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Some moments remind us why we do what we do. Our recent ribbon-cutting ceremony at Kids Helping Kids was one of those moments for me.
As I stood surrounded by our board members, families, community leaders, friends, and supporters, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. What we were celebrating was much more than the opening of our new home at Stamford Town Center. We were celebrating the power of community, the importance of believing in young people, and the incredible things that happen when we come together around a shared purpose.
When I joined Kids Helping Kids as Executive Director in March, I knew I was becoming part of an organization with a very special mission. What I have come to appreciate even more deeply is that KHK is not simply about volunteering. It is about developing leaders, nurturing empathy, building confidence, and helping young people discover that they have the power to make a difference.
I have always believed that children and teenagers are not just the leaders of tomorrow. They are capable of leading today. Sometimes, all they need is someone who believes in them, listens to their ideas, and gives them the opportunity to turn those ideas into action.
That is what makes Kids Helping Kids so meaningful to me.
Our new space represents possibilities. It is a place where students can gather, share ideas, develop projects, build friendships, and discover their own potential. It is a place where a simple idea can become a meaningful initiative that touches the lives of children and families throughout our community.
But a space alone does not create impact. People do.
I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to our Board of Directors for their commitment and guidance, to our dedicated staff for the work they do every day, and to the many individuals, businesses, and community organizations that continue to believe in our mission.
To everyone who joined us for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, thank you for taking the time to celebrate this milestone with us. Your presence was a reminder that KHK is surrounded by a community that genuinely cares about the next generation.
And to our young volunteers, I want you to know something: You are the reason we are here. You are the reason why over 80 people came to celebrate this new chapter!
Every project you create, every person you help, and every act of kindness you inspire reminds us that leadership is not defined by age or title. It is defined by the willingness to take action and make life better for someone else.
As we begin this new chapter, my hope is that our new home becomes more than an office. I hope it becomes a welcoming place where young people feel heard, valued, supported, and inspired. A place where families and community partners feel connected to our mission. And a place where new ideas and collaborations are born.
I also hope this milestone encourages more people to become part of our journey.
Whether you are a student looking to volunteer, a parent hoping to nurture your child's leadership skills, a school interested in collaborating, or a business seeking meaningful ways to give back, there is a place for you at Kids Helping Kids.
I often think about how much stronger our communities become when we create opportunities for people to connect, support one another, and work toward something greater than themselves.
That is the kind of community I want to help build through KHK.
Our ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening of a new space, but for me, it also represented a renewed commitment: to listen to our young people, to support their dreams, to create opportunities for them to lead, and to make sure they understand that their voices and actions matter.
The ribbon has been cut, but the most exciting part of our journey is still ahead.
Thank you for being part of our story. I cannot wait to see what we will accomplish together.
With gratitude,
Edith Targonski
Executive Director
Kids Helping Kids
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