Kids in Konflict
Kids In Konflict (KIK) is a nonprofit committed to transforming the lives of Southern California’s most vulnerable youth—and strengthening the communities they call home. We serve young people who are disconnected from school and work, navigating behavioral health challenges, or involved in foster care and justice systems, helping them reclaim stability, purpose, and possibility.
Our mission is to equip youth with the skills, confidence, and support needed to build healthy, productive, and self‑determined lives. Through workforce readiness, social‑emotional development, life‑skills education, and restorative justice programming, we create pathways that empower youth to rise above adversity and shape their own futures. Founded by Lonnie “Ron” Gardner and Lynette Jones—two leaders with more than 50 years of combined experience in juvenile justice, foster care, and youth development—KIK meets youth where they are, supports their healing, and provides the tools they need to thrive and contribute to stronger, more resilient communities.
Our Programs
KIK’s work is anchored in two core initiatives: RISE and REHABILITATE, each designed to address the needs of youth at different stages of their journey.
KIK RISE Programs:
Youth Workforce Development Program
Youth participate in meaningful, paid, hands‑on work that directly benefits the environment and the broader community. Through real projects with real impact, participants build essential competencies, earn certifications, and develop the professional habits needed for future employment. Every experience helps youth envision—and actively build—their own career trajectory.
Social Emotional Life Skills Program
This neuroscience‑informed program helps youth understand their emotions, regulate their behavior, and make decisions that support their goals. Youth learn how the brain constructs emotions, how thoughts shape actions, and how to shift from reacting to regulating. They challenge negative thinking, build a growth mindset, and strengthen eight core life‑skills anchors—from communication and empathy to problem solving, responsibility, and teamwork. The program also includes independent living skills, academic support, and college‑access guidance to help youth build a confident, self‑directed future.
KIK REHABILITATE: Restorative Justice
A community‑centered, relationship‑driven approach that weaves together education, mentoring, and wraparound support to reduce future system involvement. This program promotes healing, accountability, and positive youth development, helping justice‑involved youth repair harm, rebuild trust, and re‑enter their communities with dignity and direction.
