TESTIMONIALS
Joining KAVI helped me to meet other teens who are dealing with similar problems in our neighborhood—poverty, violence, prison. They introduced me to a graphic designer who does this for a living and they even had me design their summer camp flyer to get more experience using Adobe InDesign. One of the peer facilitators is helping me figure out which colleges I should apply to next year. KAVI helped me believe that my career is possible, no matter where I come from.
KAVI YOUTH
KAVI HELPED ME MAKE CONNECTIONS
I tell all my friends about KAVI because the peer facilitators and the other teens are like family to me now. When I walk into one of the after-school sessions, I don’t see strangers—I see my friends and my community. I hope more teens will join us.
KAVI YOUTH
KAVI IS FAMILY
I first started attending KAVI when I was about 16 years old, and at that time, I didn’t know much. I wasn’t too aware, I was more reserved and shy. I wouldn’t speak when some conversations came about. I was interested, but I never had the knowledge or the courage to speak. When I started doing the groups sessions at KAVI, I felt like it was a safe space. We sat in an open circle, and I was actually able to share my thoughts. We learned a lot about oppression, gentrification, trauma. After I graduated high school, I was asked about becoming a “Care Facilitator”. I started doing training after graduation. In my first year working as a Care Facilitator, I wasn’t too sure I was going to be the best, or if I knew enough. But I did learn. I feel like KAVI changed me as an individual. I’m more open minded to certain things. I understand people better. I’m not judgemental. I am able to express myself and by my full self.
NERMA LAFRANCE
JOINING KAVI AT 16 YEARS OLD