To empower and promote a high quality of life in our communities through leadership, advocacy, and quality services for children, families and early childhood professionals.

Kids Incorporated of the Big Bend is a not-for-profit, United Way-member agency that has been serving children, families and early education & care professionals in the 7-county area since 1972. Begun in the basement of First Presbyterian Church with 25 children, our original purpose was to provide quality early learning services for children of students, faculty and staff of Florida State University and Florida A&M Universities. Today we provide direct services to almost 300 children and their families each year, with several thousand others impacted by other programs offered.

Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, Kids Incorporated continues to be guided by the conscience of our founder and current Board Member, Budd Bell. Although Budd (now 94 years young) has been honored by governors, former Secretary of State Colin Powell and was named one of Eckerd’s Top 100 Women in America, she continues to believe that the best recognition for a job well done is a smile from a child. An Early Head Start Policy Council provides guidance from parents impacted by our programs as well as community leaders. Our Volunteer Advisory Board provides guidance from volunteers on our extensive volunteer program.