Celebrating 10 Years of S. Truett Cathy Honorees

In 2015, Chick-fil-A granted their first S. Truett Cathy grant in honor of Keith Boyd, a 10-year-old boy with cerebral palsy who raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through a lemonade stand for The Little Lighthouse, a school for special-needs children that Keith attended as a preschooler.

The Arc of San Diego serves as a fiscal sponsor for A Night to Remember Prom, an event honoring individuals with disabilities. The nonprofit used its grant to host a prom for over 500 attendees, complete with makeup, hairstyling, tuxes, gowns, corsages, boutonnieres, limo rides, red carpet, music and dancing for an experience of a lifetime at no cost to participants.

By strategically embedding learning centers in apartment buildings of low-income and crime-ridden neighborhoods, Leaven Kids encourages parents and neighbors to proactively support their children and local communities. The Leaven brings learning to families’ doorsteps through STEAM programming, a six-week summer learning series, community gardens and more. They used their grant to expand their programming to serve more families. This year, The Leaven will celebrate 15 years of community impact.

Path United empowers children growing up in mobile home parks to find their path to high school graduation and beyond. Through partnerships with park owners, schools, businesses, churches, parents and other nonprofits, Path United offers on-site programs that help kids become flourishing adults. They also used their grant to expand their services to more communities.

Founded by four men who wanted to make a difference in the lives of young men of color in their community, Mentoring to Manhood provides weekly tutoring, group mentoring and family support to more than 150 middle and high-school aged boys. Mentoring to Manhood used their grant to expand their programming and open an additional service location.

Since 2001, First Tee of Metropolitan New York has used golf to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices. The organization further invested in the academic future of underserved youth in their community with their S. Truett Cathy grant.

With a focus on academic achievement and college and career readiness, DuBois Integrity Academy serves economically disadvantaged students throughout Clayton County, Georgia, at no cost. The academy used their $350,000 grant to grow the school’s STEM programming, increase educational resources, expand the library and media center and more.

Precious Lamb Preschool provides full day, quality education and care to children 18 months to five years old at no cost to parents experiencing homelessness. Since opening their doors in 2002, over 700 children have received full-time, free preschool. The school applied their $350,000 funding to relocate to a new facility, allowing them to further their efforts to provide access to resources and support through a nurturing, whole-family approach that enables young children to thrive.

Awarded in 2023, SADI offers peer support, skills training, transition services, ramps and home modifications, assistive technology and more to empower persons with disabilities to live independently in their homes and communities. With the $350,000 grant from Chick-fil-A, SADI was able to build a new outdoor recreation and garden area, providing an opportunity for the nonprofit’s clients to enjoy fresh air and exercise, as well as hone their gardening skills as they cultivate their own produce.

Winner of the 2024 S. Truett Cathy Grant, Joy Meadows is addressing a community challenge that Truett himself was passionate about: bringing stability to children impacted by foster care. The nonprofit provides resources for foster children and families across Kansas, including on-site housing and enrichment activities at its 38-acre development near Kansas City. Joy Meadows used their grant to expand its offerings, like free on-site therapy, day camps, equine and nature-based activities, a clothing closet and training for those who provide support to caregivers.