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Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha
September 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
- Volunteer Spotlight - Emma Eberhart
- Where Does SSVP Omaha Get Its Funding?
- SSVP Coat Drive and Giveaways
- Jill Lynch-Sosa Elected to National SSVP Board of Directors
- St. Vincent de Paul Feast Day (and YOU are invited to attend)
- Ancient Order of Hibernians/Irish Charities Golf Tournament
- Thrift Stores Sale!
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A Message from our Executive Director, Jill Lynch-Sosa
"Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor."
-1 Corinthians 10:24
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“Our aim,” St. Vincent once said, “should be always to consider that someone else is worth much more than we are.” The Apostle Paul urged the same: “humbly regard others as more important than yourselves.”
I don’t know about you, but I find those words hard to live by. Too often, I catch myself putting my own needs first. To truly regard others as more important than myself is something I long for, but often struggle to practice. Two fundamental pillars of Catholic Social Teaching help guide me. The first is that every human life - every person - is sacred and made in the image of God, and therefore must be treated with love, respect, and dignity. The second reminds us to give priority to the needs of the poor and vulnerable. And yet, I know this is exactly the life Christ calls us to - the life He modeled so completely in His humility and sacrifice.
The truth is, it isn’t only soldiers who fall on grenades or people who give their lives for another who live this teaching. We can live it too, in the quiet acts of love, the everyday choices to put another’s good before our own. This is what Christ showed us, and what He invites us into.
I think often of our neighbors who are poor in spirit. They live this humility in ways most of us will never fully know. Like Christ, they are forced to be humbled. And when they come to us - hungry, homeless, struggling - they stand before us in His place, pleading simply to be seen, to be valued, to be loved.
That is why the Society of St. Vincent de Paul exists: to remind them, and to remind ourselves, that their lives matter. That in God’s eyes - and in ours - they are important. And while we may stumble and fall short of perfectly living this call, together we try, one act of service at a time.
But I know we could never do this without you. Your prayers, your generosity, your willingness to walk alongside us - these are what make this mission possible. You remind me that even in our weakness, even in our struggle to be Christlike, God’s grace is alive and working through His people.
Please know you are in my prayers, just as I ask for yours. May God bless you for all the ways you choose love, and for helping us choose it too.
With gratitude,
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Jill Lynch-Sosa
Executive Director
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Meet Emma: Spreading Joy, One Smile
– and One Sandwich – at a Time
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At 8:45 each Wednesday morning, our St. Vincent de Paul Sack Lunchroom lights up. What’s the source of this power? The beaming, infectious smile of Emma Eberhart!
Emma Eberhart has been volunteering to help prepare and distribute sack lunches at St. Vincent de Paul since this past May, and she’s been making friends with everyone she meets ever since. And, even though she’s unable to speak words, Emma easily communicates her joy and acceptance of others – volunteers, staff, and the homeless neighbors she serves – using facial expressions, gestures, vocalizations, and her radiant, smiling brown eyes. At just 22 years old, Emma is already making a lasting impact in her community – one sandwich, one smile, and one act of kindness at a time.
As background… Not long after she was born, Emma was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome, a rare neuro-genetic disorder that affects the nervous system and causes developmental delays, speech challenges, and movement difficulties. But if you spend even five minutes with Emma, you’ll quickly learn that her condition doesn’t define her – it only adds to the unique light she brings into the world.
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Emma’s mom, Teresa, who, with her husband, Pat (pictured, below), shares how they’ve guided Emma’s development over the years: “After Emma’s diagnosis when she was a baby, we realized that we needed to be very intentional to help her be connected and for her life to have meaning. It is important to her dad and me that we support Emma in living her best life, and that she is an active, valued, and contributing member of the community. We want what she is doing in her life to be meaningful to both herself and to those she comes into contact with.”
While researching volunteer opportunities for Emma, Teresa read about our Sack Lunch Program, sharing, “I immediately thought it might be just the sort of thing we were looking for, as Emma enjoys `sensory’ kinds of activities. The two things that drew us to the Sack lunch program were that Emma loves filling containers and she loves people. So, making sack lunches and handing them out to people who would benefit from the joy she brings seemed like a perfect fit.”
