MONADNOCK REGION, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Every child deserves the opportunity to discover their strengths, build confidence and develop the skills needed to succeed. For children whose families face financial barriers, however, many of the experiences that help shape childhood—from summer camps and sports to music lessons, swimming and after-school programs—can be difficult or impossible to afford.

That is the gap Kids Collaborative works to address throughout the Monadnock Region.

Kids Collaborative is a Keene-based nonprofit that connects eligible children with enrichment opportunities in the community at no cost to their families. The organization serves children living in Keene Housing including those with Housing Choice vouchers as well as children living at select Southwestern Community Services properties, including CitySide and Keene Highlands in Keene, Swanzey Township in Swanzey and Woodcrest in Winchester.

Rather than creating programs exclusively at housing sites, Kids Collaborative takes children into the broader community. A child might participate in martial arts, attend summer camp, take swimming lessons or join another local enrichment program alongside children from throughout the region.

The approach is intentional.

By participating in programs throughout the community, children have the opportunity to develop relationships with instructors and other young people, explore new interests and experience a greater sense of belonging. Partner organizations also gain new participants and an opportunity to reach families who may otherwise have been unable to access their programs.

Building a Foundation for Adulthood

Kids Collaborative’s mission is centered on helping children build the foundation for successful adulthood.

Its work begins before kindergarten and continues through high school, with goals that evolve as children grow. For young children, the focus includes being prepared to enter school. For elementary students, it includes supporting academic success and confidence. For teenagers, the goal is helping them graduate with the skills and preparation needed to pursue economic independence.

Enrichment experiences are an important part of that process.

A child learning to swim, discovering an interest through a weekly class or spending a summer at camp gains more than an activity. Those experiences can build confidence, relationships, social-emotional skills and a sense of belonging.
Parents have reported seeing those changes in their children, from improved school performance to increased confidence in everyday interactions.

A Community-Based Model

Partnership is at the center of the Kids Collaborative model.

The organization works with youth-serving businesses, nonprofits and other groups throughout the region that provide activities, support children or advocate for them. Families are also considered important partners. Parents help identify activities that are appropriate for their children, while Kids Collaborative staff help families navigate available opportunities.

The organization is led by a small staff that includes Executive Director Sally Malay and Development and Outreach Coordinator Amanda Chisolm.

Its board includes professionals and community leaders from fields including banking, insurance, law, accounting, real estate, economics, regional planning, mental health and education, along with representatives connected to Keene Housing, the Keene Family YMCA, Keene State College and SAU29.

Kids Collaborative also evaluates the results of its work. With parental permission, the organization receives standard educational data from the Keene School District. Researchers at Keene State College analyze this de-identified information, allowing the organization to compare outcomes among participating students and district-wide grade cohorts.

The organization has also emphasized financial and organizational transparency, maintaining a Platinum Seal from
Candid, formerly GuideStar, and a four-star rating from Charity Navigator. It has published annual reports since 2017.

Mission in Motion

The community will have an opportunity to learn more about the organization’s work during the 2026 Kids Collaborative Impact Breakfast: Mission in Motion on Friday, Oct. 16, from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the Mabel Brown Room at Keene State College.

The event will feature keynote speaker Jeanine Fitzgerald, a nationally recognized expert whose work has focused on education, disabilities and mental health. Fitzgerald will discuss the role caring adults and strong communities play in helping children reach their potential.

The breakfast is being presented by Nellie Mae Foundation, Savings Bank of Walpole and Fenton Family Dealerships.
Space is limited, and registration is available through the Kids Collaborative website.

Kids Collaborative is the latest My Keene Now Community Partner, sponsored by Kerber Farms & Mill Lumber Company. The Community Partner program highlights local organizations working to strengthen the Monadnock Region and connects their missions with the businesses that support their work.

For more information about Kids Collaborative, visit thekidscollab.org or call 603-352-0109.

Register for the breakfast by clicking here: The Kids Collaborative