Meet Steve Kim | Executive Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Steve Kim and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Steve, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
I want to people to remember that less than ordinary people like me can be a part of something extraordinary when working with others towards a purpose.

I want to be remembered as someone who finished life well knowing that love always wins!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
We know that there are over 47,000 collateral consequences a person can encounter due to a felony conviction. I was one of them. While trying to heal from my childhood traumas, impact of violence, drug addiction and incarceration, I wanted to build a future with my family. Over the years, I have learned, grown and healed through mentors, programs, education and connection with people. I also encountered multiple barriers to employment, education and housing. I found my refuge through my faith and education. I was able to graduate from the University of California, Irvine with a BA and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California. Doors began to open for me after the MSW. Had the privilege of working with many leaders who have paved the way in re-entry and community safety work. After working with the Orange County Department of Education working with incarcerated youth. In 2014, I had the opportunity to co-found Project Kinship an organization with the mission to provide support and training to lives impacted by gangs, incarceration and violence through hope, healing and transformation. Over they years I have learned that all of us hold tremendous worth no matter our past and kinship always brings healing as we reflect to each other our goodness. Once people feel their worth, transformation is evident.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Monday: Tour Project Kinship and the community of Santa Ana. Eat at local food spots in the city. Tuesday: Continue the tour and visits to Project Kinship school sites, juvenile hall, and jails.
Wednesday: Trip to Los Angeles and visit spots such as Hollywood, Boyle Heights, Homeboy Industries etc..
Thursday: San Diego Zoo
Friday: Sea World
Saturday: Got to go to Disneyland.
Sunday: Go to the beach and eat good food on the coast.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shout all the people who come through the doors of Project Kinship. You continue to teach me about humility and courage while carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. You inspire all of us to that we are more than the worst mistake of our past and that hope is always around the corner.

Website: www.projectkinship.org

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Facebook: Project Kinship