In partnership with The ROCK Center for Youth Development and the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library, United Way of Midland County is excited to announce their upcoming impact event Creating the Champion Within Our Kids featuring inspirational speaker, Molly Kennedy.
All are invited to join United Way on March 27 from 6:30 – 7:30 pm at the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library to hear Kennedy’s story. Her keynote will address ways parents, advocates and caring adults can empower confidence, resilience and joy in the children in their lives.
This free event is open to all community members. Registration is required – to sign up, visit unitedwaymidland.org/champion.
“We are honored to have Molly joining us to share her inspiring story of determination,” shared Holly Miller, President and CEO of United Way of Midland County. “Her heart’s work is to inspire people to recognize challenges as an opportunity to grow. We hope that her message will resonate with all who join us.”
Mental Health is an issue area that United Way invests in every year by providing funding to vital programs that ensure everyone has access to affordable mental health care. They hope that attendees learn skills that help them gain confidence, resiliency and determination.
“Partnering with The ROCK on this event is important because it addresses one of the top issues that our community faces every day,” shared Miller. “We know that neighbors struggle with mental health and it’s vital that we provide the care they need and deserve. In Midland County, 28% of our local students reported struggling with depression according to the 2021 Youth Survey, a 17% increase from the 2016 survey. ”
In Kennedy’s bio, she shares that challenges and trauma followed her throughout life. She grew up in a dysfunctional family and suffered from neglect and abandonment. She had a dream of becoming an inspirational speaker and author, and although she didn’t know how she’d accomplish it, she had a vision and an unstoppable mindset to take action and make it happen.
Kennedy has achieved many life goals, including earning her Master’s Degree in Sports Medicine, becoming an author, completing multiple marathons, winning championships in bodybuilding and Olympic weightlifting and earning the distinction of Ironman Triathlete. Molly has also jumped out of an airplane twice, walked across fire twice, climbed the equivalent of Mt. Everest in less than 32 hours and had summitted all 46 of New York’s highest mountains.
According to Kennedy’s bio, her message empowers anyone to get unstuck from any challenges or transitions life throws at them. Attendees learn practical, user-friendly strategies and action steps to every aspect of life. This is NOT a one-and-done message. It will stick to our ribs.
United Way is partnering with students in Discover You, a ROCK Youth Development Center program, to bring Molly Kennedy to Midland not only for this community event but also for local students. Throughout the day on March 27, Molly will present to high-school students during two events hosted at local schools.
“Bringing Molly Kennedy into our community to speak on resilience and grit was entirely student-led through our Peer-to-Peer program,” shared Tara Welch, President and CEO of The ROCK. “This event is a testament to the power of student voices and their ability to create meaningful change. We want everyone to know that our students took the lead in planning and executing this impactful experience. Peer-to-Peer is a program that truly amplifies student leadership, and we hope the entire community will join us for this inspiring night.”
To learn more about Molly Kennedy and to register for the free evening event, visit unitedwaymidland.org/champion.
