About Us

Over the last seventeen years, two sisters, Jan and Jolyn, have talked about how to inspire their kids to make to give back in our community.  With Landon Krug (8), Kailyn Broad (11) and Téa Smith (9) – three cousins - they put their head together and brainstormed: what if the kids could make the decisions on where and how to give back to the community?  What if the kids could identify needs, find projects and act – making the change they wanted to see in the world?

The story started in early 2014 when Jan Broad was explaining that her oldest daughter wanted to participate in a program that gives back to the community. What a perfect way to encourage our core values and they were thrilled! That is until they found out the program was exclusive and wasn't open to all. That lead to an ah ha moment : could they start their own program to give kids the opportunity to give back to their own way – through action in the community and in a way that would to encourage kindness, compassion and make change. They could make this program OPEN to everyone! No waiting lists, no age limits, no eligibility requirements at all! Just a desire to give back to our community.

 With that energy, Landon, Kailyn and Tea started planning monthly events with Jan and Jo and their cousins and friends - beginning with a pet parade at a local senior condominium. It was a huge success and OPEN officially began.

 As of 2023, we have successfully implemented monthly events over the last decade, and have enjoyed and learned so much from each. We are so thankful for the community of OPEN families who have been a part of this journey and continue to give us energy and time and help make our kids wonderful and see how they shape the world in the way they want to see.

What Open Kids are saying...