Impact Stories

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.

Ace Partnership

Ace PartnershipSets Up Two Akron Schools For Success

Shrinking enrollment and economic factors that impact area urban Catholic schools are not unique to our diocese. That is why the Office of Catholic Education continues to seek vital partnerships to help local Catholic schools stay viable for the communities... Continue Reading
Andrea

AndreaFreeWill Helps Andrea Plan

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 fiancé was diagnosed with cancer... Continue Reading
Chris

ChrisHad the Seeds of a Priestly Vocation Planted Early

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 me to be the person... Continue Reading
Angel Scholarship Fund

Angel Scholarship FundNew Program Allows Ohioans to Turn Taxes Into Scholarships

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 makes it possible for individual... Continue Reading
De'Shawn

De'ShawnCatholic Charities: A Time to Grow

At the St. Martin de Porres Family Center, De'Shawn, an 11th grader at St. Joseph Villa Angela High School, worked a paid summer job supervising other teens serving meals, or playing games with senior citizens. "It helped my social and... Continue Reading
Charlotte Rose

Charlotte RoseCatholic Charities: A Time to Love

After the birth of their first child, Ava, and struggling to conceive, Christie and her husband Josh considered adoption. They met with a private adoption agency ??" but it felt like a cold business transaction. “Catholic Charities Adoption Services was... Continue Reading
Kita

KitaCatholic Charities: A Time to Care

Kita worked at Holy Family Hospice as a nursing assistant and later advanced into management. But seeing her own parents receive hospice care truly revealed the beauty of compassionate care for the dying. “After my mom had breast cancer and... Continue Reading
Brianna

BriannaCatholic Charities: A Time to Listen

As a child, Brianna suffered trauma due to abuse. By age 11, she showed psychological symptoms, from hearing voices to lashing out in anger. Her mother took her to a counselor at Catholic Charities’ Medina County Mental Health Services, and... Continue Reading
Anthony Donatelli

Anthony DonatelliHeart of a Shepherd is a Family Affair for Erin, Tony and Their Son, Seminarian Anthony

Anthony Donatelli, a third-year seminarian at Saint Mary Seminary, had an unexpected foreshadowing of his future this past May when he was sent to Gesu Parish to speak about the Heart of a Shepherd campaign. He expected to sit in... Continue Reading
Fr. Tom Johns

Fr. Tom JohnsPlans on giving beyond his lifetime

“The Catholic Church means a lot to me,” says Fr. Tom Johns. “I was born and raised a Catholic and have been a priest for 43 years. I love the Catholic Church, and I want to do good for the... Continue Reading
Deacon David Chojnacki

Deacon David ChojnackiSees the power of spiritual home improvements

It's harder to let your Christian light shine if you're short on outlets. Fortunately, the Heart of a Shepherd campaign is funding much-needed interior renovations to Borromeo Seminary and Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology - providing at least... Continue Reading
Father Richard Gonser

Father Richard GonserContinues to serve in retirement

2022 is a celebratory year for Fr. Richard Gonser. May 19 marks the 60th anniversary of his ordination. He'll also celebrate his 86th birthday and his tenth year of retirement this summer. Fr. Gonser was the first priest to receive his... Continue Reading
Young Adult Ministry

Young Adult MinistryFanning the Future Flames of Faith

You're probably familiar with the St. Catherine of Siena quote: "Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire." A Rooted in Faith - Forward in Hope grant, applied for and awarded in 2021, is... Continue Reading
Fr. John Chlebo

Fr. John ChleboDelegate for Senior Priests

“I like to call them the wisdom figures,” says Father John Chlebo when speaking of the priests he ministers to as diocesan delegate for senior priests. “We still need them, even those who can no longer be active. They pray... Continue Reading
St. Joseph Parish School

