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Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha
January 2026 Newsletter
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Supporting our neighbors in need through spirituality, friendship and service
Providing emergency food, clothing, material and financial / homeless prevention assistance, since 1868
| | | FOOD PANTRY | PARISH CONFERENCE OUTREACH | HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION FOOD/CLOTHING FOR THE HOMELESS | DISASTER RECOVERY | THRIFT STORES | | |
IN THIS ISSUE:
- Message From Our Executive Director
- Annual Vincentian Mass & Meeting Recap
- Vincentian Spotlight: Top Hat Winner – Don Noonan
- Volunteer Opportunity - Community Room Liaison
- SSVP Thrift Store's Reflection on the New Year
- WOWT "Stuff the Truck" Food Drive Follow-Up
- Christmas Feast with our Unhoused Neighbors
- Helpline Volunteers Needed
- Closet Door's Cold Weather Needs
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A Message from Executive Director, Jill Lynch-Sosa
"Let us love God, but let it be with the strength of our arms and the sweat of our brows."
– St. Vincent de Paul
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I hope you enjoyed a blessed Christmas season and that the new year has begun with hope and peace for you and your loved ones. As we step into 2026 together, my prayer is that this year brings contentment, joy, and renewed strength to all those you hold dear.
Throughout my life, I’ve been influenced by the stories of the saints—learning from their experiences and reflecting on how their lives still offer guidance today. Each lived their faith in very human ways, and in doing so made a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Their examples of humility, generosity, and service invite us, especially at the start of a new year, to consider how we might live our own faith with intention and care.
In my role with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha, I am often asked which saints resonate with me the most. Several come to mind, but foremost is St. Vincent de Paul himself. Confronted with immense poverty and suffering in seventeenth-century France, he devoted himself to serving the poor with compassion and dignity. He inspired others to see Christ in those they served and transformed charity into a lasting mission of love – a mission we continue to carry forward this year.
Other saints have also deeply inspired me. St. Teresa of Calcutta – Mother Teresa – served Christ in the poorest of the poor with unwavering compassion, reminding us that holiness is often found in small, faithful acts of love. St. Francis of Assisi embraced radical simplicity and care for those on the margins, while St. Therese of Lisieux demonstrated humility and confidence in God.
During my time volunteering in Guatemala, I learned about Guatemala’s first saint, St. Peter of Saint Joseph de Betancur – affectionately known as Hermano Pedro. Often called the “St. Francis of the Americas,” he dedicated his life to caring for the sick, the poor, and the forgotten, founding hospitals, schools, and shelters where dignity and mercy were freely given. His example continues to inspire me as I reflect on our shared mission of service.
While the saints of the Church remain powerful models, I am continually reminded that the spirit of sainthood is alive all around us today. I see it in our Vincentian volunteers who visit neighbors in need, listen with compassion, and build relationships rooted in dignity and respect, helping families maintain stable housing and essential utilities. I see it in volunteers who prepare and distribute sack lunches, sort and share clothing and personal care items for our neighbors experiencing homelessness, and stock shelves to offer food to families in need. And I see it in you – our friends, supporters, and donors – whose generosity, care, and quiet acts of service bring this mission to life in our community.
To me, all of these faith-filled people offer a glimpse of what sainthood can look like in everyday life. Through quiet service, generous and humble responses to human need, and a steady commitment to honoring the dignity of others, they provide a living example of the values we all strive to embody.
Together, these recognized and unrecognized saints invite us to notice the quiet holiness unfolding around us. As we move into this new year, I’m reminded that holiness is lived through daily choices to care, to serve, and to stand alongside those experiencing hardship. And just as we see these qualities reflected in the saints, we see them in the ways each of us – each of you – engages with this mission, offering time, talent, and heart in the service to others. Such examples encourage all of us to see Christ in our neighbors and make our faith visible through love in action.
Thank you for being part of this mission and for walking with us into a new year filled with hope.
Gratefully,
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Jill Lynch-Sosa
Executive Director
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On Sunday morning, December 7th, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha joyfully gathered for our annual Vincentian Mass and breakfast meeting at St. James Catholic Church. We are deeply grateful to Pastor Father Tom Weisbecker and the entire St. James parish community for graciously opening its doors to the more than 200 Vincentians and District staff who came together in prayer and fellowship. Following Mass, attendees filled St. James’ Parish Center, where a shared breakfast set a welcoming tone for the business meeting that followed.
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The Society’s Board and Council Vice-President, Celita Morrison, served as emcee for the morning, guiding the gathering with warmth and care. Omaha Archbishop Michael McGovern and SSVP Spiritual Advisor Monsignor Gilg offered prayers, grounding the day in faith and purpose. Executive Director Jill Lynch-Sosa extended a heartfelt welcome and message of gratitude to all Vincentians present, after which Board Secretary Bill Schmidt conducted the Conference Roll Call. Celita Morrison then led the commissioning ceremony, officially recognizing new Vincentians and new Conference Presidents for 2025 (see photos above and below, respectively). We are especially thankful to Conference and Street Outreach Director Lily Reyes who graciously provided Spanish translation throughout the event.
