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Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha
February 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
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FOOD PANTRY | PARISH CONFERENCE OUTREACH | FOOD/CLOTHING FOR THE HOMELESS
DISASTER RECOVERY | HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION | THRIFT STORES
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IN THIS ISSUE:
A message from our Executive Director, Jill Lynch-Sosa
Starfish Story
You Made a Difference to This One!
Volunteer Spotlight - Linda Kueper
Premier Claims Volunteers at Holy Family
Strawberry Brunch - SAVE THE DATE!
Volunteer Serving the Society in Two Countries
SSVP Thrift Stores Need YOUR Furniture!
SSVP Thrift Stores Valentines Sale
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A Message from our Executive Director, Jill Lynch-Sosa
"Yours must be a work of love, of kindness, you must give your time, your talents, yourselves."
- Blessed Frederic Ozanam,
Founder of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
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Dear Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha Friends, | |
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Have you wondered just how important the assistance that the Society of St. Vincent de Paul provides is to the individuals and families we serve? How critical could a couple of boxes of food be to a single mom trying to feed her kids? What about a struggling family whose main income earner is unable to work because of a medical calamity and unable to pay their rent and utility bills? How about a near-homeless family whose only vehicle breaks down and they have no financial resources to fix it in order to get to work?
SSVP Omaha Vincentians, volunteers, and staff encounter these scenarios – and many others – every day. The one constant in these heartbreaking stories is that the individuals and families we serve are already struggling financially and just barely hanging onto the last rung of the proverbial socio-economic ladder. They’re already “living on the margins,” so even the smallest unplanned financial setback can be enough to send a family into a downward spiral and into despair, eventually becoming trapped in a cycle of poverty that seems impossible to break. This is the stark reality facing so many of our neighbors right here in Omaha, as they try to meet their families’ basic needs, all while the very real prospect of becoming homeless increases.
In our communications, we remind friends and donors to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul that “your donation makes a real and meaningful difference” to these individuals and families requesting assistance. How do we know that this is the case? Well, first of all, the data supports it. For example, in one year’s time (FY 2023), the Society:
- Assisted 3,791 area families with $2,018,486 in rental, utility and related assistance;
- Provided 549 Omaha households with $102,483 dollars in non-cash goods and services;
- Served 26,547 neighbors/families with $1,402,510 worth of food and necessities through our SSVP pantries;
- Served 58,867 meals to our homeless and low-income neighbors;
- Provided 14,875 homeless neighbors with free clothing and personal care items;
- Served 3,672 individuals and families in need through our Winter Coat Drive & Giveaway.
Additionally, as we’re quite active in partnering with a variety of other local organizations, I have the opportunity to speak and interact with leaders at non-profits around the Omaha area. In doing so, I have heard – time and again – that the collective impact that the Society has on our neighbors in need is unparalleled, with one director stating that SSVP Omaha has become “the most important homeless prevention organization in the Omaha metro area.”
I have to tell you that our staff, volunteers, and I do not take the responsibility of serving our struggling Omaha neighbors lightly. We fully understand that these individuals and families likely have nowhere else to turn for help. And, in our service, we are ever mindful that each and every person seeking assistance has been made – by our Creator – in His image and likeness; they truly are the suffering face of Christ. So, when we serve them, we are serving God. This fact, alone, reinforces our commitment to caring for the poor and homeless with the respect and dignity they deserve, just as Jesus invites us all to do in more than 300 instances throughout the Gospels.
In closing, I invite you to read the next two related newsletter articles. In doing so, I want you to know just how important YOUR support truly is to the Society and to those we serve – and how much it is appreciated. The first is the Starfish Story by Loren Eisley. Whether you’ve seen this allegorical tale of help and hope, prior, it’s always inspirational and a gentle reminder that each of us really can make a difference to those in need.
That article is followed by another: You Made a Difference to This One. This article is a compilation of communications of gratitude we have recently received from a number of people in the community who were provided assistance. While these messages of appreciation were sent to the Society, from my perspective, they truly are intended for you, the caring and compassionate people who support the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha and who truly make our services possible.
