OUR RESULTS

Each child and teen in the UP™ Program is surrounded by caring adults who track their behavior at home and school through progress reports. Grades are tracked, and work effort and improvement are noted. By partnering with the school, home, and at times with the court or counselors, UP™ kid's progress is tracked. Grades have improved, school attendance is on the rise, attitudes have shifted. Parents report that since their children have joined the UP™ Program, homework times are easier, chores are completed and children/teens succeed. The longer children/teens are in the Program, and the more responsible they are with their money. As new life skills are mastered, self-esteem rises. And then there are the soft work skills—being on time, wearing the right clothing for the job, and hard work—that help children/teens become self-reliant.

When Director of the UP™ Faith Initiative, Kurtis Hinton, took a group of kids to Shiloh United Methodist Church, one moment stood out.

Dante came with five dollars his mom had given him to spend for the day. Instead of buying something for himself, he quietly placed it in the church offering.

Later at McDonald’s, he bowed his head and asked if he could pray for everyone before they ate.

Five dollars. One prayer. A powerful example of a heart growing in faith.

From an UP Parent:

“The UP Program has taught my kids more about responsibility and respect.

It holds them accountable for their actions.

It helps them find their words to speak up for themselves in a positive and respectful manner. My kids look forward to their days at UP each week and telling me about what they did when I pick them up.

They also enjoy using their gift cards to buy themselves things they wouldn’t normally get to buy.

We are a single income family and as the only parent, I often go without and they have gotten to the age that they have seen this. They have used their gift cards to buy me a birthday gift, even though I tried to decline, they insisted!

This is such a great program! I’d like to encourage every business and able person to donate to UP if they don’t need the kids to personally do any yard work.

There are many ways to give, but UP stands out as one that genuinely changes lives!”

After 5 years in the UP Program Sarah Hughes redeemed her points for $1,600 to go towards a car.

You may recall, her brother Jonah accomplished the same feat in 2021! We’re extremely proud of their dedication to the program and their hard work to saving their points for the future.

MJ McColl: "Love in Action"

For eight years, MJ has grown up through the UP™ Program at Kokomo Urban Outreach. What began as a place for mentorship and structure has become so much more—a community, a source of hope, and a reminder that kindness still thrives.

“Kokomo Urban Outreach is more than a program—it’s a lifeline. Children are told ‘You matter. You are important. You can dream big.’ Adults are treated with dignity. Families find belonging.”

MJ’s heartfelt words remind us what’s at the core of UP™: love in action. With every job, every smile, every lesson in responsibility and work ethic, we’re building confidence, hope, and a stronger Kokomo—together.

Keith - "From Lost to Found"

At just 14, Keith has lived through more than most adults ever will—homelessness, addiction, and deep emotional pain.

“I hated myself… so I thought others would too. But the UP™ team didn’t give up on me.”

After three years in the program, Keith says UP™ gave him family, hope, and the tools to rebuild. From working alongside mentors to earning points through meaningful tasks, Keith has gained more than skills—he’s gained confidence, faith, and a future.

“I don’t know where I’d be without UP™. They showed me that life can be better—and that I matter.”

Ralph became part of the program nearly seven years ago and has since become a self-reliant adult. Hear it from him directly by clicking the video below.

Update Nov. 2025, Ralph has received his CDL license!

From an UP Parent:

“UP has taught my children the dignity of earning.

They no longer ask with an entitled mindset, but they have begun to consider, "Is a purchase worth the work that must be put in for it? Am I willing to use my earnings for certain purchases?"

UP is preparing my children to be responsible with their work and finances in adulthood.”

Shaterra first joined the UP™ Program as a young child and has spent several impactful years growing through our program —and now, at 19, she came back to visit and share how the program helped shape her into the young woman she is today.

“One of the biggest accomplishments that I've made in the year of 2025, that's benefited from this program—even not being here—is my patience, and my ability to sit, listen, and accept advice, regardless if I like it, need it, or don’t."

We love seeing the positive impact of the UP™️ Program! Recently, one of our amazing kids used her hard-earned points to buy a pair of shoes for her dad. This thoughtful gesture not only shows how our program encourages positive behavior but also highlights the love and kindness our kids have for their families.