Coalition for Kids Inc

Our mission is to provide educational, spiritual and social guidance to underprivileged children so that they have the opportunity to reach their full potential in their respective communities.

Organizational Background, Mission, and Purpose The Coalition For Kids, Inc. has been serving children and families in our region for 21 years. We are a faith-based, non-profit agency that began in 1998 as a grassroots effort planted within one of the lowest income, highest crime areas in Johnson City, Tennessee. Local business leaders and concerned citizens envisioned a safe environment where the children and youth of this impoverished community could gather for academic assistance and enrichment activities. Since opening our doors in March of 1999, the Coalition has grown from one main site serving 25 students to 3 sites now serving over 400 children in the Johnson City School System. The Coalition For Kids serves low-income, at-risk and minority children in grades one through eight. We offer exceptional children's programming throughout the year. Presently, more than 96% of our Coalition Kids qualify for free/reduced meals. Our mission is to provide educational, spiritual and social guidance to underprivileged children so that they have the opportunity to reach their full potential in their respective communities. Building moral character: We engage our Coalition Kids in character-building activities as well as health and wellness education (including topics such as cigarette/alcohol/drug abuse, abstinence, good touch/bad touch, personal safety, and violence prevention). Strong volunteer mentors and Coalition staff are present every step of the way building, strengthening, and modeling appropriate relationships and social interaction with the children. Building solid spiritual foundations: The Coalition for Kids is a faith-based organization founded on Christian principles and teachings. Our philosophy is one of servant-leadership. This principle permeates the entire organization from the smallest child up to the Executive Director. The children are encouraged to see themselves and one another as integral members of our Coalition family. Creating a close-knit, community atmosphere where appropriate relationships are modeled and encouraged is essential to ensuring that the children learn how to serve, interact, respect and celebrate one another in their similarities as well as their differences. Building physical strength: Promoting an active, healthy lifestyle is a priority at Coalition For Kids. All snacks and meals are prepared in-house in accordance with the USDA’s nutrition guidelines. The children are encouraged to explore new foods and discover healthy ways to enjoy old favorites. Physical activity is also a significant part of our programming. Dynamic play through centers, sports, and other team-building activities strengthens bodies as well as minds. Building mental confidence: We offer multi-subject tutoring and homework assistance and strive to build self-esteem and poise through numerous enrichment opportunities. All programs exhibit clear expectations and boundaries with logical, age-appropriate consequences.