C.H.O.I.C.E. (Children Have Options In Choosing Experiences) Inc.

C.H.O.I.C.E. provides group counseling, mentoring services, case management, community workshops, and individual services facilitated by certified and licensed professionals to reach program goals.

Since 1987, C.H.O.I.C.E. (Children Have Options In Choosing Experiences) Incorporated is a trusted, community-based nonprofit serving Louisville’s youth. We are licensed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky as a prevention/early intervention program for alcohol and drug abuse and have a longstanding reputation as a prevention partner in Jefferson County. 

For nearly four decades, we’ve empowered children and teens facing the harmful effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)—including but not limited to poverty, trauma, and gun violence.  ACEs are traumatic events occurring before the age of 18, which include all types of abuse and neglect, as well as parental mental illness, substance use, divorce, incarceration, and domestic violence.

Young people living in high-poverty and high-crime areas are more frequently exposed to childhood trauma. Chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance misuse in adulthood have been linked to exposure to ACEs. Moreover, a lack of intervention for young people facing ACEs can negatively impact their  mental health, academic motivation, job opportunities, and relationship building.

On the journey to adulthood, young people need guidance and support to understand the dynamics behind their choices, communication, motivations, behaviors, and consequences. When youth are given the tools to better understand themselves and develop healthy coping skills for navigating life’s challenges and stressors, they are better equipped to make positive choices, build self-worth, strengthen resilience, and develop healthy relationships. These skills create a stronger foundation for young people to reach their full potential and thrive into adulthood.

At the heart of C.H.O.I.C.E. 's work is the “Dare to Dream” Sports Leadership & Mentoring Program, a cross-age peer mentoring initiative, where we train high school student-athletes and leaders to mentor younger elementary students in 4th and 5th grades. Simultaneously, we offer all students group and individual counseling. C.H.O.I.C.E. is currently active for the 2026-2027 school year at FERN CREEK HIGH SCHOOL, IROQUOIS HIGH SCHOOL, WATTERSON ELEMENTARY, DIXIE ELEMENTARY, and PERRY ELEMENTARY.

C.H.O.I.C.E. delivers trauma-informed, research-based prevention and early intervention services to students ages 9–19 who are navigating the effects of ACEs- trauma, poverty, and social isolation. The "Dare to Dream" program focuses on building resilience, enhancing academic motivation, and empowering our youth to become engaged, hopeful members of our city. 

C.H.O.I.C.E. delivers a detailed research-based curriculum for 28 weeks during school hours, centered on the valuing of self, decision making, goal setting, communication, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The “Dare to Dream” program has operated in partnership with Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and has proven to increase resilience, leadership, and academic motivation and engagement. 

The C.H.O.I.C.E. “Dare to Dream” Program interrupts the trauma-to-poor quality of life pipeline by pairing high-risk elementary students with trained teen mentors, offering hope, healing, and a pathway to a better future. ACEs can contribute to long-term challenges that impact overall quality of life, including physical and mental health, relationships, education, employment, and financial stability. Our program is trauma-informed, evidence-based, and deeply rooted in community leadership. 

Proven Program Impact

In our most recent "Dare to Dream" post-test and feedback survey evaluation:

Participant outcomes were particularly strong. Survey data showed:

91% satisfaction with their mentor

63% reported increased confidence

72% increased academic motivation

62% increased school belonging

73% strengthened conflict-resolution skills

65% increased civic engagement

75% reported normal-to-high resilience

97% would recommend C.H.O.I.C.E. to siblings, friends, or peers.

Prevention works—but only if it’s funded and scaled