About Extended Hugs
Extended Hugs was created to support individuals and families navigating life’s most difficult seasons — particularly where illness, caregiving, financial hardship, and lack of access collide.
At its core, Extended Hugs exists to provide practical support rooted in compassion, with a focus on underserved communities that are often overlooked by traditional systems.
Our Mission
Extended Hugs is committed to offering relief, resources, and reassurance to children, families, caregivers, and communities facing extraordinary challenges. We believe no one should have to navigate hardship alone — especially when circumstances are beyond their control.
Who We Serve
Extended Hugs focuses on clearly defined populations where need is greatest and support gaps are most visible.
Underserved Children & Students
We support children within underserved school systems by helping meet essential needs that directly impact learning and well-being. This includes initiatives such as:
- Coats and cold-weather essentials
- Backpacks and school supplies
- Lunch assistance and basic nutrition support
Our goal is to remove barriers that prevent children from fully participating and thriving in school.
Families Facing Serious or Terminal Illness
Extended Hugs provides support to families caring for children who are seriously or terminally ill. We recognize the emotional and financial strain these situations place on parents and caregivers, and we aim to offer relief where possible — whether through direct assistance, resources, or community support.
ALS-Affected Families
We are committed to supporting families impacted by ALS by helping address practical needs, offering education, and connecting families to available resources during a time that is often overwhelming and isolating.
Caregivers & Caregiving Families
Caregiving is a central focus of Extended Hugs. We provide support and education for caregivers of all ages — with particular attention to:
- Adult children caring for aging parents
- Young people navigating how to support parents or loved ones
- Families trying to understand available services, planning needs, and next steps
We aim to help caregivers feel informed, supported, and less alone in the journey.
Education & Opportunity Initiatives
STEM Scholarships
Extended Hugs supports students with strong academic performance in STEM-related fields whose families lack the financial resources to support their education. These scholarships are designed to help capable students access opportunities they have earned but may otherwise miss due to economic barriers.
Seed Support for Minority Women-Owned Businesses
We provide limited seed funding and support to minority women-owned businesses that meet specific eligibility criteria. These initiatives are designed to support women with viable ideas or early-stage businesses who lack access to traditional funding opportunities.
(Eligibility requirements and application guidelines are established for each funding cycle to ensure fairness, impact, and sustainability.)
Our Approach
Extended Hugs is intentional in its work. We focus on:
- Clearly defined communities
- Thoughtful, needs-based support
- Partnerships that extend impact
- Education alongside assistance
We believe meaningful change happens when compassion is paired with structure and accountability.
Looking Forward
As Extended Hugs grows, our programs will continue to evolve in response to real-world needs. Our commitment remains the same: to offer support that is humane, respectful, and impactful — one family, one student, one caregiver at a time.
Extended Hugs was founded by Ilene Carol, whose lived caregiving experiences shaped the organization’s mission and community-focused approach.
Extended Hugs collaborates with registered nonprofit organizations and community partners to support children and families through resource-sharing, outreach initiatives, and community-based programs.