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Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha
October 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
- SSVP Thrift Stores: A Cornerstone of Our Service
- Special Volunteer Event - 9 am - Noon, Monday, October 27th!
- Meet Our SSVP Thrift Store Management Team
- Coat Giveaways Volunteers Still Needed
- St. Vincent de Paul Feast Day Festivities
- Closet Door Ministry Needs Sweatpants/Sweatshirts/Hoodies
- "Protein with a Purpose" Event for Food Pantry
- Catholic Relief Services Advocacy Opportunities
- Get Spooky with Halloween Decor from our Thrift Stores
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A Message from our Executive Director, Jill Lynch-Sosa
“It is not enough to say that love of God is inseparable from the love of one’s neighbor. It must be added that love of God is unavoidably expressed through love of one’s neighbor.”
Rev. Gustavo Gutiérrez, Priest & Theologian
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Each day, because of your generous support, lives are quietly and profoundly changed.
A mother and her children sleep in their own beds tonight instead of in a shelter. An elderly neighbor keeps the lights and water on for another month. A man experiencing homelessness receives a meal, clean clothing, and – most importantly – the dignity of being seen.
At SSVP Omaha, we never judge those who come to us for help. We serve everyone equally, with compassion and respect.
And yet – you may never meet them.
That’s one of the most remarkable things about your generosity: it’s given without expectation of recognition. You give without knowing the names, faces, or stories of those you help. But please know this – they know you, even if only in spirit. You are the reason they take one step closer to stability, and one step further from crisis.
While most of those you help will remain anonymous, today we’d like to introduce you to one of them.
“Thomas” is someone whose independence would have once kept him from asking for help. But like so many others, rising food prices, housing costs, and a fixed income left him with no other choice. Thanks to your support of the SSVP Omaha Pantry, Thomas received food, dignity, and hope. Recently, he shared a message of appreciation, and we’d love for you to hear directly from him:
Click here to watch a short video of Thomas' story and message of gratitude.
Thomas represents just one voice in a choir of thousands who are lifted by your compassion each year. Whether it’s food from our pantry, back rent to prevent eviction, utility assistance to keep families safe and warm, sack lunches for our neighbors experiencing homelessness, or clothing that helps someone prepare for a job interview.
You make it all possible.
Thank you for giving selflessly.
Thank you for caring for those you may never meet.
And thank you for walking with us in the footsteps of St. Vincent de Paul – bringing love, dignity, and service to those most in need from right here in our own community.
With heartfelt gratitude,
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Jill Lynch-Sosa
Executive Director
P.S. In this issue, we're shining a spotlight on our SSVP Omaha thrift stores and the dedicated, compassionate managers who help make them truly special. In the next few articles, you'll get a fresh look at all things thrift – from behind-the-scenes insights to personal stories from our staff about why they love being part of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha.
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The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha’s four thrift stores are more than just places to shop – they are vital extensions of our mission to serve neighbors in need with dignity and compassion. Stocked with quality clothing, furniture, books, toys, housewares, and more, these stores offer deeply discounted prices to help low-income families and individuals facing financial crises stretch their limited resources. Every purchase not only supports our outreach efforts but also provides customers with affordable access to essential items for daily living.
In addition to our low-cost offerings, we provide free store vouchers to individuals and families experiencing severe hardship. Whether it's someone recovering from a house fire, fleeing domestic violence, or transitioning out of homelessness, our vouchers provide a path to stability by allowing them to shop for what they need with dignity. We also collaborate with a wide range of local nonprofits, hospitals, and social service agencies to distribute goods at no cost to those they serve. These partnerships ensure that our resources reach as many people as possible, including victims of natural disasters who often need immediate access to clothing and basic household items.
At the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha, we consider our thrift stores “part and parcel” of our larger mission. They’re not only a crucial source of revenue to fund our charitable programs but are also a direct channel of assistance to those in crisis. Through these stores, we are able to respond swiftly and effectively to the needs of our neighbors, offering hope, support, and a tangible expression of Christ’s love in action.
| | Volunteer Opportunity: Help Us Make a Difference in Our Community! | |
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha’s Thrift Stores has a wonderful opportunity coming up – and we need volunteers like YOU to help make it a success!
Interested? We hope so!
During the final week of October, Kidz Shoppe Omaha will be hosting their Fall Consignment Sale at the Omaha Sports Complex, located at 14706 Giles Road in Papillion. After the sale ends, all unsold clothing items will be donated to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha.
These items will then be sold in our thrift stores – providing affordable, high-quality clothing to families in need throughout our community.
