Kenn & Jane Criswell are the youngest two siblings of the Criswells. During times of loss, you find yourself doing what you can to bring that person closer to you. You want to hold on with everything you’ve got. Kathy was the hub of our family. She kept us all together.
"There was no place more like “home” than being at her house. We gathered there for holidays, family gatherings or just “because."
We realized very quickly that Kathy had touched so many lives outside of the family as well.
The stories were pretty much all the same—Kathy 'took care of me', 'she was always there when I needed her', 'she was sweet and kind', etc. She was just authentically caring and compassionate. She was never too busy to help. She was the most selfless person we knew. We heard it over and over again. We knew that she had left us with a legacy and a challenge to carry it on.
Kathys House Foundation, a non profit 501(c)3, was soon organized. It was January of 2017.
We provide “Kathy’s Bags” to hospital patients, nursing homes, Veterans. We participate in special events like Ohio Valley Night to Shine and the Cinderella Project.
Our long-term commitment is to open “Kathy’s House” near WVUMedicine-Reynolds Memorial Hospital. The hospitality house will have multiple bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms, laundry facilities, a sitting room. It will operate under a Ronald McDonald House model, but on a smaller scale. Anyone will be able to stay at “Kathy’s House” for a small fee. If one cannot afford the fee, they will not be denied. There will be food available as well.
The purpose of “Kathy’s House” is to provide an “at home” atmosphere where people can spend the night and be close to their loved ones at the hospital. We want to provide a place that will take some of the burden and worry away from an already stressful situation.Just as Kathy’s death was unexpected, our older brother, Jack passed away in October 2019 after a short illness. Jack was quiet and kind. He loved to garden and while not only growing vegetables, he had an exquisite rose garden.
“Jack’s Garden” will be located on the property as well. It will be a place to go outside that is peaceful, a place of comfort.
We are so appreciative of all the support we have received from friends, neighbors, businesses and the entire community. We welcome you to be a part of our organization. It is a great feeling to celebrate life instead of mourning death. There is something for everyone. We have found ourselves in a time that none of us saw coming. Kindness has no cost. #BeKindToday.
Thank you for any support you can provide for this needed cause.
Call us at 304-312-1168 with any questions.
