• Board
• History
• Italian Home for Children
• Josh Cares
• Kevin Youkilis

Since the inception of Youk's Kids, Kevin has had a special bond with the Italian Home for Children.  After making one site visit to the Italian Home for Children in 2007, Kevin knew that he could help better the lives of the these students who have encountered difficult life circumstances. The Italian Home is a residential and day treatment facility for emotionally and behaviorally challenged children, many of which are victims of abuse or neglect.  Youk's Kids is committed to funding the Community Reintegration and Support Services (CRISS) program which provides ongoing support and outreach services to a child for the three months following their discharge from the Italian Home with the goal of facilitating reintegration into the community.   There are many other ways that Youk's Kids has assisted the Italian Home, including the following:

• Granted $100,000.00 annually since 2007
• Kevin visits during the holiday season and delivers a toy to each child.  He spends the afternoon truly getting to know the children; answering their questions and listening to their stories.
• Annual Bowling Day with Kevin.
• Coordinated a partnership with IdeaPaint to create environmentally friendly classrooms.
• This year, Youk’s Kids will partner with Starbucks to enhance the outdoor facilities, including fields and playgrounds, painting classrooms and remodeling the cafeteria.

The Italian Home for Children

Licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Home provides a comprehensive network of services to emotionally disturbed boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 13. All of the services provided by the Italian Home for Children are directed toward our primary goal: the reunification of the children with their own or alternative families and/or the preservation of families at risk.

“Working with Kevin Youkilis and Youk’s Kids has made a profound difference in the lives of the children at the Italian Home.  Of course we are thankful for the generous funding that supports our CRISS program and for the countless toys and books and gifts Youk’s Kids donates for our kids.  However, what has really made an impact on both the children and the staff is Kevin himself.  He is a Boston sports star who takes the time to bring joy to our children – whether it’s spending the afternoon bowling and eating pizza, taking them down to the field before a Red Sox game or simply spending time with them to answer questions, give hugs and pal around.  When Kevin visits the Italian Home, our children light up and feel special.  He is an extraordinary person and we are immensely grateful to have him as our friend.”

Melanie Lima, Director of Development, Italian Home for Children