DEAR FRIENDS, The change of seasons is – like the ebb of ocean tides or the rotation of the moon – simply inevitable. As the weather starts to trend warmer, the trees begin to flower, and the days grow longer, I can’t help but to let my mind wander back to the events that unfolded last spring. Through a peripheral glance, things may seem like they haven’t changed much in a year. Masks are still a must at the grocery store. Large concerts, parades, and conventions are still on hold or canceled altogether. Most meetings are still being held virtually rather than face-to-face. And at our Don & Phyllis Neyer Outreach Center, our doors remain closed, for now, to many of our neighbors, volunteers and visitors.
to continue to offer the basic necessities, including food, medicine, clothing, and rent and utilities assistance to our neighbors in need. Many volunteers, especially our dedicated Vincentians, persist in finding ways to offer up their time, talents and resources. And, over just the past few months, curbside services at the Neyer Outreach Center have expanded to include A1C testing for diabetes patients as well as vaccinations for hundreds seeking immunization from the COVID-19 virus.
I do miss the days of volunteering side-by-side with my friends and colleagues, I can see – just like the arrival of a new season – that change is blooming. Although I am not exactly sure of when or how, I remain hopeful that a return to some version of normalcy is on its way. In the meantime, we will continue to feed, clothe, house, and heal as neighbors helping neighbors.
In the pages of this newsletter, you’ll find the stories of some of our team members who have helped make all of this possible. We’ve also shared the story of our neighbor, Alfreda, who found hope during this especially difficult time, by reaching out to one of our Conferences.
Through deeper introspection, however, I can see just how far we’ve come. Throughout the past year, we’ve pivoted our operations
Over the past year, we have found new ways to connect with one another – and have harnessed the power of technology to collaborate, celebrate, and pray together. While
Name: Norm Zins
Your role in the Society: Neighbor Visitor and Spiritual Advisor
How long have you been a Vincentian? About 8 years
How did you become a Vincentian? I felt a calling to get involved with the Society.
Conference: Corpus Christi/ St. John Neumann
Most memorable Home Visit: During a phone neighbor visit, the neighbor opened his Bible to read along with the scripture verse that was being shared with him. He shared that he had not been in as good of a relationship with God lately and he wanted to improve that.
Cindy Givens St. Vincent de Paul Board Vice President
Vincentian Spotlight: Norm Zins Biggest lesson you’ve learned as a Vincentian? My fellow Vincentians are very spirit filled people. The spiritual depth of each Vincentian I know is an inspiration to me. It is such a privilege to be with them and learn from them! We truly are the Body of Christ working, living and caring for our neighbors as we work together to contribute to our spiritual growth. Being Vincentians is who we are not what we do. What has made you stick with the ministry? Spiritual growth. I was surprised at finding out that my purpose of being a Vincentian was my spiritual growth. It is a lifelong journey. Our neighbors are very spiritual people and I am inspired by their faithfulness and humility. 2
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