Help Kenisha Build Her Dream Daycare and Transform Lives

Hi everyone,

I’m reaching out to share the incredible story of my friend, Kenisha—a truly dedicated, compassionate, and hardworking woman with a dream to create a safe and nurturing daycare for children in our community. Kenisha means so much to me and is incredibly close to my heart. For as long as I’ve known her, she has been the go-to person for childcare—a natural caregiver who has devoted her life to raising her own children and supporting countless others as if they were her own.

Her Story

Kenisha’s journey as a caregiver began in high school at Thornwood High School in South Holland, Illinois, where she studied child development and quickly became the “I’ll watch your kids” lady in her neighborhood. Over the years, her passion grew, even as she faced heartbreaking challenges. After losing a child at a young age, Kenisha turned her grief into purpose, dedicating herself to providing love, safety, and support to children and families.

She has worked in daycares, organized overnight stays for holidays like New Year’s and Valentine’s Day, and even hosted evenings for parents to enjoy a break while their children had meals, snacks, and fun activities. Her dream now is to take this love and experience to the next level by opening her own daycare—a place where kids are safe, fed, nurtured, and inspired.

Her Vision

Kenisha wants to create a daycare that feels like a second home for every child who walks through its doors. Beyond traditional childcare, she envisions offering:

• Free childcare or summer camp for the first 5 families for several months, maybe even a year.

• Acting as a liaison to connect families with resources, such as assistance with utilities, rent, or tuition. The specific details about this support will be released at a later time.

• Fun, educational activities and programs designed to help kids thrive emotionally and intellectually.

She’s not just building a daycare; she’s building a community hub where families can feel supported, loved, and empowered.

Why We Need Your Help

Kenisha has been working tirelessly as a flagger for the CTA to support her dream, but starting a daycare comes with significant costs—licensing, equipment, space, and supplies. That’s where you come in. Your contribution will help cover:

• Securing a location.

• Purchasing educational materials, toys, and equipment.

• Ensuring that the daycare meets safety and licensing requirements.

Any amount you can contribute will bring Kenisha one step closer to fulfilling her dream and making a lasting difference in the lives of children and families in our community. Even if you can only give a dollar, Kenisha would be deeply grateful.

About Kenisha

Kenisha is a pillar of her community, deeply involved in charity work, feeding the homeless, and raising her own children alongside many god-children and “fake cousins” who consider her family. Her patience, kindness, and passion for helping others are unmatched. While she isn’t actively looking for a center at the moment due to financial reasons, she hopes to serve families in the Riverdale area in the future. This daycare is not just a dream for her; it’s a calling.

Let’s Make This Dream a Reality

Together, we can help Kenisha create a safe, loving environment for children and families. Your support means the world to her—and to the countless families who will benefit from her daycare.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for considering supporting Kenisha’s dream. If you can’t donate, please share this campaign with others who might be able to help. Let’s come together to build something truly special!

With gratitude,

Tiara Patterson