Ohio Man Balances Roles as Case Manager, Autism Advocate, and Award-Winning Writer

David Thomas uses his diverse talents to make a difference in his community.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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David Thomas, a 50-year-old resident of Alliance, Ohio, wears many hats - he works as a case manager, advocates for autism awareness, and is an award-winning writer. Thomas has been writing since he was 7 years old and has published 9 books, including a recent poetry collection that was a finalist for a national award. In addition to his literary pursuits, Thomas is also an athlete who will compete in the Senior Olympics this summer.

Why it matters

Thomas' story highlights how one person can make a meaningful impact in their community through a variety of passions and skill sets. His work as a case manager, autism advocate, and writer demonstrates the power of using multiple platforms to raise awareness and support important causes. His journey also inspires others to pursue their diverse interests and find ways to give back.

The details

In addition to his work as a case manager with Renewing Hope LLC, Thomas is an avid writer who has been recognized for his poetry and prose. He began writing at age 7 and has since published 9 books, including a recent poetry collection titled "Women" that was a finalist for the 2025 American Writing Awards. Thomas also won a Hermes Creative Award last year for his writing. Outside of his literary pursuits, Thomas is an athlete who will compete in track and field and shotput events at the Senior Olympics in Westerville, Ohio in June.

  • Thomas began writing and winning awards at age 7.
  • Thomas' poetry collection "Women" was recognized as a finalist for the 2025 American Writing Awards.
  • Thomas won a Hermes Creative Award for his writing last year.
  • Thomas will compete in the Senior Olympics in Westerville, Ohio in June 2026.

The players

David Thomas

A 50-year-old case manager with Renewing Hope LLC, autism advocate, and award-winning writer who has published 9 books, including a recent poetry collection that was a finalist for a national award. He also plans to compete in the Senior Olympics.

Lilly and Sophia

Thomas' two children.

Oliver and Rusty

Thomas' two cats.

Kathie Miranda

Thomas' "partner in crime".

Charles Bukowski

The American writer known for his gritty realistic writing style, who has been a major influence on Thomas.

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What they’re saying

“I have been writing since elementary school, where I received my first award in writing at Turie T Small Elementary at the age of 7, where I wrote a small book of poems.”

— David Thomas, Case Manager and Writer (cantonrep.com)

“The book 'Women' was recognized as a finalist in a tough competition because it tells great stories that are relatable to everyone and puts the reader in the shoes of the everyday lives of women.”

— David Thomas, Case Manager and Writer (cantonrep.com)

“My hero as a writer is Charles Bukowski, the American writer known for his gritty realistic writing style. I watched a documentary on him called 'Born into This' and immediately read everything that he wrote.”

— David Thomas, Case Manager and Writer (cantonrep.com)

“As a journalist, I have interviewed social service organizations, parents, pastors, politicians, as well as people who are homeless, and ministries that serve the homeless.”

— David Thomas, Case Manager and Writer (cantonrep.com)

“I published my first poetry book, 'Symptoms,' during COVID, and I used poetry to talk about the isolation people were going through, the political unrest, and to also express my faith, using Biblical imagery to give hope and connection to people who may read my work, akin to the band Creed or U2.”

— David Thomas, Case Manager and Writer (cantonrep.com)

What’s next

Thomas will compete in track and field and shotput events at the Senior Olympics in Westerville, Ohio in June 2026.

The takeaway

David Thomas' diverse talents and passions - from case management and autism advocacy to award-winning writing and athletics - demonstrate how one person can make a meaningful impact in their community through a multifaceted approach. His story inspires others to pursue their varied interests and find ways to give back.