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Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha
January 2024 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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IN THIS ISSUE:
- A message from our Executive Director
- Conference Spotlight
- Food Pantry Neighbor in Need
- Annual Vincentian Mass & Breakfast
- Consolidated Donation Receipts
- Stuff the Truck (Food & Toy Collection)
- Christmas Dinner for Our Homeless Neighbors
- AOH Check Presentation
- SSVP Coat Giveaway Continues - Lift Up Sarpy
- SSVP Food Pantry Partnership
- SSVP Thrift Stores Sales Colors
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Message from our Executive Director, Jill Lynch-Sosa
“We should ever be grateful for, and love the vocation to which God has called us.”
-Blessed Solanus Casey, Franciscan Friar & Priest
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Dear SSVP Friends,
The word “vocation” is from the Latin vocāre, meaning “to call." A vocation, then, is a calling, specifically a call from God. Such a call can come to us in many forms – a nagging feeling that we cannot shake, a pang in our conscience or an event in our lives that seems to hold deeper meaning. It is often in times of reflection and prayer that we may feel most attuned to God’s voice, but His call is not bound by our attention to it.
Interestingly, what matters most is not the call, but our answer to it.
As I’m finishing my first year as Executive Director, I’ve been reflecting on the countless people I’ve met through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul who have been answering their own call to be of service to individuals and families in need. Whether they are Vincentians or other volunteers, donors, staff, or those who pray for the Society – these wonderful people have said “yes” to helping relieve the suffering of the poor and marginalized of our community.
I, too, feel called… called to be a servant leader of an incredibly important organization which keeps the “least among us” at the forefront of all that we are and all that we do. Reflecting on this past year, I feel so very grateful – and am a better person – for the many opportunities I’ve had to witness those affiliated with the Society answer their own personal call to be of service to others, and to grow in their relationship with God. And, if you’re reading this, you most assuredly have also been called – and you’re continuing to answer that call – to be a part of this same endeavor. For this I thank you.
As you read through this newsletter, I would ask you to be mindful of how you hear the call to be of service to the poor – in whatever way you do so – through your affiliation with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. I would also ask you to pay special attention to this theme of vocational “calling”, which is front and center of those affiliated with our spotlighted SSVP conference, St. Wenceslaus.
Thank you, and may God bless you for all you do to help your neighbors in need. I wish you a very happy and blessed New Year.
Gratefully,
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Jill Lynch-Sosa
Executive Director
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SSVP CONFERENCE SPOTLIGHT
ST. WENCESLAUS
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul conference’s ministry at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church is very much part and parcel of the larger parish’s mission. Case in point? When you walk through the front doors of this beautiful church at 153rd & Pacific Streets, you are greeted by four permanent, artfully-constructed wooden donation receptacles, where parishioners can donate food, clothing and personal care items, which are weekly transported to the SSVP Pantry and Closet Door homeless ministries. In fact, in just a 5-minute span on a recent afternoon, two St. Wenceslaus parishioners did exactly that, with St. Wenceslaus’ conference President, Gene Walker (in photo) gratefully accepting these donations with a “Thank you and God bless you.”
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What else is this amazingly pastoral, generous and hard-working SSVP conference up to? Well, a lot. In addition to the ongoing material donation efforts, above, St. Wenceslaus Vincentians and other parishioners are involved in a variety of SSVP endeavors which serve our Omaha community’s neighbors in need, including:
- Sustained visits by Vincentians with neighbors who are facing eviction or utility shut-off, and offering financial assistance to prevent such outcomes;
- Several St. Wenceslaus women regularly volunteer, sorting and giving away donated clothing to homeless neighbors at our Holy Family Closet Door homeless ministry at 17th & Izard Street;
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- Many Vincentians and non-Vincentian St. Wenceslaus parishioners volunteer at the Society’s pantry at 21st & Leavenworth, ensuring that some of the poorest families in our community have enough to eat;
- Historically, St. Wenceslaus and its members have helped organize and host SSVP Omaha’s “Strawberry Brunch," a fundraiser for the Society’s food pantry;
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- St. Wencesalus parishioners regularly donate clothing and other items to our SSVP’s Westwood Plaza thrift store. Many St. Wenceslaus parishioners and their teenage kids volunteer at this same store;
- On this same note, St. Wenceslaus' SSVP conference annually hosts a parish-wide drive to collect and donate clothing and other household items to benefit St. Vincent de Paul's four thrift stores.
