Alumni Spotlight: Haley Kenney
Appalachian Center for Equality is committed to sustaining long-term relationships with youth participants by continuing to offer resources, mentorship, and support beyond high school graduation. As part of that ongoing commitment, we are excited to highlight our friend, Haley “Ham” Kenney, as they share about their experience as program participant and alum.
How did you get involved with ACE? How long have you been a part of the program?
I got involved with ACE in high school when I was 16 years old, though I had known about the group since I was 15. I had a few friends attending an after school group called "EPIC" which was led by Liz Brunello. I had interacted with the group a year before when I had attended other after school programs, and the members were kind so I decided to join the following year. I've been involved off and on for about eight years.
Why were you interested in joining ACE? What kept you involved?
ACE provided a support system that I desperately needed as a teenager living in poverty, with parents who were struggling with substance use. I had no direction at that time, and the members of ACE gave me plans for applying to colleges and for scholarships, provided me with advocacy experience, let me experience life outside my hometown, allowed me to meet so many new people, and built the pathways that led to so many wonderful friendships that I still hold dear today.
How does ACE continue to support you now as an alum?
Members of ACE continue to support me today and I am so incredibly grateful as I wouldn't be where I am without them. They’ve given me opportunities to travel, helped me and my family during difficult times, and most importantly, made sure I could get to and from work so I can save up for a car and continue building stability for myself.. Words cannot describe how thankful I am for these wonderful people.
What are you up to now?
Ace has supported me since high school and helped me gain scholarships for college. They supported me throughout my educational journey and my parents’ illness. A little over a year after graduation, I am now an adoptions counselor at KCHA, an animal shelter in Charleston. I love it there!
What would you tell current program participants or youth involved in the program?
I would tell current participants and youth in the program that trust and honesty takes you a long way. ACE is here to support you and help you learn and get far in life, trust them and be open with them.
Also, I'm proud of the newer members. You are the leaders of the future and we can't learn without your voices. Thank you so much for joining!