About Us
Our Mission
Jaocb's Chance enriches lives by empowering individuals 5-40 years old with developmental, intellectual, and/or physical disabilities through inclusive programs that promote personal development and positive relationships.
Our Promise
We are committed to diversity and inclusiveness in all aspects of our organization. We promise to create equity as we embrace cultural differences and promote cultural understanding.
Our Values
Inclusion
We are dedicated to educating our community about true inclusion by offering programming where youth, teens, and young adults with and without disabilities play, learn, and grow together.
Adaptability
We adapt the sport, program, or class to the ability of the participant to allow us to service individuals at any skill level.
Acceptance
Diversity
We promote diversity by seeking out underserved communities, developing trust and allowing everyone to participate regardless of their ability to pay our minimal registration fees.
Through celebrating our participants' achievements and uniqueness, we promote self confidence and acceptance.
Healthy Lifestyles
Collaboration
We believe that our constituents are best served when nonprofit organizations and businesses work together.
We help to battle common challenges for those with disabilities such as obesity, atrophy, isolation, and depression with education, fitness, movement, outdoor activities, skills for independence, and athletics.
Who is Jacob?
Jacob was a bright and fun-loving
young man who lived life to the
fullest and loved playing sports.
Jacob passed away in 2002 due to
complications of his disabilities when he was only 11 years old, but Kate got to know Jacob's mom as Kate's sons played sports with Jacob's brother. All of the programs offered today are dedicated to Jacob and his infectious smile, which we see reflected in every individual we've served since becoming a nonprofit in 2013, and the years of Buddy Ball before that. These programs are Jacob's "chance" to live through the wonderful youth, teens, and adults we serve today.
Learn More
Meet the Team
Staff
Kate Mardigian
Founder | Executive Director
Born in Charleston, WV and raised in Richmond, VA. Mom of two grown sons and Gigi to one amazing granddaughter. Enjoys hiking, live music, and ice cream cones.
Brooke Cable Hsieh
Program Director
Born and raised in Richmond, VA. University of Georgia grad and a board certified music therapist. Dog mom to one pittie pup. Enjoys climbing, trying new things, and all-you-can-eat buffets.
Erin Wilson
Program Manager
Born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in Richmond, Virginia. Mom to 2 wonderful kids and a whole zoo of pets. Enjoys crafting, the beach, and Thai food.
Programs
Inclusive Fitness & Heath
Matthew Scott
Instructor, VCU Dept. of Kinesiology and Health Services, ACSM EP-C
Athletic Director
Sadie Hodges
River City Buddy Ball
Board of Directors
Chairman of the Board
George Williams
Treasurer
Joe Lovell
Board Member
Darrell Richard
Board Member
Matt Dutcher
Board Member
Mareen Thomas
Vice Chairperson
Lyn Dodge
Secretary
Collin Chance
Board Member
Kristi Rike
Board Member
Mo Feliciano
Board Member
Shanaka Wijesinghe
Interested in Joining our Board?
If you would like more information on joining the board contact Kate Mardigian at Kmardigian@jacobschance.org