MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN CHILDREN’S LIVES

Our mission is to provide education support and opportunities that help the children of the West End of Atlanta fulfill their potential in life.

We are proud to provide financial support to schools and organizations whose missions reflect the core values of the Kim King Foundation and programs directly benefit the children of the West End of Atlanta. Our contributions help to ensure that our city’s most disadvantaged, inner-city students are primed for success through access to educational tools and programs. The result? Improved academic standing, self-esteem and life skills which, in turn, lead to higher graduation and scholarship rates and lower crime and drop-out rates.

How is our support currently making a difference in the West End?

THE WEST END ART BLOCK

Fly-By Theatre, Hammonds House Museum and West End Performing Arts Center collaborate to provide a 2-week arts summer camp for youth ages 11-14 in the West End neighborhood of Atlanta. Participants learn the creative process through a variety of techniques and art forms including visual art, dance, acting and creative writing. The Art Block provides professional instruction that is curriculum based. In each art form teachers make sure the campers learn basic and intermediate concepts and vocabulary including composition, monologue, stage directions, design, texture, ensemble, plot, color, character, tempo, dynamics, balance, articulation, conflict, posture, resolution, rhyme, and rhythm . Campers write, perform and build the scenery for a play to be performed at the end of the camp.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS

We sponsor initiatives like “Power Hour” making after school tutoring available for countless West End students. We held a mini football camp where Georgia Tech Athletes impart West End Club kids with the importance of both academics and athletics.

THE FIRST TEE ATLANTA

“The First Tee of Atlanta teaches children self-management, goal setting, and coping skills along with the proper golf grip, stance, and swing.  In 2009, the program served over 650 children who live in the West End community and throughout metropolitan Atlanta.”

-Sponsor Summer Camp for zip codes 30310 and 30311 (since 2009)
-Teach PE Classes at EL Connally (since 2006)
-Host Field Trips to Golf Course for Emma Hutchinson Elementary (since 2008)
-Host After-School Program for Carver YMCA participants (since 2009)
-Support Carver High Golf Team (provide: coach, transportation, snacks, and equipment) (since 2009)
-Host the Weed and Seed Camp  (new in 2010)

THE WREN’S NEST

The Wren’s Nest sends volunteers to KIPP STRIVE Academy to work 1-on-1 with their students to improve their writing skills.   In the spring of 2010, KIPP STRIVE 5th graders will learn to craft a story belonging to a significant adult in their life.  The Wren’s Nest will compile their stories for a book to be released at the Decatur Book Festival.

Follow their blog here: http://www.wrensnestonline.com/blog/kipp-strive-and-the-wrens-nest-the-fun-has-begun/

 KATE’S CLUB

Kate’s Club Connects (KC Connects) is an innovative grief support program for children who have lost a parent or sibling offered in the school setting.  Children who have a loss often feel isolated and that no one understands what they are going through; KC Connects gives a safe place for children to develop relationships with others who have a similar loss.  KC Connects provides a series of weekly groups using healing and creative arts to learn skills and express feelings related to their loved one.  Activities may include art therapy, recreation therapy, and music therapy and all groups are offered at no cost to the families.

KIPP STRIVE ACADEMY

KIPP STRIVE Academy believes that in order to prepare its students to be successful in competitive high schools, colleges and professional careers, that it is not enough to be able to answer questions on standardized exams.  It is essential that our scholars have the confidence to express their thoughts intelligently and passionately.  We are grateful to the Kim King Foundation for helping us establish the expression branch of our enrichment program that will include opportunities to delve into photojournalism, spoken word, storytelling, choir, African drumming, and debate.  

While we are making a significant impact in children’s lives, there is always more than can be done. Join us in supporting these initiatives and more.