Deus Caritas Est

Grant Awarded 2025

June 30, 2025

Dora is a calm soul – you can see and feel her peace. Our visit started with a tour of her patio garden including many beautiful perennials that she has nurtured for years. Born in Lakeview Michigan, her parents moved north from Texas to Grand Rapids for better job opportunities. Dora went to Coldbrook Elementary and Union High School till 11th grade. She then got a job at Johnson Furniture.

Dora tells a sweet story about meeting her husband. While she and her mother were visiting a neighbor Dora heard music coming from behind a big pocket door and asked about the source. The neighbor called to Jessie (21 – and just home from Vietnam) and introduced Dora. Their love story went on until he passed almost 23 years ago. Dora and Jessie were blessed with 3 children, 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren!

After her husband passed, she went back to school got her HS diploma, then enrolled at Jordan College and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in psychology. She is so glad she challenged herself in that way.

Dora is grateful for the food grantgrant, calling it a gift and a blessing. She will pray for us.

Grant Awarded 2023

Terry was beaming a big grin when he met us at the door. Born and raised in Grand Rapids, he attended Central High School and was class president one year. Terry joined the Army and served his time at Fort Campbell. Two of his brothers were already in Vietnam, so the Army did not send him. He met his wife Elizabeth while working at Meijer. Sadly, she passed away 5 years ago. Terry is a hard worker; he says, “I’m old school, I act my age and dress my age. It’s all about self-discipline.” He worked with Upward Bound after he graduated from Oakland University and retired from GM in 2009, then worked for the City in the parking department, and finally for the City of Grand Haven in their water plant.

Terry just loves children and counts 15 grandchildren. He says when they are 3-12 years old you can reach them and lay a good foundation for them. He currently works part time as a crossing guard at Caesar Chavez Elementary School. He likes setting an example for the children he sees at his job. He hopes to continue there but has been dealing with some hip issues.

Terry is our newest family to receive a food grant. He says it will make a big difference for him and eliminate a lot of anxiety about money. He left us with this bit of “Terry’s Philosophy”—“I’m old school – if you hesitate, it’s too late. Life is too short.” We’d say Terry really applies his self-discipline and keeps moving forward. We welcome him to the Deus Caritas Est Family.

Grant Awarded 2025

June 30, 2025

When I arrived at Carol’s home, a friend was stocking her refrigerator with goodies. Her cat investigated me until Carol could sit down and visit. She is a petite and striking woman whose body has been ravaged from an unusual disease. She had skin issues in the early 80s and received steroids which later led to joint damage.
She is a nurse by trade and after she recovered her health she worked hard to get back to nursing. She was able to work another 15 years before the joint disease wouldn’t allow her to continue. Since that time, she has had multiple joints replaced, knees, hips, shoulder and elbow.

This has not stopped her from going and going. Carol drives, gets to church, shops on her own and keeps busy. She has a few vegetable plants on her patio and does arts and crafts at her kitchen table. Carol is also a volunteer with the Disability Associates of Kent County and received the Muir Volunteer Award in 2021.

She comes from a medical family and is one of seven children: doctors and nurses and a medical examiner. This has helped her understand and push forward with living her life. She has one son who lives in town and sees him regularly.
She was flabbergasted (her words) that she was considered for Seniors in Need and didn’t feel she ‘deserved the food card.’ In tears, she said thank you so much as this will help tremendously. As I was getting ready to leave her bright smile and determination resurfaced and I hear …. I’m going to get in my car and go shopping.