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Each year, this meeting also provides an opportunity to honor a Vincentian whose service to those in need exemplifies the spirit of our founders – Blessed Frederic Ozanam, his mentor Sr. Rosalie Rendu, and St. Vincent de Paul. In recognition of Ozanam’s iconic top hat, a long-time symbol among Vincentians, the Society presents the annual “Top Hat Award” to a volunteer whose life reflects compassion, humility, and dedication to the poor. This year, we were pleased to award the “Top Hat” to Don Noonan, longtime President of the SSVP Conference at Holy Ghost Catholic Church.
We extend our sincere congratulations to all who were newly commissioned on this special day, and with great joy, we celebrate Don Noonan as the 2025 Top Hat Award recipient. We are grateful for each Vincentian whose faithful service continues to strengthen our mission and bring hope to those we serve.
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For nearly half a century, Don Noonan has been a constant, compassionate presence at Holy Ghost Catholic Church and within the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. In recognition of his lifetime of humble service, Don has been named the 2025 recipient of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha’s Top Hat Award. This honor is given annually to a Vincentian whose life reflects the heart of the Vincentian charism – compassion, humility, and faithful dedication to neighbors in need.
Don’s journey of service spans 46 years with the Holy Ghost SSVP Conference, including an incredible 44 years as Conference President. His life of service began early. After high school, Don entered the United States Marine Corps. Following his military service, he returned to Nebraska and married the love of his life, Dolores “Dee” Broderick, in 1960. The couple eventually settled in South Omaha, where they raised five children – Rick, Terri, Jack, Dave, and Kim – and became deeply rooted in the Holy Ghost parish community.
The Noonans experienced profound loss with the passing of their daughter Terri in 2021, and more recently, with the death of Dee earlier this year. Don speaks of them with gentle faith and love. “I still talk to both Terri and Dee,” he shares. “I carry them with me in my heart, and I know they’ll always be with me.”
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Don first became involved with the Society through a friend who spoke highly of the Conference’s work. One meeting was all it took. “It took no time at all to appreciate the Society and our services,” Don recalls.
Feeling grateful for the life he had been given, he knew he wanted to give back to families who were struggling. Just as important to him were the relationships formed within the Conference. “I really enjoy the group of friends I have in the conference,” he says. “We get along really well, and we do good work.”
Those who serve alongside Don consistently point to his steady presence and deep respect for the people he encounters. Katie Baker, Treasurer of the Holy Ghost SSVP Conference, shares, “What has always stood out to me is the way he treats every neighbor with such dignity and calm steadiness. He never rushes, never judges – he simply shows up, listens, and helps. Being around him, you can feel how genuine his care is.”
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Under Don’s leadership, the Holy Ghost Conference has been consistently active and deeply engaged with neighbors in need. Don has always found special meaning in home visits, which he considers the heart of Vincentian service. “I’ve always enjoyed doing home visits, getting to know our neighbors on their turf,” he says. “If I was having a bad day and then did a home visit, I would always feel better.” Don views these encounters as a shared blessing. “The neighbors are benefitted, and we Vincentians feel good knowing we’re being God’s hands here on earth,” he says.
That spirit of generosity extends beyond the Conference and is woven throughout the Holy Ghost parish community. “We always try to give neighbors more than they’re asking for,” Don explains. When families reach out to the Society or the rectory for help with rent, utilities, or other urgent needs, care is taken to ensure they also receive food to help them through whatever challenge or crisis they are facing. Parish staff and Vincentians work closely together, creating a seamless and compassionate response for those seeking assistance.
Over his 46 years as a Vincentian at Holy Ghost, Don estimates he has participated in more than 3,500 home visits, each grounded in dignity, respect, and compassion. Baker notes that this quiet consistency is exactly what has made Don’s service so impactful. “Don is one of those rare people whose consistency and kindness shape an entire community without him ever trying to,” she says.
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After the first of the year, Don will step down from his role as Conference President, but his commitment to the Society remains unwavering. He plans to stay actively involved and support the next president throughout the transition. Don is especially heartened by the newer Vincentians stepping into leadership and service. “It feels good to know there’s a new generation of parishioners who are so interested and involved,” he says. “I just want to help them however I can.”
