Where there is help, there is hope.
Variety – the Children’s Charity of the Desert focuses on providing access to support and equipment for children in the Coachella Valley whose lives are touched by illness, disability or disadvantage.
The reasons children may need our help are diverse; disadvantaged upbringing or illness; and physical disabilities including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy and Down Syndrome, to name a few. So while the children we support and the ways we help are many, our goal remains the same — help these children to do what they should be free to do best — be children living in their full potential.
We serve children through three special programs that seek to provide long-term impact…
Newly Designated as a
Certified Autism Center™
Our organization has worked with The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), a global leader in online training and certification programs, to be designated as a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC).
Our staff has completed training and certification in best practices when assisting autistic individuals. By undergoing additional autism-specific training, the goal is for our team to be better equipped to provide better service and experiences to all.
Caring Connections
The Care Program delivers critical life-saving medical equipment and services, healthcare, and well-being to children.
Caring Connections is an early childhood development resource center. Our goal is to help parents in the Coachella Valley identify and recognize early childhood development concerns and provides them with the appropriate resources that can help overcome challenges and set their children on a path to success.
Caring Connections offers parents a quick screening process and your answers can help show your child’s strengths and what areas they need support in. We also provide tools, resources, and support. We will help you monitor development and help bridge communication between you and providers so you as a parent are in control and can help your child onward to a successful school career and future.
Freedom Program
The Freedom Program delivers vital life-changing equipment and services for mobility, independence, and social inclusion for children.
This program has provided over 100 adaptive bicycles, specialized strollers, wheelchairs, and other mobility aids to children with special needs.
45 passenger vans, called Sunshine Coaches, have been provided to our community partners at Angel View, Boys and Girls Clubs, Family YMCA of the Desert, Camp of Champions, Childhood Cancer Foundation, and more, to transport an estimated 4,000 children annually to after school programs, medical appointments, and treatments.
In partnership with Coachella Valley School Districts, over 8,000 bicycles and helmets have been distributed honoring the academic success and good citizenship of underprivileged students.
Future Program
The Future Program delivers crucial life-enriching services, education, and self-esteem to children.
This program focuses on providing socially inclusive experiences and activities for children with special needs and their families.
Future Program opportunities include sensory friendly movie screenings, holiday celebrations, and access to special events.
Monthly inclusive art classes and specialized art projects are available for children with special needs as well as their siblings and families. Through inclusive art, we are ensuring each child has the opportunity to express themselves artistically.
