This month we are spotlighting The Giving Place’s founders Stephanie Furey and Angel Kiefer. Their vision for The Giving Place is to make an impact through the donations they collect and sell, to the nonprofit organizations in our own backyard! We are proud to be their primary partner. This collaboration aims to provide support, resources, and hope to children on their journey to healing.
We asked Stephanie and Angel to share a little more about themselves and The Giving Place so we could all get to know them better.
Roles and Responsibilities
How did you first learn about The Children’s Center of Medina County, and what led you to partner with us?
Stephanie: I had the pleasure of working with Anna in the past, and I have always admired the incredible work The Children’s Center does. The Child Advocacy Center is truly remarkable. As parents, we absolutely need this resource in our community.
Stephanie: When we approached The Children’s Center with our idea for a partnership, they were incredibly supportive from the very beginning. They showed no hesitation when we proposed collaborating with them.
Angel: It’s essential for people to understand the critical work you do. Personally, I was unaware of the significant extent of child abuse within Medina County until I became more involved.
Stephanie: Exactly. People often think, “This doesn’t happen in Medina,” but it does. It’s very much a reality here.
Angel: It happens within families, and unfortunately, many families have been impacted by abuse.
Could you tell us more about The Giving Place?
Angel: The Giving Place is a resale store that accepts donations from the community, which we then sell. The profits generated are donated to nonprofits within the Medina County community. So far, in just 15 months of operation, we’ve contributed $129,000 to 22 different organizations.
Can you describe the nature of your partnership with The Children’s Center?
Stephanie: The Children’s Center is our primary partner and the main beneficiary of The Giving Place’s contributions. We have the ability to choose our partners, and The Children’s Center is one we are committed to supporting long-term.
You are certainly making a significant impact on all these organizations.
Stephanie: I believe we are. We’ve raised a substantial amount of money in a relatively short time. From the beginning, our goal was to make a difference in Medina County. It is incredibly important to our Board, Angel and I that the money we raise benefits our local community.
What makes you most proud of your work with The Children’s Center?
Stephanie: I sincerely hope the funds we’ve donated have had a positive impact on the children and families you serve.
Angel: As we continue to support The Children’s Center, our hope is that our contributions will enable you to develop new programs or try innovative approaches, and that we can help make those ideas a reality through our financial support.
Personal Insights and Reflections
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Angel: My mother always told me, “If you’re facing a challenge, pull yourself up by your bootstraps.” That advice has stayed with me throughout my life. Even when running the store, which presents numerous challenges, I remind myself to get up each morning, do the hard work, and keep moving forward.
Stephanie: My parents often said, “It doesn’t matter who you are or what you have, be kind to everyone.” I try to live by that. You never know what someone else is going through, so treat everyone with compassion.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Stephanie: I always wanted to be a mother. My mom advised me to learn typing, but I insisted on taking sewing and home economics classes because I wanted to focus on becoming a mom. Ironically, I failed sewing, though I’m an excellent cook! I briefly considered becoming a nurse, which led me to start working with hospice. I found that I loved providing care for patients.
Angel: I wanted to be a teacher. I had wonderful, kind teachers growing up, and I aspired to be like them. However, life took a different direction, and I ended up being a stay-at-home mom, which I absolutely cherished.
Stephanie: Angel ended up doing exactly what I had always wanted to do. Instead, I became a flight attendant and had the opportunity to travel the world. It was quite an adventure.
What is your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?
Stephanie: At the end of the day, Angel and I often find ourselves in the store, reflecting on the Day’s events. We are usually quite exhausted by then, but despite that, we find ourselves laughing about what the day has brought.
When I return home, my husband, Pat, and I take about a half hour to relax together. We talk about our day, spend time with our dog, and then catch up on tasks that we didn’t manage to finish earlier. We both enjoy doing puzzles, especially during the winter months. In the summer, I prefer to unwind by sitting outside on our deck enjoying the fresh air.
Angel: I like to spend time with my daughters. My husband, Dwayne, and I often sit on our porch swing, discussing the day’s events. It’s a peaceful way to wind down after a long day. It’s nice to simply relax and reflect together.
Stephanie: Ending the day with laughter and then spending quality time with our spouses before going to bed early is the perfect way to recharge for the next day.
What is your favorite season?
Stephanie: My favorite season is Thanksgiving. There’s no pressure of buying gifts; it’s all about food and family, which I love.
Angel: I’m a big fan of Halloween, but I also love Christmas. Now that my children are older, Christmas is different. When my children were young, I loved decorating and picking out presents—it was such a special time.
What is a song you have memorized?
Stephanie: We probably know all the words to most of the popular Christmas songs and many nursery rhymes from when our kids were little.
At the store, we play a variety of music depending on what the volunteers enjoy. Everyone has their preferences—sometimes they’ll request not to hear John Denver that day, or they’ll ask for country music or something upbeat. The volunteers really enjoy 1950s music, and it’s always a hit with the customers. We were fortunate to receive a sound system as a donation from one of our volunteers, which was such a generous gift. It allows us to play any type of music the team or customers want to hear that day.
Community Engagement and Support
What would you like to share about The Children’s Center?
Angel: We truly admire the work you do. You run a tight ship!
Stephanie: Your staff is extremely thoughtful. When we won Best of the Best, you all signed a card for us, and that gesture made a significant impact. It may seem like a small thing, but those little acts of kindness really stand out. It’s not just about the financial support, it’s about the recognition of the effort we’ve put into The Giving Place. It could be something as simple as a card or a piece of chocolate, but it makes a difference. We feel personally invested in your organization, and it’s wonderful to see that you invest in us as well.
What does the community need to know about The Children’s Center?
Stephanie: I believe you extend to the families and individuals you serve the same level of personal investment that you show toward us.
Angel: I know that your commitment goes far beyond regular work hours. I’ve seen firsthand how you all are willing to go above and beyond to meet the needs of your organization, even working after hours and on weekends when necessary.
Stephanie: It’s encouraging to know that your team shares the same dedication to making a difference that we do.
