What does it take to give yourself for another cause? It's an easier said than done kind of situation that challenges us to look into ourselves to examine not only our own wants and desires measured against the needs of others, but the need and desire to take our own needs and become truly selfless in the act of serving others.
Portage resident Rich Huber is one of those men who has dedicated his life to the service of helping others.
Huber was originally from St. Louis before moving with his wife to Portage. His original job transferred him to Cincinnati before moving him to the Portage area where he settled down into a home. In fact, his first home in Portage is the very home he still currently resides in.
"I was involved in a field called Industrial Relations which today is referred to as human relations," says Huber. "I eventually began working at Bethlehem Steel where I worked closely with a process that put printing on tin plate sheets. I ended up raising four boys in Portage. and we ended up loving the community and loving the church here."
Huber recalls the Portage community being very different back in the day, and is often impressed by how much has changed within the community.
"When we first moved here in Portage, shopping, and everything was so limited," says Huber. "Now there is so much that has been built here and so much to do here. Three of my sons were born in St. Louis but they don't consider that home. They consider Portage to be their home."
Huber became heavily involved with Nativity of Our Savior Parish at the suggestion of his wife. She was already heavily involved with the church and after applying to be ordained, he was accepted in the ministry where he still remains to this day.
"I felt that I fit in with the ministry and just understood everyone here and their mission of what they wanted to do," says Huber. "I enjoy visiting hospitals as well as nursing homes, I suppose I have an affinity towards older people."
Huber's desire to help the elderly community comes from his own mother, who at the time was someone who needed assistance and guidance like Huber provided.
"My mother moved in with us due to brain cancer and receiving radiation treatments," says Huber. "Once my mother was put in a nursing home I visited her every day after work and there I could tell that everyone there needed someone to minister to them, they needed that spiritual connection.
Huber spends his weeks visiting a variety of nursing homes, care centers, and hospitals. He provides comfort and prayer for Catholic residents and in some cases, services for non-Catholics who request it.
"I feel like the lord is guiding me on a path," says Huber. "It’s wonderful to see people accept my presence and thank me for my time."
Along with his busy week, Huber also spends his weekend free time working with Portage Rebuilding Together, working with other community members to help those in need throughout the community.
"I love doing it," says Huber. "I also like seeing so many other individuals in the community get together and become involved with helping others."
For Huber, his life has become committed to helping others. His time spent towards helping those in need and his only wish is to continue his mission and spreading a message of positivity and peace throughout the Portage community.
"It is so important for me to give back," says Huber. "I feel that this is my way to give back, similar to Jesus serving God. I've been blessed in so many ways throughout my life, this is the only way for me to give back."