ASPIREKids was born out of a conversation several years ago between our Director, Jodi Mottashed and her 6-year-old son. He couldn't understand why some kids didn't have the same opportunities he did, and he wanted to do something to change that. It took several years for us to take the leap, but in April of 2018, after another conversation of what we would do "one day" it was time to commit to helping children in our community have the same opportunities as their peers. This led to significant research about trauma and its effects on youth as they grow into adulthood which led us to one of many important truths: Building healthy relationships through access to healthy activities leads to a healthy future.
Removing Barriers and Building Resilience by providing access to normalcy for youth that have experienced trauma or live in low-income situations.
ASPIREKids is dedicated to addressing two significant challenges: childhood trauma and income disparity in El Dorado County. The organization's STRIVE Scholarship program plays a crucial role in bridging the financial gap, enabling trauma-exposed youth to participate in beneficial activities that contribute to building resilience. The program aims to alleviate the impact of childhood trauma by offering opportunities for skill development, fostering connections, building confidence, and promoting a sense of belonging. Additionally, it addresses the economic challenges faced by families in the region, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent children from accessing essential extracurricular activities that contribute to their overall well-being.
Our STRIVE Scholarship program is in need of funding for scholarships for at-promise youth to participate in extracurricular and normalcy activities. In 2024 we were able to provide access to driving lessons, driver's ed, yearbooks, field trips, sports, art, summer camps and so much more.
In 2024 we funded 79 scholarships for $13,042 the average scholarship was $165.
In 2024 we worked closely with schools to grow our ASPIRE Outfitters program and provided clothes, shoes and coats in addition to duffel bags and gift cards to 335 youth in need. The ASPIRE Outfitters program is in need of funding to purchase gift cards for teens, as well as duffel bags and storage items such as plastic bins and shelving.
Each child referred to our program receives a duffel bag full of new and gently used clothing along with new personal items (socks and underwear). Teens also receive a $50 gift card to Ross or a similar store to purchase some items themselves.
In 2022 we were finally able to get The Locker Room off the ground. We worked closely with schools and social workers to provide new and gently used sporting equipment for youth that can't afford to purchase the items they need. Several teens played soccer, basketball and baseball because of this program. Funding for this program will go directly to purchasing items for kids and teens.
Our ASPIRE HandsON! program is in need of funding to fund various activities with youth in our community from respite events to field trips for teens learning about career opportunities and pathways out of their current situation. And new in 2023, we began The Elf Project, providing Christmas gifts to children and teens that otherwise wouldn't have had a Christmas. In 2024, 420 El Dorado County children received bags of gifts.
We are in need of volunteers to sort clothing donations on a regular basis for our ASPIRE Outfitters program.
At ASPIREKids our mission is to provide access to normalcy to all children with a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. No child should be excluded from opportunities to build resilience to their personal experience with trauma.
Organization name
ASPIREKids
2018
Tax id (EIN)
82-5352437
Mission Category
Youth Development
Operating Budget
$100,001-$250,000
Organization Need
Funding: Program, Volunteers
Demographics Served
Youth & Children
Local Counties Served
El Dorado
Equity Statement
Equity Statement
Address
PO Box 1323El Dorado County, CA, US