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.
Graciella
“Blessed is the Lord, that we have food to eat,” says Graciela, a woman who came to the United States from Peru more than 20 years ago. Just a few months ago, Graciela discovered Food...
Fr. Hollis
Fr. Mark Hollis sees his planned gift, which designates specific ministries of the Diocese, as an expression of gratitude for what the Church has done for him. “I am grateful for my Catholic education and...
Deacon Joe Robinson
My seminary experience was pretty awesome,” starts Deacon Joseph Robinson, who attended Saint Mary Seminary and is awaiting ordination to begin his assignment as parochial vicar for St. Peter Parish in North Ridgeville. “Living in...
Sophie
Sophie Kosem, a member of St. Mary Parish in Collinwood, has been extraordinarily generous to the Diocese of Cleveland. Both she and her brother, Fr. Frank Kosem, are members of the Heritage Society, having made...
Patricia
Patricia Washington loves to cheer people up and make them feel better. For the past 26 years, Pat has worked as an STNA (nursing assistant) for Catholic Charities at St. Augustine Health Campus, located on...
Sam Miller
As so many individuals and families struggle to meet their basic needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, Catholic Charities faces an increasing demand to assist people hit hardest by the crisis - those who are already...
The Majernik Family
“We knew from the time Kylie was born that we were going to send her to a Catholic school,” says Becky Majernik. Catholic education was an important part of Becky’s own upbringing, and her husband...
Dr. Debbie Brindza
Dr. Debbie Brindza grew up in Garfield Heights and places a high value on Catholic education. A pediatrician, Debbie has deep compassion and concern for children and young adults. She believes Catholic education gives children...
Anne
Anne Kohler became a member of the Heritage Society so she could create a legacy through a gift from her estate to Catholic Charities. “I always felt a link with Catholic Charities,” she says. “I...
Esther
Esther has fond memories of growing up in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. “We had a community where everyone was like family,” she says. That changed around 2006, when civil war broke out. When...