Meeting Recap

Check Presentation

President Tom Gigliotti and Hunter James presented Camp Cheerful a check for $10,000 as beneficiary of the Kids Fest and Duck Race

Strongsville Homecoming Parade

The Strongsville Homecoming Parade is this coming Wednesday, October 7th, at 6:30pm at the Strongsville High School.  Lunn Road will be closed at 6pm, and the best viewing spots are Lunn Road between the High School driveways, and the driveways themselves.

Speaker - Valeria Long - YAHAB

Last week, Valeria “V” Long and members of the YAHAB team introduced us to a volunteer-run nonprofit that provides free clothing and small household items to people experiencing hardship. Greg Wiemken discovered YAHAB after bringing in a clothing donation and was deeply impressed by the warmth and dignity shown to every family who entered.

Valeria founded YAHAB—whose name means “to give”—during the early months of the pandemic. What began in a small storage space has grown into a welcoming boutique-style setting where people are treated as valued guests. No one is required to prove that they are in need. Instead, volunteers take time to learn what each person needs, help select complete outfits and ensure that guests leave feeling seen, cared for and more confident.

YAHAB serves women and children escaping domestic violence, people experiencing homelessness, individuals returning from incarceration, families affected by fires and others facing financial or personal crises. Job seekers may receive several coordinated outfits for interviews and work. The organization also supplies clothing to homeless-outreach volunteers, fire departments, shelters and other nonprofit partners.

Everyone at YAHAB serves without pay, so financial contributions help cover rent, utilities, repairs and the costs of keeping its doors open. The organization welcomes donations of quality clothing, shoes, coats, purses, jewelry and small household goods. Just as importantly, members were encouraged to refer individuals and families who may quietly need assistance. YAHAB can also prepare clothing in requested sizes for churches, schools and others helping someone who may be reluctant to visit in person.

Valeria’s message was simple and powerful: people in distress need more than material assistance—they need to be heard, recognized and reminded that they matter.