Harkins Community Memorial Foundation

“Helping to allocate resources with kindness and identifying the need for supporting families in crisis.”

MISSION

The Harkins Community Memorial Fund’s Mission is to “Help allocate resources with kindness and identifying the need for supporting families in crisis.”

HISTORY

The Harkins Community Memorial Foundation was established in 2004 by Marva Brown, grandmother of James Lesley Harkins. James lost his life in a tragic drowning. Being the giving and caring person that Marva is, she established a fund to support families and assist with funeral costs in a time of crisis.

The foundation has grown in its mission providing a celebration of Youth in the Rockford Area and their service to the community.

To date, the fund has provided financial assistance to the families of over 50 children; provided encouragement through the annual youth awards for numerous youth in the Rockford Area, and has supported countless others in their time of need.

Support

The Harkins Community Memorial Foundation Prides itself on giving back to community through providing support and financial assistance for funeral costs in a time of crisis.

The Harkins Memorial Foundation also celebrates the life of teens and young adults striving to make a positive impact in their community through volunteerism and leadership at the Annual Harkins Youth Awards.

We invite you to support the foundation through volunteering, or participating in our annual fundraisers!

You can also show you support for the Harkins Foundation through donation.

To donate please contact the Rockford Park District Foundation (401 S. Main Street Rockford, IL) 815-987-1630 or click on the Pay Pal button below to donate online.

Make a Donation
Make a Donation

Requesting Financial Assistance

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

  • The Memorial Fund provides assistance not to exceed $800 for funeral expenses for families meeting the eligibility requirements.

  • Additional funds may be available in special circumstances as approved by a majority of the Memorial Fund board.

  • Funds will be paid directly to the funeral home.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

  • The deceased child must have been between the ages of birth (live birth) and 10 years of age at the time of their death.

  • Legal custody and/or guardianship of the child must be verified

  • The deceased child must have been a resident of Winnebago County.

  • The deceased child’s household qualifies for one or more of the following government programs:

    • The Food Stamp Program

    • Illinois Link Card

    • KidCare Card

    • Public School Free and Reduced Lunch Program

    • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

    • Eligibility for other government subsidy programs will be determined on a case by case basis.

WHAT TO BRING

  • Proof of custody of the deceased child – birth certificate or guardianship paperwork

  • Proof of family or guardian residency of Winnebago County(utility bill, drivers license)

  • Current verification of qualification for the above referenced government subsidy programs. Correspondence, identification cards, etc.

HOW TO APPLY

Complete the Harkins Community Memorial Fund Funeral Assistance Application Form at the link below and deliver it to:

Harkins Community Memorial Fund
Rockford Park District Foundation
401 S. Main Street
Rockford, IL 61101

PLEASE NOTE: The Harkins Community Memorial Fund reserves the right to deny applications for any reason. All decisions of the Fund Board are final.

Harkins Financial Assistance Application
Harkins Financial Assistance Application

Outstanding Youth Awards

This award was created as a means of recognizing outstanding youth whose extraordinary efforts have made a difference and provided positive examples for their generation. Candidates were considered for outstanding achievements and contributions made to their church and/ or community for a project that they initiated, organized, or contributed to significantly. We will share the stories of the incredible young people who you will meet here this evening and recognize them during a special awards presentation.

Candidates should be considered for their outstanding contributions to their church and/or community for a project that the individual initiated, organized, or contributed to significantly.

Six Outstanding Youth Award nominees will be selected to be recognized and asked to attend the Youth Awards Ceremony. All nominees will be celebrated; however, only one nominee will be selected by a panel of judges as the “Outstanding Youth Award” winner.

Submit a Nomination
Submit a Nomination

Contact Us

For more information on the Harkins Community Memorial Foundation, please contact:

Marva Brown
815-519-2013
marvalouisebrown@gmail.com

Nikki Lynch
815-987-1620
NikkiLynch@rockfordparkdistrict.org

Board Officers

Jamesia Cavitt, President
Marva L. Brown, President Emeritus
Nikki Lynch, Vice President
James Ponds, Treasurer

Board Members

April Adams
Carandus Brown
Dawn Brown
Treva Brown
Sharon Carpenter
Norma Joseph
Kathy Kidd
Karen McDaniel
Jimmie Nell Poke
Shirley Nelson
Destiny Newton
Jay Sandine

In Memoriam (former board members)

Lewis Craig
Su Gilbert
Alberta Jones
Brazz Scott