About Us

Our Mission

To prepare children and their families for the future by building foundations for life through education, arts, workforce development training and resources in order to make a positive difference in our community and beyond.

Our History

Dear Friends,

“Our Brief History…… How people working together can make a positive change……”

After moving to Alabaster, Alabama, from Atlanta, Georgia in 1998, Oscar and Cindy Hawkins realized that the children in the at-risk areas did not have a positive program in which to become involved. “They saw the need and stepped out in faith!”

In 1999, Oscar and Cindy along with some caring friends hosted the first annual Kids’ Day Event on their own land in Alabaster called:

“Be Cool…Stay in School…Up with Hope….”

This no-cost event provided a place where city leaders, teachers, pastors, and community activists were able to establish relationships with the youth and their families from the community. This event included family-centered activities along with guest speakers who emphasized the importance of:

Staying in School, Avoiding Drugs and Violence, and Establishing a Positive Community by Doing a Day of Service.

“If one child listens and says, ‘that person (a teacher-pastor) made it…I can, too,’ then we’ve made a difference!”– the Hawkins.

**Below are some achievements and events over the last 25 years:

July 20, 2002, to March 2016 the Hawkins had the opportunity to open Kids First Awareness Community Learning Center, a family after-school faith-based 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in Valley Public Housing in Alabaster, Alabama.

In June 2003, The Mayor and City Council presented Kids First with the Key to the City of Alabaster for outstanding service and dedication to the city and citizens of Alabaster, Alabama and blessed with many more accolades over the years.

In 2011, Kids First youth with officials, dedicated the first and only street to Martin Luther King Jr. in Shelby County, Alabama.

In 2010 to October 2019, Kids First Awareness successfully operated afterschool programs in Alabaster and Calera through Alabama Department of Education Federal Programs.

2019-Kids First-Bridge of HOPE Adult Job Outreach expanded to its new location in Clanton, Alabama

2019-Kids First-Bridge of HOPE Adult Outreach hosted at the YMCA-Seeds of Kindness Awards & Basketball in Clanton, Alabama

2020-Kids First-Bridge of HOPE Job Outreach opened its first ministry home on Martin Luther King Street in Clanton, Alabama

2019-2020–Completed-State of Alabama-Certified Public Manager, Auburn University at Montgomery

2020-Completed-Basic Economic Development Training Course, Auburn University

2021-Completed-Intensive Economic Development Training Course, Auburn University

2021-Kids First-Bridge of HOPE Adult Job Outreach-hosted at the YMCA-Family Basketball & Day of Service in Clanton, Alabama 

2022-Kids First-Bridge of HOPE Adult Outreach-hosted Seed of Kindness Awards & Community Prayer Walk in Clanton, Alabama

2023-Kids First-Bridge of HOPE Adult Job Outreach-hosted Seed of Kindness Awards & Day of Service in Clanton, Alabama

2024-Kids First-25th Year of Service-Retirement-Commendation from Governor Office in Montgomery, Al.

Now we can rest……! Until God says…… Time for the next project……!

Our mission is simple…Encouraging others to step out in Faith and Help others!

We look forward to great things…

(All the Honor goes to God…)- Hebrews 11:1- (the Hawkins)

Please click below to see our events over the past 25 years
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