How we work
We don't believe every problem needs a giant program.
Sometimes someone needs $100 to fix the thing standing between them and stability. Our job is to find that obstacle, remove it, and help the person keep moving forward.
Our Mission
People first. Progress together.
The KFF modelWe remove practical barriers before they become bigger problems.
KFF provides targeted assistance for relatively small, immediate needs that can disrupt someone's education, health, housing, recovery, or stability. We work through trusted community partners and referrals, keep the process simple, and provide assistance where it can make a meaningful difference.Current programs
Haskell Student Emergency Assistance
Small, timely assistance for Haskell Indian Nations University students facing unexpected barriers such as transportation, food, utilities, housing, or vehicle repairs.Open Door Mental Health Fund
Up to $250 in assistance for Haskell students who need mental health services but face a financial barrier to accessing care. Referrals come through Haskell's student-support system, with KFF paying participating providers directly.Smoking Cessation Support
KFF is developing a program with DCCCA to provide nicotine-replacement supplies and cessation support to people participating in substance use disorder treatment and recovery programs. The goal is simple: remove the financial barrier to taking another step toward better health.K-12 Student Barrier Fund
KFF is developing a program with Douglas County schools to provide small, timely assistance when a financial barrier threatens a student's ability to attend school, participate fully, or remain connected to their educational community. The program will work through school counselors, social workers, and other student-support personnel in Lawrence, Baldwin City, and Eudora.
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Programs in DevelopmentKFF is continually developing new ways to remove practical barriers to education, health, stability, and well-being. Some of our current projects include:Recovery Housing Transition Assistance
Helping people leaving substance use disorder treatment navigate the financial barriers involved in moving into stable recovery housing and building a sustainable next step.Domestic Violence Housing Transitions
Working with community partners to help people move from unsafe housing into transitional housing, or from transitional housing into permanent housing, when a relatively small financial barrier stands in the way.
Relationship Education
Developing accessible relationship education based on evidence-informed approaches, helping people build healthier communication, connection, and relationship skills before problems become crises.Indigenous Language & Cultural Resources
Supporting projects that strengthen access to Indigenous language, cultural, and educational resources.These projects share the same KFF philosophy: identify a practical barrier, find a workable solution, and help people keep moving forward.
Leadership## John Robison, Founder & DirectorKinship Forward Foundation was founded by John Robison, a nonprofit finance and operations professional with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations turn good intentions into practical results.John's background spans nonprofit financial management, federal grant administration, compliance, program operations, organizational systems, and community partnerships. Before founding KFF, he served as Director of Finance & Operations for a Lawrence-based non-profit, where his work included managing financial operations, federal grants, audits, contracts, organizational reporting, and programs supporting Haskell Indian Nations University.That experience shaped KFF's approach: good programs do not have to be complicated to be effective. Sometimes the most meaningful intervention is simply identifying the obstacle standing in someone's way and having the resources and relationships to remove it.John holds an MBA from the University of Missouri and a bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Kansas. His professional life has included nonprofit management, grant administration, financial operations, education, and community-based initiatives.Why KFF?John founded KFF around a simple idea: people are often capable of moving forward when they have a little help removing the thing that's currently in their way.KFF is designed to respond to those moments with practical assistance, trusted partnerships, and as little bureaucracy as possible.The goal is not to create dependence. It is to help people get unstuck.John's personal philosophy: Find joy. Do good.