Teresa continues, “What has been the cherry on the top has been St. Vincent de Paul’s sense of community. How you have welcomed her into your circle and have created space for her to be able to be successful in her role and to share her gifts has been such a blessing.”
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Emma’s dad, Pat, echoes this sentiment: “Since we moved to Omaha when Emma was in 2nd grade, the outpouring of support she’s received and the friends that she’s made have been instrumental in her growth and development. This has definitely been the case at St. Vincent de Paul. Emma’s volunteering here has really been such a positive benefit for her.”
Observing Emma handing out lunches to our unhoused neighbors, it’s easy to see the hospitable gift she has in making new friends, as well as in helping the neighbors feel seen and accepted. Her joy is contagious. Despite not being able to speak, Emma has a charisma and charm that draws people in. St. Vincent de Paul’s Executive Assistant, Rebecca Darga, shares her thoughts: “Oh, I just love Emma. Everyone does! She brings so much joy to our volunteer crew and to our homeless neighbors. Emma radiates warmth and connection. She meets everyone with love, without judgment. She’s a huge morale booster for our neighbors, and they kind of have `adopted’ her. They love her dearly, and she loves them right back.”
Longtime St. Vincent de Paul volunteer, Bill Gast, shares some closing thoughts of appreciation for Emma’s contributions: “Emma makes everything we do better. She has a way of connecting with fellow volunteers and with the neighbors. Emma teaches us all what unconditional acceptance really looks like. She doesn’t see differences or a divide. She sees people – and she meets them with kindness. When she’s handing out the lunches, so many of our homeless friends personally thank her, saying her name. And Emma loves it!”
In a world that often feels divided, Emma reminds us of the simple power of presence, positivity, and human connection. She may have Angelman Syndrome, but it’s her heart that truly defines her.
We are proud to celebrate Emma as part of our St. Vincent de Paul community. She is proof that everyone – regardless of ability – has something beautiful to offer. And if you’re lucky enough to meet her, don’t be surprised if you walk away with a smile of your own.
| | The Society's Funding - A Message of Gratitude and Clarity | | |
Here at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha, we are often asked a simple but important question: “Where does your funding come from?”
The answer is both humbling and powerful: It comes from you.
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Our support doesn’t come from government grants or even the Catholic Church or the local Archdiocese. Instead, the vast majority comes from the generosity of private individuals, families, and households – neighbors just like you – who believe in our mission and choose to invest in it.
Each meal we serve to the homeless, each visit to our pantry that we provide to struggling neighbors, each family we help keep safe in their home, each household we support following a natural disaster – none of it would be possible without your support. Your giving isn’t just a donation; it’s a direct action of compassion and community.
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Because we don’t rely on government funding or church subsidies, we’re able to stay responsive and rooted in the unique needs of Omaha’s most vulnerable neighbors. That flexibility allows us to serve with dignity, love, and integrity – no red tape, no waiting for approvals, just people helping people!
To every donor reading this: Thank you.
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Your continued generosity is the backbone of our work. Whether you’ve been giving for years or just joined our community, know that your support makes an immediate and lasting impact.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that lives are being changed – because of YOU.
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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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Our Assumption Church coat giveaway on October 11th is just over one month away! As a reminder, there will be two coat giveaways this year to ensure we can serve as many of our neighbors as possible. They will occur:
• Sat., Oct. 11th, 2025 from 3-7pm at the Assumption Church/School Gymnasium | 5602 South 22nd Street
• Sat., Oct. 25th, 2025 from 8am-1pm at Omaha Home for Boys | 4343 North 52nd Street
At these two events, we expect to distribute over 5,000 coats to those in need. However, we will need YOUR help to reach this goal! Check out the ways below you can support SSVP Omaha and these events:
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Donate New or Used Coats
You can donate new or gently-used clean coats (and/or new accessories) at any of our four SSVP Omaha thrift store locations. To ensure they end up in the correct location, please mark your donations as “Coat Drive.”
Another option is to order new winter coats through the Knights of Columbus' "Coats for Kids" website. We encourage you to order as many boxes of WINTER (not lightweight) coats for children, teens, or adults, as you are able. Generally, there are 12 winter coats per box.
