• Meg Distler meets with Pope Francis to hear his message to Catholic Philanthropists
• Trauma Healing 101 - Immigration Network Event December 10, 2024
• Nourishing bodies and spirits: the impact of the St. Vincent de Paul food and nutrition program
• Connecting pregnant women and their infants with affordable food and nutrition - Prenatal & Infant Care Luncheon, December 10, 2024

In November, Meg Distler, executive director of the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation, participated in a transformative experience as part of the U.S. Catholic Philanthropy Network (FADICA). As a member of FADICA and representing the Foundation, Meg traveled to Rome for a symposium and pilgrimage aimed at discerning how Catholic philanthropy can best respond to the challenges of our time with wisdom, charity, and foresight.

During the visit, the group engaged with Vatican professionals and had the distinct honor of an audience with Pope Francis. The Holy Father encouraged the Catholic philanthropists to "keep experiencing the joy born of our efforts to share the love of Christ with others."

Meg described the encounter with Pope Francis as an incredibly moving moment of inspiration and peace, one that reinforced the Foundation’s mission to serve others in the spirit of love and compassion.

More details on the visit are available from Vatican News, as previewed below:

Deborah Castellano Lubov | vaticannews.va | 11 November 2024, 10:37

Love always transforms and has the ability to change all things, Pope Francis reminded the Catholic Philanthropy Network (FADICA) in the Vatican on Monday.

Expressing his delight to welcome the Network on the occasion of their pilgrimage, symposium, and retreat in Rome, the Pope expressed his hope that their days of reflection and prayer at the tombs of the Apostles and martyrs would increase their "love for the Church" and their commitment "to the spread of the Gospel and the building up of Christ’s kingdom of holiness, justice, and peace."

The Holy Father expressed...

Read the whole article on vaticannews.va

Tuesday, December 10 | 5:30 PM

Allen County Public Library

The Northeast Indiana Immigration Network invites you to Trauma Healing 101 on December 10, 2024 at 5:30 pm at the downtown Allen County Public Library. International House will lead this workshop, exploring how trauma affects local refugee and immigrant communities, and offering guidance on being a supportive neighbor. Topics to be covered include:

• What trauma is, and how it impacts individuals and families
• How to be a compassionate friend and neighbor
• Practical ways to walk alongside those who have experienced trauma
• Common reactions to trauma

Join us as we work to create a welcoming and understanding community for all. We hope to see you there!

Register for this free event

As food insecurity threatens the health and well-being of our community, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) shines as a beacon of hope. Over the past year, SVdP has served more than 40,000 individuals facing hunger, embodying compassion and dedication during challenging times.

One powerful story is that of Gina, a local resident living with multiple sclerosis. With a fixed disability income and limited transportation options, Gina struggled to make ends meet, until she found her local SVdP food pantry. That discovery changed everything. Beyond providing nutritious food, the pantry offered her a lifeline of care and community. “I love these people,” Gina shares about the volunteers. “They give so much of their time for the community. I’m just… blessed.”

Gina’s story reflects SVdP’s mission to...

Read the whole article

Between 2019 and 2023, food prices in the U.S. surged by 25%, making it harder for families to afford quality, nutritious meals. Many new families are seeking support to stretch their budgets and put healthy food on the table.

Join the St. Joe Foundation and our community partners for the next Prenatal & Infant Care Network Luncheon on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at the Allen County Public Library, Main Library Rooms A, B, C. This quarter focuses on connecting pregnant women and new families with affordable food and nutrition.

Featured speakers include Dr. Lora Overton, DO, Professor, Ivy Tech Community College, who will discuss the importance of quality nutrition for mothers and infants, and Jackie Schenkel, Nutrition Coordinator, Neighborhood Health, who will cover WIC benefits and lactation support, along with additional community resources, and Britte Nihart, Registered Nurse, Women’s & Children’s Nurse Navigation, Parkview Health, and Allen County FIMR Coordinator, who will give an update from the Allen County Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR). We hope to see you there!

Register for this event



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