Despite his extraordinary dedication, Don remains characteristically humble about receiving the Top Hat Award. “Frankly, I’m pretty baffled about winning it,” he says. “There are a lot of people who deserve this award – and I’m not one of them.” Baker sees this humility as central to who Don is. “His humility is exactly what makes his service so powerful,” she shares. “Don doesn’t see himself as extraordinary, but the rest of us do. The impact he’s had on Holy Ghost, on SVDP, and on the families he’s met over the years is something that will last far beyond any single moment or award.”
In honoring Don Noonan, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha celebrates a life quietly lived in service to others. His example reminds us that Vincentian work is built on presence, teamwork, and love for our neighbors. Don’s legacy at Holy Ghost will continue through the many lives touched – and through the Vincentians inspired to follow in his footsteps.
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The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha is excited to introduce a new and meaningful way to serve: the Community Room Liaison volunteer role.
Located on the first floor of our SSVP Holy Family Center at 1715 Izard Street, the Community Room is being created as a place of welcome and dignity. This space will offer our unhoused and unsheltered neighbors a safe, indoor environment where they can rest, feel respected, and experience genuine hospitality.
As Community Room Liaisons, volunteers play a vital role in shaping this welcoming atmosphere. Serving with compassion and care, volunteers will:
- Warmly greeting guests and assisting with check-in and check-out
- Offering a compassionate presence and listening with empathy
- Supporting staff by helping monitor the cleanliness and order of the Community Room and restrooms
We are currently seeking 7–9 additional volunteers to help fill weekday shifts from 11:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday.
All volunteers will receive training and will always serve alongside another volunteer, with staff available on-site for support. This ensures the experience is meaningful, well-supported, and manageable – while making a real difference in the lives of our neighbors.
If this opportunity speaks to your heart, we invite you to contact Rebecca Darga at volunteers@ssvpomaha.org or 402-779-8499, ext. 109 to learn more and sign up.
We plan to begin welcoming guests into the Community Room on Monday, January 12, and we are eager to fill all volunteer shifts so we can open our doors with consistency and care.
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In addition to your time and presence, you can also help make the Community Room feel like home. We gratefully welcome donations of board games (new or gently used, complete, and in good condition), as well as art and creative supplies such as drawing pads, colored pencils, and crafting materials. These simple gifts provide comfort, creativity, and moments of connection for our neighbors during their time in the Community Room.
Donations may be dropped off Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the SSVP Holy Family Center, 1715 Izard Street, Omaha, NE 68102.
Thank you for all you do to support the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha and our mission of serving those in need. Your generosity – through volunteering, donating, or spreading the word – helps us create a space of warmth, dignity, and belonging for our neighbors.
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The SSVP Thrift Store staff would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year!
As we begin 2026, we want to pause and reflect on the incredible year behind us – and most importantly, to thank you. Your continued support of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha thrift stores made a meaningful difference throughout 2025. Whether you donated gently used items, shopped in our stores, or volunteered your time, your generosity and commitment were essential to our success.
| Our stores truly felt the love this past year, and that’s what makes being part of the SSVP Omaha thrift store family so special. Every day, we are surrounded by amazing staff, volunteers, donors, and shoppers – each playing a role in helping our neighbors in need receive a much-needed “hand up” during challenging times. No one can express this gratitude better than our Stores Director, Corinne Ficken. We invite you to watch the video below to hear her heartfelt message of thanks as we step into the new year together. | |
Looking ahead, the SSVP Omaha thrift stores will continue to be a vital part of our mission. The proceeds from our stores directly support our programs, including rent and utility assistance through homelessness prevention, meals through our Choice Food Pantry and Sack Lunch programs, clothing through The Closet Door, and recovery support through Disaster Case Management for neighbors impacted by storms and other natural disasters.
Beyond funding these programs, our thrift stores play a vital role in the Omaha community by providing affordable furniture, clothing, and household essentials to low-income families. They also supply clothing for our Closet Door homeless ministry, as well as winter coats and apparel for the Society’s annual coat giveaways. Through our Voucher Program, we partner with parish SSVP conferences to ensure families facing financial crises receive needed items at no cost as they work toward long-term stability.
As we move into this new year, we look forward to strengthening our relationships with you – our donors, shoppers, volunteers, and friends. Together, we will continue our mission of serving neighbors in need and building hope throughout our community.
Thank you for being part of the SSVP Omaha thrift store family!
| Want more information on the Society's Thrift Stores? Just click HERE! | |
We are incredibly grateful to the many generous donors from across Omaha who helped make the December 9 Stuff the Truck event such an amazing success. Thanks to your kindness, a truly jaw-dropping 25,546 pounds of food was collected for our SSVP Choice Food Pantry!
Stuff the Truck, hosted twice a year by WOWT/FIRST ALERT 6 News and Methodist, brings our community together with one shared goal: caring for our neighbors in need. Every single food donation from this event goes directly to support families who rely on our pantry, especially during the busy and meaningful Christmas season.
