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.
Debbie and Bruce Jarosz
When Debbie and Bruce Jarosz began focusing their philanthropy on helping to break the cycle of poverty in Northeast Ohio, they were drawn to support an existing Teen Leadership Program at Fatima Family Center...
Deacon Ian Kelly
Deacon Ian Kelly, in his fourth year at Saint Mary Seminary, was ordained as a transitional deacon this past April as part of his journey to be ordained as a priest. His path to...Juliana
Juliana’s mom, Julie, describes her daughter as sweet, fun-loving, adores school and friends, enjoys team gymnastics, and loves snuggling up to watch movies. Juliana is one of Julie and Devon Pokersnik’s four children and their...
Celebrating a School Year of Extreme Challenges and Great Hope
Patrick Grace, Executive Director at the Catholic Community Foundation, reaches out to you from the campus of Ss. Robert and William School in Euclid with gratitude to teachers, staff, parents and students, as well as...Brandon
Brandon has been receiving care and assistance from Catholic Charities since he turned 18 in 2018. Growing up under the care of Children’s Services, Brandon was prone to anxiety and depression and struggled with his...
Art
“It’s a very comforting feeling knowing that you will have some influence on things after you are gone,” says Art Thomas, a lifelong Cleveland resident and a member of the Heritage Society, which recognizes individuals...
Tom and Janet Sadowski
Tom and Janet Sadowski have been parishioners at St. Bede the Venerable Parish in Mentor nearly the entirety of their 50+ years of marriage. They can’t remember a time when they didn’t hear about Catholic...
Alex
Some moments in life radically alter our path. For Alex Spenik, one of those moments occurred during his senior year of high school, just before the 5 p.m. Vigil Mass at Mother of Sorrows in...
Wilma
Wilma has lived in the Glenville neighborhood for over 18 years, and St. Martin de Porres Family Center has been an important part of her life ever since. Before the pandemic, Wilma frequented the Center and...
Brookside Gives Back Fund
Chris Anselmo believes in the importance of “giving back” and wanted a way to inspire others to give, as well. In 2017, Chris, who is president of Brookside Tax & Financial Group, LLC, harnessed his...