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Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha
November 2024 Newsletter
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Supporting our neighbors in need with spirituality, friendship and service; providing emergency food, clothing, material and financial / homeless prevention assistance, since 1868 | |
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FOOD PANTRY | PARISH CONFERENCE OUTREACH | HOMELESS MINISTRIES | THRIFT STORES | |
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IN THIS ISSUE:
A message from our Executive Director
Food Pantry Volunteer Spotlight – Nancy Schrack
100% of Thanksgiving Gifts Support SSVP Food Programs
WOWT'S "Stuff the Truck" Food Drive - December 5th!
SSVP Coat Giveaway An Amazing Success
SSVP Pantry Garden Closing Up for the Winter
Thank You from the SSVP Thrift Stores
Many Options to Choose from When Making Your Donation
Annual Vincentian Mass & Meeting - Saturday, December 7th
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A Message from our Executive Director, Jill Lynch-Sosa
We should strive to keep our hearts open to the sufferings of other people - and pray continually that God may grant us that spirit of compassion which is truly the spirit of God.
-St. Vincent de Paul
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Dear Friends of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha, | |
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A volunteer Vincentian with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha once shared an insight that has stuck with me: “The Society does things quietly.” Intrigued, I asked her to elaborate. She explained, “Don’t get me wrong. The Society provides incredibly important services, especially for the families we serve. But we don’t shout about ourselves from the rooftops, telling everyone how great we are.”
As we brace for the cold months and prepare for the holidays, I find myself reflecting on her words and how they capture the spirit of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
The truth? She was absolutely right.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha supports the poor and homeless of our city with little fanfare. We focus on essential assistance—food, shelter, and basic care items. Our work may not be glamorous, but for those in need, it is life changing.
So, with encouragement from that Vincentian, I would like to step into the spotlight, just briefly, to share with you the very real and lasting impact that your support has on some of the most vulnerable members of our Omaha community:
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Providing Essentials for the Homeless: We deliver food, clothing, and personal care items to those facing homelessness, giving them a chance at a fresh start.
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Serving Low-Income Seniors: We provide meals and household items to struggling seniors in local low-income housing communities, alleviating some expenses so they remain housed.
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Helping Families Make Ends Meet: Our large choice food pantry supplies perishable and non-perishable foods to families who are finding it hard to manage on limited budgets.
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Offering Affordable Basics at Our Thrift Stores: Through discounted clothing and household items, we help families stretch their dollars even further. We also give items away for free through our voucher program.
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Supporting Families in Financial Crisis: When families face unexpected hardships - whether due to job loss, medical emergencies, a spouse’s passing, or other major life challenge - our Vincentians work with them one-on-one. Together, they create a plan, often involving assistance with back rent or overdue utility bills, to keep a roof over their heads and their heat and water running.
If you’re reading this, you may not ever need the services we offer. But perhaps you know someone who does. Or maybe you are already a friend, donor, or volunteer who believes in what we do.
As we approach the end of 2024, I want to remind you just how much your year-end donation means to those we serve. For most non-profit organizations, the months of November and December are crucial, and this is absolutely true for us at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha. And, frankly, the vast majority of all financial assistance we receive comes from compassionate members of our community, like you.
These final two months can make all the difference. Your generous support not only helps us meet rising costs, but it enables us to keep doing what we’ve done for years: offering compassionate help to those in Omaha who need it most.
Please consider making a gift to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha before December 31st. Your support is more critical now than ever, and every contribution, large or small, allows us to continue this vital work.
Thank you for standing with us and may you and your loved ones be richly blessed this season.
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Jill Lynch-Sosa
Executive Director
P.S. Please know that 100% of all Thanksgiving gifts made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will go to support our SSVP food programs. These include the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s very large downtown Food Pantry and our Meal Program which serves Omaha’s hungry and homeless men, women, and children, as well as other neighbors in need who live in nearby, low-income, “senior” housing. Just click HERE to make your Thanksgiving gift, in support of our SSVP Omaha's food programs.
