KICKSTART works to change and save children’s lives through the discipline, life skills and structure taught by the martial arts. In 1990, the Kick Drugs Out of America Foundation was founded. In order to widen the focus of the anti-drugs aspect of the program, and to better represent the core values and philosophy of encouraging every child to lead a productive and healthy life, the working name was changed to KICKSTART in 2003. Specific goals of the program are to encourage students to resolve conflict productively, avoid participating in gangs, choose drug-free lifestyles, and remain in high school until they graduate. Martial Arts training serves simply as the vehicle to instill the values and skills necessary to combat the drug and gang-related peer pressures. In 2003, 5,300 students were served.
Website: kick-start.org
Email: donations@kick-start.org
Address: 427 West 20th Street Suite 403
Houston, TX 77008