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Dear SSVP Friends,
Did you know that the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is essentially a volunteer run organization? We have over 500 active volunteers, many of whom are “Vincentians.” Vincentians are at the heart of the work of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and essentially are the service providers at our 31 conferences throughout the greater Omaha metropolitan area.
To become a Vincentian, interested volunteers learn about history of the Society, including the charism and spirituality of our Patron Saint, Vincent de Paul. All Vincentian volunteers are connected to a parish’s “conference,” with members coming from different backgrounds, occupations, incomes, and ages. The most defining characteristic of Vincentians is their call to be living witnesses of the love of Jesus Christ through service to the poor and marginalized.
SSVP conferences, located all over the city, help our neighbors in need right in their back yards. You see, we have every corner of Omaha covered, so that when a neighbor in need reaches out to us, we can respond quickly with compassion, dignity, friendship – and very often financial support. Our number one goal is to keep our neighbors in their homes, preventing them from falling into homelessness.
Volunteers also help staff our large food pantry in downtown Omaha. Consisting of both Vincentians and non-Vincentians alike, the volunteers at the food pantry are busy Mondays through Thursdays. Whether they are assisting neighbors who come to the pantry in need of food, or re-stocking the pantry’s shelves, our pantry volunteers provide assistance that is so very much needed by those in our community who live paycheck-to-paycheck, which is primarily who the Society serves.
But what about those who are already homeless? We help them, too! SSVP volunteers run our sack lunch program at our district office/Holy Family. They staff the Closet Door and give clothes to our homeless neighbors.
We also have volunteers who help out in our four thrift stores. On that note, did you know that your in-kind donations to our stores support the Society in so many ways? The net revenue from the sale of items goes directly to funding the previously mentioned programs. We also give many of the donated items directly to our neighbors in need. We also have partner organizations who reach out to us for support, and we share clothing and household items with them, so that they can also care for the neighbors who reach out to them.
One of the most impactful ways you can serve your neighbors is by donating your gently used clothing, furniture, and household items to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Stores. This may be especially relevant during spring cleaning! We’ll even pick up your large, donated items for you – or you can drop off your donated items at any of our stores.
So, if you are ever wondering how you can help care for your neighbors - there are so many ways! Depending on your time, ability, and/or financial situation, there is always something you can do. Donate your unwanted items to our stores, donate food to our pantry, make a financial donation to the district office, or join our network of volunteers!
In closing, I want to share my gratitude with you for the many seen and unseen ways you may already support the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha. It is only because of the assistance that our volunteers and staff are able to fulfill the three main tenets of our SSVP mission, including: Growing In Grace; Friendship with Neighbors; and Offering financial assistance to them in their time of need.
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