PPG global leaders transform Kids in Distress campus in Florida with COLORFUL COMMUNITIES project 

PPG completed a COLORFUL COMMUNITIES^® project in collaboration with Heart of America to revitalize multiple spaces at the Fort Lauderdale, Fla. campus of Kids in Distress, Inc. (KID), an organization dedicated to preventing child abuse, preserving families and treating children who have been abused and neglected. 

The Colorful Communities project brought together 100 of PPG’s top global leaders to transform foster family group homes on the campus with fresh paint and colors, replacing kitchen cabinetry, assembling new furniture, beautifying outdoor spaces and creating an uplifting mural.  

The project aimed to enhance the spaces where children live and provide a source of warmth and hope through color in their bedrooms, dining areas and outdoor play spaces. In addition, the PPG leaders used ENNIS-FLINT® by PPG DECOMARK® preformed thermoplastic horizontal surface signage to install an obstacle course designed by Traverse Landscape Architects. They also built 20 “little libraries” to share free books in the Fort Lauderdale community, assembled 24 tricycles and push cars, and put together 28 luggage sets filled with toiletries. 

“For the children who live and heal on our campus, their environment matters deeply,” said Mark Dhooge, president and CEO of Kids in Distress. “The commitment shown by PPG’s global leaders goes far beyond paint and construction—it sends a powerful message to our kids that they are seen, valued and worthy of beautiful, safe spaces. We consider our campus an important part of each child’s treatment. We are grateful for this partnership and for the heart and humanity that was poured into every corner of our campus.” 

“The work Kids in Distress does every day helps children feel protected and supported during incredibly difficult times,” said Malesia Dunn, executive director, PPG Foundation and corporate global social responsibility. “By revitalizing these spaces with color and care, PPG’s global leaders lived our purpose to ‘protect and beautify’ as they created environments designed to feel uplifting and comforting. Our hope is that these updated surroundings make a meaningful difference in helping children feel safe, calm and at home.” 

For this project, PPG teamed up with The Pittsburgh Paints Company to provide the architectural paint products and Heart of America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming learning spaces for underserved students. 

“At Heart of America, we know that learning happens everywhere: at home, in school and in the moments between. A stable, nurturing home environment is proven to support stronger attendance, engagement and learning outcomes,” said Jill Hardy Heath, Heart of America President and CEO. “By transforming spaces in and surrounding the Kids in Distress campus with PPG, we’re strengthening a critical part of that continuum. These refreshed spaces will help ensure children feel safe, supported and ready to learn.” 

Watch a video to see this project come to life.