At Kids Alive, our team comes together to lay the foundation for justice and healing from trauma such as sexual violence, abuse, and neglect faced by vulnerable children, families, and communities.
When you're talking about messy ministry, our tendency is to back off. It hurts and we often don’t feel like we have an answer for it. “I think that's part of why I jumped into Kids Alive. Like, here's an answer. Here is a way,” Jason Miller, Chairman of the Board, shares.
"We're creating a chain of hope and a chain of healing, and at the center of it all, it’s the love of God," expresses Paula Gonzalez, Special Assistant to the President.
They're not just teaching them math and science in the classroom, but they're listening to the trauma they went through. They're helping them understand about life skills and making good decisions, and all the things that you need to grow and develop and nurture to become independent.
"They see how our staff, as Christians, are being the hands and feet of Jesus. They are seeing the kindness that is made available to them. They're saying that this must mean something," shares Rachel Davidson, Chief Operating Officer.
“Trauma that is not transformed will be transferred.” - Shane Scott, Board Member
Through these Hope Centers, we're looking to reach out beyond just the victims to those who are part of the community and create something that's different—something that is a movement towards justice that is healing, creating bonds in those families that mend and bring them back together.
Brad Lenardson, Chief Resource Officer, explains, "When you talk about a residential facility exclusively for victims who have been exposed to sexual violence, and you consider the fact that we have a population ranging from 4 to 17 years old, no one else is doing this."
"It’s super exciting to see how governments are recognizing the absolute excellence of our staff and the methods and approaches we're using for kids who have suffered trauma and who have suffered violence, and are witnessing their recovery. That's happening in Lebanon, Kenya, Zambia, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Peru. And we're looking forward to it happening in Haiti when that country becomes more stable," says Corbey Dukes, Chief Executive Officer.
With the infrastructure we've built and the teams we have in place, we have the opportunity to expand our impact from thousands to tens of thousands in a very short period of time.
“I would love to see us have even more impact than we're having now because we know that there are even more children waiting to be served,” expresses Jennifer Lucas, Chief Human Resources Officer.
Our goal is to really address the trauma, not just provide clothing, shelter, or food, which are all important, but if we don't address some of the root causes, they won't be able to truly heal.
Kids Alive empowers abused, neglected, and vulnerable children in some of the hardest places. Join us in creating thriving families and communities by giving hope to children through restorative education, family strengthening, protective care, and justice advocacy. It's hard, but it's worth it.
We invite you to witness the impact in the locations around the world Kids Alive serves, including the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti, Kenya, Lebanon, Peru, and Zambia. You can capture the unique journeys of each Kids Alive site here.
Guatemala City, Guatemala — August 12, 2025 — Kids Alive Guatemala has entered into a new five-year partnership with the Guatemalan Secretary of Social Welfare to strengthen the country’s foster care system and expand family-based care for children.
The memorandum of understanding, signed on August 12, establishes a collaborative framework focused on placing children in safe, nurturing foster families and strengthening national foster care practices. Through this partnership, Kids Alive Guatemala will work alongside the government to support foster families, equip caregivers, and help ensure children experience stability, connection, and belonging while long-term solutions are pursued.
As part of the agreement, Kids Alive Guatemala will work alongside the Secretary of Social Welfare to strengthen foster care across the national system. Through this partnership, Kids Alive Guatemala provides online training to 100% of the families registered in Guatemala’s foster care system and offers close, ongoing accompaniment to a core group of foster families—expanding that group each year. This hands-on casework experience allows Kids Alive Guatemala to walk alongside families throughout the entire foster care process, from awareness and recruitment to placement and long-term support, helping promote stability, continuity, and quality care nationwide.
Strengthening Foster Care Through Training and Support
This partnership builds on Kids Alive Guatemala’s longstanding experience supporting foster families across the country. The organization currently provides a monthly online training program for 70 foster families registered in the national system, covering topics such as Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®), caregiver-child connection, health, parenting, and practical strategies for supporting children who have experienced difficult circumstances.
Kids Alive Guatemala also offers ongoing accompaniment through social work and psychology services, supporting families before, during, and after placements, even when a child originates from another care setting. Some families have received continuous support for as long as seven years.
Based on this hands-on experience, the Guatemalan government has invited Kids Alive Guatemala to help review and strengthen the national foster care methodology, contributing to continuous improvement at a countrywide level.
