Kids Incorporated

notMYkid was started in 1999 by Steve and Debbie Moak. The non-profit organization was born out of the real life experience of a family dealing with substance abuse with their teenage son. There was a deep desire on the part of the founders to share their story so that other families would not have to go through a similar experience without support and resources. As they walked through the difficult and dark days of addiction, intervention and recovery, they found that sharing their story was both therapeutic for them and helpful to others in need. The first years of the organization consisted of one family telling their story through home outreach and support.



In April of 2000, the organization become an LLC and in November of that same year became a 501 (c) 3 charitable organization. By 2004, the organization had hired a program director and was being managed by the founding family and the director. They were struggling to sustain but persisted in their belief that there were families who could be helped by their work. They instituted a volunteer structure which provided board of director oversight and fundraising capacity. In addition, they made a strategic decision to build a website intended to provide information and resources to the community. As the organization grew, they began to utilize additional speakers to tell their personal stories about overcoming addiction, abuse and other destructive youth behaviors. The speakers created an emotional connection with the community and helped people recognize the need to address these issues head on.



notMYkid began to partner with school districts to share the message of positive choices and good decision making to middle and high school students. Initially, the organization’s sole focus was substance abuse but additional issues were identified by schools and audiences. The organization has evolved its messaging to include the following youth behaviors: substance and alcohol abuse, eating disorders, depression, self-injury, safe dating, bullying and internet safety. notMYkid recognizes and highlights the interconnectivity of these issues and utilizes messaging to help teens, parents and educators understand the consequences of these behaviors.



Today, the organization continues to flourish. The heart of the organization remains solidly committed to promoting positive life choices by educating youth, families and communities about the consequences of destructive youth behaviors. We are compassionate, empowering, action-oriented and honest. As notMYkid continues to move into the future, we are focused on ensuring that all youth, families and communities have the skills and information necessary to make positive life choices. Our passion is that families and communities will be healthy and strong and avoid destructive youth behaviors that have the potential to devastate lives and derail futures.