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About 1202Kids Foundation
Empowering Children Through Puppetry...Where Emotions Find Their Voice
In collaboration with 1202Puppets, 1202Kids Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering kids aged 9-14 from underserved, underprivileged, and at-risk communities through free interactive Empuptry workshops. Funded by generous donors, sponsorships, and grants, our programs foster emotional wellness, inclusion, and social development. By helping vulnerable children express their emotions, build confidence, and develop essential social skills, we advocate for transformative opportunities that inspire creativity and connection.
How We Work Together
1202Kids Foundation extends the reach of 1202Puppets by delivering social-emotional puppet workshops to children in diverse communities. Supported by donations and sponsors, we provide unique, interactive experiences that encourage emotional expression and social connection. With 1202Puppets’ high-quality puppet kits and kid-friendly scripts, 1202Kids Foundation brings impactful programs to schools and community groups, empowering children through creativity and play.
We believe all children can embrace who they are, can define their future, and can change the world.
The Benefits of Our Integrated Approach
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Encourages Emotional Growth – Through expressive activities, children gain tools to understand and manage their emotions confidently.
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Builds Social Skills – Our workshops foster cooperation, empathy, and connection, helping kids relate well to others in diverse settings.
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Supports Academic Success – Emotional intelligence and social skills are crucial for learning, helping children focus and engage positively in school.
Our Mission
1202Kids Foundation’s mission is to foster emotional wellness and social development in children ages 9-14—those most impacted in today’s communities and in need of guidance on handling emotions and understanding when to act on their feelings. Our Empuptry (pronounced “em-PUP-tree”) workshops combine “emotion” and “puppetry” in interactive, puppet-building activities that empower kids to express themselves. Addressing critical needs such as arts access, bullying prevention, juvenile delinquency, literacy, and loneliness, we partner with families, schools, and community leaders to bring accessible programs to underserved areas. Through Empuptry, we nurture emotional intelligence, empathy, and creativity, helping kids build confidence, connect with peers, and grow into resilient, compassionate young leaders.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a world where every child feels seen, supported, and empowered to express their true selves. Through the transformative power of puppetry and social-emotional learning, we envision communities where children grow up with the tools to understand their emotions, foster empathy, and build lasting connections. We aim to be a beacon of hope and creativity for communities in need.
