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.
May 2025
Tucked away in a quiet corner outside of Center for Healing & Hope, a small but mighty pantry stands as a beacon of care for those who need it most. Shelves lined with canned goods, dry staples, and personal essentials offer nourishment—not just for the body but for the soul. This tiny free pantry is a testament to the power of kindness, proving that generosity knows no boundaries.
Last month, something unique happened. Two groups, seemingly on opposite ends of the philosophical spectrum, unknowingly united for a single purpose: to ensure that this pantry remained stocked and accessible to anyone facing hardship. The Northern Indiana Atheists and Sunnyside Mennonite Church, each rooted in different worldviews, came together to support a cause greater than any differences they may hold. Their partnership embodied the true essence of community—where compassion overshadows division, and goodwill bridges gaps that some might think insurmountable.
Members from both organizations probably just missed each other as they arrived at different times with donations in hand, filling the shelves with fresh supplies. It wasn’t just about providing food; it was about affirming dignity and care for every individual who accessed the resource. The pantry became a tangible expression of unity, proving that the heart of a community beats strongest when people stand together in service of others.
Troy Moss, President of Northern Indiana Atheists, said, “NIA is proud to have worked alongside Sunnyside Mennonite Church in our shared mission of community care. We share core values with Sunnyside Mennonite Church as well. We, too, welcome all races, ethnicities, physical and intellectual abilities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ages, education levels, and financial and immigration statuses into full participation in all aspects of our work. We were delighted to hear of our blind collaboration. We do the most good when we work together.”
In that remarkable month, a simple act of coincidental collaboration turned into something far greater: proof that love and generosity can transcend belief, background, and perspective. And in the heart of Goshen, Indiana, the tiny free pantry at Center for Healing & Hope stands as a reminder that in the face of need, the most powerful force is always human connection.
About Northern Indiana Atheists: Northern Indiana Atheists is a nonprofit established to fight state/church violations on a local level and defend the rights of atheists and other marginalized communities across Northern Indiana. Membership is open to atheists and their allies who share a vision for a government that represents all people equally and their passion for serving the community. “We have many religious members because they understand that the separation of church and state protects us all,” Moss said.
About Sunnyside Mennonite Church: Sunnyside Mennonite Church is a caring community of Jesus’ followers, sharing God’s love, mercy and Justice. We follow Jesus in belonging, celebration, service, and shalom. We seek to grow in diversity and in the Spirit. Click here for our full Who We Are affirmation adopted in 2024. All are welcome to join us in this mission. Click here for our full Statement of Welcome. We are a Mennonite Church USA congregation and a member of Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference.
Center for Healing & Hope is grateful for ALL of our Pantry Partners! This year, partners include the Voth family (Jeremiah and Lydia pictured above), Northern Indiana Atheists, Sunnyside Mennonite Church, Assembly Mennonite Church, Mark and Karen Kurtz, Mike and Jenna Filbrun, Goshen Christian Church Humble Gifts Ministry, and 8th Street Preschool just to name a few! Whether it be through a known and agreed upon partnership or an anonymous donation or delivery of goods, your contribution makes a difference in our community for our underserved neighbors.
Want to establish an ongoing annual partnership to stock the pantry for one month out of the year? Please contact Daniel at dtackett@chhclinics.org or call 574-534-4744 ext. 202.
2025 ARCHIVE
January – Greeted with a Smile
February – Seeing it Through
March – In Bloom
April – Reflecting on Connecting