Many of the children KIND serves have had difficult childhoods; some have never had a real childhood at all. As part of KIND’s legal and psychosocial assistance, we try to meet the holistic needs of our clients, including helping them regain the joy of being a child.
A holiday event in December at our Atlanta office did just that. Thirty clients received brand new bikes and helmets thanks to a generous donation from local non-profit organization FB4K (Free Bikes 4 Kidz). Free Bikes 4 Kidz’s mission is to “help all kids ride into a happier, healthier childhood by providing bikes to those most in need.” KIND psychosocial services team members applied for the donation by sharing about KIND’s work and our clients and were delighted to be selected.
KIND’s Psychosocial Services Supervisor at our Atlanta office, Natalie Segovia, shared:
The kids were very excited to receive their new bikes. Each child got to choose which bike they wanted, which made it even more exciting for them. We got lots of smiles and thank- yous from the kids. When I rolled out the bikes, one young boy got on his bike immediately and started biking. He was elated and his caregiver smiled as she watched him on his new bike.
“We were thrilled to give our kids a gift that gives them mobility, fun and recreation,” Natalie added. “A bike is a great tool for wellness as well as a practical and useful tool for their day-to-day lives.”
Bikes, Toys, and Fun
Fifty kids ages 8 to 22 attended the event, including clients’ siblings and other family members. In addition to the bikes, the office received an abundance of toy donations from partner organizations.
One KIND staff member dressed up as the Grinch which brought laughs and cheer from the crowd. Staff held a variety of activities, including arts and crafts, a Christmas ornament decorating table, and a holiday cookie decorating station. Some staff brought their children, who enjoyed interacting with clients. Kids enjoyed the games and activities, and even parents had a great time—some joined in on the fun and decorated ornaments.
Making Joyful Memories at KIND’s Offices
The clients and their families had a great time. “Two clients who are brothers came dressed up in suit and ties. They were dressed to a T, it was so cute. They spent the time flying planes and stayed until the very end. These events are a reminder that our clients are kids, and they just want to have fun,” said Natalie.
Paola Padron, senior social services coordinator of KIND’s Atlanta office who helped organize the event, said, “I really enjoyed putting this event together, because usually when a client comes to the office it has to do with their legal case and is not very exciting. Hosting fun, festive events at our office is nice because the kids get to come to the office and do something fun and have positive memories at our office. It’s great to see the kids playing, just being kids and having a good time. We had staff attend as well which was great because these events are a great opportunity for staff to interact with their clients in a relaxed atmosphere.”
KIND is so grateful to our partner organizations in Atlanta and across the globe who support our work with our clients.
