02/01/2026
If Ahava has been part of your story, we’d love to hear it. Share a memory or a name below, or pass this along to someone who could use a reminder that they matter. 💜
While recently volunteering at the Huntington Center with Cherished Friends of Ahava, we had an unexpected reminder of just how deeply connection matters.
With backs to the crowd, diligently making hot pretzels, we heard someone say, “Ahava… we love Ahava!” A beautiful young woman began sharing that she hadn’t been in for quite some time, but her love for Ahava came from someone very special, who passed away in 2015 from pancreatic cancer. Her special friend LOVED her day with us so much that she continued coming back and building relationships with many of our staff.
This guest’s journey was not easy, but she was an encourager in every sense of the word. Even while facing so much, she met the world with positivity, grace, and kindness. Those conversations, those moments, stay with us at Ahava far longer than we ever realize at the time.
Hearing this story years later, in the middle of a busy volunteer shift, felt like a gentle reminder. A reminder that the people we serve leave marks on our hearts, just as we hope we leave something meaningful with them. So many of our special guests remain with us and in our hearts long after our paths no longer cross.
This reminded us that Ahava has favor in this community, not because of what we do, but because of how deeply we care. You matter to us. You always have. And you are always welcome anytime. 💜