OUR MISSION & VISION

"My name is Lynn and I’m the founder of Not Alone.   

In 2018, I noticed many people in my building did not have any family. Many of my neighbors are elderly and disabled. My heart hurt for those who were alone. That year I gave each resident a Christmas card (200 total). I also was able to give out 65 gifts. Each year, God provided more and more gifts. Then we started reaching to people outside of our building!   

I love People and love Jesus. It makes my heart happy to give to others. I love telling others about how Jesus saved me and changed me. Even when I felt alone, I felt His presence.  

Each year when I would post about the outreaches, my girlfriend would ask me when I was going to start a nonprofit. I would always shrug it off. I didn’t think I was smart enough to run a nonprofit. When I started looking into the cost of filing for a 501(c)(3) I thought I would never be able to afford it. But God! He provided the funds for the filing not once but twice!  I am submitted to the Lord, therefore, He is the one running this ministry. I don’t need to be smart enough. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 

I stay amazed at all He has done in a year! I look forward to serving Him and reaching more people with His Love. He has brought me amazing volunteers and friends. I always tell them: God gave me the vision. They are the hands and feet that bring it to life." 

My vision is to reach Canton and the world."

"Rachel Shepard is the Treasurer of the nonprofit, Not Alone: A Ministry of Hope.  She was one of the founding board members and instrumental in formalizing the mission that has been carried out by the President, Lynn Pritchard, for many years.

Rachel is the Founder and CEO of LonaRock, LLC.  At LonaRock, Rachel’s mission is to empower investors, executives, and business owners by providing Fractional CFO services, strategic business planning, business debt solutions, and macroeconomic research.  Rachel helps businesses to access capital and reach their long-term financial goals and objectives.  Prior to LonaRock, Rachel spent 17 years in the banking industry.  

Rachel holds a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Akron and an Executive MBA from Kent State University.  

Rachel believes in the importance of utilizing her gifts and talents to serve the community. She serves on the Not Alone Ministries board because she believes in the mission and supports the President, Lynn and the volunteers carrying out the work of spreading joy, love, and a message of Hope through Jesus Christ.

Along with being the Treasurer of Not Alone, she also serves as Treasurer of the nonprofit, Angels in Blue Jeans, Treasurer of The Highland Foundation, Treasurer of CASA Summit County and Secretary of the University of Akron College of Business Finance Advisory Board.  She currently resides in Medina County with her husband and her two children." 

"I was asked to be a part of this ministry and I accepted because the mission and purpose of this ministry aligns with my beliefs and is very much needed in our community.   

We connect with others through Love and acts of kindness. And when we do, I believe this helps to take their focus off of any struggles they may be experiencing and helps them to see the Love of God and to realize that they are not alone.   

I was born and raised in Canton Ohio. I am a licensed and ordained minister and I have been involved in ministry for over 15 years. I have a passion for reading, studying, and sharing God’s Word and for helping people to recognize and reach their full potential with God." 

"I wanted to participate in this ministry because I love being able to help others. I love bringing smiles to their faces and share the word of God.  

I feel that everyone who has the opportunity to be apart of this ministry whether it is volunteering or on the receiving end feel Jesus. They can feel the love, care, get the prayers and support. Jesus is most important part of the ministry.  

I am a mom to 2 boys. My husband and I were blessed with the  opportunity to adopt them in April of 2025. We also have a dog named Mango who is very loved. I have my associates degree in early education. I love watching children learn and grow. I also love to spend time with my family, go to church, read and enjoy nature. " 

"I met Lynn when my daughter was her neighbor, many years ago, and thought she was a special lady.   Now, years have passed and now I’m one of Lynn’s neighbors and have gotten to know her better and a person I can call a good friend, I felt a call to help in her in the quest of ‘Not Alone’.   

I like to be in the background,  I’m a worker bee.  I have been overjoyed to be able to help, meet many new friends, and expand in myself in helping in this organization.  I am new to this Board and feel privileged to be included.

I was born and raised in Canton.  Moved away a few times, but have always come back.  I have a daughter and a grand pup black lab. I was born and raised in the Catholic Church, but don’t favor one denomination over another.  God is good in all things."