Abandoned, impoverished, and abused, the early life of Ethel Gardner was impacted by immense tragedies. Without the guidance of any strong female figures and finding herself a maternal figure by the age of 8 to her brothers and sisters, Ethel faced the responsibilities of adulthood far too soon. A victim of violence by her teenage years, the trajectory of Ethel's life appeared to be spiraling towards a tragic end. However, in just one fateful moment, a hand reached out to her, and Ethel reached back. It was in that moment of great courage, faith, and humility that Ethel not only changed her circumstances, but her perspective. With this monumental shift in the trajectory of her life, Ethel positioned herself to be an active participant not just in her own life, but also in the lives of her family, friends, and anyone who reached out to her.

Along this journey, Ethel, once again, was confronted by tragedy. In March of 1992, Ethel received a call that her teenage son had been killed in an automobile accident. Stricken by the immeasurable pain of the loss of her son, Ethel reached a crossroads. After all Ethel had endured in her lifetime, thus far, her path was clear. As her son would have wanted, Ethel was more determined than ever to create a legacy of courage. On March 13, 1993, Ethel established the Kennedy Austin Foundation. Named after her granddaughter, the Kennedy Austin Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating and supporting women and families whose lives have been impacted by tragedy. Ethel Gardner's enduring mission now has a home where everyone is welcome!