Donate Now — Megan’s Mission to Help Families

My name is Megan Karjo, and I’ve been proudly volunteering with United Community Family Services / Chaldean American Ladies of Charity since 2020. From the moment I got involved, I was deeply moved by the compassion, dedication, and heart that every team member brings to serving our community. This organization quickly became more than just a place to give back. It became a part of who I am.

In April 2024, I made the decision to turn my passion into a profession by officially joining the team. Being part of this mission-driven work every day is a privilege, and I’m committed to helping us grow, serve, and uplift even more families in need.

As a Case Manager, I have the privilege of leading several key programs that directly impact the lives of individuals and families in our community. These include Discovery Works, the Youth Sports Program, Project Achievement Tutoring, the Maternal Health Education Program, and our Summer Discovery Program.

One of the titles I carry most proudly, and closest to my heart, is Ms. Megan. Every summer, I have the joy of welcoming 60 children to camp. For many of them, it's their very first experience participating in organized sports, team-building activities, or even attending a summer camp. Watching the excitement on their faces as they arrive is something I look forward to every year. Those moments of pure joy remind me exactly why this work means so much to me.

During the school year, I lead our weekly Project Achievement Tutoring Program, where students receive thre hours of personalized academic support completely free of charge. Quality tutoring is often out of reach for many families, so being able to provide this opportunity and watch students grow in both confidence and academic success is incredibly rewarding.

This summer, we proudly launched our new Summer Discovery/Discovery Works Program, a free, two-day-per-week enrichment program designed to keep children learning, active, and engaged throughout the summer months. Students attend for eight hours each day and receive breakfast, lunch, and snacks at no cost. Each day is filled with academic enrichment, arts and crafts, hands-on science projects, physical activity, supervised free time, and opportunities to build meaningful friendships. Participants also enjoy one educational field trip each month, giving them experiences they may not otherwise have. Watching these children grow in confidence, discover new interests, and create lasting memories has been one of the most rewarding parts of my summer.

Our Maternal Health Education Program supports new and expectant mothers by offering monthly educational sessions covering essential topics related to pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum care, and parenting. In addition to these life-changing classes, we provide basic need items such as car seats, strollers, diapers, wipes, and other essentials to help families get the best possible start.

More than 100 women rely on this program each year for both education and critical resources, many of whom would otherwise go without. By equipping mothers with knowledge, support, and essential supplies, we're helping create healthier, safer futures for both mothers and their children.

While these are the programs I have the privilege of leading, they represent only a small part of everything United Community Family Services/Chaldean American Ladies of Charity does for our community. Every day, our organization serves individuals and families through a wide range of programs and services. We operate a food pantry, organize annual school supply drives to ensure children are prepared for the school year, distribute furniture, clothing, household goods, hygiene items, and other basic necessities, and connect families with countless additional resources and support services. Whether someone is struggling to put food on the table, furnish a home, care for a newborn, or simply needs someone to turn to during a difficult time, we are here to help. Our mission is to ensure that every individual and family we serve is treated with dignity, compassion, and hope.

This is just a glimpse into what I have the privilege of doing every day. When I work with these families, I don't see clients. I see people who deserve the same opportunities, support, and compassion that any of us would hope for in a time of need. Their successes become my successes, and their challenges become deeply personal to me.

Every meal served, every backpack filled, every tutoring session provided, every stroller given to a new mother, every piece of furniture delivered, every bag of groceries distributed, and every child who gets the chance to attend camp is only possible because of the generosity of people like you.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in our mission and for helping us make a lasting difference.