2022 YEAR IN REVIEW
Students at KidsPeace School of Georgia take on unique STEM Challenge: build a tower using nothing but 100 uncooked spaghetti noodles and marshmallows.
Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Triple-A affiliate of Philadelphia Phillies) donate $5,000 for repairs to gym floor at KidsPeace Children’s Hospital.
KidsPeace FCCP office in Franklin, IN receives $8,000 contribution from local coffee shop’s “monthly generosity jar” program, where tips are given to selected non-profits in area.
The Hope Center for Youth and Family Crisis launches a dedicated webpage as it continues construction of facility in Fuquay-Varina, NC.
KidsPeace Hospital clients receive messages of support from Wilson High School chapter of “Letters for Love” – an organization dedicated to writing inspirational cards to children in area hospitals.
KidsPeace sponsors “Mental Health Break” as between-innings feature during Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs’ home game.
Foster Care Month commemorated with inaugural KidsPeace Virtual Foster Care Conference. Includes selection of KidsPeace Foster Parent of the Year; Willie and Paula Aristene of Stafford, VA are selected from a list of nominees from state FCCP organizations to receive the recognition.
FCCP staff in NE PA featured throughout month by local TV station discussing challenges facing foster families; FCCP Franklin, IN staffer Selma Ibrahimovic recognized by Indiana state Department of Child Services’ “Being There When It Counted” program; Reading, PA office stages first “Foster Hope Festival” to reach out to community for support and more foster families; “Adulting 101” education program for older foster kids profiled on “Conversations with KidsPeace” podcast.
The New Yorker magazine publishes letter from KidsPeace President Mike Slack in response to article about growth in teen suicide rates in U.S.; urges readers to remember that effective services are available to those in crisis.
Oasis Lead Jodi Whitcomb shares tips on helping children process tragedy on KidsPeace.org blog following Uvalde, TX school shooting.
https://www.kidspeace.org/processing-the-texas-school-shooting/
Special 140th Anniversary Issue of Healing Magazine – Voices of KidsPeace – published, featuring essays from 14 associates, supporters and clients on their views of the organization.
https://www.healingmagazine.org/voices-of-kidspeace-issue-49/
Client artwork “At KidsPeace, Love is Free” unveiled on website and development materials; artist provides insights in article for KidsPeace.org blog.
https://www.kidspeace.org/at-kidspeace-love-is-free-an-artists-story/
Wilson B. (Ben) Garrett of Carrollton, GA elected chair of KidsPeace National Board of Directors.
New “988” national hotline for suicide prevention and intervention introduced; “Ask the Experts” blog offers insight into its impact and what more needs to be done from three KidsPeace therapists.
KidsPeace SITE program holds “Painting in the Park to Heal Hearts” public outreach events in Scranton and Allentown.
KidsPeace launches “140 years in 140 Days” social media campaign to celebrate history and impact of organization as part of 140th Anniversary effort; a new fact, photo, or video is posted every day on KP Facebook page from 8/14 through end of the year.
“KidsPeace Stories” video series returns with “George’s Story,” featuring mental health technician George Miles discussing leaving a career in business to care for children at KidsPeace Children’s Hospital.
Miss Pennsylvania 2022, Alysa Bainbridge, visits KidsPeace as part of her social issue focus on improving the mental health of children in the U.S.
KidsPeace FCCP in Virginia receives donation of twenty bicycles and helmets from “Together We Rise” foundation and employees of Capital One.
KidsPeace clients showcase their creativity at KidsPeace Georgia Art Show as part of the “Founders Day Festival” in Temple, GA.
“KidsPeace Stories” video features a community art mural project at KidsPeace’s Green Street outpatient clinic in Allentown, PA; artist Monica Salazar explains her approach and how her design was influenced by learning about the therapeutic care delivered at the facility.
11th annual “Angel Tree gift drive launches; gifts are donated by community members for children who will be spending the holiday’s in our care at KidsPeace Children’s Hospital, PA residential treatment and foster care.
KidsPeace holds its Associate Achievement Awards ceremony in person for the first time since Covid-19; Gina Delluva, Director of Education at Orchard Hills is presented the President’s Award for more than 50 years of service to children at KidsPeace.
Healing Magazine “Self-Care” edition published on website.
Celebration of KidsPeace’s 140th Anniversary ends at years-end with message of thanks from Mike Slack to all shareholders and supporters; year-end fundraising appeal asks for contributions to “Light the Fire of HOPE for our kids” as KidsPeace enters its NEXT 140 years.
