Olivia Ann Allensworth founded Kid4Kid in 2005 after being moved to help children affected by Hurricane Katrina. She was only 9 years old at the time. She had a backpack and an idea. Within a few days, she was able to mobilize her class, her school, her church and the community joined her effort to help the boys and girls of Katrina have what they needed to go back to school. Her story was picked up by the national news and soon World Vision contacted us to send 2 tractor trailers full of cleaning supplies and water in with the backpack delivery. When asked by a reporter what she thought of all she had been able to get done, she replied, "A Kid Can Make A Difference" which is her motto day. Every child is important and can make a difference.
Olivia's heart and passion continued to develop for children in need. She has been involved with Maison Notre Dame de Lourdes orphanage in Haiti since she was 15 years old. She, along with many others, have been instrumental in raising support for meals, beds and mattresses, indoor restrooms with running water, a new water purification system and medical needs the children have had. Her true hero is Maud Laurent who runs the orphanage. Maud has an amazing story of self sacrifice and determination to raise the children to change their country. See more of her story in the case study pages.
Olivia's commitment goes beyond just raising support. She is hands on. In addition to hosting her annual Camp kid4kid in Haiti, she speaks in churches and has found time to serve at a camp for orphans in Romania the past 2 summers. Olivia has also had the privilege of speaking at HOBY's State Leadership Seminar for GA. She spends her summer working with Children and leaders in Haiti. Currently, she is developing leadership/management training modules for the orphanage leadership and will be hosting a leadership camp this fall.
Olivia's calling is clear. She has committed her life to showing the love of Jesus by meeting basic needs for the throwaway children of our day. Her goal is to help each child have dignity in life and understand they are God's masterpiece and are loved. Olivia is pursuing degrees in Business and Social Entrepreneurship with a minor in non profit management.