Stories of Hope
Stories of Hope is an e-communication that is sent to our subscribers on the 15th of each month. These stories will be brought to you through the voices of our staff, volunteers, donors, patients, and community partners. Our goal is to highlight the hope that is present in our community through the interconnected world of faith, healing, service, and advocacy. To receive these stories as well as other important messages, click here to subscribe.
October 2025
On Thursday, October 9, 2025, Center for Healing & Hope (CHH) unveiled the Veva (Hershberger) and Leonard Garber Tribute Terrace with a Blessing of the Bricks celebration. All who purchased an engraved brick were invited to the clinic for an open house, remarks, and fellowship. In total 52 guests attended to see the bricks and show support for a cause they believe in.
The project began as an idea to offer donors the opportunity to purchase an engraved brick to be installed in the patio at the clinic’s main entrance. We thought of the space affectionately as a “tribute terrace” where names, tributes, and messages would reflect the community of support that has kept CHH going for twenty six years.
Along the way we had the opportunity to work with Ron and Linda Gunden on a memorial project to recognize Linda’s parents and long time CHH supporters, Veva and Leonard Garber. Veva passed away on October 9, 2024 at the age of 102. You can read more about her life and times with Leonard here.
Upon Veva’s passing, we learned that the family recommended CHH as an organization to send donations to in Veva’s memory. Ron and Linda liked what we were doing with the tribute terrace at that time, and inquired about combining memorial gifts from friends and family with their own contributions to name the space since it was not named during the Welcome Home campaign, which we consulted with Ron on from 2021-2024. The patio area resonated with them due to Veva and Leonard’s love for the outdoors, and the memorial fit perfectly into the broader project of developing the tribute terrace. This resulted in a true partnership where family and organization worked side-by-side for the greater good of the community.
Pictured L-R: Yvonne Garber, Missy Schrock, Leonard Garber, Linda Gunden, Daniel Tackett, Rosie Mullet
The memorial project also included honoring family member Ned Kauffman, who passed away May 16, 2024. Ned served as a local veterinarian for 38 years, advocated for increased pedestrian and bicycle pathways, and gave countless hours volunteering his time to, among other things, expand the urban tree canopy in Goshen. A small plaque at the base of a crabapple tree next to the patio reads “In memory of Ned Kauffman. Avid Goshen urban tree advocate. Dedicated in 2025 by the family of Ned Kauffman.” Ned and surviving wife, Ann, have been supporters of CHH for many years, and are the parents of Ron and Linda Gunden’s daughter Angie’s husband, Seth Kauffman. You can read more about Ned’s life here.
“Recognizing generosity through named spaces is both meaningful and nuanced,” said Missy Schrock, Executive Director at CHH. “It connects personal legacies to causes that matter deeply to donors and reminds us that our nonprofit is shaped by the community it serves. Most donors aren’t seeking the spotlight, but when their gift inspires others to act, it becomes a catalyst for collective impact. That’s the beauty of it: generosity sparking generosity. I’m profoundly grateful to everyone who contributes to this mission. You are a true inspiration.”
Leonard and Linda shared remarks at the Blessing of the Bricks on October 9, 2025. The date marked the one year anniversary of Veva’s passing.
Linda shared:
“Mother loved the outdoors….nature, gardening, and a quiet walk in the woods. She especially loved birds— feeling calmness in their presence.
Ron and I felt that it would be a perfect place to honor both Mom and Dad. Now, as patients and visitors arrive, they will pass across the Veva Hershberger and Leonard Garber Tribute Terrace and feel a sense of welcome—a reflection of the warmth and generosity my parents shared throughout their lives.
For as long as I can remember, my parents cared deeply for others—both in their local community and around the world. They prayed for people in need and faithfully supported the Center for Healing and Hope for many years. This tribute feels especially fitting because it continues their legacy of compassion and service.
Ron and I believe that access to health care is a basic human right, and we are honored to partner with CHH in extending care to immigrants and others in our community who do not have health insurance. We are deeply grateful for the dedicated staff and volunteers whose daily work embodies hope and healing.”
Leonard added:
“Today, October 9, 2025, marks the first anniversary of Veva’s passing, and I feel deeply honored to have our names associated with this beautiful terrace at the entrance of the Center for Healing and Hope.
The bricks laid here form a mosaic of gratitude — a symbol of the privilege we all share in being part of a mission that brings healing and hope to this community. The Center’s work reflects a holistic vision of care and compassion that Veva and I have always valued.
And may all who enter this place continue to truly find Healing and Hope is our prayer.”
CHH Executive Director Missy Schrock delivers the blessing.
In total, 76 donors purchased 89 bricks totaling $12,000. The family has also committed a major contribution as part of the memorial project. The brick engraving campaign is ongoing, with plans to do another installation of engraved bricks next year. Thanks to the charitable partnership and work by Dave’s Lawnscaping, we will be able to swap out filler bricks for engraved bricks, ensuring that this opportunity exists into the future for donors who choose to have an engraved brick installed.
“There are something like 900 bricks in the patio,” said CHH Director of Marketing & Development, Daniel Tackett. “Not only will it be neat to see these first clusters of bricks continue to bloom, it will result in crucial financial support for the mission of CHH while serving as a powerful statement of support for those we serve. I give thanks to all who purchased a brick, attended the Blessing of the Bricks, and to the Gunden, Garber, Kauffman, and Mullet families for entrusting CHH with this project to honor Veva and Leonard’s enduring generosity.”
2025 ARCHIVE
January – Greeted with a Smile
February – Seeing it Through
March – In Bloom
April – Reflecting on Connecting
May – Canned Goods & Common Ground
June – Nuway Construction Charity Golf Outing
August – Office of Solidarity with Immigrants (OSI)