Here’s how you can help:
We’re looking for at least 20 volunteers to assist with gathering up and loading the donated clothing into our SSVP Omaha trucks. The work is straightforward, and while there will be a large volume of items, they’re generally lightweight.
VOLUNTEER DETAILS:
Date: Monday, October 27
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon (please arrive promptly at 9:00 AM)
Location: Omaha Sports Complex, 14706 Giles Road, Papillion
This is a great way to give back and directly support local families who are struggling. Every shirt, pair of pants, or jacket you help load will eventually find its way to someone who truly needs it.
Ready to volunteer? Sign up HERE!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Corinne Ficken, SSVP Omaha’s Director of Stores, at gm@ssvpomaha.org.
Thank you for considering this meaningful way to serve our community – we couldn’t do it without you!
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Behind the Scenes: Meet the Team Powering Our Thrift Stores
As you can see from the previous newsletter article, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha’s thrift stores fulfill a pivotal role in our organization’s service to poor and struggling neighbors from right here in our Omaha community. The same is definitely true for the managerial team that makes our four stores function so well.
| | Spotlight on Leadership: Corinne Ficken, Director of Stores | | |
Corinne Ficken joined the Society after an impressive 45-year career in retail – a journey that took her through virtually every role the industry has to offer. “I’ve done it all,” Corinne says. “From high-end fashion to big-box retailers – sales associate, department manager, assistant manager, store manager, even overseeing multiple locations.”
A native of Elkhorn, Nebraska, Corinne retired in 2022 – but retirement didn’t quite stick. “I thought I was done,” she laughs, “but after deep-cleaning my house, I realized I still wanted something more meaningful.” That’s when a friend mentioned that the Society was searching for a new Director of Stores. “It felt like a sign from God – and I truly believe it was.”
SSVP Omaha’s Executive Director, Jill Lynch-Sosa, immediately recognized Corinne’s potential: “After seeing Corinne’s resume and meeting her, I just knew we’d found the right person to guide our stores into the future. Corinne’s been able to bring her business experience and merchandising acumen to our stores. And, Corinne has done more than just improve operations – she’s elevated the entire thrift store experience, all while embracing our mission with a servant’s heart.”
Corinne’s love for the work shines through in everything she does.
“What do I love most about our thrift stores?” she asks. “The people. I love helping families find what they need on a tight budget. I love our hardworking staff and our generous donors who bring in items that help fund the mission. It’s all connected – and it’s all incredibly meaningful.”
She’s also taken the lead on one of the Society’s most cherished efforts: our Annual Winter Coat Giveaway. Under Corinne’s guidance, the giveaway has become more organized, dignified, and impactful. Shares Corinne: “We sort everything by size, color, and even style. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference. At our north Omaha giveaway event a couple of years ago, I overheard someone walk in and say, `Hey, it’s just like a regular store!’ That’s exactly what it SHOULD be like for them because they deserve that experience.”
Corinne recalls one special moment at a South Omaha giveaway: “A single father came with his four daughters, ages 6 to 12. When they reached the front of the line, he told them, ‘Girls, go pick out your coat.’ The youngest looked up and asked, ‘Dad, can I really pick any coat I want?’ His simple reply – ‘Yes, you can, sweetie’ – said it all. My impression was that that was very likely the first time this young dad had ever been able to say those words to his daughters. He was SO pleased … and so proud. And, I was so pleased, and so proud to be part of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha; it was a wonderful reminder of why this work matters so much.”
| | Meet Our SSVP Omaha Thrift Store Managers | | Natasha Sheldrick – Leavenworth Thrift Store – 2101 Leavenworth Street | | |
If you’ve ever stopped by our downtown thrift store, you’ve likely seen Natasha Sheldrick in action. Since joining our thrift store staff in late 2023, Natasha has brought new energy and organization to our Leavenworth location. But her impact doesn’t stop there – she also serves as Production Manager for all four of our thrift stores, overseeing the sorting and processing of donated items to keep operations running smoothly. On top of that, she coordinates all donation pick-ups from generous community members.
It’s a big job, but Natasha approaches it with heart and purpose.
“I just love being able to help people and really meet their needs,” she says. “Many of the folks who visit our store, or come in with vouchers from our SSVP Conferences, are going through hard times. I try to be flexible so they can get what they truly need for their families.”
Natasha has built strong relationships with regular shoppers and often goes the extra mile. “When I see something come in that I know someone’s been looking for, I make sure to tell them next time they stop by.” Natasha’s compassion and dedication are felt daily – by her team, our shoppers, and the broader community we serve.
| Katie Cramer, Westwood Thrift Store – 12301 West Center Road | |
“I’m truly all in on the mission of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha,” says Katie Cramer, manager of the Westwood thrift store since early 2022. “I absolutely love our customers. Over time, I’ve really gotten to know them – many I now consider friends.”
