PENN YAN, N.Y. (WROC) — In Penn Yan, there’s one name that comes up when people talk about kindness and generosity — Constance “Connie” Glover. At 54, she’s not just a friendly face — she’s the person everyone turns to when they need help. Whether it’s a hot meal, a place to stay, or just some encouragement, Connie is there. Connie’s journey started over 15 years ago when she took over hosting free community dinners at the Penn Yan United Methodist Church. The church had started the initiative but couldn’t keep it going, so Connie stepped in. Twice a month, every second and last Tuesday, she makes sure anyone who needs a meal gets one. “The Cafe is a way to make sure nobody is hungry,” she said. But she doesn’t stop there. Every year, she organizes a Thanksgiving dinner that has grown into a massive gathering — last year, 200 people showed up. “It’s my goal to make sure no one is home without a meal, especially on holidays,” she said. Recently, Connie achieved a major milestone — her Penn Yan Community Cafe officially became a 501(c)(3) non-profit. This designation means she can expand her efforts even further, securing more resources and support to help those in need. Her passion for helping others is deeply personal. “I think about the kids when they're little, going to bed hungry,” she said. “I’ve been there. Your stomach hurts, you cry, and you don’t know how to make that problem go away.” That empathy drives her to do everything she can to keep people fed and supported. Connie has been caring for others since 1989, when she took in a four-month-old baby who was about to enter foster care. She asked what she needed to qualify as a guardian, and when she found out she needed a high school diploma, she earned one immediately and took the baby in the next day. Since then, she’s raised numerous children, including her nephews and others in need. “I have about 18 babies,” she laughed. “I didn’t give birth to any of them, it's just children I've taken in through legal guardianship to help them out until they can go home with their parents. And if they can't go home, you stay with me. Her kindness extends to adults as well. After working her way up to director of emergency services for a local housing program, she realized there were still gaps in the system. So, for the past six years, she’s been taking in people who can’t find housing. “If you don’t qualify for a shelter or can't find a place, then they come into my home." she said. "You have to follow my rules, I don't charge rent, I cook meals and you're part of the family.” For Connie, this isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. “God leads me to these people," Connie said. Despite dealing with lupus, she keeps going. “As long as I’m doing my work, I’m good,” she said with a smile. Right now, she helps about 50-60 people with finding housing, jobs, food, and utility assistance. Organizations like the McGowan Foundation help fund her efforts because they know people turn to Connie when they have nowhere else to go. Education wasn’t originally on her radar, but she went back to school to set an example for her daughter. Then she realized that formal education could help her do even more. “If you want to help your community and run an organization, you need knowledge,” she said. “So, I had to go be a social worker because I was already doing the job.” Now, she’s about to finish her master’s degree in May and is excited to take her advocacy to the next level. Next, she wants to expand the community dinners to once a week, and eventually, offering free meals every day.She’s also set to help a young family, by caring for their newborn baby in the next few months — until they can get back on their feet. The couple is currently unhoused and can’t live together because of their circumstances. But, Connie is confident they’ll be successful. Connie Glover isn’t just a woman who talks about making a difference — she lives it every single day. Penn Yan is a better place because of her, and there’s no doubt she embodies what it means to be a Remarkable Woman. REMARKABLE WOMEN WINNER: Meet Connie Glover — A heart as big as Penn Yan Remarkable Women: Krystle Ellis inspires community change, empowers women Remarkable Women: Honoring Susan B. Anthony and the Women of our Past Remarkable Women: Penfield mother champions mental health initiatives after daughter's death Be sure to watch Saturday, April 26 at 7 p.m. on WROC to celebrate with Connie and Remarkable Women from across the nation. ...read more read less