Two weeks ago, I attended the annual fund-raiser for the Geauga Faith Rescue Mission. This organization, founded in 2014, is a non-profit, faith-based housing program for men and women that provides a “safe and structured living environment while assisting our residents into stability.” It opened its men’s shelter in Chardon in November 2022. Early on, the Sisters of Notre Dame have supported this mission in various ways: serving on the board, providing dinner every Friday evening at the men’s shelter, volunteering to make dessert every Friday, writing letters to the men at the shelter, and hosting their annual fundraiser in our auditorium which other volunteers transform into a Banquet Hall. (NOTE: Geauga [pronounced Jee – AWE – ga] is an Onondaga or Seneca word meaning “raccoon.” It was the original name of the Grand River in Ohio.)
I was very impressed by this fund-raising event–especially by the hundreds of people in attendance, mostly our neighbors in the county. After a delicious dinner (served by volunteers from a local organization called “Acts 6”), we listened to an array of speakers and viewed some short videos that explained the work of the mission in greater detail. Let me list a few facts and experiences that touched me.
1) Many local churches support the Mission: United Methodist Church, Cornerstone Bible Church, Christian Fellowship Church, St. Mary Catholic Church, Grace Evangelical Church, to name a few. Other supportive organizations include: JL Taylor Electric Company, Paterson Farms, O’Reilly Equipment, Silco, INC, the Knights of Columbus, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Enzo Co., Resident Artists, Universal Windows, and many “anonymous friends.” These people are all united in their desire to help our neighbors in crisis–especially with homelessness.
2) Geauga County is a beautiful semi-rural county with quaint towns such as Middlefield, Burton, and Chardon. Its rolling hills are dotted with farms as well as newer developments, some with large expensive homes. We don’t see homeless people on our streets or standing at traffic lights holding signs. But we, like virtually all communities, have people who are homeless in our midst: sleeping on a friend’s couch, living in an uncle’s garage, camping out in the woods, or living in their cars.
3) The Mission has only one paid full-time employee: Nathan Long, Executive Director, a dynamic and faith-filled man. It also has two part-time employees. Everyone else–many with impressive credentials–volunteer their time in various capacities.
4) As I looked around the large room, I sensed that those of us attending the dinner were diverse with regard to age, religion, economic status, and politics. But we were united in our deep concern for individuals in need. And we all wanted to help in whatever way we could.
5) Interesting note: Geauga county is home to 26,000 Amish, especially in the Middlefield area. They have formed an organization called NOAH (North Ohio Assisting Hands) which helps with disaster relief and community services. One day a group of about 20 Amish men arrived at the one-story women’s shelter and put on the back porch, the second floor, and a roof—all in a single working day! A professional video-photographer (donating his time and skills too!) made a time-laspe video of that achievement. At the end of this reflection, I’ve provided the address for GFRMission website which includes that video. I hope you have time to watch it. It takes less than a minute and is fascinating!
6) At the dinner, we saw other videos featuring men whose lives have been turned around by the Mission. In addition, one of the speakers at the fund-raiser was Jesse, a current guest at the Mission. He shared his personal story with us, a story that made homelessness personal and real. It was uplifting to hear from these men who have been helped in many ways.
At the end of the fund-raiser, the mission naturally asked for financial assistance. They showed a chart that listed things like this: if we had 20 people who could give $5 a month, we would raise $1200; if we had 20 people who could give $10 a month, we would raise $2400; if we had 10 people who could give $500 a year, we would raise $5,000… and on and on the list went.Their financial director, Paul Mysyk, told this amazing story. The Mission owed $104,000 on their loan to purchase the house for the men’s shelter. One day on their bank statement they saw this: – $104,000. What was that minus sign doing there? They assumed there had been a mistake, but when they met with the bank they learned an anonymous donor had paid off the entire mortgage! Whoever it was, did this at another branch of the bank to preserve his/her/their anonymity. To me this generous donation showed how someone(s) with considerable means really appreciated what the Geauga Faith Rescue Mission was doing for our local community!
