About Mother's Blessings From Above

Velma (Schuhler) DeKoninck

Velma Schuhler was from a German family of thirteen children and grew up during the depression.

She married a wonderful Belgium man named Joseph DeKoninck and together they had twelve children, five girls and seven boys.

They were farmers and did not have money to give to help others; however, they had such big hearts that they were the first ones to step up when there was a need or an emergency of any kind in our little community in Poe, Indiana.

When Velma was just 42 years old, she lost her wonderful husband Joe due to a car accident and became a single mother of 12.

It was through God’s love and greatness that she was able to raise us up through adulthood. She passed away suddenly in December of 2007.

I am one of her daughters and it is through my upbringing that I want to give back by helping others like my parents did all those years ago.

Marie Letizia

I felt that God was leading me to start a charity; however, I did not have the time or monetary

funds to do so.

Since I was unable to start the charity, I had a calling telling me it was time for me to get involved locally by donating my time and volunteering. Some of my efforts involved supporting the Inner-City Ministry through our church at that time. Also, organized and purchased four hundred coats, hats and scarves for our Noel Project held every December. This was for any children in Toledo, Ohio that needed help. I also volunteered at the Multiple Sclerosis Society performing administrative duties and helped count money after their fundraisers.

As an Administrative Assistant for the last 25 years and through my employment we chose five charities a year to contact and purchase their most urgent wants and needs. This has allowed me to collaborate with some great Executive Directors and their staff over the years. We also blessed three families annually to sponsor by purchasing their wants for all their family members for Christmas.

Some of the charities we helped were the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, sending Christmas packages to Veterans Abroad. Donating winter clothing to those in need in our community, helping single mothers with clothing for their children and helping the Battered Women’s Shelter with clothing and bedding, etc.

This past year I retired, and my husband said, “Now is the time to begin the new chapter in our lives, one that we have dreamed of for many years.”

As Jimmy Swaggart says: “We serve a BIG GOD! Pray Big!” Please bless our efforts to help those in need.

Jeanetta (Faye) Hall

As I was growing up in a large Chistian family, on my mother’s side. I was introduced to Sunday school early and received my foundation in life. My great grandfather was a minister and we learned early about prayer and helping others. My mother was the first one married in her family at a very early age. She had four children, and I am the second oldest and the only girl. I learned very early how to help with chores and my brother’s.

My family moved to Toledo, OH when I was five years old. My brother and I stayed with my grandparents to go to school until I was ten years old. That way my parents could work and not have to worry about babysitters, which was a great help to my parents. When we came to live with my parents, my mother took us to church and instilled Christian beliefs, morals, values, truth, trust and faith in my Savior Jesus Christ. My father was not a believer in Christ (only for a short time).

Today this is still my belief. I try to be an example of all the things I have learned through the years. Compassion, friendship, kindness, understanding and helping in ways I can. I believe in Mother’s Blessings from Above’s mission and am willing to help in any way that I can. I believe all things are possible with the help of our Lord.

Mary (Kitty) Knowles

I was born and raised in Toledo by a single mother. My father is a veteran and suffers with mental illness that caused him to be homeless for many years and unable to be in our lives.

When I was a teenager Marie and her family helped me through many years by being a safe home and feeding me when we did not have food in our house.

The minute Marie told me about Mother’s Blessings From Above, I jumped at the chance to help her dream come to reality. The mission of Mother’s Blessings from Above spoke to me, and knowing how genuine the founder is makes it even more meaningful.

Without help from the community many people struggle to see the next steps. Everyone has the chance to carry someone to the next step and beyond.

Rella Clock

One of my strengths is as a care giver. Whether it’s a family or friend in need, I’m there to help. I’ve been active in-home health care / hospital visitations. I’ve provided financial assistance, food, clothing, furniture and prayer support for people in our local communities and beyond. I’m a faithful and diligent prayer warrior who intercedes on behalf of the lost, sick, and downtrodden. I am a ‘Kingdom’ focused believer who strongly believes in giving back and being a light in the darkness. Luke 12:48 reminds me that ‘From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded’. Having a resource to help in time of need is not only needed, but invaluable to our community(s). With that, I am excited for the opportunity to actively participate in the ‘Mother’s Blessings from Above’ ministry.