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Nancy Schrack’s welcoming smile lights up a room. It’s also the very first thing that struggling neighbors in need see, when they enter the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s downtown Food Pantry every Thursday morning. “I greet and welcome them,” shares Nancy, “and I let them know that they’re in the right place.”
As background….Growing up in the Holy Cross neighborhood of Omaha, Nancy attended Holy Cross Grade School, Gross Catholic High School, and St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. Nancy married her high school sweetheart, Tim. The Schracks have two grown children, Ryan 33 and Ali 31, and they recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. Nancy retired in 2017, after working at IBM for 33+ years, after which she began volunteering at the Society’s Food Pantry.
Nancy was taught early and often – by her parents, Jim and Dolores Schneiderwind – about the importance of caring for those less fortunate than herself. The middle of five children, Nancy and her siblings learned, by example, of what it means to have a servant’s heart. “My folks were committed to caring for others,” shares Nancy. “I grew up not having to worry where my next meal was coming from or if we could afford clothes. But, my parents made sure we knew that not everyone had the same opportunities that we did.”
Nancy’s Catholic educational background also emphasized incorporating service into one’s life. “Every school I attended had a service component to it,” recalls Nancy. “Both Gross and St. Mary’s are Marianist schools – based on the tenets of education that also teach service and justice. Between that education and what I learned from my parents, being of service to people in need was simply what I grew up with.”
One of the most concrete examples of being of service that Nancy had was her parents’ involvement with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s Food Pantry. “Both of my parents were long-time volunteers at the Pantry, and I clearly know how important that was to them,” shares Nancy.
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“My dad volunteered with St. Vincent de Paul’s food pantry, first. He worked with some of the people who founded the pantry and volunteered for many years. And, my mom helped out at the pantry for around 15 years, `retiring’ from volunteering in 2019. I was able to volunteer with her for the last couple of years she was there, which was just great. Even though my dad passed away last year, and my mom is no longer volunteering at the pantry, I think about their example of service every time I’m there,” shares Nancy.
As neighbors come into the SSVP Food Pantry, Nancy is there to greet them. “Many of the people who have never been to a pantry before are a bit hesitant when they open the door, requesting food,” States Nancy. “I always make sure they know that they are absolutely welcome. They clearly feel a little `sheepish’, and often feel the need to explain the reasons why they’re there. One of the best things about our pantry, though, is that it really doesn’t matter why they’re there. It’s not our place to judge. We’re just there to help.”
In addition to welcoming and checking in neighbors at the SSVP Food Pantry, Nancy also is a great listener. “People who come in often tell me a bit of their personal story of how and why they’re there. Some have recently had a medical issue or lost a job – or lost a loved one. Just last week, a young woman came in whose brother had recently died. He had been working, living at home, and helping his family with household expenses. The funeral expenses had pretty much used up the last of their savings, and so that’s why she was there.”
“Another gentleman recently came to the pantry for the first time. He had had a young daughter who passed away, and he was understandably very upset. He just wanted to share a bit of his story, including the love he has for his daughter. I think that sometimes just having a compassionate, warm smile and welcoming demeanor goes a long way. People just want to be heard, and I’m so grateful to be the person to have the opportunity to listen.”
In addition to her family’s emphasis on serving those less fortunate, Nancy’s faith has also been instrumental in her desire to be of service, as she shares: “I know I’ve been given so many opportunities in my life, including having wonderful parents and a Christian, Catholic faith that invites believers, including myself, to follow the example of Jesus. So many times in the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes the importance of being of service to the poor and those in need, and He lived among them. That is a powerful message for me, which I truly have taken to heart."
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“One thing that always keeps me grounded in my volunteer service at the pantry is how very grateful the people are. I also often hear neighbors say something like, “Thank you, but I just need a few things to get me by,’ or `I don’t need that (food item); save it for someone else.’ They often only ask for what they truly need, and they’re so appreciative. That really keeps me going. And these are people who, I know, are just scraping by, and here they are thinking of the next person or family that will be coming through the pantry, later.”