On this note, please know how very thankful I am for your sustained financial assistance, material donations, volunteer efforts, and prayers for the Society and our mission of serving those in need. And, as always, you are also in my own prayers of gratitude.
In His Name,
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Jill Lynch-Sosa
Executive Director
P.S. Will you please consider making a gift to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha today? Winter is our slowest time for gifts, while the services the Society provides are year-round. You can make your donation to the Society on our secure website, HERE. Thank you!
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Below are messages of gratitude that the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha has recently received from people/families to whom our Vincentians, volunteers and staff have provided assistance.
OUR gratitude goes out to everyone who supports the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha. As you can see, your contributions truly have made a difference to each one of these neighbors in need.
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“I’m pregnant and due in the middle of July, but doctors don’t think I’ll make it full term, so I’m preparing for a late June delivery. First of all, thank you so much! You have been so much help, you have no idea. I have been non-stop crying tears of happiness. Nobody else has even cared to hear my story or to help.” – Mary Kay
“You guys have no idea how much you saved my family. We were days away from being evicted, and you came through for me and my little ones. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” – Patty
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“Everyone at Holy Family is the best and I really owe them my life. Jill and the staff are always so kind and they helped me get a place. I’m so much happier and healthy and so many good things have happened to me and it’s all because they treated me like a real person and a friend.” – Tamara, a formerly-homeless woman who had lived in a tent near the Society’s Holy Family Center. We brought Tamara to the hospital while she was having a health crisis, helped her move into and furnish a nearby apartment (where she still is living) – and treated her with the respect she deserves, as one of God’s children.
“Thank you so very much for answering me back. I truly appreciate you and St. Vincent de Paul and your kindness. And thank you for keeping me in your prayers, as well. I never expected to be in this situation. It really truly means a lot to me because how you all are helping is not a common thing that people actually do. I really appreciate you and thank you.” – Alissa
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“After the tornado destroyed our house, you gave us literally everything to furnish the temporary place. We had nothing and we needed everything…beds, a tv, a couch, everything. I just can’t say thank you enough.” – James, whose family was one of the victims of last April’s devastating tornado
“Christopher and Jan from St. Vincent came to my home, and I’m embarrassed that it was in absolute disrepair, but they didn’t judge me. They were so nice and have restored my faith in humanity at the darkest time of my life. I truly believe they were angels sent from high above.” – Darlene
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"It is amazing how you all help and make people's lives better, made my life better. You truly are a Blessing for me. I will never forget this. Thank you for everything!” – Louis
“I visited the pantry for the first time with my 4-year old twins and am so glad. I didn’t know about this place before but I was down to almost nothing and couldn’t even think of going to a grocery store. Thank you for letting me come to the pantry and all you do. I’m so grateful.” – June
“I called every single organization in Omaha and you were the only ones who returned my call. I have to tell you that the phone calls and prayers from you all are just as valuable as rent assistance.” – William
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“Thank you so much, really. God bless you all for the sack lunches. I’ve haven’t been homeless too long and you all are so nice to give these out. I also appreciated the really warm coat.” – Cindy, currently homeless who depends on Holy Family for many of her basic needs.
“Oh my gosh, I really thought nobody would help me, but everyone at St. Vincent de Paul has treated me like a real human being. For once in my life I feel like I’m worthy. Many blessings to you all.” – Elizabeth
“Thank you for helping my tenant with rent, and encouraging her to come to me to work out a payment plan. After hearing about her struggles, I was quick to cancel the late fees. You have an amazing organization!” – Sent to the Society by a landlord here in Omaha
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“Hey, it’s the Sock Lady!” St. Columbkille parishioner and former St. Vincent de Paul Conference President, Linda Kueper, turned her head, in response. Being called the “Sock Lady” is something Linda has heard for several years, and she’s gotten pretty comfortable with it.
But, being the “Sock Lady” (more on this later) is not Linda’s only title. She’s also a current SSVP District Council board member, active community volunteer, wife and mother. Linda is also well known in the Papillion area for having boundless energy and a compassionate heart for those who are struggling. And, Linda is effortless in reflecting about how her faith fuels how she lives her life in the service of others; it’s simply part and parcel of who she is. “Being a Christian is not something you say,” shares Linda, “it’s something you do!”