For Katie, the store is much more than just a job. The people and the purpose behind the work give it real meaning. “I know what we do here matters,” shares Katie. “Our customers tell me that all the time. Without the affordable items we offer, many say they wouldn’t be able to make ends meet.”
Parents, in particular, often express their gratitude. “I’ve had so many moms and dads tell me that if it weren’t for our store, they couldn’t get ‘new-to-them’ clothes for their kids – especially during back-to-school season,” Katie shares.
Stories like these fuel Katie’s passion. She knows how the store serves as a crucial support system, not just a place to shop. It offers stability, dignity, and relief during tough times. “It feels incredible to know we’re helping people who are struggling.”
| Cheryl Tatreau, Northwest Thrift Store – 5505 North 90th Street | |
Cheryl Tatreau has led the Northwest Thrift Store since mid-2021, bringing experience, compassion, and strong dedication to her role. As the longest-serving of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha’s four store managers, Cheryl plays a key role in advancing the organization’s mission of helping those in need. “I work for St. Vincent de Paul because I believe in the mission,” Cheryl explains. “We truly make a difference in people’s lives.”
For Cheryl, managing the store goes far beyond sales. It’s about providing hope and support. One of her proudest accomplishments is the number of store vouchers distributed – over 9,500 in a year – offering essential items to individuals and families in need. “Knowing I’ve helped make that possible, with our team and community, is deeply meaningful,” she shares.
Whether someone is seeking assistance or browsing for bargains, Cheryl ensures they are treated with respect. “I love being part of this,” she says. “This work is a calling, not just a job. Thrift stores aren’t just about used goods – they’re about giving people second chances.”
| Gina Sheldrick, Tara Plaza Thrift Store – 807 Tara Plaza (Papillion) | |
“What I love most is that we’re helping people,” says Gina Sheldrick, manager of the Tara Plaza thrift store. “We support those who shop here looking for affordable items to furnish their homes, but we’re also part of something bigger – helping people through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s many outreach ministries.”
Gina lights up when talking about the volunteers who make the store feel like more than just a workplace. “They’ve really become friends,” she shares. “We’ve built strong relationships. One of our volunteers is currently going through cancer treatment, and I truly believe that coming in to help at the store is healing for her in its own way. It gives her something to look forward to – a sense of purpose and community.”
Beyond the mission and the friendships, Gina also finds joy in the creative side of her role. “Being a thrift store manager is both challenging and rewarding. I love finding ways to arrange and display things so the store feels warm and welcoming. It’s about more than just selling items – it’s about creating a space that people feel good in.”
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St. Basil the Great Said it Best:
“The coat unused in your closet belongs to the one who needs it."
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The first of our two coat giveaway events is just one week away, at the Assumption School Gymnasium on Saturday, October 11th, from 3 pm-7 pm!
Between this giveaway and our second giveaway at Omaha Home for Boys on Saturday, October 25th, from 8 am-1 pm, we expect to serve up to 6,000 of our neighbors - children and adults from across the Omaha area - by providing them with a much-needed winter coat and other winter accessories like hats, scarves, gloves, and mittens.
However, we are still in need of helping hands to facilitate these large events to serve our neighbors in need. If you haven't already, please consider volunteering at either of our two upcoming Coat Giveaways!
To volunteer for the Coat Giveaway at Assumption Catholic School Gymnasium on Saturday, October 11th, please sign up HERE.
To volunteer for the Coat Giveaway at Omaha Home for Boys on Saturday, October 25th, please sign up HERE.
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Thank you to everyone who has already signed up to volunteer their time and efforts to our Coat Giveaways. These events - and the thousands of people who seek our assistance - rely upon the generosity and goodwill of those who are dedicated to serving others - like you!
We are also still collecting coats for both of our giveaways! As you start to pull out your winter coats for the chilly days ahead, please consider donating your gently-used (or new) coats you may have, along with any new winter apparel, like hats, scarves, gloves, and mittens. You can drop off your donations at any of our four thrift stores across Omaha. Please mark your donations as "Coat Drive."
Another option is to make a financial donation to the coat drive, HERE. All funds donated through this link will be used to purchase coats, which will be provided to our neighbors in need.
Whether you're donating winter apparel or volunteering your efforts for this year's Coat Giveaways, your support will help keep those in need warm this winter!
For complete information regarding the 2025 Winter Coat Drive and Giveaway, please check out our website HERE.
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On Tuesday, September 23rd, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha joyfully celebrated our annual Feast Day Mass and Reception at our Holy Family Center.
