Detailed History, page 1 of 3

The first meeting of Coalition for Kids, Inc., was held in January of 1991. Later that year Coalition for Kids became incorporated. A Board of Directors was established, a “mission statement” was developed and Coalition for Kids’ 501(c)(3) was granted.

Since its beginning Coalition for Kids has taken a variety of pathways to fulfill its mission of “creating opportunities for children and families to flourish. Initially Coalition for Kids served as a catalyst, convener and/or partner in the community. The first years focused on establishing and physically upgrading the Family Resource Center.

Over the next three years Coalition for Kids continued its initial activities, and added program development and management. It became the operator of the childcare program in the Family Resource Center, and initiated a variety of support groups and educational opportunities for children and adults.

The fifth year for Coalition for Kids was a year of making decisions. A three-to-five-year strategic plan was adopted, and the agency’s first full-time executive director, Don Gray, was hired.

Coalition for Kids’ sixth year was one of transition with a new operations manager, renovations to the building, new copiers, upgraded and new computers and two new Family Resource Center partners were just some of the steps taken toward fulfilling its strategic plan. Coalition for Kids was excited about the future of Josephine County, and the role it could plan in helping families.

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