Welcome!
We believe in the transformative power of connection—both for children and adults facing significant challenges.
ICON to ICAN is here to uplift disadvantaged and disabled youth by providing them the unique opportunity to meet their ICONs—role models who inspire and empower. We extend our support to unhoused adults in our communities through fundraisers, free haircut days, and other initiatives designed to promote dignity and self-worth.
The ICON to ICAN Foundation Mission:
Expansion Through Exposure
The Icon to Ican Foundation empowers youth ages 8-18 from economically disadvantaged communities by fostering equity through transformative programs that focus on leadership and personal development, social and humanitarian challenges, and global connectivity.
Join us in our mission to foster resilience, connection, and hope.
Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve, helping them navigate their journeys and shine as beacons of hope in their communities.
The Need Is Immense:
Young people with disabilities are among the poorest and most marginalized of the world’s youth.
Estimates suggest that there are between 180 and 220 million youth with disabilities worldwide (World Health Organization). Attitudes and discrimination linked to disability make it much more difficult for them to go to school, to find work or to participate in social activities.
We know that mentoring can change the course of a young person’s life. Despite the increasing prevalence and importance of mentoring programs for youth in general, few programs are focused on including youth with disabilities.
For young people with disabilities, mentoring can positively impact many life goals, such as: succeeding academically, understanding the adult world, developing career awareness, accepting support while taking responsibility, communicating effectively, overcoming barriers, and developing social skills.
ICON to ICAN provides the much needed mentorship and skills development programs for disabled youth. Our programs are centered on the premise that mentorship can help cultivate knowledge, increase motivation and help youth develop skills. Our programs are further designed to be a dynamic catalyst for leadership, success and happiness.
• Our Programs
-
Our ICON experience provides kids with the perfect day in which they can be engaged, inspired, and encouraged by the person they look up to the most.
-
The mentorship program pairs a disabled youth with a successful icon in the industry of the child’s interest. Mentorship is focused on:
Education and life skills
Coping mechanisms
Resources
Leadership Development
-
The ICON Reading Program focuses on bringing community leaders to local disabled facilities for reading and enrichment activities.
-
We work with Icons and community leaders to recognize and assist disadvantaged graduating seniors as they prepare for college through education and scholarship support.
-
Through partnerships with local pediatric and primary care medical facilities, we provide clothing and canned food for disadvantaged kids.
-
With local partners, we provide free haircuts, meals, and essential resources to unhoused individuals. We aim to restore dignity and improve the quality of life for those facing homelessness by ensuring they have access to basic needs and support.
About
The ICON to ICAN
Foundation
The ICON to ICAN Foundation offers disadvantaged and disabled children the chance to meet and spend time with their ICON.
The Foundation coordinates, funds and facilitates the meeting because we believe that providing a platform for children facing these challenges to meet their ICON provides them with significant motivation, encouragement, and inspiration that they CAN overcome their current situation and also be an ICON to others. Meeting their ICON not only uplifts and improves the morale and outlook of children dealing with severe illness and disabilities but it makes their lives better.
