About Radical Kidz
Born from a need. Built with purpose. Growing a generation
How It All Started
In 2023, Radical Kidz was founded in Chester, SC in response to a growing crisis — rising rates of mental, physical, emotional, and substance-related challenges threatening the wellbeing of young people in our community.
We saw the disruption happening in schools, families, and neighborhoods and we refused to look away. Radical Kidz was birthed as a direct answer to that need — a safe, structured, and professionally guided space where youth could heal, grow, and discover their potential.
What started as a vision is now a living, breathing community resource. And we're just getting started
What We Stand For
Our Mission To provide a safe space for at-risk youth to engage with their peers, be inspired and empowered.
Our Vision To instill within the hearts of our youth a high regard for human dignity, civil rights, and the belief that every child is capable of achieving greatness.
Our Core Values
🔵 Excellence Every child has untapped potential. We hold high academic and personal standards because we believe in what our youth are capable of.
🔵 Safety Physical, emotional, and psychological safety is non-negotiable. Every program, every interaction, every space is designed with the whole child in mind.
🔵 Community No child grows in isolation. We build connections between students, families, schools, and the broader Chester community.
🔵 Resilience Life is not without challenges. We equip our youth with the tools, mindset, and support to face whatever comes their way.
🔵 Compassion We lead with empathy for the children we serve, the families we support, and the community we are part of.
Guided by Experience. Driven by Purpose.
Betty Leake — Executive Director
Betty Leake brings over 25 years of experience in business, community development, and organizational leadership to Radical Kidz.
Holding a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health and a Master of Science in Organization Development,
Betty leads with both academic grounding and lived experience ensuring every program at Radical Kidz is trauma-informed, intentional, and built around the whole child.
Her conviction is simple; Every child deserves a fighting chance. Under her direction, Radical Kidz continues to grow as a trusted, professionally guided resource for Chester's youth and families.
Qualified Professionals. Real Results.
At Radical Kidz, our youth are never in the hands of strangers. Our team of licensed mental health professionals and dedicated social workers bring both credentials and genuine care to every interaction.
We work directly with students and families — identifying goals, removing barriers, and charting a clear path forward. We also collaborate closely with Chester County School District to reach youth at every level, including those experiencing housing instability, ensuring no child falls through the cracks.
Every adult in our program is here with one purpose — to show up for your child consistently, professionally, and wholeheartedly.
The Impact So Far
🔵 Est. 2023 — Chester, SC
🔵 3 Core Service Areas
🔵 1 Community. Endless Potential.