Toughest Kids Inc.

Overview

Toughest Kids Inc. is a U.S. 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing healing experiences for children facing adverse circumstances, disabilities, and other health-related challenges. This includes foster children and those who have lost family members in combat. The organization aims to make a positive impact through life experiences, focusing on outdoor recreation and environmental education.

Mission

The mission of Toughest Kids Inc. is to provide healing through life experiences for its target groups. The organization believes that these experiences can support personal growth and resilience in the face of adversity.

History and Structure

Toughest Kids Inc. was founded as a national expansion of Mississippi's Toughest Kids, a state-based organization. The organization has a diverse board of executives whose collective goal is to direct funds and resources toward enhancing the lives of children in regions such as Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida.

Projects and Services

Charitable Projects

• Memorial Projects: In addition to its regular charitable activities, Toughest Kids Inc. also includes memorial projects to honor its founders. These projects are part of the organization's broader mission to support diverse groups with specific needs.
• Fundraising Events: Throughout the year, Toughest Kids holds fundraising events aimed at creating positive impacts in the lives of children.

Special Needs and Minors Pooled Trusts

Toughest Kids offers Pooled Trust Solutions, which provide cost-effective fiduciary services for disabled individuals and minors. These trusts help maintain eligibility for public assistance benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

• Pooled Special Needs Trusts (PSNTs): These trusts allow for the pooling of resources across multiple beneficiaries while preserving government benefits for disabled individuals.
• Pooled Minors Trusts (PMTs): Designed to manage financial settlements for minors, these trusts ensure that funds are used solely for the child's Health, Education, Maintenance, and Support (HEMS).

Vision

The long-term vision of Toughest Kids Inc. includes building camps on donated properties, particularly in regions such as Charleston, South Carolina. These facilities would provide annual outdoor adventure events for children in need of positive experiences.

Leadership and Legacy

The organization was deeply influenced by its founders, Kelli and Charles Schell, who passed away suddenly. Their vision and tireless efforts were instrumental in shaping the mission and direction of Toughest Kids Inc.

[1] https://www.toughestkids.com/projects/ [2] https://www.toughestkids.com/about/ [3] https://www.toughestkids.com/pooled-trust-solutions/ [4] https://www.toughestkids.com [5] https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/475375226