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Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha
August 2025 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
- An Evening of Joy, Music and Community: SSVP Hosts Summer BBQ for Neighbors in Need
- SSVP Hosts Summer BBQ for Neighbors in Need
- Summer Cook-Out For Our Homeless Neighbors
- Nikki's Story
- SSVP Coat Drive and Giveaways
- Thrift Stores’ Vintage Sale!
- Ancient Order of Hibernians/Irish Charities Golf Tournament
- Homeless Ministries In Need of Donations
- Pantry Garden Update
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A Message from our Executive Director, Jill Lynch-Sosa
“Do we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit, so as to be an active part of our communities?”
-Pope Francis
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Did you know that you and I are in the same community called the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha?
I’ve been reflecting on the various communities of people of which I’m a part. Perhaps you’ve done the same. After all, we – as humans – are inherently social creatures, and indeed are born into communities. From our families to broader social groups, we are immediately embedded in a network of relationships and interactions that shape our development and experiences. This fundamental aspect of human existence has profound implications for our well-being and how we navigate the world.
So…what are my communities?
I’m the mom in my family community (husband, 2 kids) and, of course, I also belong to the family community of my parents and three siblings in which I was raised. As my husband is from Guatemala, both he and I are involved with the local Latino community, and a few organizations and associations.
What else? I’m in community with our Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha staff, as well as with the many hundreds of the Society's volunteers who assist and provide services to poor and struggling Omaha-area families and individuals. In my role as Executive Director of SSVP Omaha, I’m also a community partner with leaders of other local non-profits, as we collectively address common organizational and community challenges related to serving families and individuals in need.
Those are just a few of the communities in which I find myself. However, there's another community that I’ve come to realize I belong to, and it’s right outside the door where I work, here at our Holy Family Center (the former Holy Family Catholic Church at 17th and Izard). While I’m obviously not experiencing homelessness, myself, I can tell you that I feel completely “at home” and at ease, among the 100-150 homeless women and men who seek assistance, here at St. Vincent de Paul Omaha each day.
No doubt, pretty much all of the unhoused people who stop by St. Vincent de Paul’s Holy Family Center do so to request food, clothing, water, and ice, along with other essentials of daily living and survival – which we happily provide. However, they often stay around because they feel a sense of hospitality and belonging. Our volunteers, staff, and I do our best to make sure they feel welcomed and connected to the community of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha. Doing so allows us to get to know these homeless neighbors as unique individuals, to call them by name, and to meet and serve them “where they are," knowing that each is sacred, a child of God, and made in His image.
I would also like to remind you of YOUR connection to our organization. Whether you’re a financial or material assistance donor, a volunteer, or you’re a supporter and friend of our non-profit in some other way – that connection places you squarely into the same community known as the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha. Please know how very glad I am to be in this community with you! As you know, it’s a pretty special place, as we collaboratively fulfill our critical mission of serving neighbors from right here in our Omaha-area community who are struggling and in need.
In closing, I’d like to wish you well during these hot summer days that are upon us, and to thank you for all you do to support our shared community of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha. Please know that you and your family continue to be in my prayers and in the prayers of the Society – and may God bless you.
Gratefully,
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Jill Lynch-Sosa
Executive Director
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On the evening of Tuesday, July 15, joyful anticipation filled the air around the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha’s district office as over 200 of our homeless neighbors gathered for a special summer barbeque. This wasn’t just a meal – it was a celebration of community, dignity, and togetherness.
In the weeks leading up to the event, our neighbors experiencing homelessness, whose ideas and voices are too often overlooked, played a central role in planning every detail. Their ideas shaped the menu, music, and setup – ensuring this gathering truly reflected their voices and preferences. Their one heartfelt request? That every entrée, side, and dessert be homemade. The result was a lovingly-prepared feast of brisket, pulled pork, chicken, creamy macaroni and cheese, fresh salads, and a delicious assortment of desserts.
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As the time of the barbeque approached, a long line formed from the driveway, where we were set up to serve, all the way to the street. The sense of belonging and celebration was unmistakable. Volunteers and staff from SSVP, along with deacons from the Archdiocese and their guests, rolled out the welcome mat with open arms, hugs, and warm smiles. The deacons also brought a thoughtful gift for every guest: an insulated, stainless steel mug – both practical and meaningful.