St. Joseph Parish School#weGiveCatholic Raises Funds for New Digital Sign

On Tuesday, November 30, St. Joseph School in Avon Lake joined 210 Catholic organizations and ministries throughout Northeast Ohio for #weGiveCatholic, Northeast Ohio's online day of Catholic giving. "Each year we are so grateful to our stakeholders for their participation in... Continue Reading
Pat and Nancy Sullivan

Pat and Nancy SullivanCaring for Others Through Catholic Charities

"We support Catholic Charities because caring for our neighbors is at the heart of the Gospel," say Nancy and Pat, who have made an intentional choice to support Catholic Charities for many years. "We know life is messy and unpredictable.... Continue Reading
Tom and Rose Corrigan

Tom and Rose CorriganSupport Through Their IRA Qualified Distribution

Tom and Rose are lifelong Clevelanders whose focus on family and Catholic education have deep roots. Both attended Catholic grade school and high school. The tradition continues as their daughter­in-law is currently pursuing her family nurse practitioner degree at Ursuline... Continue Reading
Karen and Andy Rebholz

Karen and Andy RebholzEnsure their Catholic Legacy with Smart Planning

When you're the Chief Financial Officer of a large corporation, it's no surprise when charitable organizations come looking for your expertise and involvement. "I think I had a target on my back," says Andy Rebholz with a smile. For nearly 23... Continue Reading

We Are Grateful For Your SupportBecause of you the Church continues to be present for people in Cleveland's Hough Neighborhood

Josh and DawnaFund A Dream connects Josh with Dawna to keep his dream of a Catholic education alive
Patricia and Tony

Patricia and TonyHelped during the pandemic by the Diocese of Cleveland Emergency Assistance Fund

Last year, the Samuel H. and Maria Miller Foundation gifted $500,000 to the Diocese of Cleveland Emergency Assistance Fund, which provided resources to Catholic Charities on the frontline helping those affected by the pandemic. Patricia and her husband Tony have... Continue Reading
Debbie Brindza

Debbie BrindzaHer legacy: continuing to care for all people in need

“It’s nice for me to imagine what will happen with my funds in the future,” says Dr. Deborah Brindza, referring to the legacy she is leaving to her favorite local charities through the Catholic Community Foundation. A pediatrician who... Continue Reading
Fr. Steve Brunovsky

Fr. Steve BrunovskyInvests In The Future With Heart Of A Shepherd

PHOTO: ST. HILARY PARISHIONER FRANK BEVILACQUA WITH PASTOR FR. STEVE BRUNOVSKY. “We are investing in the future,” says Fr. Steve Brunovsky, pastor at St. Hilary Parish in Fairlawn, as he refers to the Heart of a Shepherd capital campaign that kicked... Continue Reading
Debbie and Bruce Jarosz

Debbie and Bruce JaroszIn Partnership With Catholic Charities

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 in Cleveland’s Hough neighborhood and... Continue Reading

Deacon Ian KellyDiscovers God's Plan In Small Steps

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 the priesthood began at his... Continue Reading

Wilma Helped By Catholic Charities During the PandemicCatholic Charities St. Martin de Porres Family Center Comes To Her Aid
Juliana

JulianaFund a Dream Helps Her Grow In Faith And Academics

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 only daughter. The three youngest... Continue Reading
Brandon

BrandonReceiving Help & Hope from Catholic Charities Mental Health Services

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 mental health, especially when it... Continue Reading

Heart of a Shepherd CampaignThank You From Fr. Mark Latcovich, Rector
The Hoban Family

The Hoban FamilyGives to "Pay Back" Priests Who Were Always There For Them

Much of the Hoban family’s life centers around their parish, St. Raphael in Bay Village. When Monica and Jeremy Hoban, both physicians, arrived in Cleveland for their residencies, they weren’t sure how long they would be here. “We ended up... Continue Reading
Kevin

KevinCatholic Charities: Be the Volunteer

Kevin began as a volunteer at the Cosgrove Center, helping keep the place clean and distributing food and clothing. He worked in maintenance for Cleveland Metropolitan Housing Authority for 23 years before he was shot in both legs while being... Continue Reading
Michael

