Help KITE continue!

This article caught my attention since it’s up in my neck of the woods. Until I read it, I had no idea this program even existed. KITE – Kids in Training to Excel – is a free, apartment-based tutoring program in Lynnwood. Middle school students at Whispering Pines, a low-income housing complex, offers tutoring sessions on Mondays and Thursdays beginning at 2:45 p.m.

Proving that “if you build it, they will come” is indeed true, KITE brings tutors to students, making it safe, easy and convenient for kids to get the help they need. Problem is, on June 17 the grant money for this program will run dry.

"We started it as a pilot, but we don't have the funds to continue to support it for very long," said Jim Teverbaugh, executive director of Snohomish County Federated Health & Safety Network, the nonprofit group funding the program. "I just hope the program will be able to find ongoing support. It would be a shame to start it up and begin to demonstrate making a difference in the lives of these kids and then shut it down."

I hope so too. Because if this program continues, I’d love to be a part of it. So if there’s anyone out there who can make the investment – contact the Snohomish County Federated Health & Safety Network! Open up your hearts and your checkbook. These kids will thank you for it.