Chai Lifeline Inc.

Chai Lifeline Inc., also known as Chai-Life Line, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support to families with children battling serious illnesses, including cancer and chronic diseases. Founded in 1987 by Rabbi Simcha Scholar, the organization’s mission is to restore joy and hope in the lives of these children and their families.

Purpose and Services

Chai Lifeline operates with a focus on supporting children with life-threatening illnesses, offering a comprehensive array of services aimed at addressing the emotional, social, and financial challenges faced by these families. Their programs include:

• Advocacy and Case Management: Providing emotional support and information to families through case managers.
• Insurance Support Service: Assistance with understanding insurance coverage and completing reimbursement applications.
• Meal Support: Delivering meals to hospitalized patients and families.
• Transportation Services: Offering transportation to medical appointments.
• Chai House: A residence near The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for family accommodations.
• Counseling Services: Telephone support groups, bereavement counseling, and community-based family centers.
• Educational Assistance: Tutoring for homebound and hospitalized children.
• Trained Volunteer Support: Matching ailing children and their siblings with trained volunteer "Big Brothers" and "Big Sisters."

Programs and Events

Chai Lifeline offers various programs and events throughout the year, including camps for children with catastrophic illnesses, such as Camp Simcha, which provides an opportunity for children with serious conditions to enjoy camp experiences. Additionally, the organization hosts fundraising events like marathons, walkathons, and cycling events, such as Bike4Chai, to raise awareness and funds for their causes.

International Reach

While headquartered in New York City, Chai Lifeline has an international reach, supporting over 10,952 families globally. Their programs extend beyond the United States, with affiliates like Chai Lifeline International.

Financial Overview

Chai Lifeline is primarily funded through contributions, making it a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible nonprofit organization. Its financial operations include significant reliance on donations, with contributions forming over 100% of its total revenue in recent years[3][4].

Volunteers and Staff

The organization is supported by a substantial number of volunteers—over 4,795 worldwide—which includes many who have previously benefited from Chai Lifeline’s services themselves. This volunteer network is crucial to implementing their programs effectively alongside their professional staff[1][2].