05/24/2026
Before I share some videos later today, I want to tell you where The Cove Initiative actually began.
Not in an office.
Not in a board room.
Not with some polished business plan.
It started in a friend’s garage while our kids played in the yard.
We were sitting there talking about our own childhoods and how different things used to feel.
The bowling alley.
Skating rinks.
The movies.
The mall.
The Golden Putter.
The Zone on Friday nights.
Safe places to go.
Places to gather.
Places to just BE.
Places our parents felt comfortable dropping us off because they knew we were safe, having fun, building friendships, and making memories.
And sure, some of those things technically still exist.
But let’s be honest... things are different now.
Parents don’t always feel comfortable just dropping their kids off places anymore.
Safe spaces feel fewer and farther between.
And even when families WANT to go do something together, prices have climbed so high that even a simple outing can feel out of reach.
That conversation may have started with kids and teens...
But it quickly became about so much more.
Because the truth is, the need is bigger than that.
Families need affordable opportunities to connect.
Parents need support.
Kids need safe spaces.
Teens need belonging.
People need practical resources.
People need encouragement.
People need community.
And honestly? Even the best parents are figuring it out as they go.
As we sat there talking, I realized I didn’t want to just keep having conversations about what our community lacks.
I wanted to DO something.
That’s when I made the decision to file The Cove Initiative and make this vision real.
Part of that decision was deeply personal.
Many in this community may remember Cove Connection and the incredible work Sherry Johnson poured into serving others.
Cove Connection supported new mothers and new parents, and their children, and poured into them through Bible stories, parenting classes, life skills lessons, other workshops, meals, worship, prayer, events, and connection.
It was community.
It was support.
It was people showing up for people.
That mattered.
And I wanted to honor that heart.
But I also wanted to branch off from what she started and expand that vision in hopes that we could truly help our community in even more ways.
Because the needs are still here.
Maybe even more than ever.
I want families to be able to access blessing box resources with dignity.
I want to help provide clothing for people who need it.
I want to create community events where families can come together without breaking the bank.
I want parents to feel supported.
And eventually, yes, I want youth nights again.
Safe spaces.
Places to belong.
Places where kids and teens can connect, have fun, and know they matter.
Because Mt. Vernon and Jefferson County deserve community.
Real community.
The kind that shows up.
The kind that creates connection.
The kind that supports families.
The kind that makes people feel seen, supported, and safe.
That’s why The Cove exists.
Later today, I’m going to be sharing a couple videos.
One about where things currently stand.
One about why this mission matters so much to me personally.
Because this has always been bigger than one fundraiser.
Ce Ce Clemons
Founder and Executive Director
The Cove Initiative, NFP
