DEAR FRIENDS,
income all during the same day. For me, that has been a common occurrence.
Time flies when you are having fun! That old, wise saying certainly applies to my experience as the Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul – Cincinnati (SVDP). I began my journey as the Executive Director on June 1, 2015. I did not have clear expectations of what the journey would entail, only that I was excited to have the opportunity to serve in this way.
Neighbors helping Neighbors is so simple, yet so beautiful and complex. Who really is doing the helping and who really is being helped? I have learned so much about my fellow neighbor and myself during these last seven plus years. This has been the most life-giving professional experience I have ever had, by a long shot.
My wife, Anne, and my kids, James, Katie and Emily, are remaining in Cincinnati and we will continue to support SVDP in any way we can. SVDP has made such a significant positive impact on my life, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I have had. Thank you! Should you have questions about this transition, please contact Alison Zlatic, SVDP District Council President, at alisonzlatic@gmail.com.
Whatever expectations I did have, clearly my experiences have surpassed those expectations. My time at SVDP has been such a gift. I have met so many tremendous people and had so many memorable experiences. There are not many positions where you have the opportunity to meet with a Vincentian, a city leader, a generous donor, a homeless person, and a single mom trying to raise her family on an entry-level
There is never a great time to step away from such a wonderful organization, but as SVDP begins to make preparations for its new strategic plan to be implemented on October 1, 2023, I thought this window of time was best for such a move, both for the organization, as well as for the new Executive Director who succeeds me. December 31, 2022 will be my last day as Executive Director. I am confident we will hire someone great to guide SVDP into the future.
VINCENTIAN SPOTLIGHT
Your role in the Society: President of St. Bernard, Spring Grove Village Conference. I also worked at the Liz Carter Center on Bank Street for 10 years: four as Client Advocate, six as Social Services Team Leader.
Name: Bob Mierenfeld
Most memorable home visit? On one visit I entered an apartment with no furniture. What caught my eye was three small bowls of what looked like milk on the kitchen floor. I assumed they had cats until the mother called the three small children down for their breakfast. They sat on the kitchen floor and ate what must have been cereal from those bowls. The experience taught me the value of the home visit for seeing the extent of need the neighbors are experiencing.
How long have you been a Vincentian? 24 ½ years Conference: St. Bernard, Spring Grove Village
Mike Dunn, Executive Director
What has made you stick with this ministry? It gives me a way to respond to God’s call to love my neighbor and I feel privileged to be a small part of God’s work in caring for the poor. Our neighbors often say we are an answer to their prayers. I feel connected to the Body of Christ by the support of the Staff, other Vincentians and the generosity of our individual and corporate contributors. I enjoy the camaraderie of the other Vincentians and have a very committed and supportive Conference. It makes me feel more hopeful and positive about our Church and our community. I have also been inspired by many of the neighbors I encounter who are enduring extreme circumstances but continue to support their families. Biggest lesson you’ve learned as a Vincentian? I learned not to make assumptions, judgments or decisions until I’ve heard a neighbor’s story. Even then, not to assume we know their full story. I’ve tried to listen with respect and humility and to be fully present to them. 2
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