MISSION STATEMENT
Kids Around the World is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to impacting the lives of kids with God’s transforming hope.
There are approximately 2.2 billion children worldwide. Half of the world’s population of children is in poverty—victims of war, natural disasters, injustice, and economic stress. This lack of safety burdens a child with fear and physical and emotional trauma, stunting a child’s ability to learn and grow in confidence. They feel hopelessly trapped within their socioeconomic boundaries, without vision for the future.
In the next decade or two, these children will become political leaders, teachers, law enforcement, or parents. It’s critical to shape them in those early years. Investing in them is investing in the future caretakers of this planet. By providing kids with safe places to explore and healthy meals, we are directly sowing into our future.
Kids Around The World
4750 Hyrdraulic Rd
Rockford, Illinois
katw.net
TRANSFORMATION
AND RESULTS
Since 1994 Kids Around the World has been igniting hope in over 60 countries through means of providing playgrounds, restoring health with life-saving meals, and resourcing teachers to reach millions of children with the gospel. Our ultimate mission is to impact the lives of kids with God’s transforming hope.
Play is crucial to a child’s emotional, physical, social, and creative growth. It’s more than a hobby, it’s a matter of life. With one colorful, unique playground, a whole community is transformed, allowing kids to be kids, and to experience a worry-free environment crucial to healthy development. No matter the culture, play is a universal need, an unspoken language that builds bridges to the hearts of the whole family.
We restore opportunity for children to enjoy the kind of play that leads to an encounter with Father God in communities devastated by war or poverty. Our experts determine the best solution for each country we work in—whether a playground designed from scratch or a refurbished playground designed to feel and look brand new.
If you can reach a child when he is young, you can impact him for life. Over 80% of Christians make decisions for Christ before the age of 14. A child who knows they are loved is far less likely to experience social dysfunctions or become involved in criminal activity later in life. Imagine the lifelong comfort of a child knowing the love of the Savior. Kids Around the World is dedicated to impacting the one. One transformed child has the potential to positively change their nation.
FINANCIALS
Kids Around the World is both eager to remain financially transparent as well as to strive for financial growth for the purpose of serving more children. In 2016, we worked to continue our efficiency in raising and spending money. We are proud to report that the percentage of funds used directly for program services was 90%, while the percentages spent on administrative and fundraising expenses was 10%. We continually maximize our effectiveness as we deliver the gift of play, food and gospel training all over the world – thanks to donors and partners like you.
OPERATIONS
Jon Ortlip-President
Richard B. Chelko-USA
President of The Chelko Consulting Group, President of EdisonHealth Network, LLC and Co-President of World- wide Employee Benefits Network. He is also a board member of the Christian Business Owners Fellowship and a member of the Investment Advisory Committee for the In His Steps Foundation. Rich formerly served as the board chair for the Cleveland Chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the John Carroll Entrepreneurs Association.
David A. Cook-USA
David has a consulting practice serving entrepreneurial companies and non-profit organizations. He serves as a Senior Advisor to SDG, Inc., a drug development company at the Cleveland Clinic, and Choice Cabinet, a manufacturer of fine wood cabinetry. In the non-profit area, he advises Parkside Church, Truth for Life and Ambassadors Football. David was formerly the CFO of Matrix Essentials, Inc., a manufacturer of salon products founded by the Miller family and sold to Bristol Myers Squibb. He also established Symax Ltd., the Miller family office which managed investments and started several family enterprises. David began his career as a CPA with Arthur Andersen & Co. after graduating from Case Western Reserve University. David serves on various charitable and civic boards including The Entrepreneurs EDGE, NEO Leadership Foundation, Lifework Leadership, NEO Pinnacle Forum and Parkside Church.
Andy Lim—Singapore
Andy is a Trainer and Life-Coach. Andy is also a Board member of the Evangelical Fellowship of Singapore (EFOS), Church Resource Ministries Singapore (CRMS), Evangelism Equipping Singapore (EE Spore), YouthWorks & Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
Julie C.M. Matiba-Wahome
Julie Wahome is a hospitality professional with a BS degree from Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. She has also completed a post graduate certificate program from the Victoria University of Manchester, Institute of Development Policy and Management, in Manchester UK, and from Cornell University specializing in Hotel Real Estate Investments and Asset Management. She is currently a director at Kenedco; a company which has various interests in Real Estate, Education, Hospitality and Agriculture.
She also currently sits on the board of the Pan African Leadership Foundation – an organization that seeks to transform our society by nurturing young leaders; The Cluster Foundation – an organization which raises awareness about and advocates for respect for the rights and dignity of persons living with spinal cord injury.
Eric Peiffer-USA
Eric is the Managing Director of the Investment Banking Division at KeyBanc Capital Markets in Cleveland, Ohio. He received his B.S. Business (Finance, Accounting) from Miami University (Ohio) and his M.B.A. from Harvard University. His prior work experience includes both Deloitte and J.P. Morgan
Guilherme Thomé – Brazil
Guilherme is the Managing Director of WGT Incorp, a real estate and construction company headed in São Paulo, and founder of Brazil Sports Network, a sport company focused on exporting Brazilian football overseas. He also serves as leader at IBNU (Igreja Batista Nações Unidas) in São Paulo. He received his B.B.A. from USP – Universidade de São Paulo and M.Div. from Servo de Cristo (SP).
Wayne Walker – USA
NOTE: USA board members are serving on the International Board because the operations of Ambassadors Football are based in the USA at this time.
