They’ve Made Their Marks in Many Different Arenas, but They Have One Thing in Common: These Men and Women of Sport Figure to Be Major Players in the Year Ahead : SANDY KIEVMAN : Program Is More Than Just KYDS Stuff

The sure way for kids to stay out of trouble, says Sandy Kievman, is to keep them busy.

So five years ago Kievman, a former social worker from West Hills, created a sports program called Keep Youth Doing Something. It targets youngsters from low-income families who live in high-crime areas and may be at risk of joining gangs.

“There was a tremendous need in the Valley for such an activity for teenagers,” Kievman said.

KYDS was initiated at Lanark Park in Canoga Park, which for years had been infested with drug dealers and crime. Recently the program expanded to Reseda and Pacoima.

“When the police got rid of the drug dealers at Lanark, the park still had a bad reputation,” Kievman said. “We wanted to infuse life into the park while also giving kids something to do.”

About 300 youths ages 13-18 are part of Kievman’s program, which also includes academic guidance and counseling. The main activity of KYDS, however, is sports.

On Friday nights, participants can play flag football, basketball and softball. At the end of the evening, there is food, drinks and lots of socializing. Everything is free.

“Where I live people used to offer me drugs all the time,” said 17-year-old Ari Soto, who has participated in KYDS for four years. “But instead I go to the park and play with my peers. It has really taught me self-discipline.”

Soto, a senior at Chatsworth High, says he has become a better student since joining KYDS. He recently earned a full scholarship to attend the University of Redlands.

Kievman, 51, says success stories keep her going. She often works 14-hour days and lobbies hard for funding: The program is supported by private donations.

“It’s a lot of work, but it is so rewarding,” Kievman said. “Kids in these areas need an alternative and I’m glad to provide it.”