MichaelCatholic Charities: Be the Mentor

At 13, Michael seems like a typical teenage boy – loves video games, struggles with ADHD, is funny, has tons of energy, and doesn’t like math. But Michael has endured hardships most kids can’t imagine. His mother was just 17... Continue Reading
Abdul

AbdulCatholic Charities: Be the Hope

During the 20-year war in Afghanistan, thousands of Afghan nationals served as translators for the U.S. military – but at great risk from the Taliban. One of those translators was Abdul. In 2014, the U.S. Department of State issued Special... Continue Reading
Samuel

SamuelCatholic Charities: Be the Blessing

Suffering two strokes this year. Fighting for his disability income. Homeless for nearly two years. Isolated from his 17-year-old daughter and missing his deceased parents. These are the hardships Samuel faces every day. Released from incarceration in early 2020, he... Continue Reading
Stan

StanCatholic Charities: Be the Love

Stan has lived a full life. At 96, he looks back with pride on his days as a merchant marine on a Liberty ship in World War II, star college basketball player at Wake Forest University, pro player for Akron’s... Continue Reading
Yamileydis

YamileydisCatholic Charities: Be the Inspiration

At 14 years old, Yamileydis knows she wants to be a leader in her community. She lives on Cleveland’s near west side and attends Garrett Morgan High School, a place she considers to be “another home.” Her mother was born... Continue Reading
Jeff and Christine Kavlick

Jeff and Christine KavlickMilestone Event Motivates Them To Establish Their Legacy

When Jeff Kavlick approached his 50th birthday, he and his wife Christine thought about ‘what’s next?’ The couple contacted an attorney who specialized in trusts and began to plan their legacy. Jeff explains, “It was a logical time for... Continue Reading
Bishop Edward C. Malesic, JCL

Bishop Edward C. Malesic, JCLCalled to Bear the Fruit of Hope

As I reflect on my first year as Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland, I recognize that I am truly blessed to have been asked to come among you and be your shepherd. I am grateful for the deep... Continue Reading

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 all those who support Catholic... Continue Reading
Art

ArtCommitted to Give Beyond His Lifetime

“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 who have made a planned... Continue Reading
Izzy

IzzyBetter Together Frames Her Success at Immaculate Heart of Mary School

“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 makes her work harder; it... Continue Reading
Genice & GeNiah

Genice & GeNiah Love Your Neighbor who is eager to learn.

Sonya has been a friendly face at Fatima Family Center for over 13 years, and her twin daughters, Genice and GeNiah, have been participating in programs at Fatima since they were little. “I love Fatima – I love the staff... Continue Reading
Deacon Joe Robinson

Deacon Joe RobinsonCommunity is at the Heart of his Priestly Formation

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 community and praying in community,... Continue Reading
Pat

PatBlessed By a Community She Knows Well

Feeding God’s People From St. Augustine Hunger Center St. Augustine Hunger Center, a Catholic Charities facility in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood, has provided essential services to its community for over 50 years now. Never has such a ministry been so vital than... Continue Reading
Michelle

MichelleBlessed To Be Where She Is Most Needed

Feeding God’s People From St. Augustine Hunger Center St. Augustine Hunger Center, a Catholic Charities facility in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood, has provided essential services to its community for over 50 years now. Never has such a ministry been so vital than... Continue Reading
Tom and Janet Sadowski

Tom and Janet SadowskiFeel the Call to Aid Those in Need

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 Charities while in the parish... Continue Reading
Paul & Lamar

Paul & LamarLove Your Neighbor who needs companionship.