In short, that evening at the fund-raiser dinner I learned anew: 1) Small can be beautiful and effective. 2) There are many people around us with loving and generous hearts. 3) All communities have individuals in need, our “neighbors.” And 4) working together with others, we can do remarkable Christ-like deeds for our neighbor.
For reflection:
Is there anything in this story of the Geauga Faith Rescue Mission that caught your attention?
Have you ever worked with a diverse group in regard to age, religion, economic status, or politics in order to help others in need?
Are there other worthy organizations that you or your parish support through volunteer work, financial contributions, or prayer? I would love to hear about these! Please share some of them below.
Here is the website for the Geauga Faith Rescue Mission: https://www.gfrmission.org The first video, with one of their guests, explains the Mission. Scroll down to the second video after the pictures of the women’s shelter being built. Click on that video for the time-lapse photography of the Amish men building the structure of the women’s shelter in a single day.
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PS: A big THANK YOU to the parishioners of the Church of the Resurrection in Solon, Ohio who came to my talk on “Mary, Woman of Hope and One of Us” last Monday evening. I was truly edified that so many “showed up” to hear a one-hour presentation on Mary. Thank you for your eagerness, attentiveness, and your faith! Special thanks to Sister Susan for inviting me and for taking care of all of the details!
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I found a short song entitled “Love God, Love Our Neighbor” by Dale Sechrest. It’s a simple refrain repeated three times. The refrain gets to the heart of Jesus’ teaching… It is the underlying reason why the Geauga Faith Rescue Mission was founded… why the board and staff are working so hard… why so many people support the mission… why 20 Amish men donated their skills and labor for a day… why so many people attended the fund raiser… and why so many continue to pray for the success of this small faith-based organization in the heart of Geauga County.
(Disclaimer: I am recommending only the video posted here and NOT necessarily the other videos that pop-up automatically after this video.)
I hope you might leave a comment below:
19 Responses
What a beautiful story! In these times of food insecurity, we need to support others by praying for peace and moving our feet. God bless.
Thank you Sr Melannie for a beautiful story of people helping people. It always amazes me when people come together to help others in need especially with “small” donations. I have not been a part of an organization that’s mission is helping others but have been a part of school communities where students have come together to support a cause such as Habitat for Humanity or other organizations like Make a Wish.
Twenty four years ago I was the recipient of such kindness. I took on the care of my young grandniece and grandnephew. My school community came together and provided for so many of their basic needs- diapers, clothes new and gently handed down, bedding, car seats, toys, snacks, and so much more. I was so overwhelmed at God’s goodness that was shown by ordinary everyday people sharing to help someone in need. I am still grateful today and try to help others in kind.
God bless you and each of us!
Hi Sr Melannie
I can relate to the homelessness and need for help. Ive been homeless twice myself in last 10 years. Kind people stepoed up both times amd helped me until i could get into an apartmemt (there isnt enough affordable housing here in NC). But once the housing is fixed there is far more need once in an apartment. Money doesn’t flow in. We have foodbanks and a free clothing store which I tell others about because they are a real blessing. My homelessness has been an adventure i wouldn’t wish on anybody. But i am just rattling on. I find places to volunteer and meet many worse off. I always thank God for all the generous people i have met. But one big issue that im not sure is fixable is the mental status of many homeless. We can all pray for small ( or big) miracles and continue to open our hearts.
❤️
As a child, I was greatly influenced by my Gram. From her front porch I learned to identify birds by sight and later by call. She was an avid knitter and kept nothing for herself. During the holidays a local bank set up a “mitten tree” that was decorated with the array of colors and styles of mittens Gram had made and left on the tree for others to take. I never learned to knit but I did teach myself to crochet. A few years ago, deciding I wanted to find somewhere to donate hats and mittens, so, as an Agregee of the Sisters of St Joseph of NW PA, I contacted o e of our ministries, the Neighborhood Network and asked if they would like the items. From that phone call grew “Evie’s Tree” (Gram=Evie), now in its 4th year and sprouting branches. Our Wheeling congregation and I swap items every year, SSJ Associates contribute scarves and several friends and family members are now adding to the collection. It’s been a blessing to watch this grow. This year I engaged the children served by the ministry to design a logo, with the winner to be revealed on Thursday. It was not an easy choice!
