The AbleGamers Charity is proud to be part of the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) as charity #19150. Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) is the world’s largest and most successful annual workplace-charity campaign raising over $8.8 billion for eligible nonprofits since it was established 60 years ago by President John F. Kennedy. If you are an employee of the Federal Government, your pledge through the CFC will support our work.
AbleGamers founded by a service-disabled veteran Mark Barlet who has devoted himself to the mission. Creating opportunities that enable play in order to combat social isolation, foster inclusive communities and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.
“Games for me are about connecting with friends. For years after I left the service, I would stay connected with the friends I made in video games. To this day I still talk to my military friends, and that was 25 years ago,” Mark says. “Games are also about managing my disability. A good game session can help with pain management, and that is always a plus.”
What is the biggest challenge AbleGamers faces today? “I know it’s going to sound expected, but our biggest challenge funding vs the number of people that need help. Our funding limits the work we can do, but the need is so much bigger. For every person we help, three more are added to the queue. We have streamlined our processes. We tried to be as efficient as we can, but people still have to wait too long for their turn,” says Mark.
You can help. We have over 1000 people with disabilities waiting for their opportunity to speak to a Peer Counselor. As we grow, we can staff more on our peer team to help more people sooner. With your pledge through the Combined Federal Campaign, we can work one-on-one with even more children, veterans, and adults with disabilities. empowering them to connect with their friends and family in a shared experience that can bring lasting positive mental health outcomes.
Mark added, “When I was in the service as an E-3, I signed up for the Combined Federal Campaign. I did not have a lot to give, but I did want to make the world a better place. Our mission touches so many lives and helps those largely underserviced when it comes to making smiles. Privileged to have worked for the Federal government for over 20 years, from the DOD to the DHS, I have worked with some of the most passionate and caring people I’ve ever met, and I know they give back to their communities.”
DONATE TODAY AT GIVECFC.ORG