Rennes Group is proud to announce a $2,500 donation to Safe Driving Matters, a nonprofit organization founded in memory of Mackenzie “Kenzie” Jo Leeman, a former Certified Nursing Assistant at Rennes Health & Rehab Center–Appleton who tragically lost her life in a car accident on February 26, 2019, while driving home from work.
“It is with deep gratitude and respect that we present this donation. We are honored to stand beside Alyson in this important mission. We believe this work is not only important, it’s vital. It’s about saving lives. It’s about protecting families; and it’s about ensuring that what happened to Kenzie, doesn’t happen to someone else’s daughter, sister, friend or loved one,” said Nikki Schingick, President, Rennes Group.
Kenzie was just 17 years old, filled with compassion, ambition, and a desire to work in healthcare. Her passing left a deep impact on the Rennes family and the local community. To honor her legacy and transform grief into purpose, her mother, Alyson O’Hearn, launched Safe Driving Matters — a heartfelt initiative committed to preventing similar tragedies by educating young drivers across Wisconsin.
"Our mission is to save teen lives," said O’Hearn. “Kenzie’s story continues to reach hearts, and this support from Rennes means the world to us. The loss of a teenager affects an entire community, and we are incredibly grateful for their help in spreading this message.”
Safe Driving Matters has a profound and important goal of raising $30,000 to continue to expand its reach throughout Wisconsin. Since its founding in December 2024, Safe Driving Matters has reached hundreds of high school students through school presentations and a groundbreaking court diversion program called Safelife. The initiative, currently piloted in Outagamie County in partnership with local Court Commissioner, Judge Brian Figy, offers traffic offenders aged 16–22 the opportunity to attend a driving safety class at Fox Valley Technical College, in lieu of paying fines or receiving points on their licenses. It’s designed to reduce repeat offenses, which is shown to be up to 67% within 6 months without intervention. The goal: to educate young drivers, reduce repeat offenses, and provide an alternative to punitive measures. Safe Driving Matters is currently working with Fox Valley Technical College to strategically expand this program to more drivers, aligning with future expansion.
In 2024, 166 students completed the Safe Life program. In 2025, that number is projected to grow to over 400. With the support of donations like Rennes Group’s, the organization plans to expand to seven more counties by the end of the year by not only expanding the Safe Life program but also coupled with the important mission of speaking in front of 10,000 high school students throughout Wisconsin.
“We’re not just talking about driver safety,” said O’Hearn. “We’re talking about what happens to your family, your friends, your community if something happens to you. This isn’t a scare tactic — it’s real life. And Kenzie’s story reminds teens that their choices matter.”
Rennes Group is honored to support this powerful mission and encourages others to contribute, share Kenzie’s story, and advocate for teen driver education. Critical to this mission is making more connections with local schools, principals, and judicial connections in local counties. For more information or to support Safe Driving Matters, visit www.safedrivingmatters.org.
About Safe Driving Matters
Safe Driving Matters is a nonprofit 501c3 organization founded in memory of Mackenzie Jo Leeman. Its mission is to educate and empower young drivers to make safe choices behind the wheel through school presentations, community partnerships, and innovative court diversion programs.
About Rennes Group
Rennes Group, founded in 1973, celebrates more than 50 years of compassionate care via Rennes Health & Rehab Center, Renaissance by Rennes Assisted Living and Residence by Rennes Assisted Living & Memory Care at 13 locations throughout Northeast and North Central Wisconsin.
