Kids on the Block - Portland, also known locally as the Kids on the Block Awareness Program, has been successfully educating children in the Portland-Vancouver area since 1986, all the while growing our capacity and effectiveness. We've expanded from a grassroots effort reaching  a few hundred children annually, to a professional operation serving more than 70,000 youth each year.  Learn more about our history here. 

Kids on the Block's proven programs have never been more needed.  Our children live in a world with numerous challenges to their well-being: alcohol, methamphetamines and other drugs, child abuse, violence, prejudice and discrimination, a culture that promotes over consumption of unhealthy foods, along with lack of physical activity, and peer pressure.  At the same time, due to budget cuts in schools and community programs, youth have less access to interactive learning opportunities that help them develop critical life skills.

There is hope! Kids on the Block programs can be life-changing, preventing the devastating effects of abuse and unhealthy habits, and helping kids feel good about themselves and others.

To thrive in spite of the many difficulties that come from every direction, children need tools for coping and at least one trusted friend or mentor.  Many children have a friend or parent who fills that important role.  Lots of young people, unfortunately, do not.  Because of these realities, youth desperately need a program like Kids on the Block to support them in making smart decisions that will have life-long impact.

The many tough issues our youth face today can be daunting, but fortunately, we have never had a more qualified staff, board and group of volunteers to take them on.  We are ready for the opportunity to make an even bigger difference in kids' lives! 

Won't you consider donating or volunteering today, when kids need us more than ever to navigate the challenges of growing up?

See what other supporters have to say and how YOU can get involved!