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An Evening of Impact and Inspiration
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended, sponsored, donated, bid, volunteered, and supported our recent fundraiser. Thanks to your generosity, enthusiasm, and belief in our mission, we not only had an unforgettable evening—we exceeded our fundraising goal!
Every dollar raised helps create a ripple effect of hope and opportunity by connecting individuals with caring mentors, valuable resources, and the support they need to build crime-free, drug-free, and productive lives. Thank you for making waves with us and for continuing to be an important part of the Welcome to a New Life community.
Introducing the Next Generation Legacy Fund!
At the fundraiser, we proudly launched the Next Generation Legacy Fund, honoring the vision of WNL co-founders Stan Kujawa and Puck Rowe (pictured).
This fund will help address a growing need among young adults ages 18–24 who are already involved in the criminal justice system and may be at risk of deeper system involvement. Through early intervention, mentorship, support, accountability, and resource connection, we hope to help change the trajectory of these young lives.
By investing in the next generation, we can create a ripple effect that reaches individuals, families, and our entire community.
Recent Mentee Milestones
We’re celebrating another month of meaningful milestones! Two mentees began new jobs, one earned a promotion, and another welcomed a new baby. We also celebrated the courage of one mentee who shared his story with our Board for the very first time, which is a powerful step forward in his journey. Each milestone is a reminder that growth takes many forms and that every step forward creates a ripple effect of hope and possibility.
Staff Spotlight: Karen
We are so proud of Karen and her continued new life journey! Karen recently earned her Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice Degree and is now pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice.
As a WNL mentee, a mentor, and a part of the team, Karen brings both lived experience and education to her role, creating meaningful connections with others working toward their own new life.
She is also a proud grandmother, member of the Peer Advisory Board, and recently celebrated 5 years of sobriety and 4 years in remission. Congratulations, Karen! 🎓💚
The Empty Seat Beside Me
The Empty Seat Beside Me continues to make its way throughout our community! Thanks to College First Church of God, The Shoppe, United Way of Fostoria, Anytime Fitness, The Lavender Hour, and State Farm Insurance in Fostoria for showcasing WNL and our mission at your businesses!
The Empty Seat Beside Me represents someone in Hancock County who is working to build a better life but is still waiting for a mentor to walk alongside them. A mentor can offer encouragement, hope, and support as they work to break the cycle and create a new future. Could you fill the empty seat and make a difference in someone’s life?
Interested in becoming a mentor? Contact Jayme at mentors@welcometoanewlife.org or visit our website to learn about what it means to be a mentor with Welcome to a New Life!
What an incredible gift! Rhiana Grieger with Get Rhi-vived has graciously offered to donate haircuts to our mentees in need! Rhiana has been a cosmetologist since 2017, and specializes in cuts for short hair! You can find Get Rhi-vived downtown on Liberty Street!
A big THANK YOU to everyone who came out to eat at Culver's last month - your dinner out will make a positive impact on those involved in the criminal justice system in Hancock County! And of course, thank you to Culver's for hosting this special evening and for your donation!
We had a great time at National Night Out on August 4! It's always a great opportunity to bring neighbors and public safety professionals together for a night of food and fun!
Thanks to all of our friends who stopped by to see us at Miller's Root Beer and BBQ Stand during their Rides and Root Beer event!
Thank you to WTKC 89.7 for allowing Lisa and Jayme on air to share the mission of WNL! They also talked about the upcoming Overdose and Suicide Awareness event happening on August 29 at Riverside Park from 4-8pm!
Thank you to these amazing University of Findlay freshmen for volunteering their time to support Welcome to a New Life! These students helped clean, reorganize and move things as we continue to make our office welcoming. We truly appreciate your hard work and willingness to give back to our community.
Recently, we had the opportunity to share the WNL mission with the Retired Teachers Association. We are incredibly grateful for their generous donation and support of our work!
Want to learn more about WNL? If you are interested in scheduling a time for the WNL team to come present to a group you belong to, please reach-out to us at www.welcometoanewlife.org or by calling 419-455-6082.
Did you know you can fundraise for WNL while you do your grocery shopping at Kroger? Through your Kroger app, you can search for Welcome to a New Life in the Community Rewards - once you tap enroll, each purchase you make using your Kroger card will benefit WNL!
Did you know?
Some companies offer Donation Matching - an easy way to double your impact! Speak to your employer or reach out to WNL for more information!
Click the button below to set up a recurring donation of any amount to Welcome to a New Life!
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