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- In conjunction with, and supported by St. Wenceslaus’ Knights of Columbus, the SSVP conference is a generous donor to St. Vincent de Paul Omaha’s annual “Winter Coat Drive & Giveaway” – including providing well over 300 brand new coats in 2023;
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- St. Wenceslaus parish hosts a “Charity of the Month" with a number of months’ financial donations supporting various SSVP ministries;
- St. Wenceslaus’s SSVP conference often provides financial resources to other parishes’ SSVP conferences’ outreach to their neighbors in need.
- Over the years, a number of St. Wenceslaus Vincentians have served on the board of directors of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha, including Diane Mead (pictured, speaking at the Society’s recent annual mass and breakfast meeting at St. Vincent de Paul Church).
Gene Walker – longtime President of St. Wenceslaus’ SSVP Conference – shares some of his own personal story of his involvement with the ministry of St. Vincent de Paul: “I have to say that my Jesuit high school in Houston introduced the concept of leading a life of service to others. And, as I grew older, got married and had children, I’ve felt a very real calling to the work of serving the poor in our community.”
Gene continues: “I truly connect the service that the Society provides to Jesus’ teaching in the Gospel of Matthew – `For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I needed clothes and you clothed me.’ That’s what we do here at the Society, and, as Jesus goes on to say, `Whenever you did any of these things for the least of your brothers and sisters, you did them for me.’ In a very real way, serving our neighbors is really serving our God. Here at St. Wenceslaus, we have 25-30 active Vincentians and I think that each one of us has felt a similar calling to be of service to our brothers and sisters in their time of need.”
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St. Wenceslaus Vincentian, Rose Berkey (in photo on the right) echoes such sentiments: “I became involved with the Society because I believe God wants me to be of assistance to others who are struggling, helping them with the most basic things in life, like securing food, clothing and housing. I enjoy helping others and I feel so blessed that I can do so.”
Longtime St. Wenceslaus Vincentian, Diane Mead, reflects on her path of involvement with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul as she shares: “My career was in the business world, although I’d always wanted to be a social worker. When I had a sabbatical from work, I began volunteering at the SSVP Omaha’s main office. This time away from work truly drew me in and reminded me of why I’d thought about social work in the first place. As I’ve become more involved with the Society, I definitely realize that this winding road for me was a calling – by God – to serve the least of my brethren. It’s simply where my heart is. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity – in my own small way – to be one of the many hands of God, here on earth, which is what the Society is really all about.”
As he was finishing his thoughts about St. Wenceslaus and the impact of the parish’s SSVP Conference, Gene Walker closes with the following: “For me, this call to serve was really just a natural response to the graces that God has bestowed on me. And, as I’ve had the opportunity to interact with, and serve our parish’s neighbors in need, I just have to say that that call has only gotten stronger, over the years.”
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NEIGHBOR IN NEED
FRED KILGORE
Military Veteran, Fred Kilgore, has been through a lot in his life. Originally from Omaha and the son of a Baptist Minister, Fred served our country bravely in the United States Army. It’s no surprise that serving God and country came rather naturally to Fred, who’s father was also a US Army veteran, being awarded the Bronze Star, related to his efforts on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France.
Now retired, Fred had a successful career in California as an international contract specialist for a Fortune 500 company. In order to care for his aging parents, Fred moved back to Omaha in the early 2000s. Fred’s dad died in 2016 and his mom passed away in 2020. After Fred’s mom died, Fred became extremely depressed, struggled with addiction, and eventually ended up homeless.
Now clean and sober and housed in an apartment not far from the SSVP Food Pantry, Fred proudly professes to be “living life on life’s terms.” This adage could not be more real for Fred, as finances have been very tight recently, and he found himself unable to afford very much food. As such, in late December, Fred visited the Society’s Pantry for the very first time.
