History

Late one night in 1989, Karin Walser stopped at a Capitol Hill gas station. Quickly, several young children approached her to pump gas in her car for change. A conversation and connection ensued. This late-night scene motivated her to act and take interest in the welfare of her new friends. She began planning weekly activities and outings for the children. Colleagues and other volunteers joined her in supporting the children and their families in the neighborhood.

In December of 1991, HKI incorporated as a tax-exempt, non-profit corporation and attained 501(c)(3) status in 1993. In its twentieth year, Horton's Kids serves more than 150 children and families within Ward 8 of Washington DC. Horton's Kids is widely embraced and respected by parents, social service agencies, and the community-at-large. Expanded funding for evaluation means the Horton's Kids approach is being studied as a potential model for replication across the city.