LEAVEN KIDS

Leaven Kids focuses on after-school tutoring and mentoring centers in places where other organizations can't or will not go in both Northern and Southern California. Each school day, Leaven Kids helps children improve their reading and math skills, understand and complete homework, and develop the necessary skills for success in school and in the future. The unique Leaven Kids model also offers neighborhood support, helping to revitalize communities and empower families to become engaged citizens. Created through the partnerships of local community organizers, elected officials, churches, schools, businesses, and social clubs, Leaven Kids continues to model the love and compassion of Christ through acts of mercy and help. By working with the community, Leaven Kids is “helping kids & communities rise.”

Leaven Kids' unique strategy is to bring the after-school and summer enrichment programs right to a child's doorstep by working with apartment managers and owners to reclaim underutilized space and turn it into a safe, inviting place where children receive tutoring, mentoring, healthy snacks, exercise and opportunities to learn more about their community through visits by elected officials and public servants. When possible, Leaven Kids also involves police, firefighters, and military members. The intention is for the children to meet real heroes so they have role models other than the gang members who often are active in their communities. By operating year-round, Leaven Kids helps prevent the "summer slump" that causes children to lose academic progress over the summer break, and by involving community members and local churches as volunteers, the children see examples of people who combine hard work and respect for others to build successful lives.

Before Leaven Kids opens a new center, at least $30,000 needs to be secured, as well as a partner church and other suitable partnerships. This helps ensure the sustainability of the center and community ownership. The involvement of police officers, first responders, elected officials, business leaders, and community representatives is not a nice thing; it is essential! Additionally, The Leaven's key attributes that make it appealing to funding partners and recipient families are that:
We operate year-round.
Our presence in a community has been documented to decrease the crime rate in that area.
We have, in cooperation with schools and educators, documented that its programs help children succeed in school.
Our financial statements are audited every year by an independent accountant and we invest 75 cents of every dollar donated into programs for the communities where they work.
All staff and volunteers are background-checked.

Leaven Kids began in 2009 in Fairfield, CA, and currently operates 19 after-school tutoring and mentoring centers in both Northern and Southern California. Every center was established at the direct request of community management, city developers and/or local stakeholders. These partnerships help ensure that the centers remain viable and can adapt to the specific needs of the location and school goals.

Each center benefits approximately 30 children every school day and throughout the summer.

In late 2016 and early 2022, Leaven Kids was selected as the Chick-fil-A S. Truett Cathy Honoree recipient of the True Inspiration Award.