Mission Possible: Caring for Kennedi Scholarship

Who this will help

Most of you know us, but for those who don't, my name is Michelle Willman. My husband, Tracy Van Duinen, is an educator, artist and youth advocate, who has been teaching in the Chicago area for over 25 years. We are creating this scholarship fund for an inspiring and deserving young woman named Kennedi.

Why we're fundraising

We met Kennedi through our son, Will. The two became fast friends as audio engineering majors during their first semester at Belmont University, a Christian college in Nashville known for their Music program. This December, we had the pleasure of getting to know Kennedi when Will invited her to spend Christmas with our family. It didn't take long for us to realize what a truly exceptional person she is. Despite the many obstacles she's faced in her lifetime, including family poverty and her father's incarceration, she approaches each day with a gentle authenticity, positivity and resilience, which she credits to her faith in God.

This sweet soul, whose desire to put others' needs before her own, inspired us to start this Go Fund Me, so that she can continue her education and create a better life for herself.

Even though Kennedi has financial aid, has taken out student loans and works a part-time job, due to unforeseen circumstances, it is not enough to cover her full tuition and housing costs for Spring semester. When she returns to campus after Winter Break, she has no place to live and is considering moving into a women's shelter and finding a second job.

She is used to doing things on her own and is hesitant to accept help. We convinced her to allow us to do this, assuring her that she is worth the investment!

Kennedi's story

Growing up, Kennedi was a Nomad, moving from place to place with her single mother and five younger siblings. She attended 12 schools in 12 years. Despite the lack of stability, she was a bright girl who loved writing, music and computer coding.

When she was in high school, her life took a traumatic turn. Her father, who had a long history of violence, murdered her stepmother and went to prison for life.

After high school graduation, Kennedi was rudderless. She was depressed and feeling hopeless. The one constant in her life was her faith in God. She decided to turn herself over to Him and signed up to volunteer with "Youth With A Mission." She spent the next three years sharing scripture and working with children and young adults in Uganda, the Middle East and Kona, HI.

After returning to the States, she had a clear vision for her future. She would go to college to learn a skill that would not only allow her to support herself, but one that she could share with at-risk youth in the U.S. and abroad. She was accepted to Belmont University's Curb School of Entertainment and Music Business where she is one of the few Black women pursuing a degree in audio engineering.

The impact of your support

The money we raise will be used to fund the remainder of Kennedi's tuition, housing and meal expenses for the semester, so that she can live in a safe, affordable place on or close to campus and focus on her studies. She is applying for scholarships for her remaining years.

If you can, please consider donating. No amount is too small. We are so grateful for your generosity and we know Kennedi will be, too. Please share this with your family, friends, religious organizations and social networks. Again, we appreciate your support! You're awesome!