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What is Kids' Way?
Kids' Way was started in 1990 by United Way
of the Texas Gulf Coastto instill in youth a sense of responsibility for
the welfare of our community. It encourages youth to value their community
and work towards improving it.
How does Kids' Way work?
Kids' Way uses money raised through campaigns in
local schools to support critical
youth programs in our community.
Volunteers on Kids'
Way's Youth Advisory Committee(YAC) then determine
what youth programs receive funding. All funding recommendations
are approved by the United
Way Board of Trustees.
What is the Youth Advisory Committee
(YAC)?
T he Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is Kids' Way's governing board. It is comprised
of middle and high school student volunteers. YAC volunteers are responsible
for overseeing the distribution of Kids' Way grants,
monitoring programs, and organizing community
service projects. T hrough these and other activities, youth volunteers
develop philanthropy and leadership skills that will benefit them for life.
What about Kids' Way campaigns?
Kids' Way campaigns are run in over 150 local schools each year, raising up
to $90,000 annually. School campaign coordinators plan fun activities that
allow students to raise money for Kids' Way, while teaching them the importance
of giving back to their community and helping those less fortunate.
Since its beginning in 1990, Kids' Way has raised over $3 million to support
youth programs within our community.
How is funding determined?
Once funding categories are selected by Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) volunteers,
youth programs focused on those areas are invited to submit funding proposals.
YAC volunteers conduct comprehensive reviews of submitted proposals to designate
grant recipients. Kids' Way grants range up to $15,000. Each year,
Kids' Way awards over $100,000 in grants to local youth programs. Almost
1 million youth have been impacted by Kids' Way since 1990.
What are the current funding
categories?
2007 Kids' Way grants will be awarded to:
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Parenting Skills – programs that provide outreach for new parents to understand and learn the skills necessary for healthy parenting and healthy marital partnerships.
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Mentoring – Youth to youth mentoring to assist in easing the transitions from middle school to high school and high school to college.
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Employment Training – Job skills and related activities geared for 15-17 year old students who are defined as special needs and/or in danger of dropping out of school.
What agencies does Kids' Way
currently fund?
Agencies with programs that received 2006 Kids' Way grants include AIDS Foundation Houston, Houston Center for Photography, Houston Hospice, Montgomery County Women’s Center, Writers In The Schools, and two community service projects.
How can I get involved?
You can help your community through Kids' Way in many ways! You can contribute
through your school's Kids' Way campaign. If your school doesn't run a campaign,
talk to your teacher. E-mail Jan Johnston or
call her at 713-685-2313 to learn more!
You can also make a difference on the Youth Advisory Committee
(YAC). As a YAC volunteer, you'll develop leadership skills
and share life experiences with peers who, like you, care
about their community. E-mail Katherine
von Heafen or call her at 713-685-2846 to learn more!
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