At Rose Brooks Center, we like to lead by example. We believe children are like a mirror, they reflect what they see and hear to others. We found that a good way to teach kindness is to not only be kind but use a bit of positive reinforcement.
In 2015, Rose Brooks Center created the “kindness closet” to reward children in shelter for their random acts of kindness. When a staff member observes a child doing a random act of kindness, whether that be opening a door, giving a helping hand, or just saying thank you, they are rewarded with kindness cash. With the kindness cash a child can buy a gift for themselves or for a family member. Children get excited to pick out their gift and proud to show off their reward.
The kindness closet has encouraged kindness throughout the entire shelter and is very rewarding to watch as it spreads from one child to another, and from one child to an adult.
Our kindness closet could not be successful without the generous donations from our wonderful donors. Thanks to the donations we receive, we are able to teach children the benefits of kindness and leading by example.
To learn more about our Children’s Program:
www.rosebrooks.org/services/emergency-safety-and-support.