About Chris’s Purpose

Established in the name of Chris McCandless, who’s journey around the US has inspired many, Chris’s Purpose is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to helping mothers and children in need.

The adventurous spirit of Christopher Johnson McCandless remains as powerful as ever. The fact that you have clicked into this website is the result of the connective power of Chris’s tireless pursuit — experiencing the most remote corners of God’s creation. You may not realize it, but if you purchased the books “Into The Wild,” “Back to The Wild” or watched the “Into The Wild” film, you have helped to improve the lives of women and children who have fallen on hard times. This is “Chris’s Purpose.” Welcome to the Christopher Johnson McCandless Memorial Fund, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

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Our Mission

Funded by the sales of the books and film over the past decade, Chris’s Purpose supports a core of largely faith-based nonprofits featuring programs to help women and children create and maintain better lives for themselves. The McCandless’ take a very hands-on approach when working with their beneficiaries, ensuring their funds are directed at programs that produce results within organizations of utmost integrity.

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Testimonials

  • This last Christmas, thanks to the central role of the CJM Foundation, our goal of giving 3 books to each of the 4,300  children was achieved, and 17,000 books we're given to the children and their families.

    Cindy Kubisch and Karen Gaston, Volunteer Co-Chairpersons of the Salvation Army Book Bonanza

  • I am so grateful for friends like you. Because of God's work through Chris's Purpose, we are able to provide a better place for women who are in need of our help.

    Toby of Crisis Pregnancy Center of Tidewater

  • Rachel had never successfully completed a treatment program in the past. Originally she had walked in GRM’s doors just looking for shelter but experiencing the love and encouragement from the staff and other girls in the program helped her decide to go through the Genesis Program.

    Rachel of the Gospel Rescue Mission

  • "Living at Children’s Village, it’s very comforting, it’s not living here in fear; you are living here knowing that you are safe, and knowing there are people here who love you, and that it’s a home.”

    Brittney of TMM Family Services

  • Edmarc was there for us when my daughter was battling for her life. I’ll never forget when the hospital told us that Edmarc would be calling. They called and left messages for several weeks. I didn’t return their calls. “A hospice?”, I thought, “No way. Hospice means you are going to die. We want to continue with treatments and you can’t do that with hospice.” Boy, was I wrong.

    Taylor of Edmarc Hospice for Children

  • “It was wonderful from the first day. The staff kept telling me to give my life to the Lord. I was scared at first but I stood up on August 12th and got saved. I won’t forget that night. I always did everything my own way but now I’m doing it His way.

    Carrie of Union Mission

  • Testimonial from Nicholas: “I feel safer. I have fun here. The afterschool program helps me with my homework.”

    Nicholas of the Primavera Foundation

Our Projects

For over ten years we have been donating to faith-based 501(c)3 non-profit organizations that share our values and missions. We take a hands on approach to make sure the organizations we support are making a lasting impact on the individuals we seek to support.

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If you have questions about Chris’s Purpose, feel free to reach out.

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