Pittsburgh, PA
C.A.R.E.S Program
Since 2011 The KBK Foundation has given contributions totaling $15,000 to The Children/Adult Recreational and Educational Services, better known as C.A.R.E.S. The contributions are designated specifically for summer programs for Pittsburgh youth ages 5 to 14 sponsored through the Wesley AME Zion Church. Since its inception, C.A.R.E.S. has provided educational services and cultural activities to children, youth, and young adults year-round. Youth from Garfield Commons were able to attend the camp sessions held during the summer months (June 24th through August 8th). The summer day camp helps enhance youth’s life skills, build resiliency and strengthen leadership skills through hands-on learning and organized activities.
The Challenge Program
The KBK Foundation partnered with The Challenge Program to help motivate high school students both in and out of the classroom. The KBK Foundation gave a $250 reward to twelve Peabody High School students in sophomore, junior and senior classes in four areas: Academic Excellence, Academic Improvement, Attendance, and Community Service. The KBK Foundation has contributed $40,000 in scholarships to this program. The KBK Foundation has not only been involved with Peabody High School for four years but donated funds so that all 8 high schools in the Pittsburgh School district could participate in The Challenge Program.
Garfield Gators
The KBK Foundation has entered into a 3-year partnership with the Garfield Gators Football Team. The program led by Bob Jones, for youth ages 5-14, provides neighborhood children a place where academics, discipline, and personal accountability are encouraged. Sponsorship from The KBK Foundation assisted with scholarships being offered to youth to participate in the football program and covered items such as equipment and travel.
Larimer Green Team – Taste The Future of Larimer
The Larimer Green Team hosts a yearly fundraising event, Taste The Future of Larimer, to raise awareness of positive things happening in the community. Community members come to sample dishes from local caterers, listen to speakers, and enjoy live music at Taste the Future of Larimer. The Larimer Green Team was founded in 2008 and has been behind many projects and workshops in the neighborhood. Perhaps the most visible of these has been the Community Garden located at the Village Green on Larimer Avenue. The KBK Foundation continues to be a proud sponsor of this event.
North Aiken Center
The Commons at North Aiken is a 76-unit, supportive care facility available to persons age 62 and older. The facility is located in Garfield in close proximity to East Liberty, Shadyside, and the East End. North Aiken offers 62 newly constructed one-bedroom apartments and 14 two-bedroom cottages designed to serve a more physically independent senior citizen population. The facility offers a number of apartment units that are fully accessible for persons with disabilities, while the remaining units are fully adaptable. The KBK Foundation adopted the North Aiken Senior Center for two years by sponsoring their supportive services. This included trips to Heinz Hall events, boat rides, ice cream socials, movie nights, and much more.