This is our why

The Harkins Community Memorial Foundation was born out of a deep personal loss and the desire to turn pain into purpose. When James Lesley Harkins tragically drowned, his grandmother, Marva Brown, was determined to honor his memory by helping other families facing similar heartache.

Our “why” is rooted in the belief that no family should have to face the overwhelming burden of funeral costs alone, and that every young person who contributes to their community deserves to be celebrated. We exist to bring hope, support, and recognition to those who need it most, ensuring that James’s legacy lives on through every life we touch.

what makes us different

the principles we live by

Compassion

Established in 2004 by Marva Brown, the foundation was inspired by personal tragedy and a deep desire to help families in crisis.

Assistance

We specialize in providing financial support for funeral costs, offering relief to families during their most challenging times.

Empowerment

Beyond financial aid, we celebrate and encourage the contributions of youth in the Rockford area through annual awards and recognition.

Community

Our mission has expanded to not only support families but also to uplift the entire community by recognizing the service and impact of its young members.

Impactful

Over the years, we have provided financial assistance to over 50 families, helping them navigate the burden of unexpected funeral costs.

Support

Our foundation continues to stand by countless others in their times of need, making a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.

Don’t just take our word for it

I have the privilege of serving on the board of Harkins Community Memorial Foundation. I believe in what Harkins does for our community with my whole heart. Helping Families who have lost a child and who do not have the resource to afford a funeral or proper burial is such an important and worthy cause. A friend blessed me with a ticket to one of Harkins’ fund raising events about 8 years ago. It was the first time I had the opportunity to hear of Harkins and what they do for families in the Rockford area. I met Ms. Marva Brown that afternoon and by the end of the event I was asking to serve on the Board of this amazing group. I knew immediately that I wanted to serve with this incredible organization. I have two little boys who live in heaven. Jacob would be 34 years old and Joey would be 29 this fall. My boys had a genetic disease called Fanconi’s Anemia, a very rare blood disorder. We had Jacob for just two weeks in the spring of 1990 before he passed away. Joey faired a bit better than his brother. But after 2 ½ years and 18 surgeries, he too, went to heaven, to be with Jacob. He lived from Sept 1995 to Feb. 1998. I cannot begin to imagine going through those devastating times and the grief that comes from losing a child AND then not be able to provide my precious boys with a proper funeral and burial. The Harkins Foundation is an amazing part of our community. Not only serving families who have lost a child, but also honoring outstanding young people in our area that serve in extraordinary ways each spring at Youth Banquet. It is a privilege and my honor to serve on this board with such incredible people.

KAREN MCDANIEL