Champions for Children is a nationally growing campaign adopted by local organizations, institutions, and businesses to meet the needs of all children. Those of us associated with the campaign believe we have a responsibility to invest in the growth and development of the children in our communities.

The mission of the Capital Area Intermediate Unit (CAIU) Champions for Children is to improve the lives of children with special needs who are currently receiving Capital Area Intermediate Unit services. We believe the Capital Area Intermediate Unit has the capacity to muster the resources in our communities to fulfill the needs of our children. We believe it is both an honor and a responsibility to reaffirm the worth and dignity of our country's children, to champion their cause, and through them, to create an enlightened citizenry.

As an agency both directly and indirectly involved in the lives of virtually all children in the Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry and Northern York Counties, the CAIU is in a unique position to coordinate the Champions for Children campaign in this area. Working with the CAIU staff and service agencies, the CAIU develops programs and addresses the needs of many special education students in the capital region. The Champions for Children fund furthers these efforts by identifying and responding to very specific individual and group needs. We cultivate a sense in our community that student needs can be assisted by some small but strategically placed additional resources.

Contributions are accepted, fundraisers are conducted and individuals donate their time. No tax monies are involved in funding Champions for Children.

Champions for Children money is spent in accordance with the belief statement developed by the Capital Area Intermediate Unit Champions for Children foundation. The possibilities for Champions for Children are limited only by our resources. We attempt to provide new and vital support to important issues and difficult situations. Champions for Children funds have been used to purchase equipment (wheelchairs, hearing aids, glasses, computers, etc.); clothing (coats, hats, gloves, etc.); provide money for student forums, workshops and conferences for parents among other things.