Posted March 26, 2025
As the saying goes, "When one door closes, another one opens," and for Tangie Anderson-Bonner, Program Coordinator for St. Martin de Porres Senior Center, that's precisely what happened.
After graduating from Glenville High School, Tangie decided to study art in college, but that chapter in her life ended after her professor had a conversation with the class.
"One day, a teacher kind of just closed the book on us and said, '...if you don't know how to manage your money, you might as well give it away,' I closed that book up and went into business administration," Tangie said.
When Tangie was coming home one day, a neighbor stopped her and recommended that she look into applying for a position at St. Martin de Porres Family Center, where she could work with the senior program.
At first, Tangie was hesitant, but her neighbor explained that she would be a good fit.
"And she told me [I'd work with] seniors, and I said, 'yeah no,' and she said, 'well, I think you'll be a good fit," Tangie said.
Soon after, she entered the center and fell in love with the people and environment.
"I fell in love with St. Martin de Porres, the seniors, the community. They bring out the best in me." Tangie said.
Seniors bring a lot to the younger generation's lives. They can act as role models, teach life lessons, share experiences, and give advice.
Tangie had her great-grandmother to look up to growing up, and she continues to remember the legacy she has left behind.
"She was strong. She had a loving heart. She didn't take no mess. She loved the Lord with all of her heart. She had a sense of humor," Tangie said.
Growing up, Tangie's great-grandmother was known for welcoming anyone who needed a meal and showing them love.
"There was not a time in my life that I did not sit at her dinner table, and there was always a new child sitting there from the neighborhood."
Her grandmother never discriminated against anyone and fed children who needed it.
"She didn't care who you were, what color you were," Tangie said, "If you sat at her table, you were going to get a lesson, you were going to get a plate, you were going to get hugged, and guarantee you were going to get home safely,"
Tangie has become the woman she is today because of her great-grandmother's teachings and life lessons.
"I get to tell the world that I don't care what you guys do, I'm enough," Tangie said.
She not only thinks this way, but she believes it's important for all women to know that they are enough.
That's what I think all women, regardless of our age, we need to know that we are enough," Tangie said.
Part of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland
