The Haley Sue Foundation is turning tragedy into hope, one act of kindness at a time. Founded in memory of Haley Sue, a bright and compassionate 25-year-old woman whose life was cut short far too soon, the foundation has become a beacon of support for families and children in need throughout the community. Franklin Lifestyle chatted with Pam, Haley Sue’s mother, and the driving force behind the foundation, to talk about her daughter's enduring legacy, the mission that fuels their work, and how love continues to triumph over loss.
For readers who may be new to the story, can you share the inspiration behind The Haley Sue Foundation and its mission?
The inspiration behind The Haley Sue Foundation is Haley Sue herself.
Haley Sue was known for her compassion, her love for children, and her heart for encouraging and helping others. She had a gift for lifting people up, making them feel valued, and giving her time selflessly. Her life was marked by kindness, generosity, and a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those around her.
The foundation was created to carry forward that legacy. Every effort, from scholarships and support for families who have experienced loss, to helping children during the holidays is rooted in the qualities that Haley Sue embodied. The foundation is a way to ensure that her spirit of love, encouragement, and service continues to touch lives and bring hope to others.
What has been the most rewarding part of leading the foundation so far?
The most rewarding part has been watching Haley Sue’s spirit live on through this work that we do. Knowing that her heart for helping others lives on in every scholarship awarded, every family supported, and every child we’re able to bless at Christmas is incredibly meaningful.
It’s also been deeply rewarding to watch hope and encouragement grow in families who are walking through the loss of a child. Being able to come alongside them, let them know they’re not alone, and provide practical support while honoring Haley Sue’s legacy brings a sense of purpose to the hard work of leading a nonprofit.
I feel her presence. To take something so heartbreaking and turn it into hope for others is a gift. Knowing that her kindness is still making a difference in people’s lives is what keeps me going. I miss her so much, which is why I continue to do the work that she would be so proud of. What began as a way to honor her memory has grown into a source of encouragement and hope for countless families, and it is deeply meaningful to know that her legacy continues to inspire and uplift others.
How has the foundation grown since its early days, and what milestones are you most proud of?
The foundation has grown tremendously since its early days. We began with just six board members, and today we have 20 passionate leaders helping guide our mission forward. Along the way, we’ve expanded our impact—awarding more scholarships, walking alongside more families who are grieving, and supporting more children and their families during the holidays. One of the milestones we’re most proud of is seeing how our community has rallied around the foundation, turning Haley Sue’s legacy into a movement of hope and compassion that continues to grow year after year.”
How has Franklin and the surrounding community embraced the foundation’s mission?
Haley Sue was passionate about including others in her circle, and that same spirit guides us today. Early on, we were blessed with a partnership with Pam Stephens, who helped nurture and guide our family even before the foundation officially began. That relationship became a strong thread in the fabric of our growth.
Over the past four and a half years, we’ve seen companies, friends, and community members step in with incredible generosity to help us carry out our mission. Most recently, joining the local chamber has opened new doors, creating meaningful connections that continue to strengthen our impact.
At every monthly meeting, our vision remains clear—to be a light, just as Haley would have wanted. It is through these partnerships and the unwavering support of the Franklin community that we can live out that vision and carry Haley’s legacy forward.
What are some of the signature programs or initiatives that the foundation is focusing on right now?
The Haley Sue Foundation is currently focusing on several signature programs that reflect Haley’s heart for others and her passion for community:
- The “Rise UP” Sibling Scholarship – Providing college scholarships nationwide to siblings who have experienced the loss of a brother or sister, offering hope and opportunity in the midst of grief.
- Local High School Scholarships – Awarded annually at Centennial High School, where Haley Sue graduated and was a cheerleading coach. The scholarship is to support students pursuing higher education, encouraging them to chase their dreams.
- Christmas Giving Program – Supporting over 100 children and their families each year with food, gifts, and essentials to ease burdens during the holiday season.
- Family Unity After Tragedy – Walking alongside families who have lost a child or sibling, offering encouragement and resources as they navigate unimaginable loss.
Each of these initiatives is grounded in Haley Sue’s legacy of compassion, kindness, and inclusion, and they continue to grow thanks to the generosity of our community and partners.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the foundation over the next five years?
Looking to the future and the next five years, The Haley Sue Foundation is focused on growth that continues to honor Haley Sue’s legacy while deepening our impact in the community. Our goals include:
- Expanding Scholarship Opportunities – Increasing the amount given and the number of Rise Up Sibling Scholarships and local high school awards so that more students can pursue higher education without financial barriers.
- Growing Family Support Programs – Developing new ways to walk alongside families who have lost children or siblings, offering recommended resources, connection, and hope beyond the immediate grief.
- Strengthening Community Partnerships – Building lasting relationships with local businesses, organizations, and individuals to sustain and expand our mission.
- Broadening Community Outreach – Extending our Christmas Giving Program and other initiatives to serve even more families in need.
- Establishing Long-Term Sustainability – Creating a strong financial foundation through fundraising, donor support, and endowments so that Haley’s legacy continues for generations.
At the heart of these goals is a simple vision: to be a light, just as Haley would have wanted, by encouraging, supporting, and including others in meaningful ways.
How can our readers get involved with or support The Haley Sue Foundation’s mission?
There are many meaningful ways readers can join us in carrying out The Haley Sue Foundation’s mission:
- Give – Your donations directly fund scholarships, family support, and programs that bring light and hope to those in need. Connect on our website TheHaleySueFoundation.org, our social media (Facebook and Instagram) @thehaleysuefoundation
- Volunteer – From helping with events to supporting our Christmas Giving Program, your time and talents can make a lasting impact.
- Attend – Attending one of our annual events: The Haley Sue Golf Scramble which is planned every October, and The Haley Sue Legacy Ball, which happens in March. Both are fundraising events that allow us to raise funding for the mission
- Partner – Local businesses and organizations can join us in sponsorships and partnerships that expand our reach and strengthen the community.
- Spread the Word – Share our story and mission with others so that more families can be supported and more students can receive opportunities.
Every act of support—big or small—helps us continue Haley Sue’s legacy of compassion, encouragement, and inclusion. Together, we can be the light she so passionately shined on others.