Coalition for Kids (C4K), a faith-based nonprofit organization, is celebrating 25 years of service with a banquet on May 6 at 6 p.m. The event will honor the program’s impact on children and families across the region.
Primarily known for its afterschool programming, C4K operates multiple sites across three different regions, with Johnson City being one of its largest. The program runs from September through May, along with an eight-week summer program. Depending on location, some sites also remain open during winter holidays and spring break.
C4K partners with 19 elementary schools, offering transportation from school, snacks, dinner, homework help, reading assistance, STEM enrichment and extracurricular activities.
“We feed dinner to all of our kids,” said Asia Gardner, director of programming. “Whether they are in need or not, they have access to those meals.”
Gardner, who has been with the organization for more than 17 years, has worked in nearly every role at C4K. Although she was too old to attend the program when it launched, she witnessed the impact it had on her siblings.
“I did get to see them do well in the program, and they needed after-school care because my mom was a single parent,” she said. That’s why I’m here—to make sure I can hire quality staff people to be here with our kiddos.”
While Gardner said she is not directly involved with the children, she remains dedicated to serving the coalition by making sure all kids are well-supported in the program.
C4K also offers volunteer opportunities that often lead to long-term careers.
“A lot of people who volunteer are in education departments or social work,” Gardner said. “They usually get more hands-on experience with the students, and we do see a few of those trickling into becoming staff people.”
As a faith-based organization, C4K emphasizes service as a way to show its values.
“We believe you can show the love and Christ through your actions more so than through a specific Bible study,” Gardner said.
Ginni Walser, C4K regional director for Johnson City, reinforced C4K’s mission and spotlighted the program’s bigger picture.
“Sometimes kids are getting meals from us that they may not be getting at home,” Walser said. “We want to be that positive role model. We want to make an impact in a child’s life for the better.”
To learn more about the upcoming anniversary banquet, visit coalitionforkids.org/events/.
