CHAT is a non profit organization that is working to serve the youth in Richmond's East End area. CHAT is working to help children escape challenges such as poverty that stand in the way of them becoming successful individuals. CHAT provides a After school program for children from ages K-8th and Church Hill Academy for children that attend Christian high school. CHAT is working to make sure children have a chance to thrive .
STAY's Interview with CHAT's After School Program Director Willis Weber
We asked Mr. Weber why he choice to work for a non profit organization and how many years has he worked for the CHAT program. He answered "I have worked with CHAT for 3 years. Prior to CHAT I worked for a collegiate non-profit for 12 years. I started working at CHAT because I had the opportunity to move closer to the frontlines of working with families and students." We asked Mr. Weber how CHAT has impacted students in their program. He explained that "we contribute to the identity, resiliency, and agency of students enrolled in our program. We do this by practicing hospitality, relationship, and opportunity. Currently, the largest positive contribution we make is giving families a safe, in-person experience for their children. Most CHAT students attend school virtually through Richmond Public Schools. Having a place to go where peers and adults are trusted, kind, and helpful is such a need right now." Lastly we asked Mr. Weber how CHAT has helped student solve problems that they have at school or at home. He Answered "We have helped students go to their families with challenges their facing. We have helped facilitate parents’ hopes for their children by echoing and reinforcing what they’re learning at home."