Everyone has a story in life. The personal stories shared here show how people's lives have been transformed by the power of giving and receiving. We hope you are inspired to a life of generosity, and that you will share your story as well as these with others.
Laurie and Bob
When Laurie and Bob Sammon received an invitation to the Heritage Society Mass and dinner in September 2021, they were not sure what to expect. As faithful givers to the Catholic Charities Appeal, they had...Testament to Faith & Fortitude
Years of planning, fundraising, deconstruction and construction – all part of the Heart of a Shepherd Campaign – culminated on Dec. 2, 2022, when Bishop Edward Malesic blessed the newly renovated Saint Mary and Borromeo...Fr. John Manning
Fr. John Manning has lived a full life in the Cleveland Diocese. He was ordained in 1972 and served at several parishes – including 21 years as pastor at St. Vincent de Paul Church –...Brianna
Rage, grief, and hate. These feelings took over Brianna’s heart and mind as a child when she suffered severe abuse and trauma. Though she had a loving mother, by age 11, Brianna began showing serious...Kita
Kita has seen all sides of hospice care. She began working at Holy Family Hospice 15 years ago as a nursing assistant at the Parma site and in homes and soon advanced to a team...Charlotte Rose
After an emergency C-section with her first child, Christie’s life was in danger. She was at risk of a stroke and admitted to the ICU with blood clots in her lungs. “Another pregnancy would be...De'Shawn
In the heart of Cleveland’s Glenville neighborhood, there’s a place where teens are welcomed, encouraged, and challenged to become leaders. Kayla and De’Shawn are among many who’ve found growth and fun in the Catholic Charities...Angel Scholarship Fund
By Karen M. McCarthy, CPA, AEP, vice president of the Personal Tax Advisory Group at Meaden & Moore. She also serves on the Catholic Community Foundation's Professional Advisor Committee. New Ohio tax legislation in 2021...Chris
Chris Cotone remembers tagging along with his dad, St. John Bosco music director Norm Cotone, for evening choir rehearsals – and falling asleep in the pews. “It felt like another home. Everyone there helped raise...Andrea
Andrea Ferraro is a member of Queen of Heaven Parish in Uniontown. She is a professor of Public Relations in the School of Business at the University of Mount Union. A few years ago, Andrea Ferraro’s...