Mission Statement

Youth Challenge brings together children with physical disabilities and youth volunteers who enrich each other's lives through one-on-one participation in adapted sports and recreational activities.

• Participants: 160+ children, ages 4-18, with physical impairments, such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida and a variety of other disabilities, who reside at home and attend local schools.
• Volunteers: 400 teens, ages 12-18, are trained seasonally by professionals and peers to work with children with physical disabilities.
• Programs: Over 200 activities are offered year-round with adaptive sports and recreational equipment and adjustments to suit each child's interests.
• All programs and transportation are offered free of charge.
• 90% of participants receive transportation from Youth Challenge's fleet of accessible vans.
• 50% of all participants are between the ages of 8-13.
• Founded in 1976 by Executive Director, Mary Sue (Anter) Tanis, as an alternative summer recreation program for "special" children.
• Hundreds of community volunteers and professionals assist with leadership, administrative and operational tasks.
• Copies of YC's financial statement and IRS 501(3)(c) letter are available upon request.