“It all started with a box.”
This quote was said by Kevin Ware in a recent interview. Kevin Ware is an incredible man who has done amazing things for the Rockford community. He started a non-for profit organization called Just Breathe 815 a few years back, and it has flourished over time. Kevin Ware makes it his life’s mission to help others within the community in any way he possibly can. He is one of Rockford’s many heroes.
Just Breathe 815 started out as a non for profit organization to help the homeless community. Once Ware realized that there are other crucial issues arising within the Rockford area, he started to tackle some of those pressing issues as well.
The story of how this non-for profit organization all started was very simple. Ware’s daughter, Breanna Ware, asked, “Dad, where do kids go when they need clothes, a meal, or a safe space?” Ware simply replied with “I do not know.” This is what sparked the idea of Just Breathe 815. Ware wanted to be the answer his daughters’ question.
Ware and his daughter were shocked that there were not many systems within the Rockford community that supports those in rough financial situations. Ware knew then and there that he was given a mission. That mission was, and still is, to help the Rockford community in any way that he can.
“We searched on the internet and found that Rockford is second in the state of Illinois for homeless teens. And we were like, this is happening right in our community?” said Ware.
When Ware began to do some research about the homeless population and found the shocking results, he knew right away that this was an issue that had to be fixed. Therefore, he took it upon himself to start to make a difference.
“We had no money, no resources, no plan,” said Ware. “But we had a mission.”
Just Breathe 815 all started inside of a garage. Ware’s wife, Juanita Ware, came up with the idea to order boxes from the local Home Depot. These boxes were planned to be set outside of local businesses for people to drop off supplies for the homeless community. Supplies consisted of clothing, shoes, self care items, etc. He then had his youngest daughter, Tiana Ware, draw what is now the current logo for Just Breathe 815 on all of the boxes. They then sent out on their mission to make a difference. Ware and his family reached out to local businesses asking if they could set a box in front of the location. The boxes began with one in front of Salamone’s Pizza, then at fifteenth and Chris, then it started to take off from there.
“And that’s how we literally just got started,” said Ware.
Ware is known for touching many people’s lives. He is a known figure within the Rockford community for being there for others at any time in need. Cassie Dye, a girl who Ware has truly affected, explained in several ways how Kevin Ware has changed her life.
“ It was the night of his birthday. My sister was about to start school the next day and she had nothing prepared,” said Dye. “I remembered Kevin saying I could always call him. He was there for me at midnight, went to Walamart, and helped me get her the supplies she needed.”
Ware’s selfless actions are what show people who he truly is. Based on a previous interview, Dye can agree to this.
“If Kevin has a goal, he goes for it and he achieves it. I didn’t really think he would come through for me, but he did. If I ever need anything, he tells me, “hit me up”. No matter what he is doing, he will always be there for people,” said Dye.
Kevin Ware’s partner, Ryan Ownes, has had a major impact bringing Just Breathe 815 to where it is today. Ware and Owens worked on the same unit at Rosecrance rehab center. Ware trained Owens and helped him understand substance abuse.
“Kevin’s inspiration is always on 100. We share the same passion of just wanting to help people,” said Owens. “I lived in Rockford for 13years and I understand the needs that people have and go through. Just Breath is that solution.”
Kevin Ware is someone that has made major impacts on individuals’ lives. His caring personality it what touches others hearts and allows him to move forward with his mission of helping others.
Ware explained that schools in the Rockford area that have the highest number of homeless community within Illinois. Auburn HIgh School is the first and Lincoln Middle School is second. He also explained 75% of students are on the free or reduced lunch program.
“That means, they are eating two meals a day at school. What about on the weekend? How do you expect a child to learn if they do not have breakfast?” said Ware.
Ware is the type of person who is always concerned about others health. He wanted to ensure that children have the right fuel to finish their day at school healthy and happy.
Just Breathe 815 has helped over a thousand children since the organization has been established. Ware tackles any goal that comes his way in a timely manner. Just Breathe 815 hosted an event two years ago helped over 500 people. The amount of people helped since then have risen over time.
Currently, Just Breathe 815 is working on a safe house for the Rockford community. A local church has donated a location and Home Depot has recently given them a $10,000 grant for starting things up.
“We had this idea about two and a half years ago. People should always begin with the end in mind,” said Ware.
Kevin Ware is a highly optimistic person who believes that everything happens for a reason at the right time. He has many goals, and he makes sure he can always find a way to execute the goals he makes.
“People want to hear that you are not alone. You’re worth fighting for,” said Ware.
That is exactly what Kevin Ware does. He fights for people. He ensures that people know they are not alone. Ware helps to bring the Rockford community together with Just Breathe 815, to show those who are struggling, that everything will be alright.
“You can’t just sit and wait, you have to go out and help people,” said Ware.
