Supporting Children and Youth in Appalachia

Children these days have a lot of pressure on them, socially and academically. It doesn’t help that funding for youth programs from public agencies are often the first cuts from the budget which leaves fewer and more compromised services for teens. Our sponsored youth programs provide mentorship, counseling, and activities to children living in challenging circumstances, so that they can have their days filled with positive and safe experiences.

Our programs for at-risk youth across Appalachia also include grants that fund summer camp activities for hundreds of children. When the final school bell rings and students are officially on summer vacation, you can sense excitement in the halls as children say goodbye to their best friends hoping to see them within the next couple of months. Then reality sets in and they get home with not a whole lot of options for entertaining themselves, no money for vacation, pool passes, or camps of any kind. Our sponsored camps help children travel to US attractions near and far from their homes! They are given complimentary meals ensuring they never go hungry. And they get to see their best friends and make new ones every day while staying active and continuing to learn.

Across the Appalachian region, more than 19% of children live in poverty, rates that remain significantly higher than the national average. These numbers reflect more than just economic hardship, they highlight a lack of access to safe, enriching environments and opportunities that every young person deserves.

In many rural communities, Appalachian youth struggle to find affordable after-school activities or summer programs, especially in areas where public support for programs for at-risk youth has been reduced or cut entirely.

During the school year, children may rely on schools not only for learning, but also for regular meals and stability. When school is out, especially over the long summer break, many children are left without daily nutrition, supervision, or positive outlets. Without structured programs and consistent role models, youth are more vulnerable to risk factors like academic disengagement, substance use, and even gang involvement. For struggling families, the options for recreation, mentorship, or emotional support are often too few and too far away.

At Americans Helping Americans, we believe every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and feel valued regardless of where they live. That’s why we support community-based programs across Appalachia that meet children where they are, offering meals, mentorship, summer camps, and positive alternatives to delinquency when they need it most.

Delinquency
Prevention

Community Youth Outreach is a strong alternative to the persuasion of delinquent behavior. We support programs that provide positive influences and create opportunities for at-risk youth.

Your support helps bring vital children and youth programs to underserved Appalachian communities.

In areas where resources are limited, donations provide at-risk youth with safe spaces, caring mentors, and opportunities to grow. From summer camps to meals and outreach programs, your gift creates real change for Appalachian youth who need it most.

Together, we can build a brighter future.

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