Merger of Sideways Sunlight and Kids First

Together, Kids First and Sideways Sunlight Ministries envision a stronger, more sustainable ministry serving children and families across Athens through consistent relationships, holistic support, and the transformative love of Christ.

Our Why

We believe every child deserves to be known, loved, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.

For years, Kids First and Sideways Sunlight Ministries have walked alongside children and families in Athens, meeting practical needs while building relationships rooted in the love of Christ. This merger allows us to carry that mission forward with greater strength, reach, and sustainability.

We are coming together not simply to become one organization, but to create greater opportunity for children to flourish.

Our Why

Greater Impact

Together, we will serve more than 120 children across three Athens communities, expanding access to mentoring, tutoring, meals, biblical teaching, and family support.

Our Why

Stronger Sustainability

By joining our resources, experience, volunteers, and leadership, we can build a stronger foundation for long-term ministry and ensure children experience consistent care for years to come.

Our Why

One Mission

While our organizations have distinct histories, we share a deep commitment to serving children holistically and demonstrating the love of Christ through both practical support and lasting relationships.

From Our Founder,

“When I founded Sideways Sunlight Ministries, I dreamed of creating a ministry where children and families would know they are deeply loved, seen, and worthy of investment. What began as a small ministry has grown into a community that has taught me so much about faith, perseverance, and the power of simply showing up.

As we enter this next chapter, I am filled with gratitude and hope. Merging with Kids First was not a decision made lightly, but it is one rooted in a deep belief that the children we serve deserve a ministry equipped to walk alongside them for years to come.

I am incredibly proud of what Sideways Sunlight has become and grateful for everyone who has helped make it possible. While my leadership chapter is changing, the mission continues. I am excited to see how God will use this merger to build upon what He has already begun and create an even stronger future for the children and families we love.”

- KJ Bentley

Meet Kids First

  • Kids First is led by Lawson Bauch, daughter of founder Larry Bowling, who established the organization in 2001. Lawson assumed leadership of Kids First in 2018 and was appointed Executive Director in 2021. In August 2026, Cece Crane joined Kids First as Associate Director, further strengthening the organization’s leadership capacity as it enters this next chapter of growth and ministry.

  • Kids First exists to share the immense love of Jesus by discipling families and meeting their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs. We seek to help families recognize their God-given value, build on their strengths, and grow toward independence and lasting relationships with Christ.

  • Kids First disciples families, leading them into lifelong relationships with Christ by meeting their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs. We accomplish this mission by providing daily meals, weekly groceries, personalized tutoring, biblical instruction, mentoring relationships, and community gatherings that support and strengthen families.

Kids first website 
Your Questions, Answered

  • Sideways Sunlight will dissolve as an independent nonprofit on December 31, 2026.

    However, the ministry itself is not ending. Its programs, relationships, and mission will continue through Kids First beginning January 1, 2027. Rather than operating as two separate organizations with similar missions, we are bringing together our people, resources, and experience into one stronger organization that can serve children and families for years to come.

  • Yes! Children and families in the Rocksprings neighborhood will continue receiving consistent care, mentoring, tutoring, discipleship, outreach, and community support.

    In addition, this partnership creates new opportunities to expand programming in Rocksprings. One exciting example is the opportunity to bring Kids First’s tutoring program into the neighborhood, giving students access to additional academic support alongside the mentoring, discipleship, and relationship-based ministry that has always been at the heart of Sideways Sunlight.

  • Donations that previously supported Sideways Sunlight can be directed to Kids First to continue supporting the same mission and the same neighborhood. Since our two organizations use different giving platforms, your current monthly gift to Sideways Sunlight will need to be set up again on Kids First's giving page.

    We will provide the details on how to manage the transfer of your funds.

  • KJ will conclude her role as Executive Director of Sideways Sunlight on December 31, 2026. Beginning January 1, 2027, she will continue serving Kids First as an executive board member and remain a lead volunteer through May 2027 to help ensure a smooth transition.

    Lindsey will also transition from Program Director of Sideways Sunlight on December 31st to serving as a lead volunteer with Kids First.

  • Our “Stonger Together” Celebration marks the joining of Kids First and Sideways Sunlight as we begin this new chapter together. The event will bring together families, supporters, community partners, and friends of both organizations to celebrate the ministry’s history, honor the work that has brought us to this moment, and look forward to the shared future ahead.

    Please view our events tab for more information and to RSVP!

  • We’d love to hear from you!

    Please reach out to us at sidewayssunlight@gmail.com