Matt’s Kindness Ripples On is happy to announce the Kindness Award Winner for June, 2025.
Congratulations to Jennie Bouchard-Young !
She will receive an award to help fund her acts of kindness project!
A huge shout out to Jesse’s Paddle (aka, The Jesse Klump Suicide Awareness and Prevention Program) for their very generous donation to sponsor this month’s award winner.
Jennie Bouchard-Young’s (Wilton, ME) life is a testament to the power of resilience, compassion and the lasting impact one individual can make in the lives of others. As a former foster child, Jennie experienced the emotional challenges of growing up in a system that often leaves children feeling isolated and overlooked. Rather than letting her experiences hold her back, she chose to use them as a foundation to inspire change and spread kindness throughout her community and beyond.
Her journey of service began in her early teenage years when she joined a group focused on improving Maine’s foster care system. Driven by a deep understanding of its flaws and potential for growth, Jennie became a voice for others who were still navigating the system. One of her most significant contributions was suggesting the creation of Camp to Belong in Maine, which provides a week of summer camp to siblings separated due to foster care.
Having lived through the pain of being separated from her siblings, she knew firsthand the importance of reconnecting children through shared experiences.
In her early twenties, Jennie began working at a group home for children. There she dedicated herself to showing young people that they are valued, capable and worthy of love. Her goal was to instill in them a sense of hope and self-worth, something she had to learn on her own. Her role wasn’t just a job; it was a mission to heal, empower and uplift those in need.
Jennie has also passed her compassionate spirit on to her daughter, involving her from a young age in acts of service. From buying gifts off a Giving Tree at Christmas to restocking food boxes and free libraries, Jennie taught her daughter the importance of giving back.
From 2017 to 2023, Jennie was a major force behind Valerianne Hinkley’s Be Bold, Stand Up to Bullying initiative (Valerianne is a previous MKRO Award winner). She not only helped conceptualize many of the kindness projects but also carried them out with dedication. Her creativity and leadership contributed significantly to spreading kindness and raising awareness about bullying.
More recently, Jennie taught herself to knit so she could contribute handmade scarves to Operation Gratitude for American troops and veterans. She also writes heartfelt letters to deployed soldiers and first responders. Her efforts extend throughout Maine, where she places uplifting posters and sticky notes in public spaces through her projects “Knitting Love for a Cause” and the “Kindness Ducks Project.” She even handed out notes and star pins to veterans at Arlington National Cemetery.
Jennie funds her projects on her own, including knitting and donating hundreds of hats to newborns and cancer patients. She also raises money for organizations like the American Cancer Society. Her life is a shining example of selfless service; and her continuous acts of kindness make a genuine difference.
It is a true honor to recognize Jennie for her lifelong dedication to helping others. Her kindness, determination and compassion have touched countless lives. She remains a beacon of hope and love in her community.
More about Jesse’s Paddle/The Jesse Klump Suicide Awareness and Prevention Program. Their objective is to end the threat of suicide in Worcester County (MD) and beyond through a program of outreach and education. This is a mission that MKRO supports wholeheartedly; and we are so grateful for all the work they do to support mental health and suicide prevention initiatives.
Thank you to everyone at Jesse’s Paddle for all you do and for your very generous donation to MKRO so we can recognize and reward people who dedicate themselves to making our world a better place. (If you need help, please call 988.)
