Today we’d like to introduce you to Bill Chafin.
Hi Bill, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story isn’t a straight line; it’s a transformation. Back in 2000, I was diagnosed with Multiple
Sclerosis, and that moment fundamentally changed me. In the months that followed, I lost my
vision completely for five months and lived in total darkness, battling Optic Neuritis. The swelling of the optic nerve is what caused my vision loss, but later allowed my vision to return. That experience, that loss, and the gift of seeing my family again, shifted something
deep inside me. I realized I wanted to turn my pain into purpose. I asked myself: “Whom should
I help?” And the answer came clearly, children who were battling their own mountains.
So in 2006, I founded Reachout America, a nonprofit dedicated to sending children with
illnesses, disabilities, and other challenges to camps and therapies that empower them, from
equine therapy to space camp experiences. What started as a personal mission has become a
larger movement to bring joy and healing to kids across this country.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No journey worth taking is ever smooth. One of the toughest moments I faced was when my
webmaster stole my website and disappeared. I had to actively search for and hire someone with the technical expertise to recover three websites after another individual wrongfully claimed ownership of them. That setback cost me nearly a year; I had to
literally rebuild from scratch and recover what was taken. That lesson was
brutal but ultimately taught me resilience and the importance of safeguarding our mission.
Beyond that, building and sustaining a nonprofit is a daily test of commitment, resourcefulness,
and faith, but every challenge has pushed me to become a better leader and advocate for the
kids we serve.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As the Executive Director of Reachout America, I wear many hats. Every day I work to
expand our outreach, connect kids with transformative camp experiences, and partner with
individuals and organizations who share our vision. We specialize in sending kids with special
needs, chronic illnesses, and at-risk backgrounds to therapeutic and empowering camps that
nurture confidence, joy, and community.
I also handle strategy, fundraising, operations, volunteer engagement, and often the personal
follow-ups with families whose lives have been changed through our work. What sets me apart
is not only what we do but why, this mission is born from personal journey and heartfelt
conviction. Professionally, I’m driven by purpose, not position. My daily focus is on building programs that
genuinely make a difference, from specialized camp experiences like hippotherapy and
specialty therapies to comprehensive community outreach. What I enjoy most is seeing the
spark light up in a child’s eyes when they’re given an opportunity they never thought possible. I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve been married to my best friend for 35 years, and seeing our children grow into kind, intelligent, thoughtful adults has been one of my greatest joys.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’ve been blessed with supporters, cheerleaders, and teammates whose contributions have
made Reachout America what it is today. From dedicated volunteers to families who trust us
with their children’s experiences, and to fellow leaders who share resources and
encouragement, this mission has never been a solo journey. Our national Marketing Director, Christopher Dees has been helping us for over 3 years, and the work he has done has lifted our non-profit tremendously. I deeply appreciate every
volunteer, donor, partner, and advocate who has walked alongside us. Their belief fuels our
success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Reachoutamerica.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reachoutamericaorg/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553032222990
- Twitter: https://x.com/Kidsandveterans
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReachoutAmericaNPO
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/reachout-america-radio
