What We Do
Our Work and Our Impact
Run Deep and Wide
Since enCourage Kids Foundation started in 1985, we have been fulfilling our mission to humanize healthcare for children and their families by resourcing impact-driven pediatric programs and supporting the child life community.
In short, we improve the experience for pediatric patients in the hospital and support child life specialists by providing emotional, psychological, and medical care to these children. Our programs, funded by our generous donors and sponsors, have helped alleviate anxiety, fear, and stress for millions of hospitalized kids and their family members. We do this by providing the resources, supplies, tools, and funding needed to make hospitals a better place to get better.
Filling the Financial and Service Gaps with
Meaningful Contributions
Hospital budgets typically focus on direct patient care matters, capital improvements, technology upgrades, specialized medical and diagnostic equipment, and staffing. However, there are the emotional aspects of pediatric patient care that are not covered by hospital budgets or insurance. enCourage Kids fills these critical gaps every day. Our donors make a positive impact on the lives of hospitalized children across the country, providing comforting toys and games, cutting-edge therapy, engaging and uplifting programs, and by creating healing spaces.
Our Success Stories are deeply meaningful examples of the kinds of projects we have been funding since our inception. These include:
- Creative arts therapies
- Facility dogs and
pet therapy - Support groups
- Recreational outings and activities
- Renovations and enhancements to
create more inviting
spaces for family, friend visits and playtime - Technology and
(learning) devices
- Equipment, furnishings, and supplies to support a more infant- and
child-friendly environment - Comfort kits with activities and games
Agile Response
Through our collaborative relationships with child life professionals and hospital personnel, enCourage Kids is able to respond quickly to emerging situations in the communities we serve. Whether it’s ensuring a sick child’s birthday is properly celebrated or providing diapers and formula overnight during the COVID-19 lockdown, the enCourage Kids team stands ready and able to meet the needs of young patients and their families during a sensitive, stressful time in their lives. This allows the hospital and child life community to focus on its important work with greater ease and effectiveness.