Kristine Hart, Founder of 4K2K

Don’t let her quick smile and infectious laugh fool you. Kris Hart is a fierce advocate for children’s rights. For the past 20 years Kris has generously devoted all her efforts toward providing a safe haven for at risk girls, giving them a safe space and as much time as they need to heal and regain their strength.

Kris founded the original organization Kids to Kids in 2004 and opened three homes for at risk girls ages 12-17. In 2009 Kris stepped away to focus on other community issues and needs. In 2000 Kris started her Holiday Program that continues to help and support approximately 1,000 children annually.

Seeing a need in the community for safe places for girls, Kris founded 4Kids2Kids and opened two homes dedicated to treating local adolescent survivors of child sex trafficking. Kris’s vision is to offer a therapeutic, child friendly environment where survivors gain strength to help themselves and mentor others. It is upon this vision that “House of Hope” and “S.A.F.E House” were born. Kris says, “4K2K provides safe housing for sex trafficking survivors 12-18. It is here that they can work through their traumas of abuse, neglect and abandonment. We help them heal and most importantly, encourage them to keep hope alive.”

During the pandemic, 4K2K dedicated resources and time to develop another much needed program; Transitional Housing for female youth 18-21 years old. A second home for males is preparing to open in June 2021.

To those who know Kris and her energetic personality, it was no surprise that In 2017 Kris was awarded “WOMAN OF THE YEAR” by the Junior League of Santa Barbara. Kris also finds time to sit on the Human Trafficking Task Force in Santa Barbara and the Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (C-SEC) Collaborative for Ventura County with Interface.

Kris has sat on the Board of many agencies and has used her expertise to help other agencies open facilities that assist at risk youth , both males and females. She has also been part of the Compass Ventura board, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving mental health care for LGBTQ youth. In addition, Kris has, in the past, been a licensed RFA Foster Parent with the County of Ventura and has, over the years, fostered approximately 20 youth through her home.

Kris is blessed with two grown daughters feels lucky she was able to adopt her son, Jimmy. And if she does not have enough to do, her nine beautiful grandchildren keep her busy. Kris feels gratitude every day in being able to work along side her sister Lorie. Together they ARE the change they want to see in the world.

Kris’s favorite quote;

“Do every act of your life as if it were your last”-Marcus Aurelius

mAry Lou Escotto

Administrator

Haley Martel

Head of Services