20 years of building connections with youth in foster care
"IT TAKES A VILLAGE" - BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THAT VILLAGE DOESN'T EXIST?
20 years ago, we set out to answer that question
Founded on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of non-violence, Peace4Kids inspired to build a supportive community for youth in foster care in South Los Angeles.
We weren’t preachers or teachers. Instead, our early years were spent listening and discovering. Tired from hiding in the shadows, our youth were ready to share the strengths gained from their unique experiences and trauma. Honoring their journey helped signal their importance and value in the community. With this profound insight, “Community as Family” emerged and continues to shape how we engage today.
Our youth demonstrated the value of acknowledging personal experience and trauma leading the way for Peace4Kids to develop into a space of healing and discovery for all. Our "Village" has grown organically and exponentially: engaged youth, committed volunteers and community leaders all contribute to our success. Through consistency, trust and deep vulnerability, we've formed life-long relationships.
We’re truly grateful for the thousands of youth we've connected with, and thank each and every one of you for being a part of our Community as Family
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Foster Support |
Foster Community |
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We can't do it without YOU! Support 100% free programming for South Los Angeles youth in foster care by making your gift today. |
Join the Family! Through our programs and training, volunteers develop the skills and knowledge that support foster youth success. |
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Foster Sustainability |
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Our campaigners have done some pretty amazing things to build a sustainable and vibrant future for youth in foster care. What will YOU do? |
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With youth in foster care facing challenging odds, they deserve a supportive community that nurtures their gifts
At Peace4Kids, our vision of "Community As Family" provides consistency, stability and trust - so that youth in care reach their highest potential
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1 in 5 WILL BE HOMELESS UPON EXITING CARE |
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NEARLY 50% of YOUTH EXITING CARE WILL NOT HAVE FINISHED HIGH SCHOOL |
What makes a Super Hero?
Heroes are born when the world they once knew tragically falls apart. This moment inspires an unexpected pursuit of greatness as they must find the light to guide them through the darkness.
Thinking back to the story of the great super heroes, we're reminded of the experience of our youth. Often feeling isolated and alone, society teaches them that their experiences make them “at risk.” Everyday interactions in our community perpetuate this isolation with the most common phrases like, “take this home to your parents” or “what time is your mom picking you up?” Our young folks are forced to move through life trying to overcome the public's perception of “who they are.”
If you look deeper into Super Hero stories, there's an even more surprising connection…
All of these heroes were youth in foster care!
⚡️Batman is raised by his Butler [non-relative caregiver]
⚡️Superman is taken in by a family in Kansas [adoption]
⚡️Storm is brought to a home for mutant children [group home]
To overcome public perceptions, youth in foster care must be super human.
For 20 years, Peace4Kids has been a safe space for youth to honor the pain of their past and learn to embrace a future that builds on their individual and collective strengths. A home for heroes.
As a result, our youth have received awards from the White House, built innovative structures to feed the community, and even been named to Time Magazine’s “Most Influential People Under 30.”
While these stories are phenomenal, our youth are ready to do more!
Join our Heroes Circle today – Click the button below to make a recurring gift to secure the future for a youth in foster care
For our 20th Anniversary, Peace4Kids is expanding programming to more deeply serve young adults ages 18 – 25. We've learned that these years are the most critical time for the youth in our community. Suddenly the foster care system that once shielded them, thrusts them into a world that is unforgiving to their journey.
By stepping into our Heroes Circle with a monthly donation, you'll build a sustainable future for youth transitioning out of foster care. 100% of your donation funds strength based, youth focused programming in South LA - honoring each youth’s unique needs, experiences, abilities and legacy. In return, you'll:
⚡️Be invited to exclusive events
⚡️Receive a limited edition 20 Year Anniversary t-shirt
⚡️Be inspired by stories of resilience, strength and promise from our Peace4Kids family
⚡️#SeeTheHero in our youth, because the truth is… that’s who they are.