Showing up consistently in childrens’ lives is one of the most significant ways to make an impact that lasts through generations.
We all remember the people who impacted us as children. Maybe you had a friend in elementary school who shared their snacks with you, a teacher who really made you feel cared for, or a family friend who was especially kind.
But for many of us, the people who impacted us the most were those who were around often. The loving parent who sacrificed time for us, the sister who always had our back, the mentor who was there through it all – the list goes on and on.
At Kenzi’s Causes, we want to be that kind of presence for our Kidz and our families.
It’s incredibly important to us that being a part of Kenzi’s Causes is not just a fleeting season in Kidz lives, but that we show up and are there consistently through it all – both the good times and the bad.
This is why we wanted to introduce you to one of our families who has been with us for nearly a decade and share their story of how they’ve been impacted by our community.
Meet Ashlee Cooper + Her Family
Ashlee Cooper and her family of 6 have been a part of Kenzi’s Causes for the last 9 years – nearly an entire decade. With kids ages 15, 13, 8, 3, and 6 months, many of her children have spent their entire lives in our community of support. And for Ashlee, that has made the biggest difference.
“I started with Kenzi’s when I had 2 kids who were about 6 (now 15) and 4 (now 13),” said Ashlee. “I remember standing in Target telling Jessica I was pregnant with my (now 8-year-old) son. Jessica and Julie have been here through the worst struggles in my family’s life and through the greatest times of my family’s life. I would definitely not be in a good spot mentally, emotionally, and/or financially if it wasn’t for the support and advice of Jessica and Julie.”
That’s what being in a family’s life consistently looks like.
Sure – it feels good to have people celebrating with us when times are good. But what do you do when times are really hard? Where do you turn?
At Kenzi’s Causes, we want to be that place you can come regardless of how “good” your life is right now. There’s no need to be perfect or have it all together – we’re there for you regardless of whether you’re going through ups or downs.
“Kenzi’s causes has given me a family, a family that I do not have to worry about my kids learning the wrong words and actions, a family that is here so they see there are caring people in this world no matter how tough times are and to show them that they have people that they can count on!” said Ashlee.
That’s why we call it our Kenzi’s Kidz Family – because we really are a family.
And by being a family, we’re able to have fun and events as a family, too.
Ashlee said, “Your support, words of wisdom, and making us feel like we are not alone. Showing my kids that there are community events we can do as a family.”
This community is not only a support system, it’s also a safe place for our families to – well – get to really be a family themselves.
Consistency Opens the Door For Opportunity
When you show up consistently, you’re able to have opportunities to spend time together through events and experiences.
For example, Ashlee shared with us that, “Carmelo, Ali, and Diego have all attended Summer at Stanley summer camp over the years. Diego will be attending again this summer. The family has attended our monthly events, Rockies games, had costumes for Halloween and participated in Operation Christmas.”
Hearing how our events have made an impact matters so much. But what matters more is knowing our Kenzi’s Kidz Family is much larger than we might think.
When we asked Ashlee to describe Kenzi’s Causes – she shared a quote from the Lilo & Stitch movie.
“Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten” ― Lilo and stitch
That’s the power of our Kenzi’s Kidz Family. And we are so grateful to be able to share stories like this one with you.
Become a Part of Kenzi’s Causes + Join Our Community of Support
Simply click here to see how you can get involved and support our Kenzi’s Kidz program in 2022. We cannot wait to meet you!