As background …. Linda Kueper was born in the Carroll, Iowa area and comes by her caring nature – and her faith – honestly. Shares Linda: “My dad especially set a great example for my siblings and me. He owned and operated the local Purina Store. But, in reality, and by his nature, my dad just took care of people who were struggling. He helped people. And, he told us kids that we needed to be involved in our church, and in our community, caring for the poor – although he always called it `financially challenged’, a term I still use today.
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“So much of the assistance that my dad provided was behind the scenes. He helped raise funds for our hometown church, as well as would help pay Catholic school tuition for kids who had a parent who’d lost a job and couldn’t afford it. If he heard that there was a family who was just scraping by, he would make sure they had enough money to feed their families and would even drop food off to them. Dad was one of the most generous, kindhearted people I’ve ever known.”
Linda attended Clarke College in Dubuque, and her husband, Joe, attended Loras College, also in Dubuque. They got married after college, at which time Joe joined the Air Force, causing them to move quite a bit during his career. The Kuepers lived in Holland, England, Mississippi, Texas and Alabama. In 1985, Joe got assigned to Offutt Air Force Base. “We really loved the Bellevue and Papillion area, and, when Joe retired, we knew we wanted to stay put,” shares Linda. “We love it here.”
The Kuepers sent their kids to Catholic school, initially in Bellevue, at the Air Force’s family-sponsored Cardinal Spellman School. There, Linda raised funds to help pay the school’s delinquent tax debt and, thus, saving it from being sold – with it ultimately becoming the new St. Mathew’s Parish in the late `80s. By then, the Kuepers had moved to Papillion and the St. Columbkille Parish and School.
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It was at St. Columbkille where Linda met Vincentian Kathy Burson who enlisted her to join their conference and fund raise to help their struggling neighbors. To this end, Linda organized the parish’s first of several annual garage sales. “That first garage sale was SO successful,” shares Linda. “We raised over $12,000 in just two days for our conference. We were delighted of course, as that became the seed money for our SSVP conference. Of course, at that time, there wasn’t a St. Vincent de Paul thrift store in the area, although it wasn't long before we started one. It seemed like the most natural thing to do. Kathy and I were a good match, so we became St. Columbkille’s first SSVP Co-Presidents".
In addition to her involvement with St. Vincent de Paul, over the years, Linda has also been a St. Columbkille Lector, EMHC (Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion) and a member of the church’s Development Committee. She also has branched out to become one of the more involved volunteers within the larger community, as she is an active member with “Lift Up Sarpy County”, whose mission is to help families within the county obtain the resources needed to fill their basic needs.
Circling back to Linda’s “Sock Lady” moniker….
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Three years ago, a St. Columbkille Grade School Religious Education teacher was trying to decide what the school’s Fall community service project would be. The teacher reached out to Linda, who suggested something simple, yet important, like collecting socks to be given to organizations that served the homeless – which the school decided to do. Linda spoke to the students, not only encouraging them in their sock drive, but also asking the students to pray for each of the people living on the streets who would benefit from this drive. The drive was dubbed “Socktober”, which was also when the students began fondly referring to Linda as the “Sock Lady.” That first sock drive was a huge success, collecting 8,000 pairs of socks, which Linda distributed to the Society’s Holy Family “Closet Door” Ministry, and to area shelters.
The second year of St. Columbkille School’s “Socktober” was even bigger, with 12,000 pairs collected and donated to even more organizations. The 2024 “Socktober” sock drive involved not only the school, but the parish, as well, collecting a total of 13,000 pairs of socks, which Linda distributed to 17 area non-profit organizations. “Because the 2024 drive involved more than just the school kids, some parishioners even began leaving bags of socks on our home’s front porch,” laughs Linda. “I call them our `Porch Pirates’. In all seriousness, though, the school and parish and this whole community are SO generous.”