Nancy shares a few final thoughts about her experience volunteering at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha’s Food Pantry. “Of course, with my family, education, and faith background, I had great opportunities and examples of caring for others in need. However, when it became my choice to be of service, I used those experiences to make that choice – and it really was my choice.
“This whole experience of volunteering at the Society’s Food Pantry has also helped deepen my prayer life,” continues Nancy. “Lately, I’ve been praying about being non-judgmental, in general. I’m definitely not perfect at it, nowhere near it, although I keep trying. And the pantry is a great place for me to practice. In prayer, I think about Jesus and how non-judgmental He was to those He interacted with, His followers, and those He healed. And, I use that example in my interactions with neighbors at the Food Pantry. I often remind myself that you never really know what is going on in a person’s life, what their background is, and what brought them to our door. But my job, when they come through that door, is just to show them goodness and kindness and help them know that they really are in the right place.”
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Generally speaking, Thanksgiving for most of us is about reflecting on blessings, gathering with family and friends, and big meals!
At the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Thanksgiving is about providing food and making sure that everyone in our community has enough to eat.
Please know that 100% of all Thanksgiving gifts made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will go to support our SSVP food programs. These include the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s very large downtown Food Pantry and our Meal Program which serves Omaha’s hungry and homeless men, women, and children, as well as other neighbors in need who live in nearby, low-income, “senior” housing.
This Thanksgiving, as we gather with loved ones and reflect on our many blessings, we invite you to extend your generosity further. The need in our community remains great, although we simply cannot offer our services without the generosity of those who share our mission of caring for the poorest of our community.
Why Your Support of Our SSVP Food Programs Matters:
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Your generous contributions to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha allows our Food Pantry to serve more than 25,000 poor and struggling families and individuals from right here in our community, providing in excess of $1,400,000 worth of food, annually.
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Your support also helps provide nearly 60,000 meals to Omaha’s homeless and low-income neighbors in need each year.
- Your donations also directly assist the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha in replacing old, worn-out freezers, refrigerators, and needed equipment, both at our Food Pantry and Sack Lunch Program.
Just click HERE to make your Thanksgiving gift, in support of SSVP Omaha's food programs.
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On Thursday, December 5th, from 5AM - 7PM, WOWT is hosting 'Stuff the Truck,' their Christmas donation fundraiser at two Omaha locations! This charitable event welcomes food and toy donations - food donations will be given to support our SSVP Omaha food pantry this Christmas season, and the toys will be given to families in need across Omaha.
When making your donation please consider dropping off some of the most in-demand items at our food pantry including, cereal, pasta, rice, diapers, canned fruit, canned vegetables, and household paper products. Your donation will go directly to feed and assist those in need this coming holiday season.
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There will be volunteers from WOWT and Methodist Health Systems to oversee the event, supported by Two Men and a Truck for any heavy lifting. However, we would like to have volunteers from SSVP Omaha to represent the Society and help ensure a seamless event. If you would like to volunteer for this year's Stuff the Truck on Dec. 5th, click HERE to sign up for our Methodist Physician’s Clinic location (8901 Dodge St) or click HERE to sign up for our Methodist Women’s Hospital location (707 N 190th St).
Last year, through the collective donations of individuals across Omaha, we received over 36,000 pounds of food donations for our pantry! Please consider dropping off donations at one of the two locations above on Thursday, Dec. 5th so that we can provide even MORE for our neighbors in need this Christmas season.
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In preparation for the cold months ahead, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha recently hosted our 20th Annual Winter Coat Drive & Giveaway. This year, we had two separate giveaways. The first event was held on October 5th at El Centro Pastoral Tepeyac in south Omaha, with the second giveaway held at the Omaha Home for Boys in north Omaha on October 19th.
With the help of many parishes, schools and businesses hosting coat drives and collections, we were able to raise an incredible number of coats for our neighbors in need this winter.
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So far, through this year's Coat Drives, we were able to provide roughly 3,500 neighbors in need with the winter coats, and cold weather apparel they desperately need.
