A Blueprint for Hope.
Right Here in the Tri-Cities.
Only 33% of children nationwide reach grade-level reading by third grade. But over 90% of Coalition kids do.
Behind every statistic is a child's future—health, career, freedom. Coalition For Kids is proving that with the right support, even the most at-risk children can thrive.
3rd-Grade Reading:
A Turning Point for Life
Falling behind in reading isn't just an academic hurdle. It reshapes an entire future.
2/3 of students who cannot read proficiently by the end of 3rd grade will end up on welfare or in prison.
7 Years
shorter life expectancy
$1 million
lower earnings over lifetime
22x
less likely to attend college
23x
more likely to struggle with addiction
2/3 of students who cannot read proficiently by the end of 4th grade will end up on welfare or in prison.
The Coalition For Kids Story
The Choice: Wall vs. Playground
Twenty-five years ago, a small church faced a crossroads. Build a wall to keep disruptive neighborhood kids out—or open their doors wider. Pastor Hagan chose hope, and with the support of local donor Mitch Cox, a playground was built.
And from that act of welcome, Coalition For Kids was born.
C4K was never meant to be a casual drop-in center. From the beginning, it was about commitment, structure, and building a better future.
And from that act of welcome, Coalition For Kids was born.
C4K was never meant to be a casual drop-in center. From the beginning, it was about commitment, structure, and building a better future.
"I will never be a babysitting service. We're here to change lives."
Randy Hensley, Founder
"I will never be a babysitting service. We're here to change lives."
Randy Hensley, Founder
The Granny's House Model
More than after-school care, we're family. Each day follows a rhythm that feels like home. Because for many of our kids, we are home.
"The Coalition was my home. It's where I learned that I mattered."
Former Coalition Student
Healthy Snack
Nutritious food to fuel learning
Homework Help
One-on-one tutoring and academic support
Hot Meal
Family-style dinner served daily
Play & Connection
Safe space for friendship, growth, and joy
Proof Under Pressure
When the world stopped in 2020, we didn't. When families needed us most, we showed up.
8,000+
meals delivered
during the pandemic
during the pandemic
11-Hour
virtual Learning Hub
built when schools closed
built when schools closed
300%
growth in impact
from 250 to 1,000+ kids served
from 250 to 1,000+ kids served
90%+
reading proficiency
by third grade
by third grade
Trusted by Leaders Across Tennessee
Recognized statewide and nationally for setting a new standard in children’s education.
"The Coalition For Kids has created a model that should be replicated across Tennessee and beyond."
Dr. Maureen Mulroy
National Program Evaluator & Former U.S. Department of Education
Proud Partners In Change
Johnson City Schools
ETSU
United Way
Community Foundation
State of Tennessee
Why This Matters Nationally
Our success isn't just a local victory. It's proof that communities can break the cycle of educational inequality.
Under $20k household income

Under $10k household income
Reading at grade level
by 3rd grade

by 3rd grade

From Local Impact to National Blueprint
Coalition For Kids proves what's possible in communities with the greatest need. From local impact to national blueprint, we've built a replicable framework that addresses a nationwide crisis at the community level. Your support helps scale this solution where it's needed most.
Come Build With Us
Join us in rewriting children's futures.