A Promise to Serve Lisa Canales-Smith and the Mission of ANGELS Outreach

Sometimes the most powerful missions begin in moments of vulnerability. This week on Women in the Driver Seat we meet Lisa Canales-Smith, founder of ANGELS Outreach, whose journey from crisis to compassion has touched lives across Toledo for nearly three decades.

After surviving a near-tragic childbirth, Lisa made a heartfelt promise to serve others, a commitment that became the foundation of ANGELS, which stands for Area Neighbors Getting Envolved Lovingly and Spiritually. What began in 1995 as a small effort to deliver food baskets during the holidays has since grown into a full-scale outreach that supports families, veterans, and individuals in need all year long.

Through the years, ANGELS has stayed true to its core values of service, dignity, and love. The organization operates entirely through volunteers, with no paid staff, ensuring every dollar and donation directly benefits those who need it most. From food and toy drives to “Angel Boxes” for the homeless, each act of kindness carries the same spirit that inspired Lisa’s original promise.

In this heartfelt conversation, Lisa shares how faith and community continue to sustain the work of ANGELS Outreach and how small acts of service can spark hope that lasts far beyond a single moment. Her story is a reminder that one person’s decision to help can ripple outward, transforming not just lives but entire communities.

👉 Watch now to hear how Lisa Canales-Smith and ANGELS Outreach continue to serve with compassion, purpose, and an unshakable belief in the power of love.

Watch the ANGELS Outreach interview now!