Who Are We?
Our Mission:
Every child is deserving of support and empowerment to help inspire
and strengthen the community.
Founded in 2002, Giving Youth A Chance (GYAC) is a non profit 501c(3) organization, registered with the IRS and State of Tennessee. GYAC is dedicated to the growth and development of young people. Every day thousands of children in our communities go without the benefit of a wholesome and nutritious meal. GYAC seeks to meet the needs of at-risk youth during their most vulnerable times– after school and summer vacation. Through partnership with the State of Tennessee, USDA, Child and Adult Care Program (CACFP), and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)– Giving Youth A Chance provides over 4,000 meals year round to children throughout the city of Memphis and its surrounding areas. All food is prepared by trusted food stewards in the central kitchen at Giving Youth A Chance Headquarters located at: 476 Lipford Street, Memphis, TN 38112 and meals are delivered by trusted drivers operating GYAC cargo vans. Learn more about our mission, our vision, and how we go about making the changes we want to see.
​
EXPANDING THE NEED:
Giving Youth A Chance understands that a nutritious meal is just one of the many challenges at-risk youth face and we are committed to building strategic networks and enrichment programs that will help advance our community. We see the value in everyone and want to be a catalyst for positive change. Since our beginning in 2002, GYAC has been driven by the same ideas we initially founded our non profit organization upon: support, empowerment, and progress which is why we offer the following resources in addition to our feeding program:
On-site summer camp which provides academic enrichment to more than 50 children every year. 
Scholarship opportunities to deserving students that meet necessary requirements.
Local Angel Tree sponsor for the past three years by providing gifts and meals to more than 100 families. 
Expanded services to Mississippi through partnership with the State of Mississippi Department of Education, Acona Community, and Church of God in Christ successfully providing more than 1,000 meals daily to children in need through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).