As a prior foster parent and current shared living caregiver to Lamar and a caregiver to her brother, Paul, Ann is thankful for Catholic Charities Disability Services and their programs that encourage socialization and engagement. Before the pandemic, Paul and Lamar... Continue Reading
Mitch Bowlus

Mitch BowlusGives to a Meaningful Cause

For Mitch Bowlus, a seasoned investor, knowing that the vast majority of his donations go directly to the cause is important. “I am very careful in my annual giving in who I give to. The one thing about Catholic Charities... Continue Reading
Berbera & Kitty

Berbera & KittyLove Your Neighbor who is hungry.

Berbera and Kitty have been participating in activities and programs at Blessed Trinity Parish in Akron for over 68 years. As twins, the sisters have spent their entire lives side by side; living together, working together, and even retiring on... Continue Reading
Wilma

WilmaLove Your Neighbor who is isolated + hungry.

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 participated in many activities provided... Continue Reading
Alex

AlexA Beautiful Friendship Invites Alex to the Priesthood

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 Peninsula. Sitting with his mother... Continue Reading
Sophie

SophieA Legacy of Living and Giving With Purpose

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 provisions for the Church in... Continue Reading
Patricia

PatriciaProud to be a Catholic Charities Healthcare Hero

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 Cleveland’s near west side. In... Continue Reading
Fr. Hollis

Fr. HollisSharing God's Gifts As His Legacy

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 my upbringing. Those are important... Continue Reading
Sam Miller

Sam MillerHis Legacy of Generosity Continues When our Community Needs it Most

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 disadvantaged. The Samuel H. and... Continue Reading
The Majernik Family

The Majernik FamilyGrateful and Committed to Catholic Schools

“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 Mike had attended Catholic schools... Continue Reading
Brookside Gives Back Fund

Brookside Gives Back FundTo Help People In Need in Northeast Ohio

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 company’s charitable spirit to create... Continue Reading

RonFaith in Hard Times

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, but I still believed.” His... Continue Reading
Diane

DianeSupporting Her Dreams for Women and Children through Catholic Charities

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 my projections that I can... Continue Reading
Graciella

GraciellaFood Force Helps Her Serve Others

“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 Force, an emergency food pantry... Continue Reading
Cynthia

CynthiaRecovery Counselor at Catholic Charities Recovery Outreach Center in Akron

“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 addictions, but I wanted more.... Continue Reading
Charlie + Pat Nock

Charlie + Pat NockAn Example of Christ-like Service and Generosity

When newly married Charlie and Pat Nock became members of St. Raphael Parish in Bay Village nearly 60 years ago, they began a legacy of Christ-like service and generosity that has spread throughout the lives of their four children and... Continue Reading

MonyanaA Proud Mother

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 included clothing, diapers and a... Continue Reading
Joan Marsh

Joan MarshRemembering Rich and Making a Difference

Rich and Joan Marsh were college sweethearts, who met at Kent State and married soon after. When Joan was eight months pregnant with their first child, she was in a severe car accident that took the life of the baby... Continue Reading

TomAn Addiction-Free-Future

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 is something that I need... Continue Reading
Nette

NetteSupport through Grief

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 and compassionate man,” Nette says.... Continue Reading
Fr. Richard Gonser

Fr. Richard GonserA priest for priests

"I am grateful to the Diocese of Cleveland for the education they gave me," says Father Richard Gonser, Pastor Emeritus of St. Julie Billiart Parish in North Ridgeville. Fr. Gonser graduated from Borromeo and St. Mary Seminaries, received a master's... Continue Reading
Fr. Andy Gonzalez

Fr. Andy GonzalezOne of Nine Newly-Ordained Priests in the Diocese of Cleveland

Fr. Andy Gonzalez doesn’t know exactly how his mission will unfold, but he plans to follow the path set before him with a single purpose. “My hope is to encounter Christ in the heart of whomever I’m seeing,” he says.... Continue Reading

Charlie and SharonLeaving a Catholic legacy

Charlie and Sharon Snee have been parishioners at St. Christopher Parish in Rocky River their entire married life – over 40 years. Throughout that time, the parish has enriched their Catholic faith through their participation in parish ministries, such as... Continue Reading
Esther

