We have come to the close of an impactful year! Thousands of needs were met through 211 calls, meal and hygiene kit builds, backpack builds, our funded partners’ unique services and so much more! Read on for stories that highlight...
Down, Never Out: Finding a Path that Leads Away from Rock Bottom
I sat across the table from the woman I’d been called in for. “Her name is Nikki,” my contact had told me over the phone. “She’s dealing with some tough times, not too dissimilar from you a year ago....
A Flood of Memories: Surrounded by Support During Times of Disaster
I woke in the middle of the night to the sound of rain pounding the roof and was glad Stan had fixed the leak last month. I looked to the clock on my nightstand, but its face was dark. “Stan,” I whispered. “I...
Finding Freedom: Getting Connected to Legal Help
“Will you marry me?” He asked, as he knelt down on the brick path that surrounded the stone water fountain; my favorite spot in the botanical garden. “Yes, of course!” I proclaimed and wrapped my arms around his neck, and almost tackled him...
When Dreams Collide: Exploring Career Possibilities
“Kelsey*, come check this out!” I heard my friend Lindsay* shout from across the room. She was sitting in front of a computerized flight simulator. Learn how to fly here! said the sign next to the table. It was one of several...
Rough Waters: Navigating Life’s Challenges to Keep Families Connected
Pulling into the parking lot at Joyful Connections, I remember the last time we were here. It was about a year ago, just before my fifteenth birthday. I had been sitting on a couch in a space meant to look like a living...
Reflections of Fatherhood: Facing the Past with the Support of our Community
I kept looking at him in the rearview mirror during the endless drive back to Port Clinton. He was finally asleep. From the time we’d left the hospital, he’d screamed and thrashed up a storm, ceaselessly kicking the back of my seat and...