The air was filled with the upbeat, nostalgic tunes of “Vinny’s Street Band,” whose members – Robert Glazer, Steve Monson, Bruce Noble, and Steve "Harm" Harman – delivered an unforgettable performance of easy-listening rock that had toes tapping, neighbors dancing, and spirits lifted.
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The evening was more than just a gathering – it was a powerful reminder of what happens when we come together in love and respect. Laughter, music, and shared meals broke down barriers, and for a few precious hours, joy took center stage.
We are deeply grateful to Deacon Tim McNeil, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Omaha, and to all the deacons who helped make this night so special. And a heartfelt thank you also goes out to every volunteer, every musician, and every neighbor who came and made this celebration one to remember.
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Nikki was frantic …and terrified, as she was just days away from falling into homelessness. Thankfully, she contacted the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha.
As background…Nikki is a native Omahan. And, for many years, she (and her rescued cat, Savannah) had been living in their tiny, modest apartment. Nikki worked for a small health firm, providing data support. While she didn’t make much money, Nikki was able to keep up with her rent, pay her utility bills, and care for Savannah. They lived humbly.
To read Nikki’s complete story, just click HERE.
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The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha is currently in the planning and organizing stages of collecting winter coats for the Society's 21st Annual Winter Coat Drive and Giveaways. Drives will be held at churches, businesses, and schools, among others, in anticipation of these coats being given to neighbors in need at our two Giveaways, which will occur:
- Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Assumption Catholic Church – 5438 South 22nd Street
- Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Omaha Home for Boys – 4343 North 52nd Street
Both giveaways are open to the public and to anyone who wishes to receive a new or gently-used winter coat. We anticipate collecting and distributing well over 5,000 warm winter coats and accessories to neighbors in need through this year’s giveaways – most of whom are children.
How can YOU help out with our SSVP Omaha
Winter Coat Drive and Giveaway?
Donate Used Coats
Consider donating gently used coats – dropping these off at any of our four thrift stores around town, located at: 12301 West Center Road; 2101 Leavenworth Street; 5505 North 90th Street; and 807 Tara Plaza. When dropping off these donations, please mark these items as “Coat Drive."
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Purchase New Coats
If you are a member of the Knights of Columbus, you can order new winter coats through the K of C's "Coats for Kids" website. We encourage you to order as many boxes of WINTER coats for children, teens, or adults, as you are able. Generally, there are 12 winter coats per box.
Please feel free to have all coats delivered to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha’s District Office, located at 1715 Izard Street, Omaha, NE 68102 – Attention: Rebecca Darga.
IMPORTANT NOTE: In order to help us keep track of quantities of winter coats and sizes – PLEASE let us know what you’ve ordered through the Knights of Columbus’ “Coats for Kids” website by sending an email to SSVP Omaha's Executive Assistant, Rebecca Darga, at rebecca.darga@ssvpomaha.org.
You can also donate directly to the Society HERE. Any funds donated through this link will be used to buy coats for the drive.
Consider Volunteering
Give a few hours to help sort and prepare coats in September or help with either coat giveaway on October 11th or 25th.
Complete information regarding the 2025 Winter Coat Drive and Giveaway, including how to volunteer, will be in next month's newsletter.
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Our SSVP Omaha thrift stores are beyond excited to announce our one-week-only "Vintage Pop-Up" at our SSVP Omaha West Center Store!
Starting this Monday, August 4th, through Monday, August 11th, you can find a special section of only true vintage items from the 60s, 70s, and 80s! All of these items are in incredible condition, and we are thrilled for you to take a look!
Invite a friend and share the news so everyone can find their new favorite (and truly classic) outfit at our "Vintage Pop-Up" in our West Center Thrift Store from August 4th-11th!
