Positively Uplifting Stories | June 23 2025

Your good intentions and deeds matter. Keep putting out goodness into the world, and support will come.

People all over the world are willing to get behind ideas that make a positive difference.

Bring more kindness into your day-to-day interactions. Express appreciation freely. The smallest gestures often leave the deepest impact.

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” - Coretta Scott King

Let’s take a look at stories about people who are actively uplifting others and cultivating a more connected world.

• A deli owner gives rewards to kids for good grades
• A free clothing boutique helps people in need look and feel their best
• A program supports young men on their journeys of personal development 
• Mobile health clinics support the vulnerable population

Positively Uplifting Stories | June 23 2025

Deli owner rewards students with goodies and cash prizes for their hard work.

Wail Alselwi, the co-owner of Zack’s Finest Deli & Grocery in Staten Island, New York, has a wonderful way of rewarding neighborhood students.

As part of his “Grades for Grabs” initiative, Wail gives out free goodies in exchange for good grades. Kids proudly bring in their report cards and then pick their favorite snacks and goodies from the store.  

Having their hard work recognized boosts students' motivation, encouraging them to actively strive for even better grades.

Wail’s initiative has now turned into a movement! People are showing their support for Wail’s inspiring gesture through an online fundraiser, which has raised nearly $50,000 so far!

“The most important thing is you celebrate them and you show them that you really care about their hard work,” said Wail.

An entirely free thrift boutique is making an impact on the lives of those in need.

 At the Give-n-Receive thrift boutique, everyone is welcome to pick needed items for free! Also, there aren’t any limits to the number of clothing items one can take.

Founder Marisa Ikpoh believes that people going through a difficult time don't have to be treated any differently.

She carefully selects each piece of clothing in the store to ensure that the new owners feel confident and comfortable.

“You don’t have to spend a million bucks to look and feel like a million bucks. It’s about restoring dignity and grace to the process,” said Marisa.

Community groups foster positive social and emotional development in young men.

The nonprofit Journeymen Triangle aims to foster connection and create a culture of belonging among young men.

Through ongoing mentoring sessions, the program empowers young men to make healthy decisions and step into their potential.

With the support of mentors, participants nurture self-awareness and emotional growth while also learning key life skills.

“You belong, you matter, your pain matters, and we can't take that from you, but we can teach you how to face it. And as we teach you how to face it, it will become a gift,” Jordan Bowman, Executive Director, Journeymen Triangle.

Doctors meet the health needs of people experiencing homelessness.

Healthcare in Action (HIA) is a not-for-profit organization that provides free primary healthcare for older people facing homelessness.

According to recent estimates, about 20% of those experiencing homelessness in America are older adults. Due to a lack of adequate resources, homeless people have many unmet medical care needs.

HIA’s mobile clinics bring much-needed care to underserved communities.

“These are folks who are kind of entering the stage where they're starting to have, you know, multiple complex, chronic medical conditions that need to be met, and they're just not being met. Heart disease, diabetes, a lot of pain, a lot of mental health issues. They're also the most vulnerable,” said Daniel Speller, a physician associate with Healthcare in Action.

Take Care of Yourself Everyone! 

We love these stories of communities stepping up and supporting those who need it most.

From Wail in Staten Island rewarding hard working local kids, to Healthcare in Action providing free healthcare for older people facing homelessness, these folks saw an opportunity to help, and jumped on it.

Is there someone in your community who steps up? From free libraries, to volunteers, to animal rescue, there are everyday people everywhere giving time to others. Share your stories with us and it may be featured in an upcoming Uplifting Stories.

In the meantime, take care of yourselves and we'll see you next week!