Keon Kitchner
1640 Glenwood Rd Vestal ,NY
Summary
Proven leader with a track record of building and scaling youth and community programs from the ground up. Skilled in team development, event planning, and creating systems that drive sustainable growth. Passionate about empowering the next generation through teaching, mentorship, and partnerships that connect students with real-world opportunities.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Youth Director
Calvary's Love Church
Johnson City, NY
08.2022 - Current
- Expanded weekly youth program attendance from an average of 3 students to more than 70 students on Wednesday nights.
- Reached over 400 students in the past three years.
- Built and empowered a team of leaders, equipping them to oversee and manage others for efficient ministry operations.
- Held quarterly leadership meetings to invest in and develop team leaders.
- Created an effective onboarding process with clear steps to train and integrate new volunteers.
- Prepared and delivered weekly sermons to effectively communicate biblical truth and inspire students.
- Planned, organized, and executed nine major events annually to engage and connect with students.
- Launched “Youth Alive,” a program empowering students to share about Jesus in their schools.
- Organized annual student trips, including transporting 70 students and 20 chaperones to Syracuse for a weekend conference, as well as 30+ students to summer camp.
- Developed a transportation system to provide access for students in areas with limited transit options.
- Managed ministry budget with stewardship and accountability, ensuring financial health while maximizing impact.
- Developed systems and structures to create a sustainable organization and support long-term ministry growth.
- Established and launched a social media page, then empowered team leaders to manage and maintain it.
- Learned and applied skills in Photoshop and Adobe Premiere Pro to enhance program communications and media.
After School Director at Bridge Community Center
Calvary's Love Church
Johnson City, NY
08.2022 - Current
- Ran and operated a community-based after-school program twice weekly (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4–6 PM).
- Created a program offering students opportunities to explore cooking, dance, arts and crafts, STEM, physical education, and more.
- Developed a period-based schedule (three periods: 4:00–4:45 PM, 4:45–5:15 PM, and dinner time) to ensure structured and efficient program operations.
- Recruited, trained, and empowered leaders to oversee program departments.
- Supervised department leaders to ensure quality programming and strong team collaboration.
- Taught students practical tools for emotional awareness and self-regulation, using a trauma-informed approach.
- Worked closely with Social Services to ensure students received access to resources and support beyond the program when needed.
- Partnered with local businesses to provide skill-based workshops that equipped students with real-world knowledge.
- Organized and executed quarterly community outreach events, including Back-to-School Bash, Christmas Party, End-of-Year Celebration, and Summer Camp.
- Implemented a database system, AfterSchool HQ, to effectively track student attendance and program information.
- Oversaw building maintenance and ensured the facility was safe and welcoming for all students.
- Served over 300 students ages 4–18 over three years, many from high-trauma backgrounds, while developing leaders to be trauma-informed and responsive.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Theology of Ministry
SUM
Sacramento, CA06-2024
Skills
- Developed and implemented youth programs as a Youth Director and Afterschool Director, creating engaging experiences to reach the next generation Examples include student-led cafés, student-created merchandise, and new student gift initiatives
- Consistently manage and review budgets, submitting program budgets to secure additional funding for creative student outreach initiatives
- Lead and empower teams of 30 volunteers, providing mentorship, supervision, and training to maximize team effectiveness and impact
- Plan and execute events to engage new students, while continually developing innovative communication strategies to ensure team alignment and success
- Design and implement outreach strategies in the community, fostering meaningful connections between students, volunteers, and the broader community
- Created “huddles” to equip volunteers with custom curriculum, empowering them to mentor students effectively
- Trauma-informed approach to supporting students from high-trauma backgrounds, prioritizing their emotional and behavioral needs
- Recruit, train, and retain volunteers invested in the mission of youth development, building sustainable programs
- Establish systems and processes such as yearly and quarterly evaluations to continuously improve events, team performance, and program outcomes
- Facilitate quarterly team nights to build unity, provide leadership training, and cultivate a culture of growth and development
Timeline
Youth Director
Calvary's Love Church
08.2022 - Current
After School Director at Bridge Community Center
Calvary's Love Church
08.2022 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Theology of Ministry
SUM
Similar Profiles
Chelsey SmithChelsey Smith
Business Manager at Calvary's Love ChurchBusiness Manager at Calvary's Love Church
Diante Luckey Jr.Diante Luckey Jr.
Custodial Assistant (Volunteer) at Greater Love Baptist ChurchCustodial Assistant (Volunteer) at Greater Love Baptist Church
Audrey AlexanderAudrey Alexander
Church Media Specialist at Love Bridge ChurchChurch Media Specialist at Love Bridge Church
Rachel OuimetteRachel Ouimette
Student Volunteer at Vestal High SchoolStudent Volunteer at Vestal High School
Joshua PierceJoshua Pierce
Service Technician at Binghamton Material Handling Inc.Service Technician at Binghamton Material Handling Inc.