The Kij Family:
A Legacy of Selfless Service By Sarah Jane Knowlton
Jessica and Jim Kij. Photo by Larry Pullen Photography.
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iving in the selfish world that we to the organization near and dear to their do, it is refreshing to be reminded hearts that they both serve together: Child that there are people around us Advocates. The organization serves as a who still care deeply about their communivoice in the community for children who are ty. Jim and Jessica Kij are two examples of victims of abuse and neglect. The couple these selfless sorts of people, having lived is extremely devoted to Child Advocate’s in Colony Woods for 13 years and working cause. Jessica spoke about why she loves the entire time to improve the community the organization stating, “Every child dethey call home. Through their work, the Kij’s serves a chance to grow up in a safe and have proven they are an integral part of volpermanent home. Contributing to that unteerism in Fort Bend County. end makes volunteering for Child AdvoJessica Kij, absolutely! focus media’s cates very meaningful and rewarding. You Senior Account Executive of Fort Bend Fotruly make a difference.” Jim and Jessica cus, has been involved in the community have incorporated sponsoring and hostfor 21 years. She has been an important ing the CASA candlelight home tour into part of several community projects from lotheir Christmas traditions, taking time out cal schools doing kindergarten yearbooks of the busy holiday season to give freely to Pro Grad in high school to serving as to others. In addition, the fact that Jessica both a deacon and elder in her church. On was named Media Partner of 2008 by the a larger scale, Jessica is a 2009 organization further highlights her graduate of Fort Bend Chamdevotion to such a worthy and inber Leadership Forum and has fluential cause. served on the Boogie commitThe Kij’s heart for service, estee of the Fort Bend Women’s pecially child-oriented service, is Shelter as well as being the pubalso apparent in their daughter licity chair for the Fort Bend EduKristen’s life. She has been accation Foundation Gala. tive in her church by teaching Jim is also involved in the Sunday school classes, vacation community having served with Bible school, and serving as a the City of Sugar Land, the Fort youth elder as well as a member Kristen Kij. Bend YMCA for five years, the of the Presbyterian Youth CounBBB of Fort Bend, Sweetwater Country cil. In high school, Kristen completed the Club, the Exchange Club of Sugar Land, YES program for service and after graduatJunior Achievement, Fort Bend Chamber ing from Baylor University, is now working of Commerce, First Colony Community Astowards a career as a Child Life Specialist sociation, the Houston Livestock Show and so she can continue her work with children. Rodeo, the Parks Youth Ranch and with the Both Jessica and Jim encourage volChild Advocates of Fort Bend. unteering. When asked about how her job Most impressive is the Kij’s dedication affects her volunteer work, Jessica replied, fort bend
magazine • August 2012
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Doug Earle and Jim Kij present Kempton Scipio with a Young Citizenship Award at a Sugar Land Exchange Club meeting. Photo by Larry Pullen Photography. “Through my position at Fort Bend Focus Magazine, I am able to promote organizations throughout Fort Bend County by publishing their event press releases, attending their events, and publishing post event photos. The magazine does all of this in an effort to get our community organization’s names and missions out to the public in hopes of garnering additional community support.” Jim sums up their outlook on volunteerism overall saying, “I love and care about the community I live in, and my fellow man that I share it with. I was brought up to believe that you always leave things better than you found them. I also believe that an individual can make a difference.” Jim encourages getting involved stating, “Our great country was built on folks helping other folks achieve a better life than the one they had in another place. Step up and volunteer. You’ll be amazed by how good it feels!” The Kij’s family devotion to volunteerism is an inspiration and challenge to us all to go out into the community and give back. On behalf of Fort Bend, thank you Jim, Jessica and Kristen for all you’ve done to help make Fort Bend a great place to live.