Love Our Community invites residents to Gratitude Gathering

Love Our Community (LOC), under the direction of Executive Director Kelli Viscounte, is inviting community members to learn more about the organization through a series of events called Gratitude Gathering 2026.

LOC says it is grateful for the support it has received from the community and hopes to connect with more people and resources to continue the impact it has already made. The gatherings will provide an opportunity for individuals, businesses, nonprofits and community organizations to share a quick lunch while hearing updates about the organization’s work and future plans.

Several dates have been scheduled for the sessions: Tuesday, March 17; Tuesday, April 21; Tuesday, May 19; and Tuesday, June 16. Each luncheon will be held from noon to 1:15 p.m., and lunch will be provided.

The gatherings will take place at LOC’s new Mission Hub, located at 532 W. Maple St. in Hartville.

Those unable to attend on the scheduled dates are encouraged to contact the organization to arrange an individual meeting by calling 330-961-1212 or emailing loveourcommunitylake@gmail.com.

LOC leaders say the organization is committed to serving a community that is both generous and in need.

“LOC finds that we live in an amazing community,” organizers said. “But there are also many individuals and families who struggle for a variety of reasons. LOC works every day, behind the scenes, to ensure that there is a safe, confidential and resource-rich place to go for help, support and connection.”

One of the organization’s goals is to make it acceptable for people to ask for help before reaching a crisis point.

The group recently shared one example of how it partners with other organizations to respond to urgent needs.

“We work in partnership with many organizations, often brainstorming and partnering to address urgent needs,” LOC said in a recent message. “LOC was contacted in late January to help a veteran who had been sleeping in a van over several nights.”

Through its relationships with local hotels that offer discounted rates, the organization sought help to temporarily shelter the individual while arranging longer-term support.

“$125 would provide one night, breakfast and another meal,” the message said. “The goal is four nights. We would bring this person into shelter for four nights to allow for the weekend and Monday to have one of our case managers meet with them and the referring agency.”

Viscounte also noted that LOC continues to face operational challenges while working to expand its services.

The organization’s storage and outlet store on Sunnyside Street in Hartville is facing a potential 20% rent increase beginning in April. Because the metal building does not have air conditioning, it is also difficult to use during the summer months, prompting the organization to search for a new location.

At the same time, renovations are still needed at the Mission Hub, though funding for those improvements is not yet available.

Despite those challenges, Viscounte said the organization’s Mission Hub and two rental homes are financially secure. LOC currently operates its offices from the Mission Hub and uses the space for sorting donations and other activities that help reduce operating costs.

LOC is a nonprofit organization based in Lake Township whose mission is to meet the often unseen needs of neighbors related to food, clothing and shelter. The organization works to connect people with resources and relationships that improve quality of life emotionally, physically and spiritually.

Community members interested in supporting the organization can learn more or donate through the Love Our Community website.