Our Story
Getting connected with KQL from Executive Director, Tina Vande Hoef
How did this organization get started?
In 2012, we lived in northeast Iowa and during our time there we mentored students at a local residential treatment center while teaching them, our hearts broke for them — their stories. We then signed up for foster care classes and opened our home. In 2013, we committed our life forever through adoption. In 2014 we moved to northwest Iowa. And in 2016 we decided to advocate for families like ours through Kadens Kloset: Okoboji. Our vision grew bigger than just a resource closet (adding meals, monthly support groups, etc.) so we founded KINGS & QUEENS LOCAL.
When was it founded?
KINGS & QUEENS LOCAL, 2019
Practically, what does the organization do to help it meet its mission?
Our organization strives to support local foster, adoptive and kinship families in many different ways. Our efforts include: building connections, providing resources/education, and raising awareness within the larger community. We desire to continue with this mission.
Building Connection — We provide two opportunities a month where caregivers can come together in their current life stage and share among individuals who can relate. One of the two opportunities, children are invited too (free childcare). When the children are present, we provide kid-friendly activities in hopes they also connect with other kids who have similar circumstances. This has been healing for many of our kids.
Providing Resources/Education — We have a free resource closet where kids can “shop” for free (new clothes, shoes, toys, etc.). Families also receive freezer meals in the hopes that the caregiver has one less thing to worry about. We also provide educational evenings where we share the latest mental health resources.
Raise awareness within the larger community — We have partnered with local schools, churches and the judicial system to educate about trauma and encourage them in their line of work.
What are some of the projects/efforts of the organization that you are most proud of being a part of?
One of our Connection Projects is called OKOBOJI WISH. We have partnered with Arnolds Park Amusement Park and had a night in the park for all our families. Some of these kids have never had the opportunity to ride the rides down at the park. About half way through the evening we had a pizza party in the Roof Garden, and then finished the evening back in the park. The joy on the kids’ faces was indescribable.
What is your dream for the organization moving forward?
Continue to raise awareness within the community, recruit more foster/adoptive families, offer support the families need, and make sure the kids know they are special, no matter the story they have.
What’s been your favorite part of being a part of this organization?
That our family has made it our family mission together to care for kids from hard places.
