Singing River Electric and Cooperative Energy congratulate Keren Kiernan on being our 2026 Powering Possibilities Community Service Grant recipient.A person who nominated Kiernan said: “Shae’s Place and Keren have helped countless kids throughout the years and led so many to Christ! She gives them help with homework, teaches them accountability, respect, and gives so much love! Keren’s all about the children and trying to make a positive and lasting change in their lives!”
Kiernan founded Shae’s Place, a non-profit organization in Vancleave, in 2008. A year earlier, community members held a benefit to help with medical bills for Kiernan’s 11-year-old daughter, Shae, who sadly passed away from her illness.
“The medical bills were paid, and we had $7,777 left; I prayed about what to do with it,” remembered Kiernan.
She began assisting middle school students with homework while mentoring them on campus, and when they wanted a place to hang out after school, she told them to pray about it. The building on Highway 57 was donated not long after, becoming Shae’s Place where children from all walks of life can simply be kids.
“I pray the kids who need to be here are here,” said Kiernan. “The miracles I’ve seen watching these kids succeed – there are so many blessings, I can’t count them. God took the ashes and created a beautiful story.”
Kiernan chose Shae’s Place to receive the $1,000 donation that comes with the award and received $500 herself.
“I am so grateful for this award and for all the support from everyone,” said Kiernan. “This award is also for them because together we are ‘Helping God’s Children Make Good Choices… for Life.’”
The Powering Possibilities Community Service Grant honors individuals who serve along with the organizations they strengthen and reflects the ongoing partnership between Singing River Electric and our wholesale power provider, Cooperative Energy, to power meaningful change beyond electricity.