A Significant Step for Guatemala’s Child-Protection System
This partnership comes at a critical time for Guatemala’s child-protection landscape. Currently, there are only two nongovernmental organizations supporting the national foster care system, and just 70 foster families are registered nationwide. Of those, 50 currently have children placed with them, with Kids Alive Guatemala directly supporting 13 families.
By equipping caregivers with practical tools and ongoing guidance, Kids Alive Guatemala has helped foster families remain engaged and provide consistent care—strengthening confidence in the foster care model and reducing unnecessary movement for children.
The agreement also reflects growing trust and collaboration between the government and Kids Alive Guatemala, including plans to transition adolescents from state care into family-based or Kids Alive residential environments designed to support healing, education, and community belonging.
A Shared Vision for Children and Families
“Being part of a foster family provides children with a safe and nurturing environment where they can develop emotional stability, receive personalized attention, and form positive bonds,” said Rosalva Alvarado, Kids Alive Guatemala Country Director. “Through this partnership, we are helping ensure children continue their education, remain connected to their communities, and experience meaningful care while long-term solutions are pursued.”
First-Year Goals and Outcomes
During the first year of the agreement, Kids Alive Guatemala and the Secretary of Social Welfare will focus on key outcomes, including:
Providing ongoing support to 20 temporary foster families, increasing from the current 13 families by 2026
Delivering TBRI® training to all 70 foster families currently part of Guatemala’s national foster care system
Providing training and ongoing accompaniment to 100% of the foster families registered in Guatemala’s national foster care system, while expanding direct, hands-on support to additional families each year to strengthen stability and quality of care.
Developing a support network with 15 local churches to help identify potential foster families and mentors
Through this partnership, Kids Alive Guatemala will continue to walk alongside caregivers, children, and government partners—strengthening family-based care and helping create pathways where children can experience safety, connection, and hope.
Reference Links
Access the local Guatemala Secretary of Social Welfare news release about this partnership by clicking here.
About Kids Alive International
Kids Alive International is a global non-profit dedicated to protecting children, strengthening families, and advocating for justice. With a presence in seven countries, Kids Alive provides holistic care that addresses not only immediate needs like safety, education, and health, but also the deeper wounds of trauma and sexual abuse.
In Guatemala, the ministry operates under the name Vida Para Niños and is recognized for its leadership in trauma-informed care, restorative justice, and advocacy for children who have suffered sexual abuse or other forms of violence. Through safe homes, foster family programs, counseling, and legal accompaniment, Kids Alive ensures that children are not revictimized by the systems meant to protect them.
The organization is committed to advancing systemic change by working with courts, governments, and local partners to embed “Justice that Heals” into legal processes. This includes creating safe spaces within court systems, training judicial personnel in child-sensitive practices, and walking with families as they pursue reconciliation and restoration.
Every child deserves to be seen, heard, and treated with dignity. Kids Alive International is devoted to making that a reality, combining compassionate care with courageous advocacy to defend the most vulnerable and restore hope for future generations.
Inspired to be part of this movement for justice that heals? Learn more and explore ways to get involved at www.kidsalive.org/ways-to-give.
For media inquiries, interviews, or more information about news stories like this one, please contact us at news@kidsalive.org.
Alpharetta, GA — January 7th, 2026 — Kids Alive International is pleased to announce a new collaborative partnership with Classical Conversations, a worldwide homeschool network committed to equipping parents and students with classical tools of learning and a biblical worldview.United by a shared belief in the transformative power of Christ-centered community, learning, and mission, the two organizations will work together to create meaningful opportunities for families to engage globally and grow in faith.
Together, Kids Alive and Classical Conversations aim to promote holistic child development, identity-based trauma-responsive care, and biblically grounded global engagement. The partnership is rooted in shared mission, mutual trust, and a desire to help families live out their faith through service, learning, and discipleship.
Areas of Collaboration
Kids Alive International and Classical Conversations will explore a range of collaborative opportunities designed to equip families, enrich learning experiences, and deepen global awareness.
Educational and discipleship resources that help families understand global ministry, identity in Christ, and trauma-responsive care.
Family engagement opportunities that inspire students and parents to learn, serve, and participate in God’s work around the world.
Shared storytelling and communication efforts that highlight how God is bringing hope and healing to children and communities.
