As the year drew to a close, KIND offices across the country came together to create moments of warmth, joy, and connection for children, youth, and families navigating extraordinary challenges. Before the holidays arrived, our teams transformed everyday spaces into places of comfort — filled with crafts, cocoa, gingerbread, movies, and most importantly, community.
These gatherings were about far more than seasonal cheer. They were reminders that dignity, belonging, and human connection matter — especially for children and young adults who often face the holidays without the support most of us take for granted. From Newark to Boston, staff, volunteers, and partners poured their hearts into making these celebrations meaningful for the families we serve.
Below are highlights from each location:
Newark, NJ – Creating Together, Celebrating Together
From KIND staff member: “The KIND Team in Newark, NJ hosted a client holiday event in early December to provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere where families could spend meaningful time together and connect with other, volunteers, and staff. During the event, clients enjoyed hands-on activities such as creating personalized, fillable Christmas globe ornaments featuring family photos and snow. They also participated in craft stations where they designed mini wreath ornaments using beads, pipe cleaners, and festive holiday bows. For children who have faced many difficulties in life, engaging in a sensory activity allows them to visually channel their ability to build something new, which for many ignites a sense of resilience and belonging. Families also gathered to watch The Grinch while enjoying hot chocolate and pan dulce generously donated by a local bakery.”
In celebration of our incredible donors, we would like to give a special and enthusiastic thank you to Horizon NJ Health for their outstanding generosity and support. For our 2025 Holiday Event, “Peliculas, Palomitas y Pijamas,” Horizon went above and beyond by donating reusable Christmas bags, popcorn, and a wide assortment of materials that made our arts and crafts activities truly special.
We are especially grateful to Horizon NJ Health’s Community Events Lead, Elvin, who swiftly shared our Amazon Wishlist with his team. Thanks to their immediate and wholehearted response, every item was purchased in no time. Because of Horizon’s kindness, our youth and families left the event with beautiful handmade ornaments, including mason jars filled with candy, creating joyful memories to take home and cherish.
New York – A Sweet Gingerbread Party
The KIND New York office hosted its winter holiday event with the theme “A Sweet Gingerbread Party.” We welcomed 16 KIND clients and their families into a space created for warmth, comfort, and connection. Families shared hot chocolate and popcorn, took winter-themed holiday photos, decorated gingerbread houses, and received much-needed winter gear, including coats, scarves, gloves, hoodies, warmers, and socks. Contrary to the emotionally isolating impact of trauma, this space allowed clients to connect and be part of a positive community at a time that can bring much nostalgia as they transition to a new country.
Staff left the event reminded why this work matters:
“Being alongside our clients as they sang, shared their traditions, and spent time together offered a powerful reminder of their strength and resilience. In the midst of ongoing uncertainty, these moments of joy, belonging, and togetherness mattered deeply. They affirmed the importance of creating spaces where families feel seen, supported, and valued, and they reinforced the healing power of community, connection, and care.” – KIND staff member
Shoutout from the team:
“KIND’s psychosocial team would like to express our gratitude to community partners, Goodness for Cakes, Café Gonzalez, and Poly Prep Country Day School.”
Houston – Connection for Young Adults
The Houston office hosted a special gathering at the Holocaust Museum for young adults (18+) who may be experiencing limited or no support from family or friends. Because immigration cases can last years, many clients who started with KIND as young teens, now are 18+ and still need support and connection. The event was thoughtfully designed to provide a safe, welcoming space where participants could experience connection, joy, and a sense of belonging during a time that can feel especially isolating.
Clients enjoyed a shared meal, played board games, and participated in relaxing activities that fostered community. They also received gift cards to support their individual needs. In addition, all four participants were generously sponsored by a donor and received meaningful holiday gifts. We are grateful to H-E-B for donating perishable food items, helping extend care beyond the event.
Adding a deeply personal touch, the Houston office legal team wrote individualized holiday letters for each client, highlighting their strengths and resilience while wishing them a joyful season. Clients shared how grateful they were for this gesture, noting that it made them feel seen, valued, and supported.
We would like to thank two donors:
“This gathering was made possible through the generosity of our donors and partners — The Holocaust Museum and H-E-B. Thank you for helping us create moments of connection, dignity, and hope for young adults in our community.”
Boston – Gingerbread, Games, and Celebration
“KIND Boston hosted a warm and joyful holiday experience for our clients, made possible through the generosity of our supporters. We received donations of cake for the children to enjoy, creating moments of celebration and comfort. Our clients also had the opportunity to play games and build gingerbread houses, adding to the festive and engaging atmosphere. In addition, we received gifts from donors, which further helped our clients feel seen, valued, and celebrated during the holiday season, fostering a sense of connection and care.” – KIND staff member
Special thanks to Cake4Kids for helping make the day so sweet.
Across every city, these moments before the holidays reminded us that compassion is not seasonal — it is sustained by the relationships we build every day. We are grateful to our staff, volunteers, and partners who made these gatherings possible and helped ensure that no child or young adult had to face the holidays alone.
