Kingdom Communities of the Valley

Kingdom Communities of the Valley is a faith-based nonprofit organization established to transform people, communities and the marketplace to break the cycles of poverty.

Established in 2007, Kingdom Communities of the Valley achieves our mission through community engagement, economic development and education. Our Community Engagement division (Community Mobilization Network) works to build the capacity of churches and community organizations that provide direct services to residents of South Phoenix, Arizona. Some of these direct services include housing, workforce development, re-entry services, food pantries, and behavioral health support. Our Economic Development division (Zion Institute) provides business consulting, training and coaching for residents to start small businesses and micro enterprises. This division also provides workforce development training and job placement assistance. To date, we have helped to launch 32 small businesses in South Phoenix, Arizona. Our Education Division (Zion Early Learning Academy) serves families with children, ages 6 weeks to 12 years old. The Center serves over 80 families, with more than 100 children, including special physical needs, foster youth and those with behavioral health needs. We provide early childhood programs, before and after school programming, tutoring, STEM training, life skills programming, sports and performing arts for children in low income communities. Our life skills programs are H.E.R.E. and the Young Gentlemen's Club. These two programs focus on the healthy development of young leaders through mentoring, one-on-one and groups, as well as sports and performing arts.

Testimonials

Monique, a single mother of three, was working hard to gain better employment when she brought her children to the academy. Shortly after enrolling them, she lost her job and her family landed in a shelter. Our caregivers were able to be that extra nurturing support for mom and the children during a very stressful season. We recognized that childcare would be a barrier to searching for and sustaining a better job. Though she was unable to pay her bill, Monique volunteered on special projects, using her gifts and talents, to give back during her search.

Today, Monique is gainfully employed, her childcare bill is current and she is actively searching for a new home for her family. She can afford to live on her own and we are connecting her with community partners to find new housing. In October, Monique told me that, "you guys are the best thing that has happened for me and my kids". Zion Early Learning Academy was able to stand in the gap with Monique and provide childcare while she worked to get back on her feet.