A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World

Real Life Stories

You’ve got to read it to believe it! These true stories seem almost too good to be true, but we promise that we couldn’t make these up. From love to loss and from survival to unbelieavable coincidences—we’ve got the wildest stories to keep you informed, entertained, and inspired.

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Gallatin, Tennessee: The Town That Rose Above Tragedy to Become 2017’s Nicest Place in America

This town's moving story of strength and kindness will restore your faith in humanity.

Believe It or Not, This High School Is Actually One of the Nicest Places in America

Imagine a high school where the kids would rather be in school than anywhere else—that’s Pflugerville High.


Duncanville, TX

Young boys play a game of basketball with the local police to build strong relationships within the community. (Credit: Jocelyn


32 Signs You Live in One Of the Nicest Place in America

There are selfless, generous people all across America. But to stand out as the nicest place of all, your town...


This Woman Is Raising Money to Open a Salon Accessible to People with Disabilities

Cat Rongitsch, whose stepdaughter has spina bifida, dreams of a place where anyone can feel safe and comfortable getting a...

Sneadsferry, NC

Community members socialize outside. (Credit: Teresa Simmons) It’s a small military town that is very welcoming. Whenever I visit, the


Vancouver, WA

Florence Wheeler (right) featured with one of the therapists who helped her in rehab. (Credit: Florence Wheeler) Most of the

Gillionville Baptist Church in Albany, GA

Samaritan’s Purse volunteers clean up the wreckage. (Credit: Ruth Morgan) Our city and church responded and joined together when, not


Englewood Yoga Center in Englewood, FL

People strike a pose at Loving Light Yoga’s 9th year anniversary on the beach. (Credit: Deb Congleton) In May of


Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids in Tustin, CA

"Specializing in kids, haircuts, and smiles!"


Jamaica Plain, MA

Flowers bloom outside the botanical outdoor laboratory (Arnold Arboretum), started by Harvard University. (Credit: Faith Girdler) Because we have all

Grayson, GA

Sunset on Cooper Lake. (Credit: Denny Wood) Grayson, Georgia retains much of its small-town atmosphere despite the encroaching suburbs trailing


Florence Park in Tulsa, OK

Community members gather at the Florence Park Neighborhood Association. (Credit: Lance Woolsey) This is the way neighborhoods used to be


Bethel Woods Center in Sullivan County, NY

Friends at Bethel Woods. (Credit: Barbara) This is the site of the original Woodstock Concert in 1969. It is now


Madison Park in Seattle, WA

A boy rides his bicycle down the Madison Park Children’s Parade. (Credit: Hunter Robbins) Home to a variety of fantastic


West Jefferson, NC

A group of women casually enjoy a meal together on a typical day in West Jefferson. (Credit: Ginny Tedder) In

Gary, IN

Gary Mayor, Karen Freeman-Wilson, presents the World Civility Day resolution to Community Civility Counts partners Dr. Gordon Bradshaw, Bob Heisse,


The Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS

Parishioners who welcomed Betty into their church with open arms. (Credit: Betty Swisher) First, it was a smile, a handshake


La Loma Village in Litchfield Park, AZ

Residents and staff take a hike up Camelback Mountain together. (Credit: Roy Jarvis) In 2014, my wife and I determined


Jackson, MS

Vickie Bradley is an integral part of the Jackson community thanks to her good samaritan heart and generous contributions to


Jubilee Community Association in Lacey, WA

Jean’s husband eats some homemade chocolate fondue with their grandkids. (Credit: Jean Rennick) Neighbors are always available to lend a


Bridgeport, WV

Despite being diagnosed with a brain tumor, 4-year-old Heath Owen is all smiles after surgery thanks to the loving support


Bellingham, WA

You’re greeted by everyone who walks past you on the street with a smile, hello, or how are you even


Grand Junction, CO

When Walter was faced with financial problems the sweet people of Grand Junction lent him their services free of charge


St. Ignatius, MT

The huge pile of wood donated by neighbors while a resident was incapacitated. (Credit: Jack Pierce) Friendly hospitality and a true sense

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Morristown, AZ

I recently moved here and the neighbors in this area are the most helpful and kindest people I’ve ever met.


Ballinger, TX

A local military hero with only one leg helping to raise scholarship funds in the name of another local hero


The Doak’s House in Waterford, OH

Named a Finalist Because: Encapsulating the best of small-town America, the Doaks turn everyone into family—especially on Apple Butter Weekend.


Sullivan, IL

Local resident, Geoffrey Auden handcrafts beautiful wooden American flags and donates the money to charity. (Credit: Ellen Ferrera) Sullivan is


Redeemer Church in Lansing, MI

A retired parishioner shovels snow from a widow’s driveway free of charge. (Credit: Nettie Wood) They respect all people regardless


Lynchburgh, VA

As we visited the area, we were pleasantly surprised by the friendliness, hospitality, and kindness that we encountered during our walks