GALION, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—In a world that often feels rushed and divided, one local nonprofit is working to remind people of the power of compassion, connection, and simply showing up for others.
Love’s Reflection, founded by local resident Brent Smith, was created with one mission in mind, bringing comfort, hope and meaningful moments to terminally ill children, hospice seniors and families facing some of life’s hardest circumstances.
At its heart, the organization is about much more than granting wishes.
“It’s about creating meaningful human connection, restoring hope and reminding people they are deeply loved during life’s hardest moments,” Smith said.
The inspiration behind Love’s Reflection comes from a deeply personal experience Smith carried with him for years. After surviving a near-drowning accident as a child, he said the experience changed the way he viewed life, suffering and the importance of compassion. Over time, that perspective led him toward hospice volunteering and supporting families walking through grief, fear, and uncertainty.
Today, that vision has grown into a nonprofit centered around compassion, unity and what Smith calls “love in action.”
Love’s Reflection operates through several initiatives, including “Love Beyond Words,” which supports children and teens in palliative care, and “Beyond the Bucket List,” which serves hospice seniors and their families. Another upcoming initiative, “Portraits of Love,” will help preserve meaningful memories for grieving families through recreated portraits and keepsakes honoring loved ones who have passed away.
One recent experience through the Beyond the Bucket List program left a lasting impact on everyone involved.
After learning about a hospice patient whose lifelong dream involved Elvis Presley, Love’s Reflection organized a special event called “Love Me Tender,” bringing in an Elvis impersonator to perform for her and fellow residents at the nursing facility.
What started as a simple act of kindness quickly turned into an emotional afternoon filled with music, smiles, tears, and memories.
“Residents were singing, crying, smiling and reliving memories through music,” Smith shared. “It was a reminder that love often looks like helping someone feel joy, seen and remembered one more time.”
Another project currently underway involves a local young girl who has battled cancer on and off for the past four years. After attending a recent Love In Action Day event, her family connected with the organization in a meaningful way.
Later, Smith came across a social media post where her mother asked what her daughter would choose to do this summer if she could do absolutely anything.
Her answer was simple.
She wanted to stay in an RV by the beach.
The moment Smith read those words, he knew Love’s Reflection wanted to make it happen.
The organization rented the family a waterfront campsite at Charles Mill Lake and is providing them with a brand-new fifth-wheel camper for the experience. The family will also spend time on Smith’s family houseboat searching for bald eagles together, creating memories they hope will last forever.
Beyond individual experiences, Love’s Reflection continues building partnerships throughout the community to expand its impact. The organization recently partnered with Elizabeth’s House of Grace to help collect and distribute food to homeless individuals, sobriety houses and families facing hardship.
Love’s Reflection is also continuing to strengthen its partnership with Akron Children’s Hospital after recently hosting “Love In Action Day” for families in palliative care. Additional discussions are already underway to explore ways the nonprofit can support children and teens in the hospital’s burn unit as well.
For Smith, the mission comes down to one simple question: “What would love do now?”
Sometimes, he said, love looks like listening. Sometimes it means helping carry someone’s burden. Other times, it simply means showing up during someone’s darkest moment and reminding them they are not alone.
The community response so far has been overwhelming in the best possible way.
Businesses, volunteers, healthcare organizations and community members have stepped forward to support the mission through donations, partnerships, sponsorships and service opportunities. According to Smith, 100 percent of donations made to Love’s Reflection go directly back into helping families and individuals in need.
As the organization continues to grow, the goal remains simple, bringing hope, dignity, joy and human connection to people who need it most.
“The world needs more than thoughts and prayers,” Smith said. “It needs love in action.”
For those interested in supporting the mission, opportunities are available through volunteering, sponsorships, donations and helping identify families who may benefit from the organization’s services.
Donations can be made through the organization’s website at lovesreflection.org. Smith also noted that community members are welcome to send checks directly to help avoid online processing fees. Those interested in contributing or learning more can contact Brent Smith at bsmith@craigsmithgroup.com.
More information about Love’s Reflection can be found at lovesreflection.org.
Photos: Brent Smith
