The foundation was started in honor of Michael Kennel. Michael was developmentally handicapped, and passed away a year ago. Although life was challenging for him, Michael was concerned about other people—their needs, their happiness, their joy. Michael’s quiet steps on earth echoed loudly in the hearts of all who had the opportunity and privilege to know or to meet him. Michael is with our Lord! He is healed, happy and well! Michael prayed to God often, but never complained about his struggles throughout life. Michael’s forgotten angels - what a loving testimony to everyone who finds life challenging, and for people who lack understanding and compassion regarding developmental disabilities and illnesses. May God bless all of His children, especially Michael’s Forgotten Angels!

Throughout Michael’s life his family experienced many different living situations for people that are developmentally handicapped. Astonished that most people were not as blessed as Michael to have a strong support system, they decided to reach out to the community to support their needs. In Michael’s memory, our goal is to provide financial and emotional support, to the developmentally disabled individuals in Illinois.
The perception most people have is that their needs are well taken care of by the government. However, the government funds have been drastically cut. The foundation would like to train and teach people how to treat developmentally disabled individuals. Most of these individuals have great personalities and are very loving. They sometimes also participate in activities to earn money for Special Olympics themselves, such as the Polar Plunge.

There are so many individuals who are in need. We would like to obtain volunteer services to help. (examples: haircuts, transportation, etc.) Many individuals have very limited financial support. The foundation is working hard on collecting coats, clothing and personal hygiene items for individuals.

The individuals who live in group homes occasionally go to fun activities also. We would like to be able to provide them with gift certificates to movies, restaurants or bowling.

Another goal of the foundation is to make our law enforcement officials aware of how to treat these individuals. There have been many accidents people have gotten hurt by our law enforcement officials and they were not trained to understand the needs of developmentally handicapped individuals. We would like to work with local and state officials to educate them in this area, so they can educate local and state police departments. In fact one of our committee members has already spent hours of his time training law enforcement regarding their needs.

Last but not least is The Illinois Special Olympics. We would like to donate some of the foundation proceeds to their organization. The Illinois Special Olympics will keep the money in the central Illinois region. Unfortunately, their funding has also been cut.

Over 200,000 people who live in Illinois have a developmental disability such as, Autism, Down syndrome, Mental Retardation, Cerebral Palsy and other specific neurological conditions.

All developmental disabilities are manifested during childhood or before the age of 22.

1.6% of all Americans are diagnosed with a developmental disability.

Illinois is ranked 50th nationwide in funding for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Please help us make a positive impact on someone’s life today.

Thank you for your time and interest in Michael’s Forgotten Angels.