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.
Cynthia
“I guess it was God,” Cynthia Roberts responds when asked how she got involved with St. John the Baptist Recovery Outreach Center in Akron. “I’ve struggled with addiction, and I’ve worked with women who have...
Diane
As someone who manages money for others, Diane Stack makes it a point to keep track of her own finances, making sure there are funds available to donate to worthy causes. “I feel confident in...
Izzy
“lzzy wouldn’t be the person she is today if she didn’t have dyslexia,” says her mom, Laura. “Her dyslexia is a gift, and I tell Izzy that it is something to be thankful for. It...
Nette
Ed Wilde spent just one day at Holy Family Hospice in Parma before he died, but his wife, Nette, took immense comfort in the physical and spiritual care he received. “Ed was a very holy...
Tom
Tom enjoys the connections he makes as a recovery coach with St. John the Baptist Recovery Outreach Center in Akron. He has battled substance abuse, and that makes his job that much more personal. “Recovery...Ron
Through hard times, Ron J. may have lost income and a secure place to live, but he never lost his faith in God. “I came from a religious background,” he says. “My circumstances were hard,...Monyana
When Monyana found out she was going to be a single mother, she relied on assistance from Catholic Charities and the Help Me Grow home-based program. “I got great resources through Catholic Charities,” Mohyana says. Those...Deidre
Deidre loves her job as a dietician and cashier at a local hospital. “It’s never the same each day,” she says. “It’s exciting.” Not that long ago, Deidre was in a very different place. “I decided...
Marian
"I've always been active," 72 year old Marian declares. "I'm energetic and I like to dance." So it threw her for a loop three years ago when she found herself sidelined by double pneumonia and...
Shaye and Sharita
Twins Shaye and Sharita share a sweet demeanor, a passion for skating, and autism. Buoyed by their parents' positive attitude, the twins live with purpose. "God sends us down here for a reason." says Sharita. "Maybe...