Circle of Love Stories: Jim & Sue Ann

For nearly three decades, Jim and Sue Ann Daniels have faithfully supported Little City — not for recognition, but because it reflects who they are. Raised in families where service was a way of life, they were drawn to Little City’s commitment to dignity, belonging, and community for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Since 1998, they’ve witnessed residents find their voices and families find peace of mind. In 2001, they deepened their commitment by joining the Circle of Love, choosing to provide a “steady heartbeat” of monthly support.

Their heartwarming story is a powerful reminder that consistency builds foundations that last. Read their full story below here.

1. Can you tell us how you first became connected to Little City and what initially drew you to the mission?

Our journey with Little City began in 1998, but the seeds were actually planted much earlier by our parents. We both grew up in homes where community service wasn’t just an item on a to-do list; it was the heartbeat of our daily lives. We watched our parents spend their weekends at community service centers, delivering groceries to neighbors who were shut-ins, or making sure someone had a reliable ride to a doctor’s appointment. They taught us that if you see a gap in someone’s support system, you step in to help fill it.

When we first discovered Little City, we were immediately struck by how they mirrored that same “neighborly” approach on a larger scale. We were looking for an organization that treated people with intellectual and developmental disabilities not just as clients, but as vital members of a community. What drew us in was their commitment to providing meaningful, convenient support that truly respects the dignity of the individual. It felt like the perfect way for us to carry forward the legacy of service our parents left behind.

2. What about Little City’s work or the people it serves has stayed with you most over the years?

What has stayed with us most is the profound sense of “belonging” that Little City fosters. Over the last 28 years, we’ve seen that this isn’t just a place where people receive care—it’s a place where they build lives. We are constantly moved by the stories of residents who, with the right support, find their own voice and their own path. Whether it’s through vocational training, the arts, or simply having a safe and loving home, the focus is always on what a person can do.

It’s also the families that stay in our hearts. We know how much it means to a parent or a sibling to know their loved one is in a place that is as “meaningful and convenient” as it is compassionate. Seeing that relief and peace of mind in the faces of other families is a constant reminder of why we stay involved. Little City has a way of making the world feel a little smaller and a lot kinder, and being a witness to that growth and stability for nearly three decades has been one of the great privileges of our lives.

3. What inspired you to become a Circle of Love recurring donor rather than giving one-time gifts?

In 2001, we had a bit of an “aha” moment. We realized that the incredible staff at Little City and the families they support don’t just have needs once a year when a donation letter arrives; they have needs every Tuesday morning and every Friday night. Life doesn’t happen in a single burst of activity, and neither does the care required for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By moving to a recurring gift, we felt like we were genuinely taking part in a very meaningful mission.

It’s about providing a steady heartbeat of support. We wanted to make sure that even when the “giving season” wasn’t on everyone’s mind, Little City still had the resources to keep their promises to the residents who rely on them. We wanted to provide Little City with a “predictable floor” of support. Life is lived daily, and the services Little City provides—housing, therapy, and education—require steady, reliable funding to maintain their high quality. Joining the Circle of Love was our way of saying, “We are in this for the long haul.”

4. How does giving monthly fit into your personal values or your approach to philanthropy and community involvement?

For us, giving monthly is the most honest way to honor how we were raised. Our parents didn’t just volunteer when it was convenient or when there was a special event; they made it a habit. Whether it was a weekly trip to the community services center or a standing date to drive someone to a doctor’s appointment, they showed us that showing up regularly and extending a hand up is what actually builds a community. We learned early on that the most impactful help isn’t always the loudest—it’s the most reliable.

By making our donation a monthly commitment, it becomes a part of our daily lives rather than just a transaction. It’s built right into our household budget, just like any other necessity. This approach reflects our belief that we’re all responsible for looking out for one another as a consistent practice. It keeps us connected to the mission every single month and reminds us that being a good neighbor is a lifelong commitment, not a seasonal one.

5. Have you seen or experienced any moments, stories, or milestones from Little City that made you feel especially proud to be a supporter?

After 28 years, what makes us most proud is seeing the sheer resilience and evolution of the organization. We’ve watched Little City navigate all sorts of changes in the world, yet their heart for the residents never wavers. There is a specific kind of joy in seeing the long-term success stories—residents we’ve known of for years who are still thriving, still learning, and still being treated with the utmost respect. Every time we hear about a resident gaining a new skill, finding a job they love, or moving into a more independent living situation, it feels like a win for the whole family.

It’s those quiet milestones—the ones that might not make the evening news but mean everything to an individual and their loved ones—that make us realize how lucky we are to be a part of this. We are proud to support a organization that doesn’t just provide a service for a moment, but provides a foundation for a lifetime. Knowing that our steady support since 1998 has played even a small part in keeping those doors open through the ups and downs of the last three decades is a very rewarding feeling.

6. What would you say to someone who is considering joining the Circle of Love but hasn’t taken that step yet?

We’d tell them that there is something incredibly rewarding about being a “brick” in the foundation of an organization like Little City Sometimes people hesitate because they think their monthly gift isn’t “big enough” to make a real difference, but that’s not how it works at all. The power of the Circle of Love isn’t in the size of the individual checks; it’s in the collective consistency of the people who care. When a lot of people commit to a little bit every month, it creates a safety net that is incredibly strong and dependable.

It’s also a way to turn your good intentions into real, automatic action. We all lead busy lives, and it’s easy to forget to send a check or click a link, but a recurring gift ensures your heart is always in the right place even when life gets hectic. If you want to feel a deeper, more personal connection to the work being done here, this is the best way to do it. You aren’t just a donor anymore; you’re a true partner in everything these individuals achieve every single day.