Hi! My name is Diane McKinney and I created a 501c3 Non-Profit program here in Colorado to inspire at-risk, challenged, disenfranchised and marginalized youth to literally, "Change their Minds-"  to change their minds about who they think they are, what they've done, what others have done TO them, and what they CAN do.  Thus far, in 3 summers, and on a shoestring budget, we've touched deeply the hearts and souls of 333 kids whom many others have either given up on, or never believed in in the first place.  We talk about how and why we judge each other and compare, the endless search for approval and either trying desperatley to be "good enough," or giving up on that notion altogeher.  We focus on "What did you do RIGHT today? What do you feel good about?" as opposed to what they didn't do very well.  As one of our kids reported, "I learned how to be proud of MYSELF, that I don't need other people to approve of me to feel good...and I enjoyed that very much!"  You'll see this and much more in the video.  The program is called ABLE to Sail which really has very little to do with merely teaching kids how to sail.  Very little.  Sailing is just a platform that these kids know nothing about, which avails us the opportunity to interject profound analogies, inspiration, and wisdom into their open minds.  For example, you've probably heard the euphemism, "You can't run from the wind, but you can adjust your sails!" Such concepts are the basis of our curriculum, and the experiential wisdom they learn to apply on the water, which they, in turn, can apply in their lives to create change.  We start and close the day with sessions on exactly how what they've done sailing is applicable to their personal world.  An example is in steering the boat.  They are challenged to accept that to turn the boat left, they have to steer to the right! (WHAAAAT????) And so in accepting new thoughts about "how to steer something," we challenge them to accept new thoughts about themselves: "That they are important, they matter, and they are enough...that just because the people in their lives were not able to recognize or celebrate that Truth does not negate that fact...they are enough, and we need the gifts and talents that they posses." Throughout the course of the week, most accept this foregin notion as suddenly plausible, if not absolutely true.  And the transformation we see is nothing short of profound.  And so begins the 20 point curriculum of analagous teaching!  Throughout the 4 days they spend with us at the lake; sailing, swimming, volleyball, etc., and the all too unavoidable water fights, we establish deep and long lasting connections based on fun...engaging WITH them...mutual trust, and understanding, such that when we do sit down for our inspirational talks, they are aligned and attuned and willing to accept the inspiration we offer, because they know without question that we care, that we believe in them, and that we understand.  In sharing my own personal journeys of struggle, abuse, adoption, addiction and the emotional recovery from those situations and of never feeling "good enough," they begin to believe that maybe, if they start to do some things differently, to stop dwelling on the past, to choose to believe in themselves, letting go the idea that "mistakes mean I'm bad," and walk through fear, "pretending they're brave," that they too can come to know that they are "good enough," and that they're "not a complete failure," as one of our kids responded. 
Your donation will help us populate our program, as over 50% of our participant live below the poverty level, and I let them come for free.  I believe in the grace and goodness of generous souls like yourself who still believe that no child is a hopeless case.  The results we experience have been profound, many of which you will see on the video, but essentially, all of our kids experience, on average, a 75% increase with regards to self-esteem, confidence, and what they believe they can do with their lives when surveyed pre and post.  Essentially, these kids get to be kids again, and become enthusiastically invested in accepting the inspirational/motivational thoughts we shower them with for 4 days! 
We're gearing up for our 4th summer, and as we gain traction in getting the attention from those with deep pockets, I must rely on those of us with possibly NOT so deep pockets.  I have no gimmicks to offer you, just the assurance that your donation, no matter how big or how small, will give one or more kids the opportunity to realize and joyously say something like this:  "ABLE to Sail taught me I was really something special!" And to me? That's worth everything! In grace and gratitude...I'm humbled at your mere consideration, and grateful to receive whaatever you can offer to support the growth and unfoldment of helping me make ABLE to Sail, the most transformational Youth Program in Colorado. And, as always, I'm looking forward to goodness! I believe we can make this happen, to quote our motto,  "We can DO this...We Are ABLE!"  Please feel free to visit our Facebook page, "ABLE to Sail" for more pictures, quotes, and heartwarming results. Thanks for your time!  https://www.facebook.com/AbleToSail