When kids came knocking on her door to play with her children in 2005, Kim Johnson wanted more for them to do than just aimlessly wander the neighborhood or head to the corner store so she quickly devised some engaging activities like tea parties on the front porch or football games in the front yard.
Johnson's intentional activity interference quickly became the incubator for her mission to build a strong community space for neighboring families through youth development. Johnson, who grew up in northwest Detroit in the late '80s and early '90s, says she had a wonderful childhood — that is until the crack epidemic hit her neighborhood and took a toll on some of her closest friends.
A first-generation college graduate who had taught middle school
and worked in the nonprofit sector, Johnson refused to watch history repeat itself for her children and their friends. In 2006, she incorporated her nonprofit Developing K.I.D.S (Developing Kingdoms in Different Stages). According to its website, the nonprofit's "mission is to strengthen urban communities through inter-generational leadership, academic enrichment, and civic engagement." Not long after founding the nonprofit, Johnson, now president and CEO, was able to gain a larger programming space — and the ability to serve more children — at a local Catholic church, Our Lady Gate of Heaven in Detroit, thanks to the help of the late Sister Lucy Abbey.
Fast forward to 2026 and the Developing K.I.D.S. mission is on full blast at 24230 W. McNichols in Detroit, housed in a 23,000-square-foot multipurpose building they refer to as The Village. The nonprofit's yearlong programming financed through grants, funding partners, fundraisers and donors allows 300 K-8 children tuition free access to a four-day-a-week summer camp and K-12 students a place to go after school for help with homework and activities to nurture creativity.
Not only are the summer classes free but kids get two meals a day and a snack. This program has created such an impression on kids who grow up attending it that many of them return as interns or employees.
“This program means a lot to me; it’s like family. I have been here since I was like 4 years old. ... It feels good to get back and see these kids every year," summer camp worker Carl Tramble, 17, of Redford Township, said, after playing Ring around the Rosie with several girls on the playground. "I feel like they play a big part in me doing what I am doing for my future and giving me the tools I need to succeed in life.
Tramble just committed to Central Michigan University as a wide receiver for its football team.
Like Tramble, Mandarin Chinese summer program teacher and former Developing K.I.D.S. participant Chayann Bantum returned for the summer from her second year at Spelman College to teach kids how to speak Mandarin. On a recent visit, her class of third graders begged her repeatedly to continue the song they were practicing in Mandarin in preparation for their big annual Summer Jam event on Thursday, Aug. 13. There, they will showcase campers' projects.
For the community, the facility offers a food giveaway on Tuesdays that is open to everyone. There is also an event space on campus to rent for weddings, parties or workshops. It recently hosted a men’s health clinic.
If you are interested in getting involved, registration is open for an upcoming fundraiser, the Driving Dreams Developing K.I.D.S. Golf Outing, scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 23; go to developingkids.org/golf2026.
If you would like to donate or volunteer, go to: https://www.developingkids.org/.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: A front-porch idea grew into a hub for hundreds of Detroit kids
