FTN's Story
For The Need Foundation
For The Need Foundation (FTN) is a charitable organization founded by entrepreneur and professional off-road race car driver Myan Spaccarelli, and his wife Viviana Spaccarelli.
Myan Spaccarelli
When Myan was young, his parents opened their home to assist fostered youth and needy children. The transition process for many of these kids was often difficult and traumatic. Myan witnessed firsthand the desperation and helplessness of these children. He watched his parents care-for, nurture and help these kids overcome insurmountable odds.
Guided by his faith, these early experiences shaped Myan's desire and mission to help and mentor underprivileged children. He believes, "despite abuse, homelessness, and hardship, some children know a better life is waiting for them." Myan's goal with For the Need Foundation is to locate these children and to help them with the resources, mentorships, and experiences that will ultimately lead them to fulfill their potential for a better life.
Since 2000, the Spaccarellis have been building an organization to identify children in need and to connect these kids with volunteers and the generous corporate sponsors needed to begin showing these kids how to overcome adversity and how to create a fulfilling and rewarding life.
Viviana Spaccarelli
Co-Founder of FTN, Viviana Spaccarelli grew up in Lima Peru at a time when more than half of the country lived in poverty. Until the age of 17, Viviana witnessed extreme hardship first-hand. Children on the streets selling candy and trinkets, washing car windows and begging for food was a common sight. Knowing these children and seeing their families struggle to survive left a lasting impression on her heart.
Viviana's love for children and desire to help those in need inspired her to pursue an education in Child Development. She graduated California State University Northridge, earning her Bachelors degree and bilingual teaching credentials for elementary school-age children.
In 2000, near the peak of the AIDS epidemic, Viviana and her husband Myan approached a local medical center with a desire to do something special for children battling this horrible disease. They hosted a Christmas party in the hospital. With the help of volunteers and hospital staff, the Spaccarellis delivered gifts, treats, and happiness during a time when these children needed it most. For one very special evening, children who have been through so much were allowed to feel joy in spite of their illness - a moment of normalcy, during what is supposed to be the happiest time of the year.
Since starting For The Need Foundation with her husband Myan, Viviana has served in every capacity, building the foundation to what it is today. Myan and Viviana have three children Allie, Nicole, and Nathan. The entire family is actively involved with For The Need, helping and supporting the organization at every event.
FTN's Story
How We Began
Through a partnership with LA General Medical Center, formerly LAC + USC Medical Center, our Foundation began by hosting an annual holiday event for chronically ill and hospitalized children back in 1999. Throughout the years, we have faithfully maintained this tradition. Every Christmas Season, we create moments of joy and happiness for children facing the most difficult times of their lives.
Where We Are Now
Our main program, the Bow & Arrow Mentorship Program, is an events-based program for children and their families who are experiencing homelessness and poverty. Each event is centered around one of our main "targets" including Goal Setting, Relationship & Team Building, Mental & Emotional Health, Physical & Body Wellness, Financial Education/Job Preparedness, and Giving Back/Gratitude. We believe that with these priceless life skills and our community of trusted mentors, the children in our program can grow up confident, hopeful, secure, and prepared to conquer the challenges they face and to reach their unique potential.
Where We Are Going
Through no fault of their own, children are facing circumstances they should never have to face such as domestic violence and homelessness. Because of this, those children are less likely to graduate high school, more likely to have mental health challenges, and susceptible to repeating the cycle. At For the Need, their success is our success. We strive to provide a foundation based on our core pillars to not only inspire children and give them much needed hope, but also to be with them as they overcome their difficult challenges as mentors and as friends. For the Need is on track to transform twice as many young lives next year and therefore, twice as many families who are in need. We aim to introduce the children to opportunities they may have otherwise never known, leading them to become self-sufficient, confident, and hopeful.
© Copyright 2023. For The Need Foundation - All Rights Reserved