Important Information When Ordering Coats:
- Please feel free to have all winter coats delivered to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha’s District Office, located at 1715 Izard Street, Omaha, NE 68102 – Attention: Rebecca Darga.
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In order to help us keep track of quantities of winter coats and sizes – PLEASE let us know what you’ve ordered through the Knights of Columbus’ “Coats for Kids” website by sending an email to SSVP's Executive Assistant, Rebecca Darga, at rebecca.darga@ssvpomaha.org.
- To ensure that the coats arrive prior to the giveaways, the last day to order coats through the K of C's "Coats for Kids" webpage is October 1st, 2025.
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You can also donate directly to the Society HERE. We will use these donated funds to purchase winter coats and accessories for the drive.
Volunteer:
Volunteer sign-ups will be available soon! You can volunteer your time by helping to set up and tear down the event, organizing coats, registering visitors, or escorting our neighbors as they pick out their coats! Your help is critical to making these events function as efficiently as possible.
NOTE: Bi-lingual speakers are a HUGE help as we receive many neighbors who do not speak much, if any English.
Keep an eye out for a subsequent email with information on how you can volunteer your time at this year's Coat Giveaway events.
| | Big News: Our Executive Director Joins the National Board! | | We are thrilled to share some exciting news from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha: our Executive Director, Jill Lynch-Sosa, has been elected to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA’s National Board of Directors! Jill will serve a two-year term on the Board, helping to shape the future of our organization on a national level. | |
This is a tremendous honor – not only for Jill, personally, but for all of us at SSVP Omaha. Her election reflects the strong leadership, compassion, and commitment she brings to our mission every day. It also shows that the work being done right here in Omaha is gaining recognition on a broader scale.
As a member of the National Board, Jill will be part of key decisions that impact Vincentian efforts across the country. Her voice will represent not only our local community, but also the countless individuals and families we serve in the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul.
We are incredibly proud of Jill’s achievement, and we hope you – our supporters, volunteers, and friends – share in that pride. Your support makes all of this possible.
Please join us in congratulating Jill on this well-deserved honor!
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6 PM, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23RD
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND!
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You are cordially invited to attend mass and a reception – here at our Holy Family Center at 1715 Izard Street – celebrating the feast day of St. Vincent de Paul. Of course, the 23rd is a few days prior to the actual feast day, although we are coinciding this mass and reception with our SSVP Omaha’s conference presidents’ annual meeting.
Schedule for Tuesday, September 23rd:
5:00 pm – Conference Presidents’ Annual Meeting
6:00 pm – Mass celebrating the Feast Day of St. Vincent de Paul
6:45 pm – Reception with refreshments for all attendees
Prayers/Special Intentions
We would also like to ask if you have any prayers/special intentions that you’d like offered at the mass. If you do, please feel free to email these prayers/special intentions to the Society’s Development Director, Tim Sully, HERE – and we will ensure that they’re included during the Prayers of Petition (anonymously, of course, regardless of whether you’re able to attend).
| | WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23RD! | | The Ancient Order of Hibernians & Irish Charities of Nebraska Golf Tournament is happening tomorrow – Saturday, September 6th – starting at 11am! | |
This event, which marks the 22nd annual tournament, will serve as a fundraiser for a few local organizations helping those in need in our community – including SSVP Omaha! Beyond enjoying a wonderful afternoon of golf at the beautiful Tregaron Golf Course, located at 13909 Glengarry Circle, golfers can expect special games, a taco buffet, and prizes!
| Foursomes are $400, which includes golf, carts, dinner, and prizes. Singles are also welcome! To sign up, email Mike Addy from the Ancient Order of the Hibernians at MichaelJAddy@Yahoo.com or text at 402-740-5689. | | |
Join us on the last Saturday of the month, September 27th, where you can get 50% off your entire order by shopping at SSVP Omaha! *
We have lots of beautiful items waiting to find their new homes! Find your favorite at our SSVP Omaha thrift stores on Saturday, September 27th!
*Mattresses not included in sale*
| | 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! | | | | |
