Children of Camden: How to Help

Nov. 9, 2007 — -- There are many great organizations in Camden, N.J. and nationwide, that are helping kids realize their dreams daily.

And, if you want to find out about how to donate to the individual children featured on "20/20," click here.

The Boys and Girls Club of Camden County provides a safe haven for the young people of Camden. Every day, the Boys and Girls Club strives to improve each child's life by implementing self-esteem, courage and positive values through all of the educational programs. Club members receive tutoring, computer training, sports education, homework help and mentoring.

Cooper University Hospital is located in downtown Camden and is engaged in numerous outreach programs to Camden city youth, from health education programs to career shadowing. They are currently undergoing a $222 million dollar expansion, which they consider an investment in the city's future.

Creative Arts High School is the school Billy Joe graduated from, and Wade and Joseph are currently seniors there. The mission of the Camden City Creative Arts High School is to provide compelling experiences and opportunities for the diverse Camden City student population to empower them in their pursuit of sustained academic excellence through the arts.

The goal of DUE Season is to create a more effective teaching and learning environment in Camden and to connect with parents and the community to overcome learning barriers. Many of the new children featured on "20/20" attend DUE Season Charter School. DUE Season is housed in Virtua Health Center and is looking for a new building capable of accommodating its growing student body.

The Institute for the Development of Education in the Arts (IDEA) is a nonprofit, tax-exempt arts education organization established in 1996 to supplement the formal education of adolescents in Camden, N.J. In the past 10 years, IDEA has been persistent in its advocacy and promotion of music, dance, theater, visual and multimedia arts programs. It contributes to providing a safe haven for young people and helps to keep them from lives of violence and drug abuse.

There also are many national organizations working to improve children's lives. Here are just some of the organizations that can help you get involved in your own community:

Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the United States. The organization has been the leader in one-to-one youth service for more than a century, developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people. Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors children, ages 6 through 18, in communities across the country --