Who We Are
The You Cane Give Initiative (YCG) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to empowering people who are blind or visually impaired. We provide white canes, mobility training, and solar-powered talking players loaded with essential resources, including the Bible, a mobility training guide, and a cane restoration guide. Our vision loss support services reach both local communities in the United States and countries worldwide. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we have served individuals in over 46 countries—putting freedom in one hand and hope in the other. Because of you, individuals around the world are experiencing greater freedom and mobility every day. Thank you for being part of their journey.
Your support helps men, women, and children gain independence, dignity, and hope—changing lives in communities across the globe.
Who We Are
The You Cane Give Initiative (YCG) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to empowering people who are blind or visually impaired.
We provide white canes, mobility training, and solar-powered talking players loaded with essential resources, including the Bible, a mobility training guide, and a cane restoration guide.
Our vision loss support services reach both local communities in the United States and countries worldwide.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we have served individuals in over 46 countries—putting freedom in one hand and hope in the other.
Your support helps men, women, and children gain independence, dignity, and hope—changing lives in communities across the globe.
Join the Movement and Further the Impact
In countries like Mexico, China, India, and South Africa, people do not have access to the proper tools to empower independence and success. YCG collects donated canes to refurbish and deliver to individuals with vision impairments and vision loss all over the world. One donation can change the course of someone’s life.
U.S. Initiatives
YCG recognizes the impact of vision loss in our own backyard and not just globally. Approximately 195,000 Tennesseans are blind or visually impaired, struggling to see even with glasses. Vision impairment, a prevalent disability among older adults, significantly impacts physical and cognitive health. Around 12 million older Americans face vision loss, with cases expected to double by 2050. The CDC reports that vision impairment costs the U.S. $145 billion annually with 70% unemployed, highlighting the severity of the issue. Therefore, YCG provides support to individuals locally, throughout the state, and across the nation who face similar challenges to those encountered internationally. For more information, data, and citations on disability, vision loss, and the disability cycle, click here.
U.S. Initiatives
YCG recognizes the impact of vision loss in our own backyard and not just globally. Approximately 195,000 Tennesseans are blind or visually impaired, struggling to see even with glasses. Vision impairment, a prevalent disability among older adults, significantly impacts physical and cognitive health. Around 12 million older Americans face vision loss, with cases expected to double by 2050. The CDC reports that vision impairment costs the U.S. $145 billion annually with 70% unemployed, highlighting the severity of the issue. Therefore, YCG provides support to individuals locally, throughout the state, and across the nation who face similar challenges to those encountered internationally. For more information, data, and citations on disability, vision loss, and the disability cycle, click here.
U.S. Initiatives
YCG recognizes the impact of vision loss in our own backyard and not just globally. Approximately 195,000 Tennesseans are blind or visually impaired, struggling to see even with glasses. Vision impairment, a prevalent disability among older adults, significantly impacts physical and cognitive health. Around 12 million older Americans face vision loss, with cases expected to double by 2050. The CDC reports that vision impairment costs the U.S. $145 billion annually with 70% unemployed, highlighting the severity of the issue. Therefore, YCG provides support to individuals locally, throughout the state, and across the nation who face similar challenges to those encountered internationally. For more information, data, and citations on disability, vision loss, and the disability cycle, click here.
Your Kindness Travels Far
Your donations impact the lives of people from all over the globe. YCG has donated canes to over 30 countries, and we hope to see that number grow!
Colombia
South Africa
Philippines
The YCG Impact
3,431+
Mobility Canes Donated
771+
Solar-Powered Audio Players Donated
49+
Countries Served
Lives Changed
3,431+
Get to Know Us
Co-founder James Boehm describes the You Cane Give Initiative in the video below.
Since 2015, YCG has set goals and celebrated many achievements. Learn more about our organization’s major milestones below.
Featured Blog Posts
You Cane Give Initiative Board Highlights - 2025
March 1, 2026
Over the next two weeks, we’ll be sharing daily highlights from the You Cane Give Board as they reflect on the moments that defined 2025.
From global outreach to life-changing first steps toward independence, these voices capture the impact, growth, and purpose behind our mission.
We invite you to follow along each day and celebrate the stories that continue to shape our journey.
Impact Highlight from You Cane Give!
January 24 , 2026
In 2025, our outreach reached 48 countries—from Colombia to Ethiopia, Kenya, the Philippines, and beyond—bringing life-changing mobility tools and solar-powered audio players to blind children and adults worldwide. Each cane placed in someone’s hand is a key to independence and hope.
Want to hear the full story, see inspiring testimonials, and learn how to help us fight the “white cane famine”?
Be part of the movement that’s transforming lives—one cane and one audio player at a time.
Big news is on the horizon at You Cane Give!
February 26, 2026
We’re getting ready to launch a groundbreaking new tool to make mobility travel not only easier but also long lasting-in fact double the life of canes used today, and we want YOU to help us choose the perfect name.
If we choose your idea, you will win some awesome merch!
Subscribing is easy! Just scroll to the bottom of our homepage at www.youcanegive.org, enter your email address in the subscription field, and click “Subscribe.”
Discover more YCG Stories - Visit our Blog Page!
We have so much to share with you. Discover our full collection of blog posts to learn more about YCG mission trips, cane donations, and the impact we are making across the globe!
Every Donation Counts
Send us your USED or SPARE EQUIPMENT and get $15 off on your next Kustom Cane order!
Do you have spare canes lying around, collecting dust? Not sure what to do with extra cane tips or spare parts? Donating your equipment couldn’t be easier. Simply package your equipment, attach this shipping label, and put it in the mail! This equipment will be donated to a visually impaired person in need. Thank you for your support!
Cane Recipient Testimonials
A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
- ACB
- AIRA
- African Union of the Blind
- Ambutech
- Blind Abilities (South Africa)
- Brentwood Jewelers
- Canines and Canes
- Church of the City (Franklin)
- Ethiopia Council for the Blind
- ExpresArte Foundation
- HAVIN
- Infinite Abilities Africa
- Jamaica Society of the Blind
- Kenyan Union of the Blind
- Knights of Columbus
- Leaders for the Blind
- Latin Union of the Blind
- Lighthouse for the Blind (San Francisco)
- Lions Club of Donelson Pike (Nashville)
- Loving and Leading Others
- LS&S
- MegaVoice
- Nashville Association of Adaptive Sports
- NFB
- Refuge Center for Counseling
- Southeastern Orientation and Mobility Association (SOMA)
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute
- World Blind Union
- Vision Without Barriers
ACB
AIRA
African Union of the Blind
Ambutech
Blind Abilities (South Africa)
Brentwood Jewelers
Canines and Canes
Church of the City (Franklin)
Ethiopia Council for the Blind
ExpresArte Foundation
HAVIN
Infinite Abilities Africa
Jamaica Society of the Blind
Knights of Colombus
Kenyan Union of the Blind
Leaders for the Blind
Latin Union of the Blind
Lighthouse for the Blind (San Francisco)
Lions Club of Donelson Pike (Nashville)
Loving and Leading Others
LS&S
MegaVoice
Nashville Association of Adaptive Sports
NFB
Refuge Center for Counseling
Southeastern Orientation and Mobility –
Association (SOMA)
Vanderbilt Eye Institute
World Blind Union
Vision Without Barriers
