Kids in Focus Transitions Programs to The Walter Hive for Broader Community Impact

Mentorship-based youth photography program officially transfered to The Walter Hive on July 1 

PHOENIX, AZ (July 2, 2025) – To further empower youth in the Valley through the arts, Kids in Focus (KIF) is excited to announce a strategic collaboration with The Walter Hive, an Arizona-based nonprofit known for its commitment to creative self-expression through the arts, fabrication, and technology. With support from Arizona Together for Impact, this partnership sees KIF’s programs and operations transition to The Walter Hive, with the official transfer of governance set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

This transition reflects a shared vision between KIF and The Walter Hive to create meaningful, transformative experiences for youth facing adversity. KIF’s mission of inspiring kids to overcome adversity through the art of mentorship-based photography and life skills development aligns perfectly with The Walter Hive’s innovative art-based programs that promote creativity, connection and healing through the arts. Together, the organizations aim to deepen their impact across the Valley.

“We are proud of the lives we’ve touched through Kids in Focus and are excited to see these programs thrive under The Walter Hive’s operation,” said Jarrett Ransom, Interim Executive Director of Kids in Focus. “Their resources and expertise will ensure that the mission of empowering youth continues to grow and reach more young people than ever before.”

Kids in Focus has long been a beacon of hope for youth overcoming challenges, but expanding its reach requires increased capacity. The Walter Hive’s infrastructure, creativity, and operational support will enable KIF’s programs to flourish and evolve, bringing new opportunities for growth and impact.

“The Walter Hive is honored to carry forward the incredible work of Kids in Focus,” said Mary Strawn, Co-Founder of The Walter Hive. “By combining our efforts and leveraging our own network, we can provide even greater opportunities for young people to express themselves, build resilience, and connect with their communities in meaningful ways. And I want to express a heartfelt thank you to Kids in Focus founder Karen Shell and the passionate staff who have dedicated themselves to the mission over the years.”

As the transfer of operations continues over the coming months, The Walter Hive staff will take over all day-to-day management but will continue to work with KIF mentors and volunteers who have supported in the past as that is integral to the success of the program.

Throughout its history, The Walter Hive has provided opportunities through workshops, programs and community events for organizations and individuals to learn, heal and be inspired through the arts. They have worked with numerous organizations serving youth such as Hope Kids, Foundation for Blind Children, Fostering Heroes and Pensar Academy while conducting off-site workshops at Arizona Burn Foundation’s Camp Courage and many others.

For more information on The Walter Hive, visit www.thewalterhive.org. 

About The Walter Hive

The Walter Hive was created in December 2017 with the goal of providing programs that support creative expression for all ages and experience levels. The organization specializes in offering workshops that foster sustainable skill set development, providing empowering outcomes for all participants. Committed to community enrichment, the Walter Hive aims to spread healing through art, appreciating the support of participants, staff, volunteers and partners who share their vision. Learn more at thewalterhive.org

About Kids in Focus

Kids in Focus uses photography to connect and inspire youth facing adversity, helping them build confidence, resilience, and hope for their future. Through mentoring and creative exploration, KIF empowers youth to see their world—and themselves—through a new lens.

For more information, visit www.KidsInFocus.org.