KICKSTART
- For other uses, see Kickstart.
| KICKSTART | |
|---|---|
| Motto | Building strong moral character in our Youth through Martial Arts |
| Formation | August 16, 1990 |
| Type | Non-profit organization |
| Purpose/focus | Drug prevention in public schools |
| Headquarters | 3800 N. Shepherd Dr. Suite 3800B |
| Location |   Houston, Texas, USA |
| Region served | Texas |
| Membership | Middle school & High school students |
| Official languages | English |
| Chairman | Chuck Norris |
| Staff | 87 |
| Website | http://www.kick-start.org/ |
KICKSTART is an anti-drug non-profit organization, formed by Chuck Norris on August 16, 1990 as the Kick Drugs Out of America Foundation.
[edit] History
On August 16, 1990, the Kick Drugs Out of America Foundation (dba KICKSTART KIDS) was formed by Chuck Norris. He wanted to provide a martial arts program that came at no cost to the students, a program that would teach kids all the valiant traits the martial arts has to offer.
In 1992, with the help of former President George H.W. Bush, the program was officially implemented in four schools in the Houston area: Burbank, Central, Hamilton, and Hogg. Today, the program operates in 43 schools in the Houston, Dallas, Galveston, and Austin areas of Texas. They currently serve over 6,500 of today's youth, making a positive impact in their lives.
In 2003, the foundation was renamed to KICKSTART (it still maintains its official name as Kick Drugs Out of America Foundation, but now it has added a "dba" (doing business as) KICKSTART).
The stated mission of KICKSTART is to positively impact children’s lives through the values and philosophies taught through martial arts. Specific goals of the program are to encourage students to resolve conflict productively, avoid participating in gangs, choose drug-free lifestyles, and remain in high school until they graduate.
[edit] Organizational Structure
[edit] Executives
[edit] Chairman & Co-Chairman
- Chuck Norris
- Gena Norris
[edit] Founder's' Board
- LeRoy Sanchez
[edit] Board of Directors
- Lloyd H. Ford
- John Gibson
- William J. Hickl III
- Brenda Love Jones
- Tedd Mitchell
[edit] Special Advisors
- Mike Forshey
- Kevin Swailes
[edit] Houston Advisory Board
- William J. Hickl III - Chair
- Maria Bush
- Ed Jones
- Brenda Love Jones
- Lindsey Love
- Michael T. McSpadden
- Cornel Williams
- Phyllis Williams
[edit] Dallas Advisory Board
- Tedd Mitchell - Chair
- Juli Mitchell
- Kevin Mitchell
- Gena Norris
- Charlie O'Reilly
- Monique Theissen
- Teresa Thompson
- Tom Thompson
- Keith Yates
[edit] Administrative Staff
[edit] Executive Director of Operations
- Ed Sahez
[edit] Director of Administration
- Ginny Hargrave
[edit] Director of Instructors
- John Kurek
[edit] Houston City Leader
- Roy White
[edit] Dallas City Leader
- Joey Nelson
[edit] Austin City Leader
- Louis McKay
[edit] Community & Development Associate
- Tammy Benefiel
[edit] Director of Finances
- Doug Weaver
[edit] Multimedia Specialist
- Jesse DuBord
[edit] North Texas Community Development Manager
- Marissa Leach
[edit] Central Texas Community Development Manager
- Pamela Owens
[edit] External links
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