Inside Paducah’s Community Kitchen a team of volunteers gathers and begins preparing for the day ahead.
Normally, it’s what is happening on the inside that receives all the attention- preparing meals to feed Paducah’s hungry.
However, this story is focused on what is happening outside of the Community Kitchen. A new project, spearheaded by a Mother-Daughter duo, is bringing a kindness mural to Paducah’s Community Kitchen.
The Power of Kindness
Founded by Morgan and Susan Guess, the Guess Anti-Bullying Foundation has been painting kindness murals throughout Paducah for years.
With the help of volunteers, each completed kindness mural serves as a reminder behind the mission of the Guess Anti-Bullying Foundation.
“The murals serve as daily reminders of the power of kindness,” said Morgan Guess. “Involving community members in each project reinforces that a kind community is built by all of us.”
Nearly 12 years ago when Morgan was in the third grade she experienced bullying, which led to clinical depression and panic attacks.
This experience influenced Morgan and Susan to create the Guess Anti-Bullying Foundation with the mission of creating a kinder world by empowering young people to lift up their voices against bullying and for one another.
Over the years, they have organized various community initiatives, including hosting speakers in schools, the annual Kindness Color Walk, and sponsoring kindness murals.
The Paducah Community Kitchen marks the fifth mural they’ve painted so far.
“We wanted to add a kindness mural here because the Community Kitchen serves up kindness every day to those who are hungry,” said Morgan. “It’s a place where compassion is a daily practice, and we hope the mural will reflect and amplify that spirit.”
The murals are also featured at Make on Broadway, the Greenway Trail tunnel, The Paducah Flower Company in Lone Oak, and Hearth and Home in Reidland.
Their sixth mural is already planned for the Broadway United Methodist Church.
Making A Statewide Difference
While making a difference in the local Paducah community, Morgan and Susan’s work has brought change to the entire state. Morgan became the spokesperson for Senate Bill 228, which legally defines bullying. The bill became law and now protects thousands of Kentucky public school students.
The foundation also introduced the Be Kind Kentucky license plate, with all proceeds supporting the state’s 17 youth mental health drop-in centers.
As the duo prepares to bring their next kindness mural into the world, they are reminded of how the City of Paducah has supported their initiatives.
“Paducah is leading the way for other communities to follow. This city has stood with Morgan since she was just 8 years old and wanted to make a difference in addressing bullying,” said Susan. “They have supported us as we lobbied for legislative change, for a kindness license plate that supports youth mental health centers, and multiple kindness initiatives. I am grateful to my community that encouraged Morgan to lift up her voice and make a difference.”
To learn more about the Guess Anti-Bullying Foundation, visit guessantibullying.com.
