St. Vincent DePaul Society-click for more information
Members of the Society of St.Vincent de Paul (or "Vincentians") are men and women who strive to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to individuals in need. Some members go on home visits (always with a companion) to better assess the situation of our friends in need. Together we strive to find solutions to their difficulties with information and assistance in kind as available.
To volunteer for St. Vincent de Paul, click here.
Next we met Susan who was a recently single working mother with three young children. She came from an abusive relationship and continued to face relationship challenges. When we first met with her she was stressed, exhausted, emotionally spent and at high risk of eviction. She was so overwhelmed that she was frozen in a state of inaction. We prayed with her, helped her figure out her finances, engaged and collaborated with the Pastor at the church she attended, got her enrolled in financial counseling and provided her with guidance and support. It took a little while for Susan to regain her confidence that she could dig out of the hole she was in, but the change we saw in her over time was truly inspiring. Susan was able to find strength and hope, and is now thriving. She transformed into a totally different person that took charge of her situation and made things happen.“Thank you so much for helping us get in touch with John. We donated things to him yesterday and everyone truly should do that at least once. It is one thing giving to an organization and having them distribute it (that is important as well, don’t get me wrong), but actually looking someone in the eye who is homeless is such a different thing. We have given people money for food on the corner, but never stopped and intentionally did something for them. It was incredible! My son said, “It makes you realize it could be anyone.” The whole experience was so humbling. It was especially eye opening to do it through the eyes of a child. As adults, we often focus on why he ended up there, but all my son cared about is what we could do to help him going forward; about how this could help him in the next few weeks and give him hope. It was amazing and something I will not soon forget.”
In all the individuals we meet, we are reminded not only of Jesus’s suffering but the amazing goodness of the Lord to provide. We feel blessed to be part of this ministry made possible by your fantastic support. Several have asked how they can help, so here are a couple of suggestions:“I’ve just graduated treatment and I'm getting ready to start home dialysis. I owe you guys my life because I couldn't find a reason to stop my self destruction. I want to thank you again. There is no way I can repay what you have helped me to get back. Hope you are well. God bless.”