BIO
The history of Kennedy Austin Foundation started with a support group called a “Mother’s Cry” in 1993. The name was later changed to Kennedy Austin Developmental Center in 1996 as a nonprofit 501(c)3. In 1998 the center was reorganized as the Kennedy Austin Foundation.
Ethel’s inspiration came from the loss of her only son, Damon Jermaine Jones who was 17 years old at the time of his tragic car accident in March 1992.
The foundation’s name was conceived by the birth of Ethel's first granddaughter, Kennedy Austin, whom she thought she would never see, and who brought life and healing to Ethel's broken heart.
Kennedy Austin Foundation serves the tri-city area of Pomona, Claremont, La Verne and surrounding communities with our wellness and crisis-Intervention programs whose goal is to educate, equip, and empower families to overcome the effects of major loss. We serve people of myriad circumstances, ages, faiths, and cultures.
Our services include, but are not limited to, Grief & Loss, Survivors of Domestic Violence (Women Only), youth vision classes called Creating Space for youth ages 5 to 18, Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaways, Annual Christmas Toy Drive and Giveaways, and most importantly The Million Mothers March in May of every year, which is in remembrance of the loss of all loved ones.
Write the Wrong Writer’s Workshop began in August 2016 in collaboration with Tri-City Mental Health Services. The workshop was developed for individuals seeking emotional healing and personal growth through journaling.
Through the years, Kennedy Austin Foundation has been recognized by our community as first responders to tragic situations. The foundation has received awards and recognition by our peers and communities.
Mission: Kennedy Austin Foundation, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Since 1995, we educate, equip, and empower individuals and families in crisis.
Vision: A Family Helping Families heal after the loss of a child.
Our motto: From The neighborhood to nations!
Goal: Life after Loss, to provide hope and restoration to families and individuals from tragedy to triumph.