Kenwyn & Keith - Vulnerable Adults

There are many important reasons for a Go Fund Me. This one is about a 'wrong' I feel was done to my family ...

Hi! My name is Dana. I want to share a story about my younger sister on disability from a birth accident, and the man she met in class. We were thrilled when Kenwyn and Keith got married in 1985! They have been good for each other and just celebrated 38 years together. They live in their own Habitat house and a couple helps with cooking, cleaning and maintenance. Keith is a dishwasher at Centre College, Kenwyn folds boxes for a major pizza chain and also receives SSI. They live on a very limited income and when they struggle with basic necessities, we step in to help - respecting the delicate balance this creates. However, we have seen businesses and individuals treat them as an ‘easy mark’ and take advantage of their innocence. I feel such is the case that brings us to this Go Fund Me. 

In 2022 a car dealer sold them two cars in 9 months and a bank approved both loans through the dealership. Kenwyn and Keith work, their home is paid off and they pay their bills on time. They have a great credit score, but money matters can be difficult to process - even for the best of us. They were so overwhelmed with two payments that both cars were quickly repossessed for auction and then, with the way of our American financial system, they received a bill for the difference owed on two cars they do not own - $24,000!

It is difficult to describe all the professionals we have consulted for help and advice. Lawyers, social workers, financial institutions, legal aids, financial advisors, debt relief, vulnerable adult services, etc. offer little hope: "People make stupid decisions every day and there’s nothing to do but pay it back so good luck."

Keith admits he made a huge mistake. But the reality of the situation, what folks see from afar is not what we see close-up ... a lovely couple with many special issues, who have difficulty understanding the ramifications of such financial decisions and frustrated that everything they tried to correct the situation on their own - failed. I feel the same way after all the folks we have talked with. 

In the scheme of things, it does not matter that a big part of me feels Keith was exploited in the moment. Whether he was taken advantage of, sweet-talked, cajoled or coerced, a salesman convinced him to purchase a second car. If it weren't so wrong, it would be quite impressive since there is only one driver in the house. You may share the anger I have labored to process, but the 'whys', the 'should haves' and the 'how could theys' are of little significance now. We are left to deal with the consequences.

The bank suggested a $300/month pay-back plan, but Kenwyn and Keith don't have an extra $300/month. We have been inspired by their determination to fend for themselves over the years, but now it feels as if all we have worked so diligently to cultivate for and with them could be in jeopardy. I feel sad and fearful for their future. We especially miss those who could be more emotionally supportive right now - our parents, our siblings, and my husband, Phil.

This will be a long, drawn-out process so I guess I am pleading for help on their behalf. But just as important - to bring awareness to the situation we find ourselves in. I have learned so much and changes have been made with more security in place. If you have family members for whom you must advocate ~ learn from us. Thoughts and prayers for Kenwyn and Keith please - they just need a little TLC.

This GoFundMe account is set up in their name (under my control) and every single dollar (or ten) moves us closer to the ultimate goal. 100% of this account goes specifically for these special intentions, and humbly received with the utmost love and gratitude.

Thank you so much for partnering with us to provide hope for these vulnerable adults. We truly appreciate your kind thoughts, wishes, prayers (and random acts of giving. :)