Shares Fred: “I felt a little `sheepish’ about having to ask for help, but I really didn’t know what else to do. I really needed groceries.” SSVP volunteer “companion” Ann Sasich (pictured, with Fred), escorted Fred around the pantry, making sure that he was able to obtain the food he needed - nearly a week’s worth of groceries.
“My experience at the pantry really was amazing,” Fred continues. “I could hardly believe the variety and quality of the items they had … and they simply gave me the food, free of charge. And Anne made me feel that it was really okay for me to be there. I’m so thankful to her and to the Society and to all of the volunteers. This food makes such a difference, and I just couldn’t be more grateful.”
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha is equally grateful to Fred for his military service, and it’s our honor to be able to provide this “hand up” to Fred in his time of need.
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On Sunday, December 3rd, 2023, SSVP Omaha held our annual Vincentian mass and breakfast meeting at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. The parish graciously opened their doors to the hundreds of Vincentians in attendance at the mass, which nearly filled the church’s parish center’s Kampschneider Hall for the subsequent breakfast and business meeting.
The Society’s Board and Council President, Kevin Grode, served as emcee, with the Archdiocese of Omaha’s Chancellor, Tim McNeil, providing an inspiring talk on spirituality and service to the poor.
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With board Secretary, Diane Mead, assisting, Kevin Grode led the commissioning ceremony, officially recognizing new Vincentians, Conference Presidents and Spiritual Advisors from 2023.
The following people (photo at top) were commissioned as Vincentians: Katie Baker, Mike Balkus, Craig Broadstone, Betty Cline, Rick Cline, Ben Cordova, Julieanne Dunn, Lynn Garcia-Taylor, Rod Hewlett, Donna Hewlett, Andrea Hill, Ed Kentch, Brian Krause, Mike Matejka, Lezlie McPherson, Marcia Miller, Loretta Mills, Joe Nowak, Maureen Olsen, Steve Olsen, Ralph Pulte, Mark Sand, Rose Sand, Bill Schmidt, Geri Schmidt, Mark Schulte, Michelle Stearns, Theresa Vacek, Donna Vogt, Terry Vogt, Chantel Wirthalm, Haley Withrow, David Wooten, Teresa Wooten and Paul Ysusi.
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Mary Adams, Mark McNamara, Mike Miller, Bill Schmidt, Kevin Vaughan, and Paul Ysusi )in photo, directly above) were commissioned as new Presidents of their respective conferences, and Mary Jo Hopfensberger, and Jay Winkler were commissioned as Spiritual Advisors (in photo to the right).
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Each year at this meeting, the Society recognizes a Vincentian volunteer for their outstanding work with the poor, following the example of the organization’s founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam, his mentor, Sr. Rosalie Rendu, and St. Vincent de Paul. As early 19th century Frenchmen often did, Frederic Ozanam wore a top hat. As such, the top hat has become an iconic symbol to the local Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Now, the “Top Hat Award” is presented annually to a Vincentian volunteer whose life and service exemplifies a person with a compassionate heart for those in need. This year’s “Top Hat” was awarded to Rich Norton, who is with St. James’ SSVP Conference.
We would like to congratulate all those who were newly-commissioned this day, as well as laud Rich Norton (pictured with his wife, Lou Ann) for being recognized as the 2023 Top Hat Award winner!
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Unless otherwise instructed, the Society sends thank-you e-mails/letters for each financial donation we receive from our generous donors, like YOU, throughout the year. These "Thank-You's" can be used as receipts when filing your 2023 tax returns.
However, we can also send out End-of-Year, consolidated receipts - detailing each individual gift and gift date of all gifts made during the entirety of 2023 - to anyone who wishes to receive such information. Please click HERE to let us know that you would like to receive an End-of-Year, consolidated receipt.
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Early this December, WOWT Channel 6 News and Methodist Health Systems hosted their 2023 winter Stuff the Truck drive. This event invited individuals from around the Omaha community to come together and donate food and toys for our neighbors facing financial difficulties during the Christmas season.
Thanks to generous donors from across Omaha this event was an AMAZING success with over 36,000 pounds of food raised and given to our pantry for our neighbors in need.
