It is the mission of K.I.D.S to bring hope and self esteem to children in need and their families by providing new products donated by retailers and manufacturers, and distributed through our network of community-based nonprofit agencies.

Since 1985, K.I.D.S. has provided over $750 million in new clothes, toys, shoes, books, accessories, and juvenile products to 65 million children served by local partner agencies. K.I.D.S. pioneered a unique charity model that aligns hundreds of companies with more than one thousand leading local agencies in the United States and Canada. 85% of donations are distributed to agencies in the U.S. and the remaining 15% to countries abroad. This alliance brings new clothes, shoes, books, juvenile products… and hope… to children and their families at risk.

Houston Area Women’s Center Awarded $20,000 Allstate Foundation Grant

Funding Provides Economic Empowerment for Domestic Violence Survivors

The Allstate Foundation is partnering with the Houston Area Women’s Center to help survivors build lives free from the effects of domestic violence with a $20,000 grant to support and enhance services offered by the Center's Career Development Program (CDP). For many women, the CDP helps them develop a financial foundation from which they can build a safe and economically independent future for themselves, and oftentimes, their children.

Limited financial access and social isolation are common among domestic violence survivors; therefore, many lack the job skills and financial management tools needed to free themselves from the dependency of their abuser. Within the shelter at the Houston Area Women’s Center, the CDP offers survivors access to tools and resources necessary for achieving economic freedom.

The CDP assists each woman in creating an individualized plan for financial stability. For most, this includes obtaining employment, enhancing job skills and furthering their education. During the initial five months of participating in the Economic Empowerment for Domestic Violence Survivors Program, 125 Women’s Center residents have participated in "The Allstate Foundation’s Moving Ahead Through Financial Management" workshops, 47 have completed educational courses, job training programs or certificate programs, and 68 have gained new or better employment.

Another factor in achieving financial independence is developing the life skills for creating budgets and managing resources. Clients attend classes that teach the fundamentals of budgeting, credit repair, saving for the future and accessing mainstream assistance. Since May, 74 survivors have met a personal financial goal. With the support and resources provided by The Allstate Foundation, clients of the Houston Area Women’s Center have a better chance at a brighter future for themselves and their children.