On our new website, you'll see the words: “Justice that Heals. Bonds that Mend.” We’re digging into what this means and how it reflects the work we’ve already been doing in our ministry.
'Bonds that Mend' speaks to the God-given need for children to form a healthy relationship with an adult that is safe, loving, and nurturing. The best bonds are with their parents, which is why KAI has invested so much in family strengthening. It can also be caregivers, teachers, social workers, therapists, lawyers, coaches, etc.
We are investing in training all of our staff to build trusting bonds because we know this is so critical. These safe, loving, and nurturing bonds help heal traumas, give a healthy identity, and foster maturing. These are the bonds that mend their hearts from bullying, insults, and even sexual abuse. Since everyone gets wounded in this fallen world, every child needs those bonds. And we know the ultimate safe, loving, and nurturing bond is with Jesus. So all we do and say, in every program, works to lead everyone to His salvation.
'Justice that Heals' reflects our commitment to creating environments where discipline is fair, proportionate, and focused on nurturing and connection rather than control. True justice means that children know they will be treated with dignity and respect, and that their basic needs will be met. It means our trauma-informed staff connect with children before correcting them, ensuring they feel safe and understood. It means we work to protect children and keep them in healthy families.
It also means we can holistically respond when children have experienced trauma, such as sexual violence and abuse. We want to walk with them into healing, which requires justice. We advocate for child-friendly systems, so that they are not further harmed by the systems meant to protect them, and that they have a voice in the process from classrooms to courtrooms.
By being a beacon of hope for these children, they, in turn, become beacons of hope for their families and communities. They will be the salt and light for transformation as thriving children in thriving families create thriving communities.
That's where we see true justice and healing from trauma.
Thank you for your continued support as we work towards a healthier future for vulnerable children, families, and communities based on their relationship with Jesus and the identity He wants to give them.
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.
LANSING, MI — November 17, 2025 — Kids Alive International hosted its national Night of Justice event on Friday night at Grewal Hall, gathering advocates, legal professionals, donors, and community leaders from across the country to spotlight a growing movement of justice, trauma-informed care, and long-term healing for girls in Guatemala who have survived severe domestic sexual violence.
Keynote Speakers Underscore the Importance of Expanding Justice Work
Judge Rosemarie Aquilina—known globally for her unwavering advocacy for survivors—commended Kids Alive’s holistic, healing-centered approach, saying:
“Kids Alive not only shows the kids that they matter and helps them in every way, but they teach them about a new way of life that is positive, joyous, and fulfilled.” — Judge Rosemarie Aquilina
Coach Valerie Condos-Field, a seven-time NCAA National Champion and widely recognized leadership voice, encouraged attendees to rally behind the expansion of the Justice Center model:
“I don’t think it will be hard to get one of these centers built in this country at all. I know that the number one mission for the current staff at Kids Alive is to get the word out there and let people know the amazing work that they are doing.” — Coach Val
Event Sponsors Recognized for Their Partnership
Kids Alive International also expressed deep appreciation for the event’s sponsors, whose partnership made the Night of Justice possible. Grewal Law PLLC, Morton’s Fine Catering, Reeder Pianos, Inc., Cube Mobile Imaging, Grewal Hall at 224, and Custom Built Design & Remodeling were recognized for their generous support and commitment to expanding trauma-informed services for girls in Guatemala. Their investment strengthens survivor-focused programs and helps advance the launch of a second Justice Center—ensuring more girls have access to safety, healing, and restored dignity.
Advancing a Second Justice Center in Guatemala
This year’s Night of Justice marked a significant milestone for Kids Alive’s work in Guatemala. Through the generosity of attendees and partners, the organization is moving forward with establishing a second Justice Center—a critical step in expanding capacity, strengthening coordinated response, and ensuring more survivors have access to comprehensive, trauma-informed care.
The event also took a major step forward in funding the new Guatemala Justice Center. To date, the Night of Justice has raised more than $234,000, with efforts ongoing to secure the full investment needed to launch and sustain the center. These funds directly support expanding trauma-informed services, increasing clinical and legal capacity, and ensuring more girls have access to long-term safety, care, and restored dignity. If individuals or organizations would like to further support the launch of the new Justice Center, contributions can be made at: kidsalive.org/night-of-justice-111425-giving
Kids Alive Guatemala (Vida Para Niños) works in close partnership with local judges, courts, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure each girl is supported with:
“Justice that heals is possible—when we do this work together,” said Corbey Dukes, President & CEO of Kids Alive International. “We’re grateful for the leaders who stood with us tonight and for every partner helping us expand the Justice Center model to reach more girls who deserve safety, dignity, and hope."
About Kids Alive International
Kids Alive International is a global nonprofit dedicated to protecting children, strengthening families, and advocating for justice. With a presence in seven countries, Kids Alive provides holistic, trauma-informed care that integrates safety, education, health, and therapeutic support to address both immediate needs and the deeper wounds of trauma.
Through innovative programs in Restorative Education, Protective Care, Family Strengthening, and Justice Advocacy, Kids Alive equips children and families with the tools, relationships, and long-term support they need to thrive. The organization partners with local professionals, community leaders, and government systems to ensure every child is treated with dignity and has the opportunity to experience hope, healing, and a restored future.
