Issue October 2026

WAUKESHA COUNCIL

St. Vincent de Paul,

pray for us

Blessed Fredrick Ozanam,

pray for us

Corpus Christi Parish Podcast

Father Matthew Widder, pastor of Corpus Christi Parish, recently interviewed parishioner and St. Vincent de Paul Conference President Jim Matthie for a podcast about the Society’s mission and impact. The conversation is a wonderful example of how Vincentians can share their stories, raise awareness, and inspire others to join our ministry. Consider partnering with your pastor or parish communications team to highlight the work of your Conference and invite new members to serve.  Listen here...

Faith in Action

Drawing on the daily readings from September 22nd, Jesus reminds us that "His Family" is made up of those who hear God’s word and act on it. As Vincentians, we have the privilege of living that invitation through each encounter with a neighbor. Take a moment to watch and reflect on Deacon Arthur Miller challenge that "God is not only looking at our Sunday show, but our Monday morning walk." 

Annual Reports

Our fiscal year just ended, so please submit your annual reports to Robin Hernandez at the Council Office, rhernandez@svdpwaukesha.com. These forms are due by October 23. Please call Rob Shelledy 262-327-8089 if you have any questions.

Meet the Thrifty-Nifty App

Our Store Team continues to innovate! In partnership with ThriftWorks, we are now offering the Thrifty-Nifty app—giving shoppers new ways to save while helping us stay connected with them. Ready to get started? Watch the short video below for step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Best of the Best of Waukesha County

The Waukesha Freeman is launching a "Best of the Best of Waukesha County" voting competition recognizing the local favorites that go above and beyond every day. From the best restaurants and retailers to outstanding service providers, entertainment, healthcare, and more, this is your opportunity to support the businesses and organizations that have earned your loyalty. We are proud to have been nominated in the categories for best non-profit and best thrift stores. Nominations are accepted through October 5th. Voting begins in November. Cast your vote, share your excitement, and help crown this year's Best of the Best of Waukesha County winners! Click HERE to vote...

United Way SASH program

We’re excited to be part of United Way’s Safe and Stable Homes initiative. If your workplace is holding a United Way campaign, please consider supporting this important community effort. Bob Glowacki is part of the Speaker's Bureau is happy to meet with interested employee groups.

Hope in Action - Supporting Neighbors' Mental Health

Please join us on November 4th, 2026, 1 pm-2:30 pm for a presentation from our friends at Catholic Charities on how to recognize symptoms of common mental health disorders, understand the ways these symptoms may be impacting someone’s overall functioning, and identify both helpful and unhelpful ways to respond.  Our presenter will be Liz Schuett-Davison, the Director of Community Mental Health for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.  Seating is limited, so please register soon.

The Needy Family Fund

The Needy Family Fund is a safety net for conferences when their treasury is running low. To apply for funds, Conferences simply complete a form providing their current treasury amount and including an officer's signature. A good practice is to have a minimum amount (for example, a month’s worth of assistance), and if your treasury drops below that amount, submit a request.  Questions? Please contact Bob Glowacki at bglowacki@svdpwaukesha.com.

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Coats Needed for Our Dismas Program

As colder weather approaches, our St. Dismas Jail Ministry needs men’s and women’s coats in sizes XXL and larger.

Many of our neighbors rely on multiple layers to stay warm during the winter months, and a warm coat can make a meaningful difference. For more information on how to donate, please contact the Dismass office at dismas@svdpwaukesha.com or call 262-547-2726.

Angel Tree - St. Dismas Jail Ministry

At Christmas time, we help children and their incarcerated parents stay connected through the Prison Fellowship Angel Tree, a program facilitated by local churches. As the local coordinator for the Angel Tree program, we receive wish lists from families with one incarcerated parent. Conferences obtain the gifts, which are then delivered to the families. Contact Karolyn Krueger at karolynk321@gmail.com, if your conference is interested in participating. 

Internal Revenue Service

Notices or Letters

This is not very common, but occasionally Conferences will receive a letter or a notice from the Internal Revenue Service. If you do, please send a copy to the Council Office via Rob Shelledy rshelledy@svdpwaukesha.com. Under the Manual, we are to "assiduously meet these obligations (to federal and state tax laws). The Council is here to help you do just that.

FINANCIAL STABILITY - GETTING AHEAD

Bridging Seminar Opportunities

Looking for a meaningful way to better understand poverty and its impact on our community? Join us for our upcoming Bridging Seminar this November 11.

Participants will explore the realities and root causes of poverty while gaining practical tools to better support individuals and families experiencing instability. Scan the QR code on the flyer to register. We hope to see you there!