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To celebrate the end of the 2024 sock drive and donation, St. Columbkille School organized an all-school “Socktober Success Party & Sock Hop” on November 4th. Linda spoke to and thanked the school kids for all of their hard work and prayers, and the parish’s “Shepherds Organization” generously rewarded the top two classrooms that collected the most socks with a pizza party. And, to top things off, former Nebraska Cornhusker Quarterback and legend, Eric Crouch came to this year's celebration, thanking the children for their amazing commitment to those who are less fortunate, and letting them know that the work they do for the homeless is what Jesus would do.
Even when the “Socktober” sock drive/collection is not going on, Linda’s and Joe’s Papillion home continues to see local “Porch Pirates” dropping off socks, clothing, blankets and other necessities for people in need. “They know I’ll find a home for whatever they want to donate,” shares Linda, “and I’m more than happy to make sure it all goes to those who can really use and appreciate it.”
After all, and as Linda so matter-of-factly states: Being a Christian is not something you say, it’s something you do. And, no one does it quite like Linda Kueper.
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We would like to give a big thank you to the crew from
Premier Claims who volunteered their time and efforts to our Holy Family Ministries earlier this month!
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This team of 10, filled with energy and excitement to serve, was split across multiple volunteer efforts. Many of them helped to make our sack lunch meals for the day and even were able to help prep snacks for the following day! Another volunteer worked with our ministries manager, Jeff Spangrud, in the Closet Door, helping provide clothing for our homeless neighbors. Two more volunteers from Premier Claims helped to repaint our small chapel upstairs. With their help, the room has again become a peaceful spot where volunteers can choose to pray before beginning their service to those in need.
Thank you again to Premier Claims for choosing SSVP Omaha and Holy Family for their volunteer efforts!
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Please join us for our 16th Annual Strawberry Brunch at St. Wenceslaus Church on Saturday, June 14th from 10 AM to 1 PM!
For $45 per person, this Strawberry Brunch will include refreshments (including mimosas!), a filling meal, and the chance to participate in our raffle and silent auction!
All of the proceeds from this event will benefit our food pantry at 2101 Leavenworth St. Please keep an eye out for additional information regarding reserving a seat!
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Bethany Siedenburg is an Occupational Therapy doctoral student at Creighton University, as well as an excellent and very committed SSVP Omaha Sack Lunch volunteer. Normally, every Tuesday morning, you can find Bethany - taking a break from her studies - volunteering at our Holy Family Center, making sandwiches or bagging chips and cookies to hand to out to our homeless neighbors.
Early this spring semester, however, Bethany (on the right in the photo) was in the Dominican Republic doing an OT rotation as part of her studies through Creighton’s Institute for Latin American Concern in Santiago, DR. Coincidentally, Bethany’s OT rotation was at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Santiago’s elderly and hospice care center!
No doubt, this cross-cultural (and cross-Society of St. Vincent de Paul) experience will only help make Bethany an even better professional, once she’s finished with her studies at CU.
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Our SSVP Omaha thrift stores carry all kinds of high-quality items from clothing and decor, to furniture!
However, our stores are running low on furniture donations! If you, or someone you know, is no longer using a furniture piece (couches, tables, chairs, etc.) please consider donating it to your local SSVP Omaha thrift store! Our stores operate solely off of donations, and furniture donations provide a great way for low-income families to decorate their homes. These donations also allow us to fund the critical services the Society provides to those struggling in Omaha. SSVP Omaha's thrift store locations - including donation hours - can be found below.
Thank you for supporting the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha's Thrift Stores!
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For this year's Galentine's and Valentine's days, February 13th & 14th, you can enjoy 50% off all Jewelry at our SSVP Omaha thrift stores!
By donating to or shopping at our Society of St. Vincent de Paul stores, you help support the critical services we provide for those in need in Omaha. We would like to thank you for all of your support!
| SSVP OMAHA THRIFT STORE LOCATIONS: | |
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12301 West Center Road
Mon-Sat, 10 AM-8 PM
Sun, 12 PM-5 PM
(402) 933-8242
Donation Hours: Mon-Sat, 10 AM-5 PM, Sun 12 PM-4 PM
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2101 Leavenworth Street
Tues-Sat, 9:30 AM-5:30 PM
(402) 341-1689
Donation Hours: Tues-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-5 PM
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Want more information on the Society's Thrift Stores? Just click HERE! | |
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