Daily Inspiration: Meet Sarah Puskas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Puskas.

Hi Sarah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Lorain with Littles was born out of founder and director Sarah Puskas’ experience as a first-time mom during the COVID-19 pandemic. Though she had always dreamed of motherhood, the reality was far harder than expected. Postpartum depression, isolation, and financial stress left her feeling disconnected and overwhelmed. Everything shifted when Sarah discovered free community programs like library story times, nature centers, and other free and affordable activities for children, that helped her son thrive and gave her a much-needed sense of connection. For the first time, she felt supported, inspired, and able to create joyful memories without worrying about cost.
Wanting other families in Lorain County to have the same opportunities, Sarah launched Lorain with Littles on January 1, 2023. What began as a simple social media page to share free and affordable activities quickly grew into a community movement. Within months, families rallied around the mission, and Lorain with Littles began hosting free monthly Play Dates drawing anywhere from 50-100 attendees at most. To date, the organization has hosted around 30 Play Dates, as well as other themed story times, fundraisers, and networking opportunities in collaboration with various local partners.
A big part of that success has come from the generosity of the community. Local community members and organizations regularly donate craft supplies, snacks, raffle items, and even space to help make these events possible. That spirit of collaboration ensures that the programming remains free and accessible to everyone.
Today, Lorain with Littles is more than just a resource—it’s a growing nonprofit initiative with a dedicated board of directors working toward 501(c)(3) status. This next step will open the door to grants, sponsorships, and expanded programming, strengthening the organization’s ability to serve families.
The mission of Lorain with Littles is simple but powerful: to help families connect with each other and their community, making fun and educational experiences accessible to everyone, regardless of budget. Guided by its tagline, “connecting families and their communities little by little” the organization continues to bring families together, one story time, one play date, and one little at a time.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has definitely not been smooth. Since its launch, Lorain with Littles has experienced many ups and downs. The organization didn’t begin with a detailed plan or budget—everything grew organically, which has been exciting, but also brought plenty of growing pains. One of the toughest lessons has been accepting that with public events, it’s impossible to please or accommodate everyone every time. For founder and director Sarah Puskas, a lifelong “people pleaser,” that has been a difficult pill to swallow. There have also been personal challenges along the way. During this journey, Sarah welcomed her second child, adjusted to life as a parent of two, and transitioned back into full-time work after four years at home. At the same time, it has taken a lot of time, patience, and effort to build a strong and reliable team to support the growing mission.
Through it all, what has kept Sarah and Lorain with Littles moving forward is the impact. Seeing families connect at Play Dates, watching children make new friends, or hearing from parents who finally feel like they belong serves as a constant reminder of why the work matters. If even one family gets to enjoy one new experience because of Lorain with Littles, that makes all the hard work worth it. The road hasn’t been smooth, but every challenge has only strengthened the mission and the commitment to serving families in the community.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At its heart, Lorain with Littles helps families connect—with each other, with resources, and with their community—through fun and affordable experiences. The organization specializes in hosting free monthly Play Dates, community events, and resource-sharing on social media, all with the goal of making family life a little easier and a lot more joyful. What sets Lorain with Littles apart is its approachable and relaxed atmosphere. Rather than being a formal institution, it’s led by parents from the community who are simply trying to do something good for other families. The events are casual, welcoming, and designed to make families feel comfortable and included.
Creativity is another defining feature. From eye-catching social media content to themed story times and playful event concepts, Lorain with Littles brings a unique flair that keeps families engaged and excited. The organization’s strong online presence has also helped it grow quickly, reaching thousands of local parents who rely on it as a go-to resource.
Unlike many nonprofits that form formally and then begin programming, Lorain with Littles did things a little backwards, hosting gatherings and building momentum first, then evolving into an official organization. That grassroots approach and organic growth, proved the need before the paperwork.
Above all, Lorain with Littles is known for creating spaces where families feel connected, supported, and seen. Whether it’s a parent making a new friend or a child experiencing something for the very first time, those moments are the true measure of success.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For founder Sarah Puskas, success is personal and not defined by traditional measures. She believes success is subjective, shaped by each person’s unique perspective and life experiences. Rather than being measured in titles, money, or tangible achievements, Sarah defines success by an internal sense of purpose and fulfillment. For her, that feeling comes from helping others (& being a mom). Whether it’s connecting families to resources, creating joyful community experiences, or simply knowing that Lorain with Littles made one parent or child feel less alone. At the same time, Sarah knows success doesn’t always have to be something big. Some days, especially as a parent, success can simply mean making it through the day with everyone fed, safe, and loved.
For Sarah, it’s about celebrating both the little wins and the bigger picture—the small everyday moments and the lasting impact on her community.

Contact Info:

• Website: lorainwithlittles.org
• Instagram: instagram.com/lorainwithlittles
• Facebook: facebook.com/lorainwithlittles