| | SSVP OMAHA THRIFT STORE LOCATIONS: | | |
12301 West Center Road
Mon-Sat, 10 AM-8 PM
Sun, 12 PM-5 PM
(402) 933-8242
Donation Hours: Mon-Sat, 10 AM-4 PM, Sun 12 PM-4 PM
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2101 Leavenworth Street
Mon-Sat, 9:30 AM-5:30 PM
(402) 341-1689
Donation Hours: Mon-Fri, 9:30 AM-3 PM
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5505 N. 90th Street
Mon-Fri, 10 AM-6 PM
Sat, 10 AM-4 PM
(402) 502-7837
Donation Hours: Mon-Fri, 10 AM-5 PM, Sat 10 AM-3 PM
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807 Tara Plaza
Mon-Sat, 9 AM-6 PM
(402) 593-4055
Donation Hours: Mon-Sat, 10 AM-4:30 PM
| | Want more information on the Society's Thrift Stores? Just click HERE! | | |
The Ancient Order of Hibernians and Irish Charities of Nebraska are readying for their 22nd Annual Golf Tournament – to be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Tregaron Golf Course, 13909 Glengarry Circle, in Bellevue. The event will start at 11:00 am with the 4-person, shotgun best-ball scramble beginning at 12:00 noon. This event will benefit a few selected non-profit organizations from the local community - including SSVP Omaha!
In addition to having a blast on the course, you can also enjoy a taco buffet and prizes after golfing!
Don't miss out on this incredible way to support SSVP Omaha!
Foursomes are $400, which includes golf, carts, dinner, and prizes! Additional information and sign-up/registration can be found HERE! We can't wait to see you all at this year's tournament.
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Each weekday, the Society provides 250 sack lunches to homeless and near-homeless neighbors in and around downtown Omaha. Additionally, our Closet Door is open, allowing our homeless neighbors to acquire used clothing and personal care items of which they’re in need. On average, each week, our Sack Lunch program provides 1,250 lunches, and our Closet Door program can serve over 100 neighbors. Not surprisingly, these services require a good deal of materials, which we appreciate receiving as donations.
Will you please consider supporting these homeless ministries by donating to either our Sack Lunch Program or our Closet Door?
Here’s how:
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Sack Lunch Program: The most pressing need for the Sack Lunch Program is to have enough “salties” and sweets to include in the lunches, to accompany the sandwiches, fruits and/or vegetables and water.
- “Salties” would include snacks like any kind of chips, cheesy crackers, pretzels, popcorn, etc.
- Sweets would include things like cookies, brownies, or other kinds of bars.
Neither the Salties nor Sweets need to be individually wrapped, as our volunteers can re-package larger quantities into individual servings. Also…anything that is homemade is an especially welcome treat for our neighbors!
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Closet Door: In the Closet Door, we are often running low on specific used clothing items. Currently, we are in particular need of the following:
- Men’s Jeans (waist sizes 30, 32, and 34)
- Men’s Shorts (waist sizes 30, 3,2 and 34)
- Men’s Shoes (sizes 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15)
- Women’s and Men’s Hoodies/Hooded Sweatshirts
By donating to either the Sack Lunch program or the Closet Door, you know your donation is going directly to those in the community who really could use a "hand up" right now. Please consider taking this opportunity to help provide your “least among us” neighbors in need with food, water, clothing, and other items they need for daily living and survival.
You can drop off your donations to the Holy Family Center at 1715 Izard Street anytime Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 5 pm.
THANK YOU!
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From 8:30 until 11:00 am, every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha’s Pantry Garden at 2101 Leavenworth Street is teeming with activity. On those mornings, the Society’s “Garden Angel” volunteers can be found, busily picking vegetables and other produce, as well as weeding, watering, and organizing their well-tended garden.
Pantry Garden co-coordinator, Pat Slaven, has been thrilled with the progress and production of the 2025 version of the Society’s Pantry Garden: “Things this summer are going as well as they ever have. This has been a terrific year,” shares Pat. Pantry Garden co-coordinator, Jolanta Stansbury, agrees, sharing, “We installed something new this year – a trellis! This helps climbing vine plants, like cucumbers and beans, to grow healthier. It also makes harvesting much easier. We are so pleased with the addition of the trellis … and really just with how well everything is growing!”
Because we are in the peak of the season, Garden Angel volunteers are currently harvesting around 100 pounds of produce every week. These vegetables are then washed and brought into the SSVP Omaha’s adjacent Food Pantry and provided, free of charge, to struggling Omaha neighbors who are obtaining food for their families.
If you are interested in learning more about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha’s Pantry Garden – including possibly becoming a “Garden Angel” volunteer – please contact Pat Slaven at mpslaven035@gmail.com. Pat can answer any questions you may have.
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