Some of the people who most understand what a second chance means are the people who once desperately needed one themselves.
Charles Mully, also known as Charles Mulli, grew up in Kenya and experienced abandonment and severe poverty as a child. He later worked his way into business and achieved financial success. But his story did not end with his own escape from hardship.
Troubled by the lives of children surviving on the streets, he felt called to help them. He gave up his business life and, together with his wife Esther, founded Mully Children's Family in 1989. What began as a response to children in urgent need grew into a network of care and education programs in Kenya and Tanzania.
The organization describes its work as providing shelter, food, schooling, healthcare, emotional support and training so vulnerable children can grow toward independent futures. Its official website reports that its programs have served more than 35,000 children and young people over time.
There is something extraordinary about turning your own painful beginning into shelter for someone else. But the lasting work is not done by one person alone. Esther Mully, staff members, caregivers, teachers and supporters have all helped sustain this mission.
The Chance He Gave
Through Mully Children's Family, Charles and Esther helped create a pathway from danger and deprivation toward stability, care and opportunity. For children without reliable support, a safe place to sleep, adults who show up and the chance to attend school can change the course of a life.
How You Can Give a Similar Chance
- Support a well-vetted organization that helps children facing homelessness or family crisis.
- Volunteer with a school, tutoring program or local youth-serving charity.
- Donate useful school supplies through a program that has requested them.
- Be a reliable mentor who encourages a young person without making promises you cannot keep.
Today's small chance: Find one local organization supporting vulnerable children and ask what they need most this month.
Learn More
Read the official story of Charles Mully and visit Mully Children's Family.
Chance Champions is a Chances.org appreciation series, not an official award or an endorsement by the person featured. Explore more Chance Champions.
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