For more information about Kids Alive international or to join the mission, visit: kidsalive.org.
For media inquiries, interviews, or more information about news stories like this one, please contact us at: news@kidsalive.org.
Alpharetta, Georgia – June 12, 2025 — Kids Alive International has been awarded a grant from the MIGMIR Fund to support the creation of seven trauma-informed, child-friendly court facilities throughout Guatemala.
The grant will fund the remodeling of Peace, Juvenile, and Femicide Courts to create safe, welcoming environments where children and families can participate in legal processes with dignity and protection. This initiative is part of Kids Alive’s ongoing Justice Advocacy program in Guatemala, which partners with local courts and communities to strengthen systemic responses to violence, especially sexual abuse and exploitation.
“This generous investment from the MIGMIR Fund will accelerate our vision of transforming Guatemala’s justice system into one that reflects compassion, safety, and healing for children and families,” said Corbey Dukes, President and CEO of Kids Alive International. “Each court space we renovate will stand as a testimony to what restorative justice can look like — where truth can be told, trauma can be met with care, and hope can begin to take root.”
Transforming Justice Through Safe Spaces
Across Guatemala, children and young adults who have experienced sexual abuse or violence are often required to testify in formal, intimidating court environments. Kids Alive’s work in partnership with local judicial authorities has already shown that child-friendly and family-safe spaces — rooms equipped with calming colors, toys, comfortable seating, and trauma-informed design — help reduce fear and prevent re-traumatization.
The MIGMIR grant will enable Kids Alive Guatemala (locally known as Vida Para Niños) to expand this initiative to seven additional court facilities across five municipalities, including Escuintla, La Gomera, Tiquisate, Palín, and Puerto de Iztapa. Each remodeled space will include private waiting areas, secure interview rooms, and environments that encourage emotional safety and trust.
A Model for Healing Justice
The vision behind these new child-friendly court spaces is inspired by the first video testimonial room (Gesell Chamber), that Kids Alive helped build in Peru. Featured in our short video story, this groundbreaking space allows children who have experienced abuse to share their stories in privacy and safety, supported by trained professionals and observed remotely by judicial personnel.
This model—designed to prevent re-traumatization and uphold the dignity of survivors—has become a powerful example of what trauma-informed justice can look like. The same principles are now guiding Kids Alive’s efforts in Guatemala, where each remodeled court facility will serve as a safe, healing environment for children and families seeking justice and restoration.
Building Systemic Change
Beyond physical renovations, the grant will fund training for at least 50 judges, clerks, and court staff in trauma-informed care and child protection, strengthening the national capacity to handle cases of abuse and violence with empathy and excellence.
“These spaces are more than rooms,” said Rosalva Alvarado, National Director of Kids Alive Guatemala (Vida Para Niños). “They represent an invitation to change the experience of justice — for children to feel safe when telling their stories and for families to experience dignity, reconciliation, and restoration in the process."
Through this project, Kids Alive will also host community outreach events that promote prevention and education around child protection and family strengthening, ensuring that the impact extends beyond the courtroom and into the community.
Faith in Action: Justice that Heals
Rooted in Isaiah 1:17, “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed,” Kids Alive’s global mission integrates faith and evidence-based care to bring hope and healing to children who have endured trauma. This grant directly advances the organization’s Justice that Heals initiative — a framework that unites legal advocacy, psychosocial support, and discipleship to address both the personal and systemic dimensions of injustice.
A Shared Vision for Restoration
The MIGMIR Fund partners with faith-based organizations around the world that demonstrate integrity, sustainability, and deep impact in the lives of those they serve. Its support of Kids Alive reflects a shared vision for holistic restoration — one that meets both the spiritual and practical needs of children and families.
“The MIGMIR Fund is honored to partner with Kids Alive International in supporting the remodeling of Peace, Juvenile, and Femicide Courts in Guatemala. This transformative effort reflects our shared commitment to be the hands and feet of Christ—bringing restoration, dignity, and hope to children and families impacted by sexual abuse and injustice. We believe that justice and compassion must walk hand in hand, and we are proud to stand with Kids Alive International to strengthen systems that protect the most vulnerable through effective strategies that nurture spiritual and physical flourishing.” - Kristin Smith, Sr. Program Officer and Board Member, MIGMIR Foundation
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 immediate needs such as safety, education, and health, while also confronting the deeper wounds of trauma and abuse.
In Guatemala, Kids Alive operates under the name Vida Para Niños and is recognized for its leadership in trauma-informed care, restorative justice, and advocacy for survivors of sexual violence. Through safe homes, foster family programs, counseling, and legal accompaniment, Kids Alive ensures that children are protected, empowered, and treated with dignity.
The organization’s Justice Advocacy Program works in partnership with national courts, government agencies, and local communities to integrate trauma-informed, Christ-centered care into legal and social systems. Each project reflects the ministry’s unwavering belief that every child is seen and loved by God and deserves to live free from fear, abuse, and exploitation.
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.
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