We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kim Bogart. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kim below.

Kim, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?

In 2014, there were THIRTY-ONE shootings in THIRTY days in my city, all gang related, and eleven-year-old kids were involved. These headlines inspired me to resign from a job I loved for fifteen years to become a full time missionary to the United States. The gang violence in our city inspired a meeting with our Mayor, non-profits and Duval County schools. I sat back, I listened to what the experts said was needed, and began responding. I began using every resource that I had to take actionable steps to solve the crisis. My strong relationships with others enabled me to mobilize the community on behalf of our city. My belief that our community is full of generous people who care for people who don’t have a voice was a driving force for me to start Kim’s Open Door.

Our campus is located in the heart of our city where there are 10,000 students who speak English as a second language, where we serve 185 children each week who come from 20 different countries in Education, Arts & Athletics and Nutrition. We also have Community Engagement Events that engage thousands of our least served.

What I feel God has asked me to do cannot be done alone.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Kim Bogart founded Kim’s Open Door in 2013 and has been inspiring, empowering, and mobilizing quality volunteers and staff who have served kids at risk in all kinds of wonderful ways over the last 30 years.

Her energy is contagious. She received her degree in education at the University of Oklahoma. She has created programs for kids at risk that have received grant status. Kim has devoted her life to serving the next generation. She has trained and mobilized thousands of people on behalf of vulnerable children, both in the States and abroad.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

We have built a good reputation in our organization by doing things in excellence and over-delivering. This core value comes from a deep conviction that children deserve our absolute best. Money has never driven our programs – we see a need and we meet it and provision follows.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

14 years ago our mission was spread by word of mouth: friends telling friends. We used Facebook live posts to invite other people in to meaningful community service. We now have a small team who works together to create educational posts which we hope will motivate others to use their gifts and talents to inspire the next generation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kimsopendoor.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimsopendoor/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimsopendoor?ref=hl
• Twitter: https://x.com/kimsopendoor
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/KimsOpenDoor