John's Kempe Foundation Fundraiser

Before I joined the Kempe Foundation as a board member, I consistently donated for two years. What drew me to contribute so much to the organization was Kempe's mission to build a safe, healthy, and nurturing world for children everywhere. This mission struck a chord in me because of my own childhood. 

My mother and guardian angel passed away when I was 10 years old. This meant I lived through some childhood trauma of my own. I was lucky enough to be surrounded by my amazing father, family, and other people who loved, cared, and supported me. I know firsthand that it really does take a village to protect and raise a child. The way I see it, we all have an opportunity to be part of that support system for children. We can have a hand in providing tools to children to reach success. Through supporting the Kempe Foundation, we can all care for children the way my community cared for me. 

Now, I have my own son. I wish for him to have an amazing childhood and grow up to have endless opportunities. Most of all, I want him to be safe and happy. The wishes I have for my son are what I wish for children everywhere. Every child should be able to grow up joyful and protected. All children should have a chance to reach their dreams, and do things I wouldn't even dream was possible. Through the Kempe Foundation, we can all contribute to this future. 

I've always loved connecting with children. From volunteering to coach little league football, to being a Kempe Foundation board member. Share my passion to make sure every child can have a healthy, safe, and nurturing life. Every little bit counts. 

Did you know?

• 600K+ cases of child abuse and neglect are annually reported in the country
• It is estimated that the cost of child abuse and neglect is $600 Billion
• 1 in 7 children experience child abuse or neglect
• The average lifespan of victims of child abuse or neglect is 20 years less

How does the Kempe Foundation support children and families?

1. Supporting Experts The Kempe Foundation works alongside The Kempe Center, an international leader in the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect.

2. Engaging with Communities The organization partners with a network of caring community members committed to supporting professionals in the field of child abuse, neglect and trauma prevention.

3. Advocating for Children The Kempe Foundation has assembled a team of experts, legislators and advocates to advance policies that improve the lives of children and families in Colorado.

Take a look at the Kempe Foundation-supported programs I'm passionate about 

Trauma-Responsive Implementation and Practice Program (TRIP) The Trauma-Responsive Implementation and Practice (TRIP) program integrates, enhances and implements trauma-responsive and culturally appropriate practices for parents, educators and professionals across the human service fields.

Through this program, school leaders and staff reported:

• A sense of psychological safety and well-being. 
• Dramatic increase in staff wellness.
• Staff became involved in the change. 
• Student referrals to the principal’s office were reduced by 80%. This met a primary goal of the school administration. 

Kids In Care Settings (KICS) Clinic The Kempe Foundation, in partnership with Children’s Hospital of Colorado, Arapahoe County Department of Human Services and Colorado Hospital Substance Exposed Newborn Quality Improvement Collaborative (CHoSEN QIC) supports the Kids In Care Settings (KICS) clinic for children ages 0-18.  

The KICS clinic is a medical home for children and teens who are in out-of-home placement. The KICS care model is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and focuses on both biological families as well as foster and kinship families. The clinic focuses on timely access to primary care, mental behavioral health, and dental health services. 

Fostering Healthy Futures The Fostering Healthy Futures® (FHF) program is a positive youth development program that uses mentoring and skills training to empower youth to foster their own healthy futures.

If you want to learn more about the cause I'm supporting, visit: www.kempe.org