The first of Season 2, this episode of ADJUSTED, features Dana Genheimer, president-elect for Kids’ Chance of America and Vice President of Client Experience at Key Risk (a Berkley Company). Dana chats with ADJUSTED hosts about all things Kids’ Chance: what it is, why it’s special, and how you can help.

Kids’ Chance

WHAT IS KIDS’ CHANCE?  Kids’ Chance is an organization that helps children of injured workers go to college. It was originally founded in Georgia by a claimant attorney, who recognized the need for the children of injured workers who suffered a catastrophic injury or fatality. Since its inception, Kids’ Chance has awarded over 8000 scholarships to children of injured workers. Kids’ Chance raises money by direct donations, corporate sponsorships, and fundraisers. The mission is “More Money for More Kids.”

THE WORKER’S COMP COMMUNITY HAS COME TOGETHER AND IS UNITED IN THIS CAUSE:  Insurance Carriers, Adjusters, Claimant Attorneys, Defense Attorneys, and other vendors in the industry all agree that there is a need for these children of injured workers. They have a personal connection due to the work that they do. They recognize that the core of a catastrophic/fatality worker’s comp claim is always the same:  the injured worker got up and did not forecast what would happen that day. The injury not only permanently changed the life of the injured worker; it changed the lives ’of his family. Some children become primary caregivers after the death or injury of their parent. The family’s income has also decreased, which can limit the options for the children. By working together, they are helping lift up these families so that the children can go to college.

IT IS CRUCIAL TO IDENTIFY AND CONNECT THE FAMILIES TO KIDS’ CHANCE:  It is important that the families are connected to Kids’ Chance and the referrals have been submitted. When the child turns 16, they become eligible for scholarships. To make a referral, go to www.kidschance.org, and click on “Planning for the Future.” The referral form is located in that section. In some cases, adjusters and third-party administrators are making the referrals for the families. This is more than scholarship support; in some cases, this is a network for a possible career path for these children when they get older.  Some of the children have gone to college and had internships within the Worker’s Comp Industry. Some of the scholarship recipients are going to medical school. Kids’ Chance stays connected with the families long after they have graduated college.

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED:  Fundraising is a great way to get involved and meet people in your industry. Many connections and friendships have been formed while making an impact in these children’s lives. The best place to start is going to www.kidschance.org and clicking on “Find Your Kids’ Chance.”  From there, you can find your state organization, along with their contact information. Some states are brand new organizations, and they need potential board members or event planners. When you donate your time, it’s a great way to have some fun and make a difference!