Frequently Asked Questions

Reachout America NPO, Inc. is a national non-profit organization, incorporated in Georgia, with a current 501(c)3 determination from the IRS. Our mission is to send special needs children to therapeutic camps across America but we assist children and families who have other issues as well.

Reachout America does not operate any camps. Our primary focus is to support special kids and established camps with funding in order to continue to enhance the lives of people who would otherwise not be afforded this opportunity. We believe other people are better talented and equipped to provide the one-on-one services these fantastic camps do. By using our abilities to raise funds creatively, we are providing a network of existing camps with “found money”, namely support they don’t have to actively work for, affording them more time to help the kids.

Reachout America works with a verified and credentialed pool of nearly a 1,000 camps across America, which offer specialized programs, activities and experiences for special needs children. They are experienced in catering to the special children and produce the same results: experiences that will last a lifetime.

It varies, but normally 1 week to 1 month.

Yes, however our current budget does not permit support for an individual for this length of time.

The cost varies depending on the medical requirements of the camper, however, the cost can average anywhere from $200 to $7,900 a week.

We provide support to most campers and camps located in America, as long as special kids are smiling and creating memories. We have largely supported Hippotherapy (horse therapy) camps because they get the children outside and smiling. If you have not heard of Hippotherapy, then you will enjoy this story. Recently we started a fund for the most beautiful 6 year old wheelchair bound girl to do Hippotherapy also known as Therapeutic Horse Riding. (she has Mitochondria – a blood disorder that leaves you without any energy). There is a special bond between people and horses and they take this smiling child and lay her on her stomach in the saddle since she can’t sit up. They are there to catch her but when the horse starts to walk she is smiling and hanging on for “Dear Life” at the same time. LOL. What she doesn’t realize is that she is working her muscles and balance. (They also use this for down/autistic kids and other disabilities.) She does other therapy as well but she is now sitting up by herself and we like to think that the Hippotherapy has been a large part why. While this bond helps her emotional health, the physical interaction helps her with her balance and muscle development. But, as with most of the campers, whether burn, diabetes, etc., would say: “Hey there are other kids out there just like me”. Being special is one thing, feeling that you are not alone, is priceless!

Reachout America’s unique program can help not only your specific community but also communities across America. We have two established programs – School Service Learning program and also a Court Community Service program. These programs provide us with a national platform of support, thereby opening the door for help wherever there is a need, of whatever nature.

It really is quite simple. Reachout America offers a reasonable alternative to jail or additional court proceedings, while simultaneously giving back to their community by helping a special needs child or camp in their area. Our program was developed, and has been welcomed, across the country by probation officers, judges, D.A., etc. because they understand the pragmatic difficulties of completing required hours (while still working and/or going to school) within the average non-profit’s schedule. Officials also realize that it is not prudent to incarcerate someone due to scheduling problems (not lack of willingness). As budget constraints are tightening, having a viable alternative to jail (at an average cost of $100/day to the taxpayer excluding any “medical” claims, averaging $40,000/incident) is prudent. Community service is a very cost effective alternative to jail. There is no cost associated with our program. There are many ways for the individuals to complete their community service from recycling old used cell phones and ink cartridges, to a car wash or collection container. For example: A decent person is involved in a non-violent offense and may be required to do 40 hours of community service in 4 months (they have a spouse, 2 kids and are going to school at night to better their life). In the first month, he calls the local charities and all he can find is a humane society offering hours between 3 pm and 5 pm on Wednesdays, but they are booked for a week. In the second and third months, he finds the same situation. He is very frustrated because, even though he is willing to clean poop, he cannot do enough of this by his deadline, and he may lose his job if he can’t find a place where he can do the hours on the weekend. He wants to find a productive way to help his community. He is now down to the last month to complete 40 hours. He is directed to or finds us. He can speedily place a couple of collection containers, hold two car washes, etc., to complete his hours on time. The best part of this is that the productive use of his required hours enables Reachout America to support a special needs camper or camp in his local area, anywhere in America. This decent person’s misfortune now leads to a smile on special child’s face – a truly productive and worthwhile service to his community.

Prior to the child being told of their impending adventure, we would prefer to finalize the application with the legal guardians. There are a variety of medical requirements and paperwork that will need to be completed prior to approval being granted. (The child has most likely been through enough – the last thing that we want is for a child to be disappointed that they cannot go to camp due to an adult error like not completing the forms and paperwork.) Please begin the process by completing the Application Form and submitting it to us.

Reachout America has never applied for or received any grants or government funding.

100% of contributions go directly toward the further development and growth of our program. It is our two year goal to have the highest percent to cause ratio in the nation among non-profit foundations.

There are lots of ways! Please see our Getting Started Page for suggestions, or you may present us with a new idea of your own to help support Reachout America and our SendAKid2Camp program.