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We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Coach Tim Horton and the Papillion La Vista South softball team, who faithfully return year after year to help organize and sort this incredible outpouring of food. Alongside our dedicated pantry volunteers, they provided the many hands needed to ensure thousands of pounds of food were carefully sorted and ready to serve our neighbors.
To everyone who donated, volunteered, and supported this effort – thank you. Your generosity and time make a real difference, and we are deeply thankful for each of you.
| | We are extremely grateful for WOWT/FIRST ALERT 6 News, Methodist, our volunteers and donors, and everyone who helps to make the Stuff the Truck event such a success. year after year! | | |
For several years, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha has brought light and hope to the Christmas season for our unhoused, homeless neighbors who come to us seeking food, clothing, warmth, friendship, and a welcoming spirit. That cherished tradition continued on Wednesday evening, December 10, as we joyfully hosted our annual Christmas Feast at the Holy Family Center.
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This year’s celebration was especially meaningful and festive. We were honored to welcome Archbishop Michael McGovern, along with deacons from across the Archdiocese of Omaha, who generously volunteered their time to serve our guests and share in the joy of the season. Together, they helped create a warm and welcoming atmosphere while serving a hearty holiday meal featuring Italian beef, baked beans, mac and cheese, fresh fruit, and delicious desserts. Each guest also received a personal Christmas gift – a new hooded sweatshirt – made possible through the generosity of the Archdiocese of Omaha and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
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We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped make the 2025 Christmas Dinner such a memorable evening, including our dedicated SSVP staff and volunteers, Archbishop McGovern, Deacon Tim McNeil, and the members of the Archdiocese’s Deaconate Program. The kindness, generosity, and shared spirit of all involved made this event a beautiful way to welcome the Christmas season and share Christ’s love with our neighbors in need.
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Imagine facing eviction with nowhere to go. Or opening a notice that your heat, water, or electricity will soon be shut off. Imagine having no savings, struggling to put food on the table, and feeling like there is no one to turn to – except the frightening possibility of homelessness.
These are not hypothetical situations. They are the real-life crises faced every day by individuals and families served by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha. And it’s exactly why the SSVP Helpline exists.
The SSVP Helpline is a simple, one-stop online service that connects Omaha-area neighbors in need with material and financial assistance. Through our website, ssvpomaha.org, neighbors can reach out for help during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Behind every Helpline response is a volunteer offering compassion, dignity, and hope. Helpline volunteers review incoming requests through a shared SSVP email inbox and respond directly to neighbors via email. A caring message, a timely response, and a willingness to listen can make a profound difference for someone who feels overwhelmed and alone. Basic computer skills are all that’s needed – along with a generous heart.
If you feel called to serve in a meaningful and impactful way, we invite you to consider volunteering with the SSVP Helpline. To learn more or get involved, please contact Kristina Janousek at 402-779-8499, ext. 107, or email conferencesupport@ssvpomaha.org.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to be a source of hope and compassion for our neighbors in need.
| | At the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha, compassion and hope often arrive in very practical ways. One of the most meaningful is through the Closet Door, a vital program housed at our Holy Family Center. Here, our unhoused neighbors are welcomed with dignity and compassion and provided free clothing, blankets, and personal care items – simple essentials that can make a life-changing difference. | |
As winter settles in across Nebraska, the need for warm clothing becomes urgent. For many of our neighbors, the coats, boots, and layers they receive from the Closet Door are what protect them from the bitter cold. Because so many people rely on this program, our shelves are emptying quickly, and we are currently in great need of:
- Men’s and women’s boots
- Jeans
- Sweatpants
- Men’s coats (Large, XL, and 2XL)
- Sweatshirts and hoodies
- Blankets
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Your generosity truly matters. It means warmth, safety, and comfort during the coldest months of the year. It meant everything to Leonard (pictured), one of our unhoused neighbors, who recently received a donated pair of insulated boots and was deeply grateful for the care shown through that simple gift.
We invite you to consider donating any of these much-needed items to help us continue the work of the Closet Door this winter. Donations may be dropped off Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the SSVP Holy Family Center, 1715 Izard Street, Omaha, NE 68102. Items may also be shipped directly to this address.
Every donation goes directly to serving our poorest neighbors here in Omaha. Each item is a reminder that they are seen, valued, and not alone.
From all of us at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha – and especially from those who will feel the warmth of your kindness – thank you for helping us care for our neighbors during this challenging winter season.
| | Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed, joyous New Year! | | Follow us on social media to keep up-to-date with the latest SSVP Omaha stories, news, and events! | | Please contact SSVP Development Director, Tim Sully, to discuss a variety of charitable donation options, including monthly giving, donating stocks or mutual funds, the IRA Charitable Rollover, as well as planned giving/estate planning possibilities at tim.sully@ssvpomaha.org. | | | | |
