Mounsithiraj touches the hearts of people

“We all have stories to tell — a unique spirit to share,” stated Thavisith Mounsithiraj, Goshen.

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will not forget how you made them feel,” he continued, quoting Maya Angelou. “When I speak to a group of people I strive to connect to their hearts. When I can touch their hearts, I know they are listening.”

Mounsithiraj won the district speech competition of the International Toastmaster’s Club back in January with his speech on M&M’s. He competed with over 100 contestants representing 88 clubs.

“I start my 7-1/2 minute speech by asking my audience, ‘Who doesn’t like M&M’s? We are all like that popular candy, looking different on the outside, but inside we have something in common, a very powerful spirit — a spirit that impacts lives, even through adversity.’”

Mounsithiraj went on to explain three men were moved by their inner spirit to adopt him and his family from a Laos refugee camp and bring them to America in 1979. “The first week we were in America we were taken to K-Mart. We children were bought a bag of M&M’s. That’s one of my earliest memories of love when we got to the United States. Love looks beyond our differences and helps us succeed in life.”

He’s living proof of that success as he strives to reach out to others. Mounsithiraj earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Goshen College. He went on to earn a master’s degree in counseling from Indiana University, South Bend.

“I started out as a school counselor at Northridge High School for 18 years. During a sabbatical from school, my life turned in another direction. I served on the pastoral staff at Maple City Chapel from 2015 to 2021. I now serve at Nappanee Missionary Church in the area of pastoral care and connection.”

When he starts a new journey, he focuses on developing his talents in that area. When he started his job as a pastor he began training in leadership and communication.

“I got acquainted with the International Toastmasters in 2016. The organization has not only helped my communication skills but has guided me in my leadership goals. I’ve also learned to be more focused, for often I have to say a lot in a limited amount of time.”

Mounsithiraj has won 10 trophies through the years in speech competitions sponsored by the organization.

“I try to incorporate my Christian faith in all my speeches. I give the Lord the credit for my success. Without Him I can do nothing.”

Mounsithiraj is a people person. He collects stories wherever he goes. “I watch, observe and take things in.

For example, recently I was moved to tears watching an elderly man mow his lawn on a very hot day. I thought of my own family members who often had to work hard with very little help.”

He and his wife, Jean, have been married 30 years and live in Goshen. They have six children, four biological and two adopted from Ethiopia. “Tyler, Annie, Kate and Molly are grown. We have two left in our home: Kaleb, 17 and Luke, 13.”

One of Mounsithiraj’s hobbies is scripture memory. He’s memorized Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount along with other large portions in the Bible.

REAL Services receives $10,000 grant from Glick Philanthropies

To help strengthen communities facing hardships caused by inflation and continued high prices, REAL Services, Inc. received a $10,000 grant from the Glick Community Relief Fund, a grant program of Glick Philanthropies that supports local nonprofit organizations providing access to basic needs. The grant was one of 87 totaling $500,000 to organizations supporting communities where Gene B. Glick Company properties are located during this time of heightened demand and economic uncertainty.

The Glick Community Relief Fund focuses on increasing food access, expanding accessible transportation, connecting community members to utility assistance, and prioritizing mental health support.

This grant was one of 60 directed to Indiana-based organizations.

“Glick Philanthropies is committed to offering support to nonprofit organizations that are providing essential basic needs to our most vulnerable communities,” said Ben Grande, director of philanthropy for Glick Philanthropies. “The efforts of these organizations are especially critical now as our communities continue to face high prices due to inflation. Our work with the Glick Community Relief Fund allows us to help 87 organizations that are making meaningful contributions to communities, families, and individuals across the country.”

REAL Services, Inc. champions the independence, dignity and strength of seniors, families facing financial hardship and those with disabilities. With the additional support from Glick Philanthropies, it will strengthen its services at the 30+ senior nutrition sites in our communities.

2023 marks the eighth year that Glick Philanthropies has administered its property nominated grant program. Through this initiative, over $4 million has been awarded to 242 organizations. This year, food access elevated as the area with the greatest need.

For more information about the work of REAL Services, visit realservices.org. For more information about Glick Philanthropies, visit glickphilanthropies. org.