Why Chileda? A Personal Journey to a Bold Vision

People often ask what inspired me to join Chileda and become part of its bold vision for the future. The answer is deeply personal, shaped by experiences spanning decades and reinforced by a belief that every child, every adult, and every family deserves dignity, opportunity, and compassionate support. 

My first meaningful exposure to neurodiversity occurred during high school. 

As a high school athlete, I spent countless hours on the football field running drills and conditioning exercises. During those practices, I would often look across the field and see a young man named Robbie watching from his wheelchair. Robbie faced numerous developmental challenges, yet he was exceptionally intelligent. While my teammates and I were focused on the next sprint, I could not help but think that Robbie would have traded places with us in a heartbeat. That realization stayed with me. It challenged me to think differently about ability, opportunity, and the circumstances we so often take for granted. 

Later, as a student-athlete at Oregon State University, I volunteered with Special Olympics. That experience deepened my understanding of the neurodiverse community and introduced me to extraordinary individuals whose determination, joy, resiliency, and potential left a lasting impression. It was one of the most meaningful volunteer experiences of my life. 

In 2011, I intentionally joined Morgan Stanley for two years to better understand the emotional drivers behind wealth creation and philanthropy. During that time, I also devoted significant pro bono service to nonprofit organizations throughout Oregon, many of which served individuals with developmental disabilities. I served on the board of one organization and focused much of my contribution on strengthening its philanthropic enterprise and long-term sustainability. 

However, one experience during those years profoundly changed me. 

While visiting one of the organizations, I learned about a family whose adult son was receiving services from the nonprofit. The family was so moved by the compassion, dedication, and care demonstrated by the staff that they surprised the organization with a $1 million gift. What struck me most was that the gift was not inspired by a fundraising campaign. It was the result of extraordinary people doing extraordinary work every day. The staff’s commitment changed lives, and that impact prompted generosity. 

Years later life brought the mission even closer to home. 

On June 6, 2022, my family welcomed our newest member, affectionately known as Popeye (Oliver). Popeye has Level 2 Autism. His diagnosis has opened my heart in an entirely new way. What had once been a professional passion, became deeply personal. 

Today, Popeye remains nonverbal and continues to face developmental challenges. Like countless families across the country, our family experiences the hopes, concerns, questions, and dreams that accompany the autism journey. 

Through Popeye, I have gained an even deeper appreciation for the challenges facing families and the incredible importance of organizations like Chileda. 

After more than four decades in higher education fundraising, I came to realize that Chileda’s mission represented an opportunity unlike any I had encountered before. Chileda’s vision is bold. Its impact is transformational. Its staff members demonstrate compassion and dedication every day in ways that inspire families, communities, and philanthropic partners alike. 

Building the Future Together 

One of my highest priorities is strengthening the philanthropic support necessary to advance Chileda’s mission and expand its impact nationwide. 

Across the country, families are searching for organizations with the expertise, compassion, and specialized services that Chileda provides. The demand for support far exceeds current capacity. Meeting that need will require visionary philanthropic partners willing to invest in Chileda’s bold expansion strategy and long-term sustainability. 

Behind the scenes, we are actively building and strengthening relationships with: 

• Corporate partners 
• Foundation partners 
• Individual philanthropic partners 
• Grateful families 
• Community leaders 
• Mission-aligned advocates 

Together, these relationships will create the resources necessary to expand services and reach more children, adults, and families in urgent need.  

The financial realities behind this mission are substantial. 

For example, the annual cost of supporting a child in Chileda’s residential program can approach $400,000 per year, much of which is currently funded through school district and governmental resources. If those funding sources were ever reduced or eliminated, it would take approximately a $10 million endowment to sustainably support the care of just one child. 

That reality demonstrates both the magnitude of the need and the importance of philanthropy. 

The Stories That Inspire Generosity 

Ultimately, philanthropy is not inspired by buildings, budgets, or strategic plans. 

Philanthropy is inspired by people. 

To address the growing need for Chileda’s services across the United States, we must continue capturing and sharing the remarkable stories unfolding every day within our organization. Stories of children making progress. Stories of adults finding dignity and independence. Stories of families discovering hope. Stories of extraordinary professionals who dedicate their lives to serving others. 

Such stories are the heart of Chileda. They inspire people to invest their time, talent, and treasure. I believe the sharing of such stories will help fuel Chileda’s bold vision of expanding access to life-changing services, treatments, family support, and safe adult living opportunities for individuals with profound autism and complex needs. 

For me, this work is more than a career opportunity. 

It is the continuation of a commitment that began on a football field decades ago, was reinforced through service and philanthropy, and became deeply personal through Popeye. 

I believe Chileda has the opportunity to transform lives on a national scale. 

And I am honored to be part of that journey. 

About the Author 

Mike McKelvey serves as the Vice President of Philanthropic Impact at Chileda, bringing more than four decades of experience in philanthropy, fundraising, engagement, and mission-driven leadership. Since joining Chileda in June 2026, Mike has been focused on establishing its philanthropic unit.  

Family is at the center of Mike’s life. He especially treasures his daily and evening conversations with his loved ones. Away from the office, Mike enjoys exploring the natural beauty and vibrant communities of the La Crosse region.  

*The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or professional advice. Chileda, Inc. strives for accuracy but is not responsible for errors or omissions. Chileda Inc. disclaims any liability for any losses or damages arising from the use of this blog site.