Project Kinship

At PK, our love for family and community shines through every Monday huddle! ?? It's a cherished time where we come together to celebrate wins, learn from losses, and share breakthroughs. We can't wait to connect and jumpstart the week with our amazing team! ???? #ProjectKinship #Communitystrong

PK Leadership had the opportunity to convene in our new building for the first time—a moment filled with reflection, celebration, and gratitude. We recognized those who truly embody what it means to be a leader, shared stories, and experienced plenty of laughter (and a few tears). What a gift to start the week surrounded by community, support, and friendship. Here’s to new beginnings and the amazing journey ahead! #PKLeadership #TheFutureisBright #Community #LeadershipInAction

We’re proud to share that our team represented Project Kinship to attorneys at a conference in Monterey, CA, speaking on the power of healing and supporting lives impacted by incarceration, gangs, and changing the narrative. It was a special honor to have our very own Robert and Ronald, along with Executive Director Steve, share their powerful re-entry journeys, reminding us all that transformation and healing are not just possible—they’re happening. Thank you to everyone creating spaces of hope, second chances, and community. Together, we’re building a brighter future! #ProjectKinship #ReEntry #Hope #Healing #SecondChances

Last Thursday, we took our RSC participants to the Anaheim Workforce Connection, helping them take the next step toward employment! ??? Beforehand, we worked on resumes, gave tips on approaching employers, and provided encouragement along the way. We also helped a participant submit a job application, making sure they had the support they needed. ?? With transportation provided, everyone had the opportunity to show up with confidence. Proud to support our community on their journey to success! ?? #ProjectKinship #WorkforceDevelopment #SecondChances #EmploymentOpportunities #CommunitySupport

Executive Director Steven Kim, PK All-Stars Joseph Valadez, Priscilla Kim, and Crystal Vasquez and Associate Executive Director of Homeboy Industries Hector Verdugo traveled to Washington, D.C. for a powerful speaking engagement, sharing our mission of healing, transformation, and second chances. ? Grateful for the opportunity to inspire change on a national level! ?? #ProjectKinship #HealingAndTransformation #LivedExperience #SecondChances #WashingtonDC

?? Empowering Change, One Team at a Time ?? This week, we captured some powerful moments during the school teams’ in-depth training days on Restorative Practices, Community Building, and Gang Intervention. By fostering stronger relationships, supporting communities, and addressing challenges head-on, they’re paving the way for brighter futures. ?? Together, we’re creating safer, more inclusive spaces for every student to thrive! #RestorativePractices #CommunityBuilding #GangIntervention #StudentSuccess #EducationMatters #OrangeCounty #PositiveImpact

As we close out this year, we reflect on the lessons that have carried us forward. What we've learned is simple yet profound: healing always happens in community. This year reminded us to cherish the things we often miss but are undeniably important. These moments of meaning and connection are found where love exists; and through the love we've seen, we've been reminded that love is patient. Love is kind. Love is compassionate. It's this love that has sustained and grounded us over the last 10 years, helping us stand firm in our mission: to serve and walk alongside each person who walks through our doors. As the year comes to a close, we're filled with gratitude for the support and trust that has made this work possible. If you feel inspired to support Project Kinship, your generosity helps ensure that every person who walks through our doors has access to the services, care, and connection they need to transform their lives. Together, we are a little more healed this year than we were last year. And together, we can carry this healing forward, meeting the new year with hope, new goals, and the same unwavering commitment to connection and transformation. Thank you for walking this journey with us. May this season bring love, healing, and renewal to you and those you hold dear. In love and connection, Steven Kim, LCSW

We are excited to announce that our Executive Director, Steve Kim, has been named one of Orange County's 125 Most Influential Leaders for 2024! “I am grateful to have had a second chance in my life. Every day, I am inspired by the individuals who walk through the doors of Project Kinship, teaching me about humility, compassion, and courage. It is a true privilege to serve alongside the incredible champions in Orange County who are building a community of hope, healing, and transformation!” - Steve Kim https://lnkd.in/g7negzFm

We are so thankful for our incredible staff who work tirelessly to walk alongside our community—and for the youth, adults, and families we have the privilege to serve. Together, we are building hope, resilience, and transformation in Orange County. Project Kinship has had the honor of providing a decade of service, healing, and connection. We’re grateful for this journey and look forward to continuing this work for years to come. Here’s to the strength of our staff, the people we serve, and the community we’re building together. Happy Giving Tuesday ??

Sitting with my 84 year old Mom this morning and reading ?? Mom struggles with dementia and Alzheimer’s but is still reflective on her life’s journey. Such a gift to be able to spend time with her wisdom and experience. A colleague brought me this book from the Project Kinship conference and I am so grateful she thought to share. The author, Jimmy “Slim” Rumsey shares his story with us to learn and grow in our work and lives. I began reading the book wondering if it would be a good option for a book study with some student leaders in our Sunburst Youth Academy… however I gained so much insight for myself and the work we do every day! I couldn’t help but see the connection to the discussion with mom looking back on her 84 years and Mr. Rumsey’s question - What would I do with a second chance at life? Powerful question! Thanks for the courage to share your story! I also loved reading about Kirk Anderson as a teacher back in the day at the Hall :) Good teachers can influence lives!!!!! #grateful #community #shareyourstory #couragetochange #secondchances #kindness #grace #alternativeeducation Amy Smith Wendy Rogan María-Elena Serratos, M.Ed. Anne Wolff Brianne Parker Michael Poirier Julie Ochoa Claire Ramirez, Ed.D., LCSW Preston Walrath Megan Scheele Noah Wellikson Cara Pettite Brian Hightower