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There are men who inspire such greatness that they elevate the community in which they invest. Fabian Sanchez is one of these men.I have worked beside Fabian for the past two years with a project called The Lighthouse Resource Center. My friend had seen the violence at the Sherman Hills housing project in Wilkes-Barre and was driven to do something. Fabian&#8217;s impassioned plea ignited a movement of people to do something to make a difference in the lives of children.The Lighthouse was launched with only a few. Linda Sapack of CrossWalk mobile ministries had already been partnering with Jim Payne from Camp Orchard Hill and ran a weekly program for a number of years. Theresa Loving of the Royal Tots Daycare and Sister Miriam Stadulis from the McGlynn Center spoke to the complexities of working a program. As the program seemed to move closer to reality, Angel Jirau, of S.A.L.S.A., advised and advocated for programs within the community.The need was undeniable. We had to do something, but we did not have the facilities. However, Fabian offered the storage space behind his store to start regular programming with the appeal, &#8220;Please, do something for these kids!&#8221; My friend not only was the catalyst, but now he provided a launching platform to make the vision a reality.In October 2014, the Lighthouse opened in the space. Fabian prayed that it would offer a light of hope to the community. All the while, he continued to love the people who came into his store. Part counselor, with the heart of a strong and loving father, he shepherded those who frequented his store. He connected people with education, jobs, churches and events throughout the community. Often kids would come into his store hungry. They left with food. Fabian would know their story and was driven by compassion to help.In January of 2015, the program moved to two days a week. Carrie Haverlock joined the team to help as a volunteer coordinator. During summer 2015, Carrie brought a number of youth groups to the Lighthouse in conjunction with Restored Church&#8217;s initiative to mobilize people to serve the city of Wilkes-Barre.The Lighthouse has grown in amazing ways, but we had no idea how Fabian had been sacrificing to make the progress possible. Recently, the Lighthouse team learned that Fabian could no longer keep his store open. The expenses had become too burdensome. He would have to close the doors. The man who has inspired a community to greatness had nothing left to invest. Working seven days a week, 12 hours a day for the past four years has brought no financial benefit, but it has changed a community.The Lighthouse owes its existence to a group of people, but one man stands above them all. Fabian Sanchez never demanded the spotlight. In fact, he may be irritated that I&#8217;m writing this. He chose to serve out of sacrifice. He gave even when it hurt in order to see a community change.We need more men like Fabian.Wayne MorganDallas

Letter to the Editor: Credit store owner for powering Lighthouse Resource Center in Wilkes-Barre