Hope Jarvis never imagined a casual conversation at an Islamic Food Bank appreciation dinner would lead her to finding her “happy place.” That’s how she now describes Sunshine Communities—a place she had heard of, but never fully understood until she experienced it herself. In two short years, she can’t imagine her life without it.
Originally from Canada, Hope lived in Philadelphia before settling in Perrysburg and raising her family. She had a background in memory care but little experience working with people with developmental disabilities. After retiring and overcoming her own health challenges during the pandemic, she felt called to give back—and found herself at the right place at the right time for Sunshine. “I was just in the buffet line at a benefit event supporting the Islamic Food Bank, a Sunshine partner, and started chatting casually with someone who worked with volunteers. She extended the offer for me to come check it out. I had been to Sunshine Studios and Georgette’s before, but I had never seen the main campus.”
Drawn to the warmth of Room 8 during her tour, she immediately felt a connection with the individuals there. She now volunteers weekly, bringing with her a nurturing spirit and a tote full of crafts—think anything with glue, glitter, and beads. Together, they make blankets and donate them to the kids in our Log Home, Sunshine’s campus house for children with ventilator needs. Hope feels Sunshine is a place built on trust, laughter, people knowing you, and wanting you to come back. And she does. Every week.
She also adds a foodie twist to her visits, organizing fun, simple activities like smoothie-making and serving PB&J bites.
She says volunteering isn’t what most people expect. It’s better.
One moment that stands out? Happiness Happens Day, when the individuals from Room 8 surprised her with flowers at her home. They had heard so much about her husband, Larry, that they asked to meet him. While at her home, Corey, who is nonverbal, pointed to his ring finger to reference her husband, Larry. They wanted to meet the man they’d come to know through her stories. Even those who don’t speak find ways to ask about the people who matter to them. Our volunteers aren’t just spending hours here—they’re building real, mutual connections.
Hope finds so much joy in Dollar Tree trips with the Room 8 crew—carefully picking out craft supplies and giggling down the aisles. That same joy shows up back at Sunshine, like when she and Becca shared a belly laugh over a small toy—simple moments with lasting impact. 
“They greet me like they haven’t seen me in forever. It’s one of the best parts about coming here,” she says. You just have to look them in the eye, listen, and they’ll show you how they communicate. It’s more about being present than perfect. This place is built on love and genuine relationships.”
Hope’s four hours a week are filled with laughter, connection, and the kind of purpose that can’t be found in a brochure or a social media post. She is living proof of our mission: “creating community.” This is it.
Hope has a family and a wide circle of friends and connections, and she often shares her Sunshine experience with them. “You don’t need a special skill to be here,” she tells them. “You just need to be open. You just need to be human.”
“I came at the right time,” she reflects. “I get more than I give.”