While VBG is suitable and accessible for kids everywhere, we have intentionally put a special emphasis on reaching kids fighting life’s toughest battles because we wanted to put them first. This includes kids with physical and intellectual disabilities, kids in hospitals, kids fighting a life threatening illness, foster kids, kids in orphanages & children’s homes, grieving kids, bullied kids, etc. They all need to know they are valued by God!

No. VBG is a free ministry to kids fighting life’s toughest battles! VBG is a 501C3 Non Profit ministry and we depend on the support of those who believe in this ministry. All donations are welcomed and appreciated, but they are not required.

The short answer is yes! We now have two versions of VBG. The free app version, which is compatible with any mobile device (iPad, iPhone, Android, Amazon Fire, etc). We also have the web-app version that you can see on this web site. (Go to “Browse VBG). This can be seen on any computer screen.

There are some in our Special Needs Community who may be teenagers or adults in physical age, but may be dealing with intellectual disabilities. This channel is perfect for them as well, as they will love and relate to many elements of the channel – especially the music! I have personally tried and tested my material and music on many adults with Special Needs, and they have responded greatly!

With so many various forms of special needs, it is virtually impossible to make VBG a “one-size, fits all” ministry. However, because there is such a wide variety of things to choose from, we believe there is something there for everybody – especially the music! The vast majority of those with special needs will thoroughly enjoy and be engaged with the channel. Some will enjoy specific elements of the channel more than others. Some of our more high-functioning VIP’s will be able to navigate the channel on their own, while others will need the assistance of their parents or caretakers. Over time, as UC learns more about specific needs and how to best relate to those needs, he will be adding more and more content with that purpose in mind.

Monthly, sometimes even weekly. You will receive notices once a month telling you what new videos were added the previous month.

Yes! We recently added a section called “Coloring Channel” that contains many downloadable coloring pages grouped by topic. Our coloring pages are actually stored on a page called “VBG Color” on this web site. So the app and web app will both direct the user to the “VBG Color” page where they can print the pages and color away! Activity sheets and more coloring pages will also be added from time to time to this same host page.

Most videos are in the 2 to 4 minute range, such as music videos, puppets, stories, etc. Some are shorter. At the end of each music category, we added a “Play All” video which plays all the songs in that category straight through, back to back, with no pauses or interruptions. Those can last anywhere from 30-45 minutes. We have plans to include Play All sections at the end of other categories as well.

Uncle Charlie has a ministry background of over 37 years. For 21 years he was a local church youth pastor in churches across Oklahoma and Texas. He then began a 15 year career as a kids worship recording artist/music missionary to kids. UC traveled the country and abroad leading kids camps, family concerts, and other events. He got his stage name, “Uncle Charlie”, from a group of orphan children he was serving in Uganda, East Africa. In Uganda, children call all adults “Uncles and Aunties” as their term of respect for their elders. UC has recorded 10 albums in his 15-year career, and well over 100 songs! UC is currently retired for touring, and has re-directed his ministry to reach out to those with Special Needs and others who are fighting life’s toughest battles. His music and worship tools can be found at: http://www.unclecharliestore.com.

His Carlitos, the Be Brave Monkey ministry can be found at http://www.Carlitos4Kids.com.

VBG is a free ministry to encourage families with kids who are fighting life’s toughest battles. It also serves to inspire and teach all other kids. Having said that, We realize there may be some families, businesses, organizations or churches who have the means and the desire to help support VBG so that we can continue to build it and offer it to others who need it. If you have that desire and are financially able to contribute, simply go to the Support VBG page and use the “Donate Now” button. If you prefer to mail a donation, simply make out your tax-deductible checks to Upward Bound Ministries, PO Box 627, Lutz, FL 33548. Thank you and may God bless you for your generosity!