2008 Annual Report - St. Vincent de Paul

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14 Leanne Leanne has devoted her life to caring for her two sons, ages 3 and 5. She lives paycheck to paycheck, but has always been very careful about staying within her budget. But when the children’s father tried to re-enter their lives, he became abusive. Leanne was afraid to be in her own home where he could find her and the children. Then Leanne also found out her youngest son had developed a brain tumor. In her moment of desperation, Leanne came to St. Vincent de Paul for help, “I can’t fully take care of my son’s health when worrying about our safety,” she said. Leanne wanted to move to a place where her abuser would never find her, but she needed help with the deposit. A St. Vincent de Paul client advocate listened to Leanne’s story, promised help to get the new apartment and prayed with her. Leanne and her 3-year-old son grasped the hands of this stranger who was there in their time of need and prayed for guidance, protection and healing. Leanne’s son squeezed his eyes tight and nodded, somehow knowing what was at stake. “Thank you Jesus,” Leanne prayed in that moment when she knew she could lay down her old fears in order to face the new challenges in her life.
Fighting Homelessness St. Vincent de Paul’s help is diverse and far-reaching. It can be seen in our West End offices where a staff member prays with a single father deeply relieved that he no longer has to sleep with his son in the backseat of a car. Or in St. Vincent de Paul members visiting a young couple needing help with a deposit on a smaller apartment after being laid off. More often it begins in prevention by helping to pay a bill to keep electricity turned on or give a family running water once again. The assistance given at St. Vincent de Paul is not empty charity, but emotional healing with practical help and a step toward regaining self-sufficiency. In 2008, 3,573 families received assistance to be able to stay in their homes. “I am very thankful for St. Vincent de Paul. I don’t know what I would have done without their help.” Glenda Community programs 2008 SOCIETY of ST. VINCENT DE PAUL / ANNUAL REPORT 15
Page 3 and 4: Everyone is called to be a servant
Page 5: Dear Friends, Last year was filled
Page 8 and 9: 8 Kathryn Kathryn held close the ph
Page 10 and 11: 10 For years Cassandra worked in fo
Page 12 and 13: 12 Jack & Debbie Jack and Debbie ta
Page 16 and 17: 16 Mike & Susan When Mike pictured
Page 18 and 19: 18 Some of Our Other Programs Opera
Page 20 and 21: 20 Total value of program services
Page 22 and 23: 22 Parish List Society of St. Vince
Page 24 and 25: 24 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas L. Neyer Mr.
Page 26 and 27: Special Thanks We offer our sincere
Page 28: The Society of St. Vincent de Paul

2008 Annual Report - St. Vincent de Paul

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