Vincentian Volunteers of Cincinnati:
CALLED TO SERVE In my life, I want to become better, and do a little good. Those words are attributed to Bl. Frederic Ozanam, who founded the Society of St. Vincent de Paul along with fellow students studying at the Sorbonne in Paris in 1833. In that same spirit, Sarah Miller, current VVC SVDP brings together a group of young professionals, ages 21-30, to participate in an 11-month-long, faith-based residential service program each year, known as Vincentian Volunteers of Cincinnati (VVC). VVC program participants build new skills through full-time work placements at SVDP. Additionally, VVC participants live in intentional community, sharing weekly meals, praying together, and engaging in reflection on social justice issues, both locally and globally. Sarah Miller is currently participating in the VVC program after graduating from Mount St. Joseph University with a degree in social work. Sarah says serving as a Social Services Associate in the Neyer Outreach Center has helped prepare her for her career by giving her hands-on experience in direct service to neighbors. “I spend most of the day doing case work, with about six or seven rent and utility cases a week. I talk to neighbors about what their situation is, and how we can best assist them.”
Beyond professional development, the VVC program also seeks to help participants grow in the Vincentian values of simplicity, humility, gentleness, selflessness and zeal. VVC alum Mary Ellen Ostrowski Mary Ellen Ostrowski, VVC alum participated in two years of VVC, first serving a placement as a Patient Advocate for the SVDP Charitable Pharmacy and then serving a placement as Program Coordinator for VVC. Now she works as a registered nurse in Chicago and reflects fondly on the “intentionality” VVC brought into her life. Mary Ellen says, “Although far from perfect, decisions about how I spend my money, my interactions at home and at work, and the choices I make when it comes to what I buy, wear, and eat – all those decisions come with a lot more thoughtfulness.” Vincentian Volunteers of Cincinnati is currently recruiting for its ’22-’23 service year, which will begin in August 2022. Interested applicants should apply by June 19 by completing an online application at SVDPcincinnati.org/VVC. Do you have questions, or want to learn more about Vincentian Volunteers of Cincinnati? Please visit VincentianVolunteers.org or email a member of our team at VVC@SVDPcincinnati.org.
Annual Gala Provides Critical Support for Homelessness Prevention SVDP-Cincinnati is delighted to honor two of its longtime advocates and friends at its 7th Celebration of Service event. Sherie Marek and Linda Mueller will be recognized over dinner and fellowship at Anderson Pavilion and Carol Ann’s Carousel at the Banks on Thursday, May 19. Proceeds raised through the event will benefit St. Vincent de Paul’s Homelessness Prevention Program, providing critical support for neighbors facing eviction and other significant crises. Soaring housing prices and a spike in inflation are impacting many Cincinnati neighbors right now. In fact, a recent Zillow study found that the median rent for a 2-bedroom unit in Cincinnati increased 14.2% between March 2020 and December 2021. Every day, neighbors who are struggling to pay rent and utilities payments are turning to St. Vincent de Paul for assistance and are considered for our Homelessness Prevention Program. In the first three months of 2022, we provided over $398,000 in rent assistance and $43,413 in utilities assistance to neighbors through this program. Support generated through Celebration of Service will empower us to help more neighbors through this program. As we honor Sherie Marek and Linda Mueller for their steadfast support of Cincinnati’s neighbors in need, we invite you to join us! Buy tickets or make a gift in their honor at SVDPcincinnati.org/COS. (And yes, – the carousel will be running and admission includes a ride during cocktail hour!) SVDPCINCINNATI.ORG
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