Neighbors Helping Neighbors

JANUARY 2026

Introducing the first edition of the NEW and IMPROVED Reminders. We hope you find them easier to read and easier to find the information you're looking for. We would love to hear your feedback and suggestions for further improvements. Send them to Bonnie Pranger. Please remember, this is a work in progress.

The Biggest Change you'll find is how often you receive them. The Reminders will be published approximately every 6 weeks on: Jan 5, Feb 16, Apr 1, May 15, Jul 1, Aug 15, Oct 1, Nov 16. If the 1st or 15th falls on a weekend, you'll see them in your Inbox no later than the Monday after.

FINANCIAL STABILITY - GETTING AHEAD

A St. Vincent de Paul program to help individuals and the Waukesha County community become more financially stable.

Hello Everyone! We’re excited to start the new year with great news— Getting Ahead Workshops Spring Season!

To kick things off, we’re hosting an INTAKE Event.

📅 Tuesday, January 27

🕓 Drop in anytime between 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

📍 First United Methodist Church

(121 Wisconsin Ave, Waukesha 53186 – Second Floor, Room 216)

This event is the perfect opportunity to:

✅ Learn about the program (dates, times, and commitment)

✅ Meet our facilitators, volunteers, and staff

✅ Explore the space and ask questions

✅ Complete an application to reserve your place in the upcoming workshop

Know someone ready to make a positive change in their life? Please share the attached invitation with them! It’s available in English and Spanish, as our workshops are offered in both languages (separate groups). Together, we can help more people take the first step toward a brighter future.

Thank you for helping us spread the word—we can’t wait to start the new season!

The Getting Ahead Team

ST. DISMAS JAIL MINISTRY

St. Dismas Jail Ministry Angel Tree Project

The Angel tree project this year provided 75 children with gifts from their incarcerated parent. Many thanks to the conferences that were able to buy and wrap gifts, those who helped sort for delivery, and most of all those that delivered the gifts throughout Waukesha County. A big thank you to Irene Valentine and Judene Brown for all their help, and to Rob Shelledy for his willingness to help in all areas. Happy New Year. 

RESOURCES

Kroger offers 20% discount on all fruit and vegetables purchased in January, and half-off Boost memberships to eligible customers.

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) launched its Verified Savings Program that provides a 20% discount on fruits and vegetables and half-off Boost by Kroger Plus memberships to customers who are recipients of various government assistance programs, including SNAP, WIC, Medicaid and more. Customers may sign up online, using SheerID, a trusted verification service provider that helps retailers confirm eligibility. Click Here To Read The Milwaukee Journal Article.

Help Your Parish

Encourage your parish to apply for a Love One Another Catholic Social Responsibility grant! The Archdiocese of Milwaukee has a new grant program for parishes that may benefit SVdP Conferences, e.g. one of the categories is “Food pantries; parish-run meal programs.” Please reach out to your pastor and human concerns chair about your parish submitting a grant. The deadline for the application is January 31, 2026. Click HERE to access the grant application.

SVDP NATIONAL AND NCR NEWS

North Central Region (NCR) Conference

July 9-11 in Green Bay

Oneida Casino Hotel

Theme: "Lead with Love. Serve with Humility." The Host City Event is Lambeau Field Tours. You don't want to miss this one!

Registration and workshop details to come.

WHERE TO FIND GENERAL INFORMATION

2026 Events Calendar - We are finalizing dates for the Spring trainings. You can check this link at any time to look for updates.

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

Meal Program Schedule