The Full Story

About Us

One afternoon in 2016, I sought God in prayer and when I got up, He whispered in an audible voice, “Widows!” I heard God and then asked Him for confirmation. That same day, upon arriving at work, I processed a call where an older widowed mother was trying to call her daughter who never answered the phone. That widowed mom began to talk to me over the phone and say, "Baby, you sound like a sweet person, but I am just a widow who wants my daughter to check in on me from time to time to see if I need some milk or bread or something!” That statement grieved my heart, and I literally felt the burden/call/responsibility to do something. I then told that widowed mom that she may feel old and alone, but God used her to confirm something He whispered in my spirit that morning. I encouraged her to know that great purpose still lies within her. She then said, “Well, Obey God!”

The Mite was founded in 2019 and officially became a nonprofit in Nov. of 2020. The name of this nonprofit was inspired by God’s voice and some scriptures in the Bible such as: “And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: But she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had” (St. Luke 21: 1-4). When someone loses their spouse, they can feel like they’ve lost everything and there is nothing else left to give. But God sent the Mite to tell you: “You gave more than them all, but there’s more to give!” You are on God’s heart, therefore, you are not alone! “

The Mite is a faith-based, nonprofit organization seeking to walk alongside the widow/widower and their children to alleviate feelings of loneliness, isolation, and to offer support. I am excited to be the founder of this great organization knowing that it will grow and prayerfully assist widows/widowers and their children for generations to come!

Mission

To provide a mobile, empathetic supportive network for widows/widowers and their children to help alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Vision

The Mite will serve as an encouraging, supportive network for widows/widowers to meet, work through the stages of grief, get resources they need, and learn how to rediscover their worth.

Kynesha Hicks, Founder and Chairperson

My life can be defined as a testament to God’s healing power - and perseverance. After graduating from high school, I aspired to be a Chemical Engineer and enrolled at Case Western Reserve University. As this exciting new chapter of my life began, my path unexpectedly changed course. At 22 years old, my once healthy lungs failed me due to the flu/double pneumonia and I found myself fighting for my life. While on life support for 96 days, I was unable to speak or write. I was diagnosed with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and relied on the American Sign Language alphabet to communicate with medical staff and family. Little did I know this near-death experience would change all future chapters of my life. My advocacy and sensitivity to the Deaf community’s communication needs was born from these life events. Learning American Sign Language at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Ohio was another pivotal point in my journey. I received my interpreter training from Dorsey Business Schools and later Lansing Community College under Brenda Cartwright. As a certified interpreter in Missouri with over 20 years of experience interpreting in education, religious, social and post-secondary settings and serving the Deaf/Blind community as a Support Service Provider, I am grateful and astonished by God’s plan for my life. When you ask God for His Will to be done in earth (in us), as it is in Heaven, watch what God begins to whisper in your spirit. Whatever He whispers, He ordains and then makes provisions for it to be done.

Our Leadership Team

Guidance. Expertise. Commitment.

Welcome to the heart of The Mite. Our Board and Advisory Council are composed of dedicated individuals whose diverse backgrounds and expertise drive our mission forward. Each member brings a unique perspective, passion, and commitment to supporting widows and widowers in our community. Learn more about the people behind the vision and how they contribute to making a difference.

Board Secretary

Kynita Grady

"I believe in the mission of the Mite and how important it is to have support available I am proud to be the secretary for the board."

Board Treasurer

Darriell McKeithen

"The Mite is an important organization because widows/widowers have lost someone important that was a part of their support system. An organization like The Mite is needed to help balance out their life because their whole life has changed from the loss of that spouse. Something is needed to replace what was lost! A widow/widower is like an airplane that lost a wing!"

Advisory Member

Deborah Harvel Jenkins

"The experience of grief and loss can be very lonely. 'The Mite' organization provides a connection to others who have gone through a similar loss, creating a bridge of support. By connecting with people at various stages of healing, it becomes easier to find a path forward."

Advisory Member

Sharon Johnson

I was called to a life of service, starting as the oldest of five. After high school, I planned to study Biochemical Research but enrolled in a nursing program at John Carroll University, which I didn't finish. I earned an Associate's degree in Nursing and later pursued my Bachelor's and Master's to teach. I developed programs for AIDS and children on ventilators and worked with the American Cancer Society. After losing my second husband and my first husband shortly after, I realized I hadn't grieved. Now, I aim to support widows and widowers through The Mite.

Advisory Member

Angela D. Mosley

Angela D. Mosley is a licensed minister from Northeastern Ohio. She has been a widow since March 7, 2023. She was married for 37 1/2 years. She has 4 adult children. She was a First Lady of her late husband's church for 28 years. Since experiencing the continued grief process, she knew she was led by God to help and support other widows/widowers. She is honored and counts it a privilege to assist in any capacity in The MIte’s ministry to the widow(er).