A New Chance Foundation was founded by Ashley and Beth Chance in 2008 with the mission to help dependent children live a more independent life. Ashley and Beth were inspired by the Akers family of Cincinnati. Beth, who was a first grade teacher at Hopewell Elementary in the Lakota Local School District, taught Brooke Akers who had Type II Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and was confined to an automatic wheelchair. After hearing that Brooke lived in a bi-level home and had to be carried rather than use her wheelchair around the house, Beth knew that she needed to help. Beth began raising money and, along with other teachers, sent an application to Extreme Makeover Home Edition on behalf of the Akers family. Meanwhile, Ashley saw the story of Beth and the Akers family in the newspaper and decided to help. Ashley and Beth met while helping the Akers family build their new home, fell in love, and were married in less than year. After the show, the Chance family continued to help other families in the greater Cincinnati area that have children with disabilities. A New Chance Foundation has helped six children since 2008 and are looking forward to changing many more lives for the better. With the support of volunteers and board members, A New Chance Foundation continues to grow and find new ways to give disabled children greater independence. If you or someone you know would like to apply for a grant from A New Chance Foundation, please visit our website, www.anewchancefoundation.org, for a Grant Application or call us at 513.492.9110 and we will send you one. Please note the following criteria regarding our Grant process: --The maximum grant amount is $2,500. --All exceptions will be voted on and approved by the board of directors. --A New Chance Foundation will provide funding for and assist in obtaining the necessary needs of the family.