Dear Partner,
Greetings from the inner-city neighborhood of Church Hill in Richmond, Virginia. Six years ago, my wife and I entered this community to learn how to become neighbors to those who were hurting and in need. Our earliest "neighbors" were the children, and they would show up on our doorsteps daily as we returned home from work. Little did we know that the simple response we mustered would change our lives (and theirs) forever. What did we do? We opened our door and invited them into our home. At CHAT, we call this "opening homes". Unintentionally, we stumbled across the secret ingredient that made academic tutoring and life-skills training so alluring to children that would normally just wander the unsafe streets.
After five years of "opening" more homes and seeing increased numbers of people becoming involved in CHAT, we are at a new point in our growth. Our tutoring has expanded to include life-skills training and even a leadership development component (Young Men’s Academy and Ladies of Virtue and Excellence). As well, we are trying to address issues of health and wellness through CHEX (Church Hill Exercise). Even with all this, we have not mentioned our College and Street Leaders internship programs and the numerous trips we take throughout the year and summer. We are currently preparing to take 45 kids to camp in Pennsylvania for a week. Being a neighbor can be tiring work, but it is worth it.
Many who are receiving this letter might already be familiar with CHAT, or you are already supporting us. Thank you! Others might simply know one of our interns or you might remember me or my wife from our time at Duke, William & Mary or the University of Richmond. Regardless, please consider giving to support the work that is going on here in our neighborhood. With the increase in participants, a new facility (the Lighthouse) and starting a high school (Church Hill Academy), our budget has ballooned from $25,000 three years ago to nearly $300,000 next year. For those that like math, let me tell you what that money is supporting: 1) 5 full-time staff people including 3 teachers, an administrator, and a CEO (that’s me) 2) mortgage on the Lighthouse 3)all program costs for tutoring and other activities including our very expensive trips 4) the cost of maintaining our CHAT vehicles and 5) real hope for kids who have been forgotten by our society. Please be generous and help us meet our budgetary goals for next year. For your convenience, we have included an envelope that will allow you to mail your donations to us. If you are more computer savy, then our website has a link that will allow you to securely donate online. CHAT is a 501c3 non-profit so all of your gifts are tax-deductible. If you have any questions, then feel free to contact me at percy@chatrichmond.org. We are excited about the next season of our lives here in Church Hill. Please partner with us to make it a great one for all those who live here.
Sincerely,
Percy L. Strickland
CEO
