Our shared humanity keeps us strong. It sustains us and inspires us to move forward, regardless of what challenges we face.
People need kindness. People need smiles and hugs.
You can find and give inspiration anywhere. We all have the ability to be a source of hope for someone. Your kindness, compassion, and creativity can influence the world in meaningful ways.
“Never limit yourself because of others’ limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination” —Mae Jemison, American engineer
This week, we bring you stories that inspire us to reconnect with our shared humanity.
- An engineer provides a valuable public service to the community
- Volunteers from across Texas are showing up to support flood recovery
- A man’s initiative fosters community connections
- A nurse opens a walk-in wardrobe for mental health patients
Positively Uplifting Stories | July 21 2025
Engineer serves the community by giving new life to old technology.
Patrick Schlott, an engineer from Vermont, restores old payphones and installs them in public spaces where they can be used by the community.
Through the use of VoIP technology, he makes the payphones functional and free to use, eliminating the need for coins.
These payphones act as a backup communication option, especially in rural areas where cell service is unreliable.
For Patrick, this project is a way to bring people together and strengthen community ties.
“It’s kind of a fun element. In libraries, we love to bring older technology into the hands of those that might remember it fondly or those that never have seen it before, so it brings joy,” said Holly Lague, director of the Latham Memorial Library in Thetford, Vermont.
Volunteers have turned out in large numbers to help the community in the aftermath of the Texas flood.
A massive wave of volunteers showed up in Kerrville to aid recovery efforts following the destructive flood that devastated the Texas Hill Country.
Volunteers came from all over the state to help in any way they could.
Despite long lines, they remained determined to do whatever it takes to ease the community’s burden.
“This organized effort will help ensure a safe and effective response as the community comes together to support neighbors in need,” Kerrville officials said in a news release.
Man helps meet the needs of his community, one act of cleanup at a time.
Sean Stockman, aka “Midlife Stockman,” is on a mission to clean and beautify Detroit neighborhoods.
He discovered his passion for serving the community during a challenging period of his life. This turning point inspired him to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Sean helps his community by cleaning up properties and helping seniors and disabled individuals. He trims trees, cuts grass, hauls debris, and builds porches for anyone in need.
“It opens the door for so much more, too. Ultimately, what I want is to hear their story while I’m there. And certainly, for people to be heard — it doesn’t take much at all to listen to them and take a minute and pause,” said Sean.
Nurse opens a community wardrobe to help mental health patients look and feel good.
Keith’s Closet, an initiative by mental health nurse Keith Donnelly, is providing patients with easy access to new and high-end second-hand clothing, toiletries, and accessories, free of charge.
This walk-in wardrobe at the Prince of Wales Hospital offers a wide selection of good-quality clothing for mental health patients, many of whom often lack basic necessities.
Thanks to the outpouring of donations, Keith’s Closet is continuously expanding its reach to more hospitals across Australia!
“What Keith Donnelly has done here is added another layer of support for those people,” said NSW Health Minister Ryan Park.
Have a Wonderful Week Everyone!
Just like Sean Stockman, who serves his Detroit community, it doesn’t take much to just take a minute to connect with people, to listen to someone’s story. And you never know how much of a difference you’re making in someone’s life – smiling at your server, holding the door for a person carrying a lot of bags, wishing someone a great day.
As always, we hope these stories of kindness and community remind you that there are plenty of thoughtful, compassionate people out there, finding ways to make a difference.
Take care and have a great week!
