How We Started
Nearly 40 years ago our founder's father started doing something wonderful. He began providing Christmas to the neediest of children. Since July 2006 we have been able to work among a small circle of friends and colleagues to provide the same for hundreds of the area's children each year through private donations and volunteerism.  We work closely with the Department of Children & Families and other similar organizations to identify the children and their needs. Kinship4Kids is a 501(c) corporation in order to expand our fundraising capabilities and provide more services for children in need.  Although we originally focused on Christmas, we have discovered that these children, like any children, need support year round.  They also want and need to participate in seasonal activities. Some need tutoring that they cannot afford.  Some are siblings of severely handicapped children and slip through the cracks. Others simply do not have the financial support needed to pursue interests in or out of school.. (return to top of page)

Focus
Kinship4Kids uses a network of social services, doctors, teachers, coaches and other people in day to day contact with children and youth to help identify children in need and then work to provide those children with the support they need to form into a physically and mentally healthy adults. Our goal is to be able to bridge the gap between what the child gets and what the child actually needs for his or her physical, emotional and social development. Often times children who are in foster care, group homes or simply live with parents that are financially challenged do not get to participate in after school activities because there is a cost associated with these activities. Kinship4Kids strives to identify children that meet our criteria and make it possible for them to participate in activities that will help them grow and learn and more importantly for some, have a place to belong. We also strive to provide support through the holiday season and other special events that may be financially challenging for the child's family. Our overall goal is to identify these children early and support them through their college career. (return to top of page)

Our Goal
Kinship4Kids is committed to leveling the playing field for all children.  Each child deserves individual attention to his or her own interests and the means to participate. Kinship4Kids will act as a catalyst to help these needy children realize their dreams. (return to top of page)

Our Criteria
Kinship4Kids will accept children that are referred by qualified professionals who can identify and corroborate a financial or emotional need. Although financial need is our benchmark for referral, we will provide support to children whose household is strapped with the care of a handicapped child regardless of their income. Kinship4Kids will also provide support to a child's family on occasion when the family's failure to thrive has a negative effect on the child's emotional or physical health. Temporary or emergency support situations will also be eligible. (return to top of page)