EstherCatholic Charities Bridges Cultures for Esther and Her Family

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 Esther’s family was attacked in... Continue Reading
Anne

AnneA Grateful Heart Inspires Her Giving

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 pledge every year, and I... Continue Reading
Dr. Debbie Brindza

Dr. Debbie BrindzaEstablishing a Permanent Named Fund to Support Causes She Believes In

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 not only a strong academic... Continue Reading
Raechelle

RaechelleA daughter honors her father

Her best friend was her father. Raechelle Yballe loved spending time with him. He taught her how to play golf and tennis—sports she still enjoys today. He took her on car rides through the Chagrin Valley while recording conversations in... Continue Reading
Sara

SaraTransformed from Addiction to Recovery

“Thank you for doing for us what we can’t do for ourselves – for believing in the solution until we can believe it ourselves.” Sara was in college when she started abusing opioids. In a few short years, Sara was... Continue Reading
Shaye and Sharita

Shaye and SharitaThriving Together

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 it's to preserve our world... Continue Reading
Deidre

DeidreFinding a Job through St. Philip Neri Center

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 to take the road down... Continue Reading
Dylan, Elaine and Jasef

Dylan, Elaine and JasefCatholic Education: A Dream Come True

Amanda always knew she wanted to send her children to Catholic schools. “I enjoyed my experience in Catholic schools, and I wanted my kids to have the same experience,” she says. With five children, tuition is a concern for Amanda... Continue Reading
Marian

MarianFinding Happiness Again

"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 surgery. "I was working until... Continue Reading
Tom and Carrie Kurtz

Tom and Carrie KurtzSharing Generously What God has Provided

"This is a stewardship opportunity that cannot be ignored." “Carrie and I are motivated to support the work of the Church, knowing that this is what Christ asks us to do. We have been greatly blessed by God in both our... Continue Reading
Fr. Anthony Simone

Fr. Anthony SimoneJoyfully Serving God's People

In May 2017, along with seven other men, Anthony Simone was ordained a priest in the Diocese of Cleveland. Fr. Anthony Simone now serves as parochial vicar at St. Sebastian Parish in Akron. Fr. Anthony began diving deeper into his faith... Continue Reading
McKenzie

McKenzieCatholic Education Opened the Door of Faith

McKenzie had been begging her mom to call the school and make the arrangements. Nine-year old McKenzie couldn’t wait any longer; she wanted to become Catholic. “She has always loved church, the music and the Mass,” says her mother, Makita.... Continue Reading
Deacon David Kushner

Deacon David KushnerTaking the Church to the World

“We bring the Gospel outside the four walls of the church; we take the Church out to the world.” This is how Deacon David Kushner expresses the mission of deacons. As the Director of the Diaconate Formation Office for the Diocese... Continue Reading
Mike and Jennifer Saxon

Mike and Jennifer SaxonFinding Purpose in their Support of Catholic Charities

"Our support for the Church is an extension of beliefs that were passed on to us from our parents." “In our mind, philanthropy is an extension of the beliefs we were raised with. We each grew up with parents that showed... Continue Reading

Camryn's StoryBetter Together:Exceptional Catholic Education for Every Student

Better Together is an initiative in the Diocese of Cleveland that will provide resources to educate all children in Catholic schools - regardless of their learning differences or abilities. This is Camryn's story of how she was welcomed and embraced... Continue Reading
Sr. Roberta + Sr. Martha

Sr. Roberta + Sr. MarthaRefreshed With Help from a Tabor Fund Grant

After nearly 50 years of service to the diocese, Sr. Roberta Goebel, OSU, and Sr. Martha Owen, OSU, deserved a breather. Sr. Roberta was leaving her long-held position as Principal of St. Anthony of Padua School. When her fellow Ursuline, Sr.... Continue Reading

Share This

Close