHIP LIAISON

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 growing up 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 positive attitude; her standard motto is“absolutely nothing is impossible.”
STEVAN WHITAKER • MENTORSHIP LIAISON

Mentorship Matters is our newest program, and Stevan is in full swing with recruitment and placement. Bonding with a mentor can be a game changer for a teenager transitioning to college and making life decisions. Both girls and boys are drawn to Stevan’s creativity and witty charm. Aside from mentorships, he has restructured some of our character-building courses to advise youth on public speaking, appropriate attire, office etiquette and even table manners.
HEATHER HANSEN • DIRECTOR OF FUNDRAISING

Heather is intuitive and full of insightful ideas to reach our goals for fundraising. This is no surprise with her string of successful fundraising projects in Atlanta. She brings a delightful energy to our organization, and her contribution to our team is nothing short of extraordinary. Heather loves to put a creative spin on even a rather mundane event. It has been a blessing to reunite with my close friend in this illustrious city to work together on this worthy cause.
MATTHEW WELDON • 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 in NYC, he has returned to his home state. 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’s input during our fundraisers is vital to meet our goals. He came to our team with a vast amount of experience in fundraising.

CPR/AED CERTIFICATION

Quarterly, the local American Red Cross instructs an active simulation course with their professionals performing CPR, while integrating comprehensive AED certification compliant with OSHA standards. OSHA’s strict guidelines state that ignorer for it to be valid workplace compliant, a practical, hands-on skills check is required, rather than 100% passive online video watching. Obtaining all of these invaluable life skills a once, mean you are halfway there on prerequisites to step onto an ambulance as an EMT or secure a rewarding career in the healthcare field. Register for one of the upcoming courses below. It is free for our student members, if you donate blood sometime before the class. If you are afraid of needles, it is only $25 for all certifications included.:Class location and guidelines will arrive via email the week prior.
December 8-10 ‍‍ ‍ ‍ ‍February 16-18
FAFSA FRIENDLY
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 up to $7,495 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 friendly. 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 government form into a friend that opens up doors and pads your student account with some cash. REGISTER
WINNING WITH WRITING
A well-written paper comes from the heart with your inner-most thoughts—not from the anxiety of a scholarship application deadline or the stress of a paper due to save your grade point average.. STAND A CHANCE hosts a creative writing workshop on the first Saturday of every month, where students step into a zen environment, leaving the discord at the door. Each class sets its own environment depending on the attendees. Most students are there to put together a winning essay for an application, but they usually realize how powerful writing can be. Journaling is encouraged for our regulars. Depending on class priorities, we venture into other topics like modern resume building, writing reviews, blogs, and even handy tricks for using AI effectively—and when it is best to avoid AI altogether. Sometimes your reader want to hear a real tale from you. On every first Saturday at 10 am. .REGISTER
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. They have had similar thoughts, feelings and Ultimately, this mentorship continues on for many years and enriches the lives of both individuals..This is a specialty program that requires careful matching with careful consideration of upcoming college plans or obligations. ‍ ‍SIGN UP
YOU GET PAID FOR THAT?
This course explores and examines unusual, lucrative career alternatives: drone pilot, elevator mechanic, beekeeper, auctioneer, or one of the high-value healthcare tracks. Traditional college is not right for everyone. Some students struggled their way through high school, while others prefer to work outside with their hands. Perhaps you thrive in sales, want to own a bakery, or learn to weld, because you’re an artist interested in working with metal. Each month, we showcase a guest speaker presenting their unique career path. If you choose a trade school, we guide you to accredited, FAFSA-friendly programs so you get up to $7,495 yearly in free Pell Grants. Think of this course as a personal journey to find the most rewarding path for you. Every presentation comes across with loads of laughter and loads of information to use yourself or pass along to others. REGISTER
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 get you taken care of soon. 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. Questions??? Send an email to inquiry@standachance.org. I need a computer!‍ ‍I would like to donate a computer(s).