By: Natasha Enis, Follow South Jersey Community Journalist
PENNSAUKEN, N.J. – What started 25 years ago with a fifteen-foot trailer in the middle of Camden has grown into an established and thriving community initiative.
Kids Alley, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to supporting underprivileged children and their families from Camden and Woodlynne year-round. Its school-like facility in Pennsauken is a haven that offers a variety of programs, spiritual guidance, and emotional encouragement.
Kids Alley was founded by Vivian Tan, a missionary from Singapore. When she visited Camden in 1998, she noticed the violence and other unsafe activities that were present on the streets and realized that the kids needed a safe place to play. Tan began driving her trailer into the city every Saturday and announced through a megaphone where Kids Alley would take place for the day. She brought games and entertainment for the many families that would come.
Spiritual guidance has been a central part of Kids Alley’s philosophy since its inception. It’s a way of letting the kids know they are loved while maintaining positivity. Jayla Washington, Assistant Director, explained, “we’re also equipping them with the tools to manage their behaviors and move forward in life successfully with emotional maturity.” The staff teach gratitude and kindness through Bible themes, fun songs, and group prayer.
In addition to the Saturday fun, the organization hosts an after school learning center, various holiday parties, and summer camp, with a low cost to the families. This July, the camp was in full swing.
For five weeks, Monday through Thursday, the children were bussed to the Pennsauken facility for an eight hour day of activities and adventures. Since most parents are single and work full days, the camp acts as both child care and a chance for their kids to grow.
“It’s a great way for my daughter to spend the summer,” parent Mal Patco shared.
The best way to describe the atmosphere is bright. Hallways and classrooms are vibrantly decorated, music is playing, kids are laughing, and the counselors are running around making sure everyone is having a good time. Everyday after breakfast, there is a devotion period where campers and staff dance and sing their hearts out to songs about God, love, and kindness.
Most days, a field trip is planned. Over the course of the summer, Kids Alley has been to an aquarium, a lake, the Funplex, Soupy Island, and many more fun locations.
“The goal is to expose our campers to the outside world,” Washington said. “Showing them there’s more out there can give them that hope that they need.”
What makes the summer camp truly special, however, is how deeply every child is valued. While each staff member is assigned their own group, they still take the time to learn every camper’s name, personality, and what they need to grow. Enter any room and hugs, high-fives, jokes, and meaningful conversations are abundant.
“We try to keep the balance of being mentors, people of faith, and brothers and sisters that are guiding them,” Jazmine Brinkley, Executive Program Coordinator, said. “When they go home, we know the environment there is not always easy, so we’re able to be that extra light and that love. Hearing the kids laugh and watching them grow means everything to us.”
Toni Rivera, whose daughters attend Kids Alley programs regularly, agrees. “The staff are all so nice and truly care for my kids and their well-being.”
While a successful organization, Kids Alley hopes to continue growing. “I’d say the hardest part about working here is that you don’t always know if you’ve gotten through to the kids by the time they age out of our programs,” Brinkley explained. Kids Alley supports kids until they are thirteen. “Our goal for the future is to be able to be there for all kids as they make the transition to adulthood,” she added.
Kids Alley also hopes to expand its work beyond Camden and New Jersey to any community in need. “Every child deserves a place where they feel safe and loved,” Washington emphasized. “We want to be that place, wherever it’s needed.”
Rather than trying to solve every challenge the children face, Kids Alley focuses on helping them grow through adversity with hope, joy, and compassion. In the words of six-year-old Amelia, “I just love Kids Alley and all my teachers and friends here!”
To continue their important work, Kids Alley depends on the generosity of donors and the dedication of volunteers. Anyone can get involved and make a difference. To learn more, visit their website and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
- What’s Good in South Jersey? Chris the Barber
- Stockton Hosts Annual Lines on the Pines Event
- Rowan University Virtua Health Opens Research Center
Follow South Jersey provides local journalism which highlights our diverse communities; fosters transparency through robust, localized, and vital reporting that holds leaders and institutions accountable; addresses critical information needs; supports people in navigating civic life; and equips people with the information necessary to partake in effective community engagement. If there is a story or event you think we should cover, please send your tips to news@followsouthjersey.com with “NEWS” in the subject line.
