A sense of kindness

SANDUSKY — For Doug Maynard, Victory Kitchen represents more than just a workplace. It's a home away from home, where his second family gathers and carries out God's mission of assisting lesser-fortunate locals. "Some of my best friends are here," Maynard said about his co-workers. "It's a great atmosphere. We hang out after work. And we really are just like one big family." The safe haven also serves as his salvation, reinvigorating both his faith and purpose in life after he experienced a horrific tragedy. Maynard, who's blind from a diabetes diagnosis, lost his eyesight 24 years ago. "I had no hope," Maynard said when reflecting on his past during a recent interview at Victory Kitchen on Hayes Avenue (Ohio 4) in Sandusky. "I couldn't work a job. I had a family to provide for. I didn't know what I was going to do." He paused before continuing: "But when I came down here, to Victory Kitchen, I could work again, and that gave me hope again." Maynard — who colleagues call the friendliest, kindest and most sincere guy around — began working at Victory Kitchen roughly three years after he became blind. Fast-toward to today, and he's a jack-of-all-trades employee at the nonprofit, which feeds underprivileged community members in need, no questions asked. It also carries out special initiatives, such as an annual holiday gift drive, ensuring each child can enjoy Christmas. "When I came to work here 21 years ago, I got back my freedom," Maynard said. "I never thought I would be productive again. But I'm blessed to have an opportunity and blessed to be able to help people." So how does he arrive at Victory Kitchen? Each weekday, someone picks up Maynard from his Sandusky home, where he resides with his wife, Vicki, and their three children: Nathan, Lauren and Ben. Maynard then gets into his routine: strolling back to the kitchen, where he washes dishes and prepares food. He also answers phone calls and takes care of many other important behind-the-scenes tasks critical for Victory Kitchen's daily operations. And he's elated to do so, always walking around with a big smile on his face. "Everyone here treats me as if I don't have a disability. It's the same way with people who walk through our doors: We treat them like human beings. We don't treat them any different," Maynard said. "When people walk away, we want to give them hope: with food, with Jesus, so that they know, when they leave, they are worth something to someone. We want to let them know that God loves you and that we love you." Luke Walters, the pastor at Victory Temple, which operates Victory Kitchen, appreciates Maynard's work ethic. But what he's even more grateful for is Maynard's optimism and shining personality. "It's been amazing to watch his journey and what God has done for him and his family," Walters said. "There is nothing he can't do. I would trust him with anything." Vicki glowed when talking about her husband's resiliency. She admires how much he's achieved in life. "Doug has always been one to face challenges with the attitude and mindset that, 'God is with me. I can't fail,'" Vicki said. "When he lost his eyesight, he never said, 'I can't' when faced with a challenge. He always finds a way, through the strength and confidence he has in Christ, to do things from the smallest tasks to ones others look at him and say, 'How did you do that?' He always answers, 'It's not me that does it, but God through me.'" Maynard wanted to share a message with others who feel depressed and defeated in life, just like he did so many years ago. "With God, there is always hope. God will never reject you. It won't always be easy, but if you turn to him and trust him, and don't let go, God will never let you go. He'll always bring you to a place where you can feel like you made it and know you can make it," he said. "For me, that's right here at Victory Kitchen."