February 3, 2017 at 3:23 p.m.
New year, new KIN
Kids In Need makes move, name change
New year, new KIN
By Kayla Thomason-
The staff and the six teenagers on the KIN Youth Advisory Board decided to change the name after deciding the original name had a negative connotation.
They chose "Kids Impacting our Neighborhood" (KIN) for the new name because it better reflects what the organization does.
"I simply love our new name," exclaimed Angela Dexter, executive director of KIN. "'Kids In Need' worked as our name when the program first started but a lot has changed since then. We wanted get rid of the stigma that goes along with 'need,' since the word tends to be seen in a negative light."
The name change was made after the organization heard feedback from community members. In November, they brought the matter to the Youth Advisory Board and in December the new name was chosen.
This month, KIN is moving into its new location at 52 N. Brown St. - the former Black Lotus.
"We have been in need of more space for a while now," Dexter said. "However, being a non-profit there didn't seem to be much available within desired location and budget range. I have walked past the former Black Lotus several times over the last year but didn't think it could be much bigger than our current location. In November, I broke down and called Driscoll Property for a tour and we fell in love with the setup of the property."
The new space is considerably larger, offering more office and storage space, plus a washer, dryer and stove, which will help them offer classes/groups to help strengthen families, and basic life and social skills.
"We are very excited to be moving into a larger building where we can expand our services at our site location," staff said in a press release. "The new building will allow us to offer various life skills classes to youth, a designated homework/computer cove where teens can work on their schoolwork, and other programming options."
KIN will be closed for a bit during the move.
"The KIN office, Chatterbox Group, Drop-in and Teen Centers will be closed beginning Monday, Jan. 30 and will be reopening on Monday, Feb. 13," she said. "Our Community Service projects on Mondays will continue as usual, and will be at the new location from 3:45 to 5:45 p.m. Although the Teen Center will not be open, youth are still welcome to come on regular center days to help with the move and getting us settled in."
KIN is ready to help the youth of the Northwoods and would like to make everyone aware of what they do.
"While we are a Homeless and Runaway Youth Program, we think it is important for the community to know that we are more than that," Dexter said. "Our purpose at KIN is to support and empower all youth in Oneida County and surrounding areas. I believe our new name, KIN (Kids Impacting our Neighborhoods) is an excellent description of who we are."
Regular office hours are typically Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Drop-in Center is open Tuesday through Friday 1 to 6 p.m., Monday's Community Service is 3:45 to 5:45 p.m. Tuesday's Chatterbox is 3:30 to 5 p.m., and Wednesday through Friday Teen Center is open from 3 to 6 p.m.
Kids Impacting our Neighborhood can be contacted at 715-365-7003. Their website is www.kinrhinelander.org.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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