Chardon and Geauga County. My first home. ❤️ Always close to my thoughts and heart.
Thanks Sister, for sharing this.
Praying for all the wonderful people who give of their time and donations.
Hello to Chardon. Must be looking very pretty at this time of year🍁
This life changing mission in rural Ohio is like others forming in our country by
a single individual . in the 80’s a Lutheran friend saw men sleeping under the bridge
On shore of the Fox River. Her efforts to help them was word of mouth and all denominations .
From churches allowing a space and volunteers bringing a supper and breakfasts, we slept on mats along with the guests and after breakfast all parted.
That beginning grew into Lazarus House which not only feeds, cures addictions, educates to find jobs and affordable housing.
One solitary soul and the Holy Spirit to make a difference!
Marilyn
I was touched by your ecumenical teamwork for the Geauga Missions, as well as the personal examples above. My most fulfilling Christian ministries have been among ecumenical teams working together on behalf of the community. The most recent has been with the Texas Ramp Project. The TRP builds ramps at no cost for those who are unable to independently enter and exit their homes.
Thank you for sharing the inspiring story of the Geauga Faith Rescue Mission. This is a lesson in small donations of time & goods having a major impact. I have friends who are a real inspiration in their dedication to helping to provide settlement for men recently released from years of incarceration find housing and work. We are also in a faith sponsored pen pal ministry with the incarcerated in Ohio systems who are alone and in need of encouragement and the message that God loves them right where they are. There are far too many people who are homeless in many ways in need of a helping hand. It doesn’t take much to reach out.
Thank you for sharing this, Melannie.
I remember your Blessed discussion of Mary during my session of RCIA at the Church of St. Mary. It was as phenomenal as the Mother Herself, and with your gentle reverence for sharing such a great Love. It is important good news to highlight works of our neighbors to rehumanize the members of our community!
AND: to invite us to join-
I was so taken by your article. It’s such a joy to read now days about people doing good deeds. I’ve worked in Food Banks before & it’s definitely a good feeling. One of the volunteers in your article it said was writing letters. That appeals to me & I plan on getting in touch with them to see about that.
Thanks so much for an uplifting read.
I was part of a group that began a house for homeless men in our county. Little by little it has grown, and outgrown that first dwelling — is now part of a joint community with women and children living in a bigger HOME out in the country. From small beginnings . . . it just takes ONE to start. With the holiday season coming upon us and snowflakes predicted to fly very soon, I hope that many more individuals will get a “dwelling” started somewhere in their part of the country. People are often looking for an opportunity to DO SOME GOOD.
Mary E.
Sr Melanie, Thank you for this wonderful article which shows when people open their hearts to others without judgement but love and kindness, beautiful things happen. I hope to help this most deserving mission, which follows Jesus’s example as true Christians. I was rooting for the women’s shelter and was sad with the trouble they encountered in the beginning. I am thrilled that faith and caring people overcame the obstacles in such a beautiful way.
Thank you for sharing, this is a beautiful story.
This reminds me of Mother Teresa, doing small thing with great love or something similar. Alone we can’t fix all the problems around us but together we can make a difference. Since retirement I have volunteered weekly at a food pantry and monthly with a group from our church that provides dinner at a homeless shelter in our county. Both ministries rely on many people of many faiths. Thank you for sharing, inspiring and continuing to challenge us in our walk with Jesus.
Thank you so much for this beautiful story. We can get so caught up in all the craziness going on; we forget there is much more Beauty! My heart overflowed hearing about the anonymous donor.
Thank you Sr.Melannie for this comprehensive overview of a long awaited women’s shelter for our county.
The men’s shelter is already benefitting from your community’s generous meal involvement. We are so grateful for this,
as homelessness is everywhere, even in bucolic Gea.County.
What caught my attention was that no homeless people are on their streets or begging yet they know there is a crisis. It reminds me of my hometown in Illinois where people could be suffering and we do not know it. It is suffering to live on someone else’s couch or to be provided for by others, we just don’t see it. This is how interpret it at least.