Janella first connected with Catholic Charities at a former location where she received food assistance. At the core of Catholic Charities services, food pantries across the diocese, including the Owosso Food Pantry at CCSGC,  carry out the corporal work of mercy of feeding the hungry. Funded in part by Diocesan Service Appeal (DSA) donations, Catholic Charities serves the poor and vulnerable in all 10 counties of the Diocese of Lansing.

For Janella, like for many clients, the help provided by CCSGC didn’t stop with food. It was through the ministries at Catholic Charities, each addressing her various needs, that God was able to bring about lasting change in Janella’s life. “I was in a difficult relationship, and we were trying to figure out a way to work through things, so we both came here for counseling ... the relationship ended, but by then I was connected here.” After receiving food from the Owosso Food Pantry at CCSGC and having other material and emotional needs met, Janella says she felt compelled to join the ministry. “I felt guilty [about] getting without giving, and I didn’t have money to give. So, I started coming to volunteer.”

Now a regular volunteer in numerous capacities, including the clothing closet and the food pantry, Janella finds herself giving as she has received. “I want to help. When I’m volunteering, I try to talk to people, listen to them, show them different things available, and show them around.” Through her own experience, Janella knows firsthand that the human connection is as important as the corporal help. “I know that sometimes you just need someone to ask how your day is going.”

Serving as a volunteer alongside the same people who helped her, Janella can’t help but notice the change in her life. “The people here have given me confidence, it’s gotten me out of the house, and it’s given me friendship.” Among those friends, Janella says,  is Lynn Sanderson, who serves as the head of the food pantry. “Lynn is probably the best friend that I have,” Janella says. “I can call her anytime and talk to her, and she calls me at random times. Then she lets me know when she needs help up here.” Lynn is known for her outgoing personality and encouraging temperament and says she noticed Janella when she first started coming to Catholic Charities. “What I saw was someone that I knew seemed depressed or down. So, I decided I was going to be a part of getting her through her sadness and bringing her to more happiness. My biggest hope for her is coming true, I think. It’s for her to realize that no matter what life brings, you are still valued.” The two friends work alongside each other feeding the vulnerable in their community. “The food pantry is open three days a week and we average 75-90 people per week at this location,” Lynn explains. “And any chance I get I want to thank anyone who makes any kind of donation. It’s such a good organization, and I want to let people know that.”

DSA funds help with ongoing food and basic needs services at the Owosso Food Pantry and Community Closet. Unexpected funds, made available through generous DSA donations last year, provided much-needed support for those facing food insecurities. While the reliability of government aid can oftentimes be uncertain, the Catholic Church, through the Owosso Food Pantry and places like it, is always present as a consistent source of food aid.  DSA funds help to support not only the Owosso Food Pantry but also Livingston County Catholic Charities, Catholic Charities of Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties, and Catholic Charities of Washtenaw County, supplying food to those in dire need. Janella and others who have faced difficulties are blessed by the many services made available through Catholic Charities. The difference in her life, Janella says, is notable. “Before coming here, I was in several bad relationships, and I was made to feel like I couldn’t speak, like I’m not worth it. But being here has helped show that I am worth it.”

“I would tell someone who was coming to Catholic Charities for the first time to be open with the people here, to tell the people what you need: if you need someone to talk to for counseling, if you need help with food or clothing, or anything. They have all kinds of people coming in who need food, clothing, Band-Aids, things that we take for granted every day. They do everything here.”

Grateful for the “everything” that she has received via food, clothing, counseling services, and fellowship, Janella says her life and her faith are forever changed by what she has received at Catholic Charities. “It has changed me. This place makes me want to go to church more often. And I know that I can ask the people here to pray for me. I can share what’s on my heart and ask them to pray for my family.” Janella is certain that God led her to Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties, and she sees a change in her life for which she is grateful to God, and to CCSGC. “Now I have something to do in the community where I feel like I am worth something. And I have purpose.”