Workshop Meal Donations Appreciated

Our Fall Getting Ahead Workshops have officially begun! Participants in both our English and Spanish workshops have started their eight-week journey toward greater stability and self-sufficiency. Throughout the program, they will reflect on their current resources, explore opportunities, and create a plan for a stronger future. Each session begins with a shared dinner, helping create a welcoming space for participants to connect and build community.

Vincentians can support the workshops by:

  • Providing a homemade or ordered dinner
  • Donating snacks, desserts, or side dishes
  • Making a partial or full financial contribution toward meals
  • Volunteering to serve, listen, encourage, and support participants

Every meal, donation, and moment of support helps participants feel welcomed and encouraged as they work toward their goals. We are grateful for any way you choose to be involved! Click HERE for Volunteer Opportunities

Getting Ahead Fall Graduation – RSVP

Join us as we celebrate transformation, perseverance, and achievement!

On November 17, 2026, we will gather to honor the accomplishments of the graduates of the Fall Getting Ahead Workshop. We invite you to join us in recognizing their hard work, celebrating their achievements, and inspiring them as they take their next steps forward.

Together, let's celebrate the courage to change, the determination to grow, and the power of community! Click HERE for full Invitation...

Thank you for your continued support and for being an important part of the Getting Ahead community! We look forward to another impactful season together. 🌟

The Getting Ahead Team

📧 gettingahead@svdpwaukesha.com

📞 262-547-0654

HOUSING RESOURCES

Reminders – Shelter and Landlord Engagement

With fall upon us, we’re starting to see an uptick in shelter & motel needs – heading towards winter. Please remember this process:

  1. The Neighbor calls any shelter to get on the Shelter Access list.
  2. You can contact me by phone, email or text to verify if someone is on that list at any time and where they are on that list.
  3. REMEMBER…MOTEL = Beth!!!

Please remember to contact Housing/Beth any time your conference puts someone into a motel stay. You can either email it right away or feel free to keep a running list and then mail it over at the end of the month, all at once. Whatever works best, but please get those motel numbers to us! Those numbers are very important for our county to get the money that it needs to assist our unhoused population for shelter beds – not motel beds.

*I also have the shelter count for the day, if you are interested…call/email/text.Wishing you and our Neighbors a warm and beautiful fall!

With gratitude,

The Housing and Shelter Resources Team

Beth: 262-282-2861 or bnovotny@svdpwaukesha.com

Monique: 262-825-1660 or mrodriguez@svdpwaukesha.com

Jodie: 262-765-0744 or jlachapelle@svdpwaukesha.com

ArtRevitalize Milwaukee provides free critical home repairs and accessibility modifications for low-income homeowners who are seniors, veterans, or living with a disability in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties.

They are currently seeking homeowners in Waukesha County who may need help maintaining their homes. To learn more or apply for assistance, call (414) 312-7531 or visit revitalizemilwaukee.org

UPCOMING EVENTS

October 17

Ozanam Orientation

Learn about the Spirituality, History, and Structure of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. This is a great foundation for your Vincentian Journey.

Council Meeting Room at 8:00am to 1:30pm. Register here


October 21

Home Visit Training - 6:00 PM- 8:00 PM

This in-depth training for our core ministry, is a must for all members who wish to join the Home Visit teams in your conference. It is also helpful to members who do not go on Home Visits to understand the challenges the neighbors we serve face in their lives. You will get insights into living in poverty, learn when it is time to say No to a neighbor, and so much more.Register here


October 23

Conference Annual Reports are due to the Waukesha Council


October 26

Quarterly District Council Membership Meeting (Early Start Time)

Corpus Christi St. Mary Campus

225 S Hartwell Ave, Waukesha, WI 53186

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

This meeting will include the Commissioning Ceremony for the new Presidents.

Register here


November 4

Hope in Action - Supporting Neighbor's Mental Health

SVDP Sunset Store

818 West Sunset Drive, Waukesha, WI 53189

1:00 PM- 2:30 PM

Register here

PRAYER REQUESTS

This Month's Prayer

Please join us in keeping the following members of our SVdP family in prayer.

Please pray for:


  • Dick Magliocco – St. Dominic SVdP

For a successful surgery and a smooth recovery

WHERE TO FIND GENERAL INFORMATION

Next Reminders -11/16/26


Council & Program Staff - Need to reach someone at the Council, Getting Ahead, Housing or Jail Ministry? Click "Council & Program Staff" for the complete contact list.


Meal Program Schedule - SVdP Meal Program Volunteer Commitment:

  • 8 conference members/volunteers arrive at 4:50
  • 5 gallons of milk (2 white & 3 chocolate)
  • 100 desserts of any type