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Children today are faced with tough decisions at
increasingly younger and more vulnerable ages. The
pressure on our kids to use drugs and join gangs progressively increases
throughout junior high and high school. KICKSTART
teaches children the skills necessary to make
wiser decisions and to resist negative peer pressure. As
an added benefit, our students develop positive
self-esteem and self-discipline. These attributes are
critical for achieving desired goals in school and life.
This past year has
been an exciting time for us. We now have over 38
schools in the Houston and Dallas areas, serving over
6,000 children per year. Our Black Belt count is up to
over 150 and we are seeing more and more of our
students getting accepted into college. More
importantly, evaluation of our program is showing
resistance to drug and gang-related activities is
improved, absenteeism is down, grades are up and the
graduation rate is exceeding our wildest imagination. We
have students who have gone on to high school and return
to our after-school program to continue their training.
We have several instructors now working for us who have
grown up in the KDOOA program. We still have over 85% of
parental involvement at our school belt ceremonies and
many times there is standing room only! While we are
VERY proud of the successes, we are disappointed because
we cannot reach more students. Our program costs remain
at less than $700 per child for a yearlong program including
after-school and summer programs at NO cost to the
student. Compare that to $500 per DAY for
in-patient drug rehabilitation treatment. This program
means a lot to our children and we want to reach
more!
Please help us to continue
moving forward by joining the TEAM and making a donation
to KICKSTART!
Click here
to donate and become a T.E.A.M. Member |
