Kids In Motion
711 Grand Avenue ~ Hannibal MO 63401
http://www.hannibalkidsinmotion.com
Kids In Motion began in 1996 as a result of a meeting called by local law enforcement officials, and other community leaders to address rising concerns about gang presence and participation in Hannibal. Members of the business community, together with representatives of the non-profit sector, proposed a summer youth employment program to counter these concerns. KIM targets youth "at-risk" of gang participation, juvenile crime, and school drop out. KIM operates under Douglass Community Services, Inc.
OUR MISSION is to teach teens and pre-teens to value work, value their community and to value their future.
OUR GOAL is to provide a positive experience for Hannibal's children that will benefit the children as well as the entire community. KIM encourages personal responsibility and self-reliance, preparing participants to successfully enter the workforce. Youth perform various community service projects (all in a supervised setting) to benefit the community. At the same time, they learn about the importance of teamwork, the necessity to develop good work habits, and the need to develop a respect for supervisory authority. We hope that our early intervention might redirect values and influence positive behavior and lifestyle choices as well as empower youth to improve their lives and achieve their dreams.
Kids in Motion has grown to include the following components:
Hannibal Summer Beautification Program
- Youth, ages 12-15, work completing various supervised, community service projects.
As an added incentive, youth are paid to simulate the benefits of an actual
employment setting. Youth receive transportation to and from
the work area, breakfast and lunch. They do general "clean-up" work around
Hannibal and have the opportunity to participate in other special events throughout the summer.
Special Events
Take Pride In Yourself Day - This event is co-sponsored with the PYRFEECT organization, and stresses the importance of good hygiene (particularly related to an employment setting) and is designed to increase the self-worth and esteem of each participant.
Offender's Offering Alternatives Day - This is a very powerful field trip taken to the Moberly Correctional Center. Chosen inmates share their stories and talk to participants about the reality of "actions have consequences."
College Day - Co-sponsored by Hannibal-LaGrange College- This event encourages youth to begin thinking about continuing education options for their future.
Career Day- Being added in 2007 - This will be a "traveling" day where participants go to a number of different businesses and talk to various people about their respective careers and what they do for a living. This will encourage participants to begin thinking about their own future career choices.
Life Skills Classes - Held several times throughout the summer, focusing on things such as money management, work ethic, and how to deal with peer pressure.
KIM Principles Photo Scavenger Hunt - Participants are divided into teams and are given a list of concepts that they are to capture on film. The list includes principles that coincide with the KIM Mission Statement. Examples include: someone working for a living, someone being responsible, someone learning or educating themselves, someone taking pride in themselves, etc.
KIM CHILD SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM - This is where you can help. The average cost per child is $500 for the entire summer program. This includes the monetary incentive "wages" that are paid to the participants plus all field trip, transportation and supervision costs.
If you or your business would like to donate to help fund this program, please send your donations to Kids In Motion, Attn: Amy Vaughn, KIM Program Director, 711 Grand Ave, Hannibal, MO 63401. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated. For further information Amy Vaughn can be reached at (573) 221-3892 ext 246.
