Like Mother: Like Son

Stephanie and Eric, a mother-son duo serving in Youngstown, Ohio, are working together to give back to the community that has given to them.

Ten years ago, Stephanie and her two kids moved from New York to Ohio. When they first moved, “the community was very inviting. Their hospitality was like no other. My neighbor knocked on my back door and offered us a piece of pie. Over time, they supported us by furnishing our home. People in the community were caring and willing to serve us, not knowing us. That makes you want to serve in return.” Stephanie expressed. 

Stephanie serves at one of NDMV’s partnering sites, which provides clothing to individuals in need while educating them on professional presentation and job-seeking skills, including mock interviews. 

Eric, who is putting his new degree in Graphic and Interactive Design to work, contributes his talents to Thrive, another of our partnering sites, by marketing the area to newcomers, assisting with the bike program, the new cultural literacy program, and Thrive’s website.

Eric was inspired by the opportunity to use his degree to help create graphics for Thrive. 

What started as an accidental partnership has blossomed into a shared mission for Stephanie and Eric. After two years of serving together, they reflect on how their paths intertwined in unexpected and beautiful ways.

Fresh from college, Eric was exploring ways to contribute to the community. Stephanie had been serving with NDMV for a year and loved it—so much so that she invited her Site Manager, Laura, and one of her fellow NDMV members to Eric's graduation. During the celebration, Laura told Eric she wanted him on her team. Eric was inspired by the opportunity to use his degree to help create graphics for Thrive. 

For Stephanie, the chance to work alongside her son is a unique and invaluable experience. It’s humbling; he can teach me, and I can teach him,” she says. 

As Stephanie and Eric are learning to work together, it strengthens their ability to serve the community and expands the services they can offer to community members.  For example, when a pastor reached out to Stephanie about supporting a community member transitioning out of incarceration, she was able to connect him with essential resources, such as food, clothing, and shelter, within a week. This kind of support illustrates the power of the community networks that complement each other between Stephanie, Eric, and their other NDMV teammates in Youngstown.

Stephanie and Eric are inspired by the passionate individuals they work alongside. They motivate each other and contribute to a collective goal that encourages growth and learning. 

Stephanie’s example of choosing to serve with NDMV later in her life has instilled in Eric the idea that no one should let their life circumstances limit them from signing up for a year of service. “It’s never too late. You’re never too old,” he said.

Her example has made a significant impact. Because of Eric’s mom's example, he has a safe space to practice the skills he gained through his degree while finding a more profound sense of purpose. 

Stephanie invites everyone to “jump in and get your feet wet.” There’s something transformative about standing up for a cause and setting an example for future generations. As they serve together, they also recognize that those they help are, in turn, allowing them to grow.

Ultimately, the greatest reward may not always come in words but in the smiles of those they serve. “Someone might not say the words thank you, but the smile on their face says it all,” Stephanie shares.

Stephanie is setting an example for her kids by demonstrating what it means to live a life dedicated to service. Because of her choice to serve, Eric has a platform to utilize his gifts and make a difference within his community. Through service, Stephanie is getting to know a side of her son that may not be there without her example. 

Together, Stephanie and Eric demonstrate that through service, we can uplift one another, create lasting change, and build a resilient community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Eric and Stephanie with their NDMV team in Youngstown, Ohio.