About Curious Kiddos
Our children in Appalachia and throughout the nation are silently suffering. While support programs exist, more must be done to address the growing mental health crisis.
Despite some progress, poverty remains deeply rooted, contributing to rising mental illness, disease, and family instability. The opioid crisis has only worsened the situation, leaving many grandparents overwhelmed and some children fending for themselves. In fact, by 2017, opioid overdose death rates were 72% higher in Appalachian counties than elsewhere.
You know the statistics.
Now it's time to act.
For more information, visit the Appalachian Regional Commission.
Our Cause
Annie's Appalachian Adventures book series and accompanying programs aim to support children affected by drug addiction, poverty, and emotional struggles. We seek to break the cycle of emotional neglect and help children who often fall through the cracks.
Schools and agencies can lack resources that resonate with these children's unique experiences and offer coping strategies. Annie's Appalachian Adventures fills that gap.
Our goal is to foster strong, resilient children who develop positive self-esteem, emotional problem-solving skills, and the drive to succeed individually.
"The stories encourage children to seek emotional support from caring adults and peers. Through creative and thoughtful dialogue, Evans' readers are reminded to take care of themselves and to communicate their feelings, thoughts, and problems to foster healthy relationships, self esteem, and resiliency. Evans uses sensitive insight, age appropriate language, and empathetic storytelling to handle a tough topic."
Abigail Reichart, Certified School Counselor
K-12 and Certified Addiction Counselor
"It is easier to build strong children than fix broken men"
-Frederick Douglas
Pathway for Hope
2020/2021
Launch The Letter as part of Annie's Appalachian Adventures Series to promote coping skills and positive self-worth in children ages 7-9 years old
2023
Released "Blueberry Ice Cream" a story about accepting people who are different
2025
Released "My Rainbow" a story for children who has an incarcerated love one
2021/2022
Starting to spread the word of Annie via school visits, book readings, online promotion, etc.
2030 or Sooner
Design an elementary after school program providing individual and group counseling for children with ACEs and SEL struggles