My Nonprofit Reviews

The John Austin Cheley Foundation has been a remarkable organization that has, without a doubt, played a significant role in my son’s quality of life and in reinforcing strong values and instilling a sense of self-confidence and independence as he grows into his teens.

The services proved by the Cheley Foundation have provided him the opportunity to discover more about others as well as himself within the natural setting of camp, and with exceptional leaders, administrators, and counselors.

The Cheley Foundation also provided me help along the way too, with the application process, with smoothly working out modifications to the schedule in order to support a last-minute medical situation, with answering questions whenever I had them, and also having timely and consistent email updates and information all along the way - from the initial application submission to preparation and even packing for camp!

It’s because of the John Austin Cheley Foundation that my son’s life has been impacted in ways I know will last his lifetime. With the camp experience, he was given the opportunity for things like meeting new people from all over the country, discovering new activities he loves to do that he wouldn’t have the chance to otherwise -- like how much fun it is to camp under the stars… cooking his own meal over a campfire… discovering he loves to do carpentry and wheel pottery... taking the canoe out on the lake when it's late in the day and the water is calm…. realizing the pride he feels when he sweeps up the cabin or makes his bed or helps another camper out... learning he's not afraid of horses after all, even wondering if someday, he would make a good counselor, just like his own counselor was.

Because of Cheley, my son’s life is richer, with experiences that will help guide him as he grows through his teen years into a young man. Sincere thanks to an organization that has impacted our lives in a beautiful way.

- Sandy Banker (for David)