OUR STORY
This incredible journey is the result of one final match being thrown into a low burning flame. The fuel for this fire was a God-given compassion toward children and the desire for each’s success. The vision of Foundation139 is to light a flame into each of the hearts of children with cognitive disabilities and empower strength to reach their God-given potential.
Bringing light into the lives of those whose circumstances take them to the darkest nights was a mission of the heart early on. Immersed in childcare from a young age, Makinzie was not blind to the peers in need of aides, medications, and special equipment to assist them in succeeding through school as a typical child would. She had secondhand experience with special needs throughout her life. Exposure came with watching the hearts of two generations before her – her mother and nana – aid elementary peers with limitations in classes and after school programs. As a child herself, Makinzie had a desire to help but didn’t yet understand her place. School nonprofit events inspired small fundraisers of her own in elementary, and community needs witnessed in high school inspired annual work collaborated charitable events. In college, compassion and direction emerged.
December 2020 – she met the true inspiration of Foundation 139. For the sake of confidentiality, he will remain anonymous and be referred to as G. A normal day returning to childcare for winter break was interrupted with an unexpected connection between herself and the newest addition to daycare. G was a nonverbal 3-year-old with autism. He is a spirited child, whose emotions are just as heavy in the highs as in the lows. The short time spent interacting, aiding, and learning to understand the little firecracker was both the most rewarding and heartbreaking 10 days. Every small milestone was celebrated amongst the duo, but was followed with misunderstanding, ridicule, and isolation from bystanders that were blind to the process. She quickly became one of less than a handful of people that craved success for this boy. The true ignorance of those around which drives aversion, along with the building frustration of G became clear. A need became prevalent.
Foundation 139 was established with those kids and their warrior families in mind and heart.
WHAT WE DO
We extend our resources to those struggling to finance needed therapies and other services. We extend our services to communities/businesses looking to ease the daily overstimulation and frustration sensory challenged children encounter when exploring all each has to offer.
EXTEND.
ENCOURAGE.
We work to strengthen the hearts of children with cognitive disabilities by acknowledging each identity as a unique and impactful part of their community. We empower young minds to flip disabilities or alternative perspectives into strengths and tools for success.
EMPOWER.
