A Safe Place to Belong: Inside The Salvation Army of Kalamazoo’s Kickback Program
The Salvation Army of Kalamazoo is giving local youth more than just something to do after school — it’s giving them a safe place to grow, learn and simply be a kid. Through the corps community center’s Kickback program, children spend time in a welcoming environment filled with games, activities, mentorship and encouragement.
The free program is held three days a week with opportunities to play basketball, create art, watch movies, socialize and participate in educational lessons.
“The Kickback program helps kids stay connected, active and supported after school,” says DeJon, community center director at The Salvation Army of Kalamazoo. “The program was designed to give kids a safe place to go after school — somewhere they can have fun, stay active and avoid some of the negative influences they might otherwise run into.”
The program’s impact extends far beyond recreation.
On youth nights, children learn important life skills like hygiene, healthy eating, manners and responsibility. Staff members encourage education and celebrate academic achievement, helping children build confidence both inside and outside the classroom.
One student who attended the program at age 12 still returns years later to proudly show staff his report cards. What started as motivation to earn a candy bar reward for good grades eventually turned into a sense of pride in academic success.
“It speaks to the impact of the Kickback program,” DeJon says. “We just want to make sure these kids end up being good people.”
For many parents, the program also provides peace of mind.
“Programs like this exist to take some weight off of people’s shoulders,” says Nick, program assistant.
More than just an after-school program, Kickback has become a gathering place for neighborhood families.
Gloria, Pathway of Hope manager and community and youth ministry assistant, says the sense of community is what makes the program so impactful.
“It’s a program that actually brings families together,” she says. “It’s important that the community has a safe space, especially for the kids.”
In communities where many families face financial barriers, programs like Kickback help ensure every child has access to connection, support and positive experiences — all at no cost.
To learn more about The Salvation Army of Kalamazoo’s Kickback program, please call 269-344-6119.