The Reciprocity Effect

Rehan Staton is a 27-year-old Harvard Law School graduate. However, his path to that degree was not typical. As a child, his mother abandoned the family and his dad struggled with gainful employment. In other words, Rehan grew up poor. To make it, he worked as a sanitation worker (that’s trash man to you and me). His grades were never …

“Kindness is My Passion”

Thirteen years ago, Malachi Coleman and his little sister were abandoned by their mother. The siblings immediately went into the foster care system. Malachi claimed this was a miserable experience fraught with abuse and poor care. A few years later, the Coleman’s decided to adopt Malachi and his sister. The Coleman’s provided a loving home and a way for the …

The Noble Barber

Ellison is a 7-year-old boy with Down’s Syndrome. He has never had someone successfully cut his hair. Prior to meeting Vernon, the Noble Barber, he always resisted.  Ellison was scared, startled and his mother had to hold him in bear hug to get through the ordeal. She and Ellison usually left in tears. She characterized each barber shop visit as …

High School Team Hugs Mom of Deceased Teammate

Ely Dehart died in 2020 after losing control of his vehicle on a gravel road. He was only 14 years old. He played basketball, football and baseball. When he was alive, he was a hugger, always spreading his joy with others. After his death, his parents donated many of his organs to other needy people who were waiting for such …

NFL Player Steps in as Pseudo Dad at Daddy-Daughter Dance

Audrey Soape is an 11-year-old middle school student living in Austin, Texas.  Last year, she lost her father and grandfather, which was understandably traumatic for Audrey. What made it even more difficult was the upcoming daddy-daughter dance at her middle school. It was another reminder that her father could not be there for her. Audrey’s mother understood the gravity of …