On February 18, 2025, on a cold, windy day in Connecticut, Lauren Simone Publishing House, in collaboration with the University of Saint Joseph, hosted a remarkable event titled Stories of the Underserved: Embracing the Human Experience with Charity and Social Justice. The gathering took place in the Crystal Room at noon and was an opportunity for the community to come together, share stories, and reflect on the intersection of charity, social justice, and human experience.
The event began with a warm welcome from Lynnette Colon, who invited the audience to enjoy pizza and beverages before the speakers were introduced. The atmosphere was lively yet contemplative as participants prepared to hear powerful stories that shed light on the experiences of marginalized communities.
Susan Carey was the first to take the stage, reading an excerpt from her book, More than Merely Eyes Can See, a moving story that captured the audience’s attention. After reading, Lynnette asked Susan, "What role do you believe your book plays in shaping public consciousness about social justice issues?" Sue responded thoughtfully, explaining how Papa Charles shatters stereotypes and allows readers to see the humanity in others. She emphasized how biases shape our perceptions, making us think we know people when, in reality, we don’t. Her story highlights the importance of looking beyond preconceived notions and seeing the real person behind the surface.
Next, Lynnette introduced Dr. Heather LaSelle, a social worker who has spent years working with marginalized communities. Lynnette asked Heather about the tension between providing immediate charitable aid and working toward long-term systemic change. Heather shared how she navigates this balance by working one-on-one with her clients, offering not only resources but also her vulnerability. She explained that by sharing her personal experiences and showing that we all experience hunger and hardship, she helps clients see food as a necessity for survival, not a charity. Her perspective resonated with the audience, who understood the deep connection between human dignity and access to basic needs.
The conversation then shifted to a psychological perspective as Dr. Melissa-Sue John was asked, "How do biases and stereotypes influence the way society engages with charitable acts?" Dr. John explained that bias affects how we perceive others, while stereotypes determine who we see as deserving of help. She discussed the "just world belief", which perpetuates the idea that people get what they deserve. As a result, society is more likely to support well-known organizations like Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children, and the Red Cross, while often overlooking individuals we perceive as poor or criminal. Dr. John's insights challenged the audience to reconsider how biases shape charitable behavior and to strive for more equitable approaches to helping those in need.
An interactive Q&A session followed, during which the audience asked Susan about the process of collecting stories for her book and how the storytellers reacted when their narratives were published. Susan shared that the project began with photos on the wall and the idea that stories needed to accompany them. However, after a decade of work, there was still a lack of trust in the community. During the pandemic, people became more open to sharing their experiences, and with each story told, others began adding details. The result was a collection of stories that fostered healing and growth. Susan emphasized how having these stories published has allowed individuals to reclaim their narratives and empowered them to see their experiences as valuable contributions to the broader conversation about social justice.
The event concluded with a celebration of the connection between charity and social justice, highlighting the importance of intentionality and community building. Audience members had the opportunity to purchase books and have them signed by the author, creating a sense of shared purpose and connection. The day was filled with gratitude for those who made the event possible, including Dean Karl Besel, who funded the gathering, Kim Donovan, who arranged the food, Angela the dedicated student volunteer, and special guests such as Provost Michelle Kalis, Maggie Pinney, Professors Ahmed Abdelmageed, Monika Costa, Raymie Wayne, and Agnes Curry, staff, students, alum such as Lois Ludd, and Sister Beth, who is also heavily engaged in charity work.
Overall, Stories of the Underserved was a successful event that encouraged reflection on the power of storytelling in addressing social justice issues. It reminded us that charity, when grounded in empathy and understanding, can pave the way for meaningful, systemic change.
It is not too late to support, books may be purchased on Amazon.
All proceeds go to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford.