Our Story
Kids Pickle Foundation’s core mission is to help transform the lives of children from the inside out. We accomplish this by creating an environment which motivates and empowers children to be S.M.A.R.T. (Successful, Magnificent, Authentic, Resilient, Thankful).
Our primary goal is to provide training and mentoring that assist children to overcome challenges and reach their full potential in four areas: education, wellness (emotional and physical health), community service and leadership. We have developed two separate programs: Kids Pickle After School Program and Kids Pickle Mentorship Program with the tools children need to live a successful life.
Kids Pickle
After School Program
This after school program provides help with homework and other learning activities. Also, there are recreational activities to develop physical skills and constructively channel children’s energy pent up after a school day. Additionally, arts and crafts are offered so children can express their creativity. A light healthy snack is provided each day for the children.
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Staff & Leadership
Current and former teachers, along with volunteers are used in this program for academics and recreational activities.
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Saftey First. Always.
Ensuring the safety and well-being of children in our care is a high priority. All staff and volunteers are required to have a criminal background check.
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Excellence
We promote academic excellence, physical fitness and foster healthy habits for our youth. Our programs also nurture teamwork & strategic thinking.
Measuring the success of the program is essential to determine what’s working and the areas of improvements. An important goal is for the children to have a better performance in school as measured by improved homework completion, test scores and grades.
How to give
Interested in helping us better our community? Explore the ways that you can make an impact!
Executive Director
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Maxine Jones
Maxine Jones, founder and executive director of Kids Pickle Foundation is passionate about helping others, especially children and young people. Her commitment to youth development led her to serve in leadership roles on the board of directors for several youth-based organizations. She mentors youth of all ages, motivating them to excel in education, acknowledging their natural talents/gifts, and encouraging them to be their best selves.
Maxine is a certified pickleball instructor by the International Pickle Teaching Professional Association. She is a pickleball player who has won medals in various tournaments. Over the years, she has assisted many to learn the sport of pickleball, especially the youth. She believes being active is a critical part of everyone’s physical and mental development.
Maxine is retired from a fortune 200 company, where she held many management positions in the energy industry. She has an engineering undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree along with her MBA. Additionally, she is a Six Sigma certified Master Black Belt, who has taught the Six Sigma methodology to thousands of employees in corporate America and to college students at various universities.
She is dedicated to helping others and mentoring young people to have successful lives.
Board of Trustees
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Gilbert Grimball
Wadmalaw Island, SC
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Gerald Mackey
Charleston, SC
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Dianne Piri
Charleston, SC