StandUp For Kids

StandUp For Kids Logo

Basic Information

Address: National Headquarters 83 Walton Street Suite 100 Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Phone Number: 800-365-4KID
Fax Number: 404-954-96610
Director: National Office: Melissa Maschke Director of Programs

Action Shots

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Additional Information

Causes Served: Youth homelessness
Background Check: Yes
Population Served: Homeless, at risk, runaway and emancipated foster youth.
Ages for Volunteer: At least 18 years of age; 16 years of age with parental consent.
Hours of Service: Varies.
Minimum Hours Required: 10 hours a month.
Days of Service: Varies.
Mission Statement:

The mission of StandUp For Kids is ending the cycle of youth homelessness.

We do this, every day, in cities across America. We carry out our mission through our volunteers who go to the streets in order to find, stabilize and otherwise help homeless and street kids improve their lives.

StandUp For Kids is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded in 1990 to help rescue homeless and at-risk youth. With national headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia StandUp For Kids is run almost entirely by volunteers, and has programs in a number of states.

Philosophy/Belief Statement:

The mission of StandUp For Kids is to help homeless and at-risk youth. Everyday homeless youth face obstacles that most of us cannot comprehend. Where will I have my next meal? When can I shower? Where will I sleep tonight? StandUp For Kids helps homeless youth tackle some of their everyday obstacles and work towards a life off the streets. From basic necessities such as food, clothing, and hygiene to resources for housing, employment, and education, StandUp For Kids counselors use an open, straightforward and caring counseling approach to help kids reach their full potential.

StandUp For Kids also developed the Don't Run Away Program which targets youth at risk for running away. The Don't Run Away Program is used to educate elementary and junior high students on the different resources and options available to remove themselves from abusive situations and deter them from running away. The Don't Run Away Program is developing within established programs and extends to local clubs at high schools and universities across America.

Program History:

StandUp For Kids is a 501(c) (3) national non-profit charitable organization founded in 1990 by Richard L. Koca. For retired U.S. Navy Officer Koca, StandUp For Kids was a natural extension of his ongoing outreach efforts. Koca was inspired to begin outreach in 1987 when he saw a CBS broadcast of 48 Hours that documented street kids in San Diego, California. He was so disturbed by the news report that when he arrived in San Diego he immediately began walking the streets to identify homeless teens and help them in anyway possible. Koca helped kids into shelters, gave them someone to confide in, and eventually turned his personal mission to help street kids into a nationwide organization.