What is the mission of Kidz2Leaders?
Kidz2Leaders (K2L) exists to break the cycle of generational incarceration by providing stability, opportunity, and a Christian community for children of inmates. We develop and maintain committed, long-term relationships with whole families—building resilience, counteracting trauma, and spreading hope. Our decade-long continuum of year-round programming serves children with incarcerated parents beginning at age eight and continuing through young adulthood at no cost to families. We believe it is through this long-term commitment that we can truly end generational incarceration.
How did Kidz2Leaders start?
Founded in 1999 by Rev. Dr. Diane Parrish, K2L began after she met three generations of women from one family in three different prisons. Deeply moved by the impact of incarceration on children, she created Camp Hope—a safe and joyful place where kids could experience love, fun, and God’s purpose for their lives. What started with 13 children has grown into a decade long support system that serves nearly 800 individuals this year alone.
What is the proven need for Kidz2Leaders programming?
In Georgia, approximately 200,000 children have experienced parental incarceration. Research shows these children are 3 times more likely to enter the justice system themselves and face significantly higher risks of poverty and lower educational attainment.
The Georgia Department of Corrections operates on a $1.7 billion annual budget, funded by state taxpayers. It costs the state about $25,000 each year to incarcerate one person. By intervening early and helping children avoid the intergenerational impact of incarceration, Kidz2Leaders works to change lives while also reducing long-term costs to the state and communities.
How do you find the children you serve?
We partner with Prison Fellowship, to identify and connect with children of incarcerated parents. Their national database allows us to identify families with an incarcerated parent in each county. Additionally, many families find our organization through targeted Facebook/Instagram ads.
Between these two forms of outreach, we can connect with our children and families.
Given the demand, we receive more applications than we can currently accommodate, largely due to the limited bed space at camp. Expanding our capacity is an important priority as we work to serve more children.
What is Camp Hope?
Camp Hope is a free, five-day overnight summer camp for children (affected by parental incarceration) with an incarcerated parent. It’s where each child’s journey with K2L begins. At camp, kids enjoy team sports, swimming, ropes courses, arts and crafts, and more—all in a safe and loving Christian environment. Through biblical teaching, dedicated volunteers, recreation, and learning new skills, Camp Hope helps children begin healing from trauma and discover God’s design for their lives.
At what ages can children begin programs with Kidz2Leaders?
Children begin their Kidz2Leaders journey through Camp Hope, our entry-point program, between the ages of 8 and 10. We’ve found that this age range is ideal—children are mature enough to participate in an overnight camp experience while still at an impressionable stage where positive mentorship can make a lasting impact. Beginning at this age also allows them to fully participate in and benefit from our 10-year continuum of programming, all at no cost to our families.
How does Kidz2Leaders support families year-round?
After Camp Hope, families stay connected to K2L through our 10-year program continuum that includes:
- Family Support offers year-round events, family and student support services, and opportunities for spiritual growth. Activities include budgeting workshops, meetups with campers and counselors, and community events.
- Interns4Tomorrow equips high school students with financial literacy, job readiness, and life skills through a two-year program that includes paid internships. Each student is paired with a business coach who provides guidance and support throughout the program.
- Alumni Community offers social, service, and professional development opportunities, including financial literacy seminars to maintain a critical supportive community.
What volunteer opportunities are available?
There are countless ways to serve! Volunteers can help at Camp Hope as well as throughout the year with events-based volunteer opportunities. Upcoming opportunities are posted on our website, and you can also complete an interest form to connect with our Volunteer Manager. https://www.kidz2leaders.org/participate/volunteer/
Who can volunteer?
Volunteer age requirements vary depending on the event or project. To serve at Camp Hope, individuals must be at least 15 years old, complete a background check and interview, and align with our statement of faith. We welcome volunteers from all walks of life who are passionate about serving youth in a Christ-centered environment.
Can my church, company, or group volunteer together?
Yes! We love partnering with churches, companies, and community groups. Group volunteer opportunities include event support, service projects, and hosting donation drives. To learn more or schedule a group opportunity, reach out to our Volunteer Manager, Ashley Servine, at Ashley.Servine@kidz2leaders.org.
What are your plans for future growth?
We know that the demand for our services exceeds our ability to accept all applicants, thus the need for us to expand our programming. K2L is growing in two directions:
- Locally – We aim to increase the number of new participants(campers) in Georgia from 30 to 100 annually while maintaining a 90% retention rate and continuing to deliver safe, high-quality programs.
- Regionally – We’re preparing to expand to new cities. In partnership with Prison Fellowship, we’ve identified Birmingham, AL as the next site for full program replication by 2027.
This growth is guided by careful planning, strong partnerships, and a desire to reach more families with our proven programming and support services.
Is Kidz2Leaders a Christian organization?
Yes. Kidz2Leaders is guided by Christian values, which shape the way we serve children and families. We express the love of Christ through compassion, community, and hope—while welcoming and respecting participants of all backgrounds and beliefs. Our work is faith-inspired but not faith-required.
If an incarcerated parent is released while their child is in the program, are the children no longer eligible?
No. The impact of parental incarceration doesn’t end when a parent is released. Children remain part of K2L programming to ensure continued support, stability, and growth throughout their journey.
Do families pay anything to participate?
No. All programs, services, and events are 100% free to families, thanks to generous donors and partners.
How can I stay connected with K2L?
Follow us on social media @kidz2leaders and sign up for our newsletter at www.kidz2leaders.org to stay up to date on events, impact stories, and ways to get involved.
What kind of outcomes do you see?
Our alumni report increased confidence, stronger leadership skills, and a deeper sense of purpose. Of the young adults who have completed more than half of our decade-long program, 99% are living free from incarceration, 84% have pursued post-secondary education, and 82% are financially independent.
Kidz2Leaders is also partnering with The Lab for Economic Opportunities at The University of Notre Dame on a 10-year randomized study to measure the long-term efficacy of our programs. This partnership ensures that our work is not only guided by faith and compassion but also grounded in evidence—so we can continue breaking the cycle of incarceration for generations to come.
How is Kidz2Leaders funded?
In 2025, we raised $1.82 million, with funding from:
- Individual donors (42%)
- Churches and ministry partners (20%)
- Corporate and foundation grants (38%)
We are growing rapidly and have set a $2 million budget for 2026 to expand our reach in Georgia and launch a second location in Alabama.
How are donations used?
Every dollar supports the full continuum of programming—from meals at camp to our Christmas event, job training opportunities, and family support. Your gift helps provide 10 years of care, resources, and encouragement to each child and family we serve.
What is your most urgent need?
With 200,000 children of incarcerated parents in Georgia alone, the need is enormous. We’re working to double our impact in metro Atlanta while also expanding to Birmingham, Alabama—launching a second Camp Hope site and support hub by 2027. To meet this goal, we need financial support, church partnerships, volunteer, and local champions.
How can I donate?
You can donate at www.kidz2leaders.org. For more information, contact our Development Director, Dan Komitor at dan.komitor@kidz2leaders.org.
