2008 Annual Report - St. Vincent de Paul
2008 Annual Report - St. Vincent de Paul
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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