Kids in Focus
Programs
Program 1 [2020]
While 2020 proved to be a challenging year due to the pandemic, KIF remained committed to being a lifeline for at-risk kids and saw profound measurable success in building their resilience. Using photography and guidance by caring mentors, the kids experienced improvements in self-confidence, behavior, communication, emotional regulation, and trust. This year, KIF increased the number of kids served from 330 to 514 and focused on revamping and expanding the Grads in Focus program, creating new live virtual and in-person programs, and redesigning and updating volunteer training and application processes to include ACES. KIF professional volunteers (photographers, writers) donated over 4,000 hours of direct service to the kids valued at $240,000, a figure not represented in the budget. Knowing the importance of staying connected to these kids during the community-wide shut down, KIF and its team of volunteer mentors worked round the clock to adapt our programs and remain in contact with the kids on a daily and weekly basis. KIF provided new live virtual programs to 160 underserved kids at 10 Boys & Girls Club branches from April through August. Then in October 2020, KIF became one of only a handful of organizations to resume safe in-person programming with the development of six programs designed to follow CDC guidelines. 39 kids ages 7-10 from Childrens First Leadership Academy, a school serving mostly homeless children, participated in a new 3-week program, and 30 kids from Boys & Girls Club participated in a new 2-week after-school program. KIF also created a Lifeline program providing critical emergency services to 60 kids and their families, including temporary housing and education assistance, food, clothing, and emotional support. KIF served 45 at-risk youth from Children First Leadership Academy, Boys & Girls Club, and Sequoia Deaf School through its intensive 9-week after-school program. 25 volunteer mentors taught the kids photography and life skills, forging resilience by nurturing self-expression, engagement, accountability, confidence, trust, and hope. The program typically culminates in a free public Exhibit Opening event which unfortunately was canceled due to the pandemic. KIF also reimagined its Grads program and increased outreach resulting in the tripling of enrollment. 180 youth are now participating in this year-round program providing quarterly team-building outings with their mentors, private online forums, and monthly photo challenges to keep them connected to their peers, mentors, and the exciting world they have discovered.GeographiesNot indicatedDatesJan 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2020Source990No causes providedNo populations provided–$130.1KYouth Support and Empowerment Programs
2021 proved to be another challenging year due to the pandemic. KIF remained committed to being a lifeline for at-risk kids and continued to serve kids in person throughout the year. KIF saw profound measurable success in building the kids resilience, trust, and confidence while improving their attitudes, behaviors, and outlooks. Through year-round Afterschool, Workshops, Camps, Grads in Focus, Lifeline, and Junior Mentor programs, KIF increased the number of kids served from 514 to 737. Were also keeping more kids connected and engaged with us for many years beyond their initial program. We implemented brand-new programming, including the first annual picnic for kids and their families and the first annual thank-you party for volunteers. We built partnerships and created programs for several new organizations, including Arizona Autism Charter School, Catholic Services, Esperanza Community School, and Homeward Bound. KIF professional volunteers (photographers, writers, designers, and others) donated over 4,700 hours of direct service to the kids, valued at $282,000, a figure not represented in the budget. The youth served in 2021 are 55% Hispanic, 26% Black, 16% Caucasian, and 3% American Indian. 98 at-risk youth participated in multi-week programs ranging from 2 to 9 weeks each. 80 foster youth participated in two 2-day summer camps at Chauncey Ranch. 103 children and their families participated in the new annual picnic at Margaret T Hance Park. 30 kids participated in one-two day workshops. 225 youth participated in the year-round alumni program through quarterly team-building outings and monthly photo challenges with incentive prizes. 105 CFLA students participated in a school assembly led by five Junior Mentors, who worked with mentors to create the entire presentation over 5 weeks. 55 kids were honored at the annual Exhibit Opening celebration, and many others attended. 41 kids and their families received individualized emergency and basic-need support through the Lifeline program. KIF connected with these kids through partnerships with 15 organizations serving vulnerable children in the Valley including Arizona Autism Charter School, Boys & Girls Clubs, Catholic Charities Unaccompanied Minors, Children First Leadership Academy, Esperanza Community School, OCJ Kids, Homeward Bound, Sequoia Deaf School and several foster care agencies.Over 400 people attended the free public Exhibit Opening to celebrate the accomplishments of 55 kids. The kids inspiring images were featured in exhibits at 12 venues throughout the community, viewed by 440,000 people. Ongoing training of the 75 volunteer mentors was deepened and improved. Rapport with all 100 volunteers was strengthened through quarterly get-togethers and a holiday thank-you party.GeographiesNot indicatedDatesJan 1, 2022 – Dec 31, 2022Source990No causes providedNo populations provided–$259.8K
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