Testimonials
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From: Kashawn L. Coleman
Founder & Daughter of Kim
When sitting down to write about my mother and my reasons for starting the foundation, it was very difficult because words can’t really express the powerful impact that my mother had on my life and how her passion to help others resonates in me. My mother carried so much love in her heart for people, and I hope that through the foundation we are able to share and spread that same care to our youth.
The foundation was created to help support and empower today’s youth to press on and keep it moving despite the challenges they face in life. I believe that this is something that all youth can and should embody. It is important because in life we all encounter hardship and pain that we have to get through. For me, losing my mother at 15 years old was the most difficult things that I have experienced in my life; I lost a mother and friend at such a crucial time in my life.
Although though I felt a heavy burden, I knew that my mother would not want me to live a life of sorrow and mourning, but instead to take everything that I learned from her and to use it to press on. So with the help of teachers, mentors, and so many others, I began to put all my hurt and sadness into working hard in academics, sports, and maintaining a job. I was determined not to let my mother or anyone who helped me down.
My mom was and still is to me my great foundation, love, and support. She was my biggest cheerleader and a great support system. I will always remember her warm heart and wonderful spirit that helped me to move forward. I really miss my mother and I hold so many things that she taught me close to my heart. Through her love for life and people I have grown a desire to help those in need, especial our youth.
I can recall the many times that my mother talked to me and taught me life lessons out of different situation; lessons that will stick with me forever. She was very good at taking time to explain things to people, very kind and patient. Some of the things she would say to me are, “be nice to people you never know what they are going through”, “the grass is always green on the other side”...teaching me how to take on situations that come my way. She was also good at giving me and my brother hugs and kisses each and every day and saying I love you; letting us know that things would be alright. It is very important to me that our youth know that even though they experience difficulties, things will be alright.
After my mother passed away I continued to focus on school and was able to graduate from Montclair State University with a degree in accounting. Because of the support and guidance that I received I was able to study abroad, live in England, and experience things that I know my mother would be proud of. In addition to the support from my parents, part of the reason I was able to move forward was because of the help that I received from teachers and mentors. There are so many helping hands that helped to lift me along the way, some including my teacher and mentor Ms. Wanda Davis, Principal Charles Ross, and Lieutenant Colonial Richard Forchion, along with many others.
Through my life I have learned that we all go through struggles and difficult times, but it is those trial and tribulations that build strength and endurance. In memory of my mother, hero, and so much more; I hope that the foundation is able to help today’s youth move forward through trying times in life.
To the youth out there, I say to you keep your dream alive and never give up; don't ever give up on you!
Kashawn Lashae Coleman
God Bless You All!!!
From: Eugene Whitehead
In Memory of My Wife,
Kim E. Coleman (Keep It Moving)
Kim was a dedicated wife and mother. We were together for 17 years and she was always there for me and anyone who needed her. Whenever things went wrong, Kim gave a helping hand and a beautiful song that would touch your heart and see you through.
Kim was always the one to say job well done and keep up the good work. And this is how I knew things would be alright whenever Kim was in your life. She always showed those around her love and kindness. She was a woman who would stand up for you and defend you if you needed it. These qualities and many others are what made her such a phenomenal mother.
A wife and mother like no other, she would always say don’t quit, it will be alright after a while. Then our two beautiful children would look up to her and smile. It has been hard not having such a wonderful wife and mother, but to our children you have to remember that your mother said don’t quit! “Stick to the fight with your hardest hit…It’s when things seem the worst that you must not quit.”
Love Always, Husband to Kim – Eugene Whitehead Keep It Moving
From: Bryant Whitehead
If I could describe my mother, Kim E. Coleman in one word, I couldn’t. She was one to lighten your heaviest burdens with just a few inspirational words, a hug, and a smile. If you were looking the slightest bit upset or worried she would show concern and sympathy. She was a true people person.
My mother was one to never hold grudges; she embraced all people, even those that were difficult to deal with. I have always said I would want to handle people in the same manner as my mother as I matured and got older. Even though she has departed this earth, the impact that she had on my life will forever be with me and I will proudly carry her with me in my heart.
From: Lenore Coleman
From a Friend to a Friend
(My Niece)
I truly found a friend in Kim who was there for me through the sunshine and the storm, who made me laugh when I was sad, who made me strong when I was weak. She was kind at heart, inspiring in every way, never to be forgotten. To know her was to love her, I will forever be grateful for our friendship, and the time we shared together. Sleep with the angels my friend you have earned your wings in every way.
Your Aunt, Lenore Coleman
From: Windy White
Kim Coleman was an exceptionally kind and generous soul. Without question, she was a wonderful example of true friendship and cared very deeply for the well-being of others, often before her own. If Kim had a dollar, it meant you had 50 cents. Kim’s laugh was wonderfully infectious so if she was laughing, you were too.
Her heart was warm, her smile was bright and more than anything she loved her family. Kim’s legacy will of course continue through her beautiful children, granddaughter and generations to come, and it is only fitting that a scholarship be established to continue her spirit of selfless giving so that others may succeed.
The recipient of the Kim Coleman scholarship award should therefore exemplify a genuine sense of giving back through community service and volunteerism. The individual should also embody a strong sense of integrity, confidence and passion for life and love…just like Kim.