Leadership and learning experiences that help both organizations grow in vision, collaboration, and impact.
A Partnership Designed for Lasting Impact
Both organizations share a conviction that meaningful transformation happens in community. Their collaboration emphasizes open communication, shared learning, and a desire to cultivate a generation of families who live out their faith with purpose and compassion.
“This partnership reflects our deep belief that transformation happens in community,” said Ron Stohler, Senior Director of Partnerships with Kids Alive International. “Working together with Classical Conversations allows us to amplify God’s work in the lives of children and families worldwide.”
Kyle Nichols, Director of Promotions and Outside Sales at Classical Conversations, shared, “Classical Conversations exists to help students know God and make Him known. Partnering with Kids Alive gives families tangible ways to live this calling globally.”
About Kids Alive International
Kids Alive International is a global Christian non-profit dedicated to providing safe, loving, and healing environments for children who have experienced trauma or abuse through holistic care, family strengthening, restorative education, and justice advocacy. Learn more at www.kidsalive.org.
About Classical Conversations
Classical Conversations® is a worldwide homeschool network supporting parents as they cultivate wisdom, virtue, and a biblical worldview in their children through classical, Christian education. Learn more at www.classicalconversations.com.
Inspired to be part of this movement for justice that heals? Learn more and explore ways to get involved at www.kidsalive.org/ways-to-give.
For media inquiries, interviews, or more information about news stories like this one, please contact us at news@kidsalive.org.
Kids Alive International is sharing an important update regarding our ministry in the Dominican Republic.
After thoughtful prayer, planning, and conversation, the Dominican Republic leadership team has chosen to transition into their own independent organization. Kids Alive fully blesses this decision and celebrates the growth, stability, and leadership strength the DR team has reached.
Why Kids Alive International and the Dominican Republic Ministries Are Separating
After three decades of faithful partnership, KAI and our Dominican Republic affiliate have reached a point where both organizations can pursue their missions more effectively independently.
In recent years, KAI has increasingly focused on God's call to transform the lives of abused children, their families, and their communities through Gospel-centered trauma recovery, family strengthening, community transformation, and justice initiatives. Meanwhile, the DR ministries have remained deeply committed to God’s calling for them and the mission of transforming lives through holistic Christian education, residential care, healthcare, and discipleship programs.
Recognizing that serving two distinct missions under one organization presents significant challenges, the DR leadership has chosen to form their own organization, and Kids Alive International has agreed to support this transition. We believe both organizations can serve vulnerable children more effectively by focusing resources and messaging around our respective core strengths.
This transition reflects a natural next step for the DR team and will take place over a planned six-month period, with completion expected no later than the end of June 2026.
What This Transition Looks Like
As you can imagine, there are many logistical steps involved in establishing a new independent organization. Throughout this season, it is essential that day-to-day operations continue with stability and care.
Key elements of the transition include:
The Dominican Republic team establishing their own name and independent organizational structure.
All current DR staff remaining in place and continuing their work locally.
All sites and properties transitioning fully to DR ownership.
The creation of a new giving platform for donors who wish to support the DR directly.
A six-month transition timeline, expected to conclude no later than the end of June.
During this time, Kids Alive will continue operating as normal across all countries we serve.
Our Commitment Through the Transition
Our priority remains the same throughout this transition: That the children, family, and staff of Kids Alive International thrive. This priority, now as before, includes the children, families, and staff of the DR programs. Every decision we make will be guided by what best positions Kids Alive International and the new ministry in the DR to thrive.
Throughout the transition period:
Kids Alive will continue to process and pass through all designated gifts to the DR.
Current operations for both Kids Alive and the DR will continue without interruption.
Kids Alive International will remain the point of contact for donors during this season.
All information for supporting the new DR ministry will be provided when available.
A Continued Partnership
We are deeply grateful for the years of shared ministry alongside the Dominican Republic team and consider them lifelong partners and collaborators. While organizational structures may change, our shared commitment to serving children and families remains strong.
We invite our community to:
Pray for wisdom and clarity for both teams during this transition.
Pray for the kids and families connected to the DR programs.
Reach out to our team with any questions or for additional information. kidsalive@kidsalive.org or 1-800-5437-330
We look forward with gratitude for what God has already done and with hope for what lies ahead as the Dominican Republic team steps into this next chapter.
%20(1).jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
%20(1000%20x%201000%20px).png)
