Celebrating the Unique Strengths of Individuals with Down Syndrome
Celebrating the abilities of individuals with Down syndrome is a crucial step in promoting inclusivity and fostering a more compassionate...
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YouthReach Text Help Line 855-220-0006
Help a Child Today, Save a Child Tomorrow!
Children are the greatest resource we have for our future. And yet, they face many challenges that put them at risk of not achieving a successful future, including poverty, homelessness, a physical or cognitive disability, abuse, bullying, racism, or something that just sets them apart. Our kids need your help, and we can’t do this without you.
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Donations: You may send a check, make an online donation, or pledge your gift over several months.
Volunteering: We can always use volunteers for any of our programming. Please give us a call if you’re interested.
In-kind gifts: We do accept a limited number of in-kind gifts, such as graphic design, website design, fundraising help, and so forth.
About Us
Your Unique Definition is a 501c3 non-profit organization located in Longview, TX. We draw our inspiration from the complexity and distinctive traits of children who are just a little bit different. Perhaps they come from a disadvantaged background. They might struggle with a physical or cognitive disability or have been bullied or abused. Or perhaps their race, ethnicity, religion, sexual identity, or belief system just sets them apart.
One of the definitions of unique is to be ‘unlike anything else.’ We celebrate the differences of all children and view them as strengths rather than shortcomings or impairments. Subsequently, we believe that each child should be treated with respect and dignity regardless of the struggles they face.
"Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story.”
—Josh Shipp
What We Do
Community Service Projects
We encourage youth to get involved in community service projects to help them develop a sense of responsibility and empathy, while also providing opportunities for personal growth and development.
Skill-Building Workshops
We offer workshops and training sessions that focus on skills relevant to youth, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving to help them feel more prepared for the future.
Mentorship Program
Young people need strong role models. We match them with volunteers to help them navigate a complex world of adversities.
Special Education Advocacy
We provide support and assistance to families in navigating the complex special education system and ensure that their child receives appropriate and individualized education services.
Our Mission
Our Mission is to empower children who face adversity due to academic, mental, and physical elements, poverty, lack of education, and limited access to basic necessities. We strive to improve their lives by providing them with the resources they need to thrive and reach their full potential.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a world where every child has equal opportunities to succeed, regardless of their circumstances. By leveraging our expertise and resources, we are committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of children in need and contributing to a brighter future for all. We will do so through the many Projects and Programs that we have in place.
Who We Serve
We work with community organizations and non-profits that serve disadvantaged families, special needs children, or those who are being bullied. The at-risk children we look for have a thirst for learning, a willingness to get involved, and want help in developing their goals for the future.
“We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.”
– Franklin D. Roosevelt
Our Projects
Many children struggle with being different from their peers. Perhaps they are physically limited, have a learning disability, suffer from mental health issues, or merely look different in the eyes of those around them. If they are bullied or just don’t know how to navigate their feelings, this can leave them mentally and emotionally damaged as they grow into adulthood, perhaps forever limiting their potential.
There is a need in our country for grassroots, local organizations to be up close and personal with at-risk youth to teach them life-affirming skills and to give them the opportunities that will maximize their chances of success.
Project Summer
Food insecurity is a serious issue in Texas, particularly for children. Project Summer is offered over the summer months when kids are out of school and don’t have access to free and reduced lunch programs and may fall behind in their reading and math skills. We provide children with summertime snacks packs, books, and activity boxes to help them avoid falling behind in school, combat food insecurity, and stay safe.
Empowerment for Young Minds Program
Empowerment for Young Minds is designed to help young people develop the skills and knowledge they need to rise above their adversities, recognize their strengths, and grow the skills necessary to succeed in life. The program focuses on building self-esteem, resilience, and effective communication skills and also covers topics such as diversity and inclusion, career planning, and community service.
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Elements of Identity
Elements of Identity is a sub-set of the Empowerment for Young Minds Program, The goal of this project is to foster empathy, understanding, and acceptance of individuals with disabilities, mental, and medical conditions. When students are educated about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, mental, and medical conditions, they are less likely to bully or discriminate against them.
Little Voices, Big Change
We have a Special Education Advocates Program were we work on behalf of families of children with special needs. We provide support and assistance to families in navigating the complex special education system and ensure that their child receives appropriate and individualized education services.
G.R.O.W.
Generating Real Opportunities Worldwide (G.R.O.W.) We believe that entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for self-empowerment and economic growth. Our program is specifically tailored to guide young individuals through the exciting journey of starting and running their own businesses.
FutureForward
Providing aid to homeless, runaway, and street adolescents is the "FutureForward" program. The initiative aims to help young people make healthy decisions and to meet their basic requirements, such as food, hygiene kits, and information on a variety of services that are available, in addition to giving them access to housing.
Get involved and support a child today!
Our kids need your help, and we can’t do this without you. When you join us with a financial gift, you help to give a struggling child the tools to change their life for the better. Even a small gift can help a child learn to not only love themselves but start on the road toward community leadership.
Won’t you join us today? Together, we can build a beautiful future for us all.
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Join us to learn how you can help make change for children.
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