Nearly 70 Vincentians, volunteers, and friends of the Society gathered for this special evening – a cherished opportunity to reconnect with one another and reflect on our shared commitment to serving those in need.
Monsignor James Gilg, the Society's Spiritual Advisor, presided over the Mass in the beautiful Holy Family Chapel. A small but mighty choir, accompanied by a talented pianist, filled the space with uplifting music that set a reverent and joyful tone for the evening.
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Following Mass, guests enjoyed a light dinner and desserts, sharing stories and conversation with both familiar and new faces. The sense of community was truly present throughout the night.
As the event drew to a close, we reopened our hearts and doors by inviting our homeless neighbors inside for a warm meal and fellowship. Their gratitude and kindness were deeply moving – a poignant reminder of why we gather, serve, and celebrate together.
Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this year’s Feast Day a meaningful and memorable occasion.
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Every weekday, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha opens the doors of The Closet Door – a place where our unhoused, homeless neighbors can find dignity, comfort, and care through access to clean clothing and personal care items, all at no cost.
Last year alone, The Closet Door welcomed nearly 4,500 visits, each one a person seeking warmth, relief, and kindness. As the weather shifts and cooler fall temperatures begin to settle in, the needs of our community shift as well.
Right now, we’re receiving many requests for sweatpants, sweatshirts, and hoodies – items that offer warmth and comfort during this in-between season, before the true cold of winter arrives. These simple, versatile garments mean so much to someone living on the streets. They’re not just clothing – they’re a source of dignity, protection, and hope.
If you’re able, would you please consider donating new or gently used sweatpants, sweatshirts, or hoodies - for both men and women - to our Closet Door Ministry? Your generosity directly touches the lives of those who often feel forgotten – reminding them that they matter, and they are not alone.
Donations can be dropped off at our SSVP Holy Family Center anytime between 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Mondays through Fridays, OR you can have your donations delivered directly to SSVP/Holy Family - 1715 Izard Street, Omaha, NE 68102.
Thank you from all of us – and especially from the neighbors we serve – for opening your heart this season!
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For many of our pantry guests, living paycheck to paycheck means making tough choices – often sacrificing quality groceries like fresh meats in favor of stretching their limited budgets.
That’s why we’re incredibly grateful to Omaha Steaks and Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue for teaming up with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha to make a meaningful difference through the "Protein with a Purpose" event last Thursday, September 25th. Thanks to this wonderful partnership, our pantry guests received premium proteins – items that are often out of reach, financially.
The generosity didn’t stop there. The Omaha Steaks team also rolled up their sleeves and volunteered at our pantry on one of our busiest days, helping us serve more than 130 neighbors in need.
We – and the thousands of individuals and families who count on our pantry – extend heartfelt thanks to Omaha Steaks and Saving Grace for their compassion and commitment to supporting the most vulnerable of our community.
| | WOWT/First Alert 6’s John Chapman stopped by the SSVP Pantry to cover this event, including interviewing our Executive Director, Jill Lynch-Sosa. You can check out WOWT’s coverage HERE. | | |
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Catholic Relief Services share a deep-rooted commitment to living out Catholic Social Teaching – especially the call to care for the poor and vulnerable. Whether serving neighbors in need within our local communities (SSVP) or addressing global challenges faced by marginalized populations (CRS), both organizations are united in their dedication to compassion and justice. Recently, Chris West, Sr. Trainer with Catholic Relief Services, reached out to share important advocacy opportunities tied to their mission. His message follows below.
“Catholic Relief Services was born out of the refugee crisis following World War II. Today, our Church responds to disasters, strengthens communities, and helps people around the world lead a dignified life through CRS. As the official International Humanitarian Agency of the Catholic Church in the U.S., CRS partners with the local Church around the world. That work includes emergency relief, agricultural support, strengthening health systems, and micro-lending to empower local communities.
As you may have heard in the news over the last few months, the U.S. government has been pulling back its investments in international humanitarian assistance, and it’s having a dire effect on the vulnerable communities we serve around the world. This short two-minute video paints a good example of what we're facing. As part of our work in the U.S., Catholics from across the country advocate with members of Congress to preserve lifesaving aid. If you would be interested in learning more about how Catholics in Nebraska can advocate with Congress to save lives around the world, please fill out this form and I will follow up with you.”
Chris West
Catholic Relief Services
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It's time to get spooky at the SSVP Omaha Thrift Stores! Find eerie (and ghoulishly cute!) items to spice up your Halloween decorations, along with costumes for kids!
Be on the lookout for fun arts and crafts projects at our Westwood store - something you can creepily create with the whole family!
| | 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! | | Follow us on social media to keep up-to-date with the latest SSVP Omaha stories, news, and events! | | | | |
