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News from the Southern District Council
by Dottie Alombro - President of the Conference at St. Gerard Catholic Church
Presentation during a Celebration of 100 Years as a Redemptorist Parish
1926- 2026
Sacred Heart and St Gerard’s
My name is Dottie Alombro, President of the St. Vincent de Paul Ministry. A ministry I love.
First, I want to thank each and every one of you for all that you do to make our neighbors lives just a little easier. As Vincentians (our volunteers are called Vincentians), we put our faith into action. We see God’s
face in the people we serve. Our ministry is one of the most active ministries in our parish, operating six days a week.
Every change from our humble beginnings in 2009 has made our Conference what is today. Operating out of one room was our pantry, computer, phone and no freezer, only helping a few neighbors a week.
Today we serve over 65 families a week - with four computers, three phones, and six freezers that convert to a refrigerator if needed. In a year, we feed close to 3,000 families in New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, and Oak Hill. And we are the only pantry in Volusia County that delivers, which is a Godsend for the homebound, sick, and elderly.
Yet our work goes beyond groceries, as I hope these stories will show.
A gentleman came to the church on a hot Friday in August. He left with a
motel reservation for that night. He slept in the woods the following night
and was in Mass with us on a Sunday. He asked for a bus ticket back home to Tennessee. Our Vincentians helped coordinate his travel.
Our neighbor called us after two days of travel, thanking us and letting us know he arrived home safely.
Another project within SVDP is our Fresh Foundation started in 2025.
Through this foundation we will help our neighbors achieve their goals. For
example, after learning one neighbor’s story, we were able to help her find
an affordable apartment, and furnish it for her. We will follow her for two
years to give her the support she needs. And I am happy to share that I am her sponsor in the OCIA journey into the Catholic Church.
Our Fresh Foundation has also helped a single mother who called us for
food. We took her under our wing and together, with three different local
organizations, we have assisted her with tuition to finish her bachelor’s
degree. This will be life changing for her and her children.
There is no act of charity too small or too big for St. Vincent de Paul. And
we couldn’t do it without your financial support. We ask you to continue to
pray for our ministry. God will guide us into the future of SVDP. We are
always looking for new volunteers. Thank you for your time.
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