83013: Wild Blue Yonder

Since the world of the kids we serve got small, KIF has been going BIG to stay connected to them. Grief, uncertainty, and adversity is an all too familiar experience for most of the youth we serve. KIF is working extra hard during this time to implement innovative programs to help the kids navigate stressful times and build resilience.

With the postponement of our spring programs, we’ve been connecting with those kids through other methods including telephone calls, messages, and an online forum. Kids and mentors are in touch on a daily basis, providing the kids with a caring connection and an important sense of belonging. Through the private online forum, the kids are participating in weekly photo challenges, keeping the kids focused on possibilities in the world. The volunteer mentors are also creating weekly videos, speaking directly to the kids with words of inspiration.

We are providing live online programming for kids at ten Boys & Girls Club branches across the Valley. The programs encourage kids to see their world differently and reframe the way they interpret their current situation from one that is likely stressful and scary to one that sparks curiosity and hope.

We are expanding the Grads in Focus program to engage even more kids and do so on a deeper level. Through our Grads program, we stay connected to kids for many years after their initial program. The kids and mentors have their own private online forum where they support each other and share images on a daily basis, and the kids earn incentive gifts through monthly photo challenges. The kids and mentors also get together for quarterly team-building field trips… we can’t wait to see everyone in person again.