Kids in Focus

Kids in Focus (KIF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to mentoring kids to overcome adversity and build resiliency through the art of photography.

Kids in Focus was founded in 2012 based on the realization that photography and the guidance and support from a caring mentor can have a transformative power on kids who are facing challenging circumstances. The program began with a handful of kids at a Title 1 school in Phoenix and has grown to include multiple programs serving hundreds of kids at 16 partner organizations throughout the Valley. Customizing the programs to the needs of the partner, KIF offers the Afterschool Mentoring Series- Through one-on-one time with mentors during 3-hour weekly photoshoot excursions, the kids learn to explore and reframe how they see themselves and their world. They gain problem-solving skills, develop positive outlets to express themselves, create compelling images, and build trusting relationships. Each week the kids are given a lesson on a particular photography technique, then venture out into the community for a photoshoot excursion. Each series lasts between 5-9 weeks, and culminates with a public exhibit in the spring, where invited guests and the public can meet the artists and admire their work, deepening the kids' feelings of empowerment and accomplishment. The works from this program also travel to various venues throughout the Valley, including Western Spirit Museum, AZ State Fair, AZ Science Center and ASU Gammage.

In addition to the Afterschool Mentoring Series, KIF serves kids through shorter workshops, which combine the same elements as the Afterschool Mentoring program, (photography lessons, mentoring, excursion) but the shorter length is better suited to partner organizations whose needs are more episodic.

True North is a program for kids who have completed an Afterschool program or workshop. True North provides fun-filled day excursion for kids and mentors who take the classroom on the road. Each trip includes a full day of exploration (typically at a location well outside of the city) photography, and camaraderie. The kids and mentors have several hours to explore the area and capture it with their cameras. On the bus ride home, the kids and mentors choose and edit a favorite photo and print it for the kids to take home.

Each program focuses on giving kids creative freedom and empowerment through the lens of a camera, which for many, is a drastic change from feeling powerless in the circumstances they are facing, including financial instability, food instability, housing instability, bullying, an ill loved one, or witnessing or being subjected to abuse. Looking through the lens of a camera can literally help a child reframe their outlook on themselves and their future.

Testimonials

"I felt like a real true person when I was at the Exhibit Opening. My explaining the photos to everyone made me feel proud of myself, that I did it." - Tarajh, age 12.

"I feel really good about being able to express my own personality in KIF." - Estrella, age 10.

"When I first started with KIF, it was hard focusing, but my mentor helped me focus and learn not to go too fast and take my time." - Tatyana, age 12.

"Before I started the program, I used to keep everything to myself, but now, I learned how to show myself and show who I really am, and express myself." - Jeremy, age 11.

"The relationships I've built with the mentors and other kids mean a lot to me. I feel like I belong somewhere now." - Akillah, age 10.

"The fact that they have the same mentors week after week, it becomes consistent, and a lot of times they don't have that in their life. There's this level of consistency, and a passion to want to know about those kids, and to pour into them… and let them grow and just be themselves. It makes a world of difference." - Earnest, mentor.