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Unsurprisingly, 36,000 pounds of food takes up quite a bit of space! Shelves were moved and pallets of food were brought onto the pantry floor. However, the pantry needed to be restocked and transformed back within just a few days before the pantry reopened. | |
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Yet, with the help of many hands, including Coach Tom Horton and his Papillion La Vista South softball team, along with our pantry volunteers, the pantry was quickly stocked and ready to serve our neighbors in need.
Everyone at the pantry was so thankful for the help they received from the softball team. In fact, Coach Horton and his teams have been helping our pantry restock and organize our Stuff the Truck donations for over 10 years! Tom is truly a man who knows how to give back to his community and set a good example for the next generation.
We are beyond grateful for WOWT 6 News, Methodist Health Systems, our volunteers and donors, and everyone else who helped make this Stuff the Truck such a wonderful success.
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For most of us, Christmas is a day to look forward to - a wonderful day full of the joy of giving. Unfortunately, this is not always the case with our homeless neighbors, who may not even be able to afford their next meal. To spread a little Christmas cheer, our staff at the district office decided to host a feast for our homeless friends on the 21st - the Thursday before Christmas day!
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Our feast included "roast beast" (pulled pork) sandwiches, potato, macaroni, and fruit salads, and, of course, some Christmas sweets. And to keep the Christmas spirit going, all of our neighbors received a wrapped gift - a thermos and/or rechargeable hand warmers - to help them keep warm throughout the colder days ahead.
This Christmas feast fed nearly 200 of our homeless neighbors.
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All of this would not have been possible without the contributions and gifts we receive from our generous donors throughout the year. So, from all of us here at the Society - thank you for helping make this Christmas celebration for our homeless neighbors possible, and, we hope you had a blessed Christmas!
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This October, the Ancient Order of the Hibernians & and the Irish Charities of Nebraska hosted a golf outing to benefit local non-profits serving those in need in Omaha, including the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
Early last month, Bob and Alice from AOH and Irish Charities stopped by to present the Society with the donations raised for SSVP Omaha through their fundraiser! We were so happy to have Bob and Alice stop by our Holy Family Center so they could see, first-hand, the programs we offer and how they benefit our homeless and near-homeless neighbors.
We would like to thank everyone who participated and donated during the tournament, as well as everyone from AOH & Irish Charities who made this event possible. We are so grateful to be included in this event with other amazing non-profits - all in service and dedication to families and individuals in need - right here in Omaha. All of us here at the Society can’t wait for this year’s tournament! ⛳️🏌️♂️
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This year our SSVP coat drives, with your help, were able to raise over 5,200 coats and over 7,000 winter accessories like gloves, hats, and scarves - all raised with the needs of others in mind.
With so many quality coats and accessories, we were unable to give them all away in one day! After our Coat Giveaway on November 4th, where nearly 4,200 of our neighbors received coats, enough coats remained to host another "pop-up" giveaway in south Omaha where another 750 neighbors were given coats. 500 more coats were donated to our Closet Door ministry, where they will continue to be handed out to our homeless and near-homeless neighbors throughout the winter.
The remaining 600 coats were given this December to Lift Up Sarpy, another local non-profit dedicated to helping those in need. We are so delighted and grateful to be able to offer so many of our neighbors with coats this winter, and we couldn't have done it without you - our volunteers and generous donors to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha.
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SAVING GRACE PERISHABLE FOOD RESCUE
Each week, drivers from the non-profit, Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue, drops off more than 100 pounds of food to our SSVP Food Pantry. This food - "rescued" from local businesses, hotels and other food retailers - would likely have been thrown away is, instead, given away to Omaha neighbors in need who visit our pantry.
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In late December, Saving Grace's driver, Mark Heckerson, posed for a quick photo, prior to moving on to his next stop.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha would like to thank everyone associated with Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue for this great partnership, and for the many thousands of pounds of food that is dropped off, annually!
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Check out the upcoming sales colors for our SSVP Thrift Stores! With four stores around Omaha, there is always an SSVP Thrift Store nearby.
The SSVP Thrift Store staff wishes you all the best in the new year!
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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
Mon-Sat, 9 AM-6 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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