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2008 Annual Report - St. Vincent de Paul

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Dear Friends,<br />

Last year was filled with uncertainty, setbacks and misfortunes for local<br />

families. Gas prices spiked, the cost of food soared and a major windstorm<br />

blew through Cincinnati. Then the economic crisis hit and our city’s suffering<br />

grew. We saw the effects first hand as the number of calls for help escalated<br />

at an alarming rate. At times, we were not sure how we could respond to<br />

so much need.<br />

Among the extreme circumstances — the layoffs, home repairs and general<br />

cost of living increases — there were also illnesses, injuries and unexpected<br />

expenses that set many families back financially. Those living paycheck to<br />

paycheck, teetering on the edge of poverty, sud<strong>de</strong>nly found themselves facing<br />

eviction. Working class families found themselves won<strong>de</strong>ring where their next<br />

meal would come from. Neighbors already struggling in poverty now found<br />

themselves sleeping in shelters.<br />

But through the <strong>de</strong>spair, hope shone through. In <strong>2008</strong>, <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Vincent</strong> <strong>de</strong> <strong>Paul</strong><br />

volunteers and donors touched the lives of more than 81,000 people. Often a<br />

little help at the right moment was all that was nee<strong>de</strong>d to get someone back<br />

on their feet. Individuals, the el<strong>de</strong>rly, parents and children were clothed, fed<br />

and given shelter. Families needing a hand up were given practical support,<br />

a prayer, and the hope to press on.<br />

Mark Kroeger Presi<strong>de</strong>nt<br />

Society of <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Vincent</strong> <strong>de</strong> <strong>Paul</strong>,<br />

Cincinnati<br />

Liz Carter Executive Director<br />

Society of <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Vincent</strong> <strong>de</strong> <strong>Paul</strong>,<br />

Cincinnati<br />

All this has happened because you<br />

respon<strong>de</strong>d to their needs. Thank<br />

you for your continued faith and<br />

support for this ministry.<br />

You brought hope home. You<br />

changed lives. And we thank you.<br />

<strong>2008</strong> SOCIETY of ST. VINCENT DE PAUL / ANNUAL REPORT<br />

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