600 of these coats are being distributed through the Society's Closet Door Ministry, which serves homeless neighbors who reside around our District Office at 17th & Izard - allowing them to stay warm as they brave the cold winter ahead. All other remaining coats are being given to local, non-profit human service agencies that serve Omaha area neighbors in need.
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As you may suspect, it takes a great deal of organizing, dedication and hard work to make these events the successes they were. Such commitment includes our incredible volunteers who coordinated the drive and served at the giveaway events, as well as the many individuals, families, churches and businesses that donated coats and winter apparel.
Whether you donated coats, organized a drive, prepped the giveaway locations, worked at the events or assisted with clean-up, please know that your support has helped thousands of our poor and struggling neighbors obtain the winter coats and accessories they need this winter. So, to everyone who gave their time, talent and treasure, in support of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha's 2024 winter coat drive and giveaway, please accept our sincere, heartfelt gratitude.
Thank you for being dedicated to helping others!
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Every year, the SSVP Pantry Garden provides our Food Pantry with hundreds of pounds of produce for our neighbors in need. Running from mid-April to mid-October, the Pantry Garden is run exclusively by volunteer “Garden Angels” who prep, weed, and harvest the garden throughout the summer.
However, as the nights start to get colder and colder, it has become time to close up the garden for the winter. Closing up the garden is a big effort, requiring lots of work to finalize this year’s harvest, and prep the garden for next year.
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That’s where the American Heritage Girls came in! This wonderful troop of young girls and their families came by the garden on October 19th to lend their hands to this effort. They started by harvesting the last of the produce from this summer and then began preparing the garden for next year. They pulled out plant supports, spread compost on all the garden beds, distributed mulch to limit weeds, and did anything else they could do to make opening the garden as easy as possible this next spring.
The Pantry “Garden Angels” were so happy to have such a large and helpful group lending their hands. We hope to see the American Heritage Girls troop again next year!
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In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the SSVP Omaha thrift stores would like to thank everyone who shopped our recent 50% off sale! Another big thank you goes out to the parishes and individuals who donated to the stores this past month. By shopping or donating at the SSVP stores, you can help fund our SSVP Omaha programs - including our food relief programs which are so important this time of year.
P.S. - Christmas is just around the corner! Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming events at the SSVP stores to make your Christmas affordable and fun!
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12301 W Center Road
Mon-Sat, 10 AM-8 PM
Sun, 12 PM-5 PM
(402) 933-8242
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2101 Leavenworth St
Tues-Sat, 9:30 AM-5:30 PM
(402) 341-1689
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5505 N. 90th St
Mon-Fri, 10 AM-6 PM
Sat, 10 AM-4 PM
(402) 502-7837
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807 Tara Plaza
Mon-Sat, 9 AM-6 PM
(402) 593-4055
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The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha is grateful for the financial support we receive from caring and compassionate members of the community who share our mission of serving the poor and homeless. Frankly, such support is what makes our services even possible, as monetary donations from households, individuals, churches, and businesses are the primary source of support for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha.
You may be interested to know that there are a number of options to consider – and to choose from – when making a financial gift to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha, including:
- Sending a check, cash or money order to: Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha, 1715 Izard Street – Omaha, NE 68102.
- Making an online gift, using a credit or debit card.
- Making an ACH transfer directly from your bank account to the Society’s account.
- Setting up a recurring donation.
- Facilitating a matching gift from a business that you’re affiliated with.
- Making a gift of securities (stocks or mutual funds).
- Making a qualified charitable distribution from an IRA (for those 70 ½ and older).
- Making an estate planning/legacy gift in your will, one that will help serve those in need well into the future.
To make an online and/or recurring gift right now using a credit or debit card – or to set up an ACH transfer – just click HERE.
For all other donation options, or if you have ANY questions or need assistance with making a donation, please be in touch with our Development Director, Tim Sully, at development@svdpomaha.com or at 402-779-8499, extension 103. Tim will be happy to chat with you.
Again, thank you for considering ANY of these options when making your financial gift to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha. Your donation will be used to assist the poor and homeless of our community who turn to us during their time of need. As a non-profit charitable organization, all financial gifts made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law – and are greatly appreciated.
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