About Us
For over 20 years, we have been committed to providing vulnerable children across the region with a nurturing and faith-based environment to help them develop into successful individuals who positively impact their communities. Our organization began as a grassroots effort in one of the lowest-income and highest crime areas in Johnson City, and we have since grown to multiple locations serving hundreds of children daily.
At C4K, we believe that every child deserves to be loved and supported, regardless of their circumstances. Our programming is designed to help children build strong moral character, spiritual foundations, physical health, and mental confidence. We offer a wide range of activities all with the goal of empowering each child to reach their full potential.
Our History
Founded in 1998 by Mitch Cox and Lawrence Porterfield, Coalition For Kids (C4K) purchased land and chartered the organization. The following year, C4K began with Fairmont Elementary at their main facility in East Johnson City, offering after-school and evening activities.
By 2000, C4K named their core programs Awesome Kids Club (AKC), Kids in Action (KIA), and Community Kids Activity Club (CKAC), which remain central to their mission. Over the years, C4K expanded into additional schools, including Mountain View, North Side, South Side, Cherokee Elementary, and Indian Trial Intermediate.
In 2015, Mitch Cox acquired the former Tri-Cities Christian School facility and graciously allowed C4K to utilize the entire campus. So the new Kid City was born providing much more space to serve children.
C4K further expanded in 2018, adding the remaining 3 Johnson City Schools Woodland, Lakeridge, and Towne Acres to the program. In 2019, they extended their reach beyond Johnson City into the Bristol City School system and initiated a project for comprehensive development.
In 2022, C4K embarked on a four-year regional expansion plan, reaching into all Washington County and Bristol, TN schools. This expansion includes 19 additional schools, employing 150 staff members, and supporting over 1200 students daily.
These milestones highlight C4K's dedication to nurturing and supporting vulnerable children through their core programs and continuous growth throughout the region.
