Giving Youth A Chance (GYAC) is a non-profit 501 c(3) organization dedicated to the academic, social and mental development of young people throughout Shelby County and surrounding areas. We know that our strength lies not only in the words we stand by, but most importantly through the actions of our initiatives. Founded in 2002, GYAC meets the nutritional needs of at-risk youth during their most vulnerable times; after school and summer vacation. We are contracted with the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS), and funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to administer the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
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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:
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· Local Angel Tree sponsor 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).