DEAR FRIENDS,

Spring is the season we are eager to welcome the changes unfolding around us. We embrace the additional hours of sunlight as the days grow longer, rejoice as the gray skies of winter fade away, make way for the warmth of spring to settle in, and allow ourselves to be led, day by day, to summer’s doorstep.

In my first spring at St. Vincent de Paul, I would like to thank each and every one of you who have made me feel welcome here. Starting as CEO in the height of the holiday season, I was blessed to have had opportunities to meet and speak with so many of you, our supporters, volunteers, partners, Vincentians, neighbors and friends. SVDP is an organization with a long history and tremendous legacy in the Cincinnati community, and I am grateful to be part of it.

This spring, we have been keeping a close eye on how several changes are impacting our region’s families and individuals in need. Throughout the pages of this newsletter, you will read just a handful of the many ways we are working to respond and be present for our neighbors.

In March, SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps) began to be reduced to pre-pandemic levels. Combined with historic increases in grocery store prices that we experienced in 2022, the capacity for many families to put healthy food on the table has been impacted. We reached out to our community to collect food and personal care items to help keep our food pantry shelves stocked for neighbors who may need a little help to make ends meet. We called this effort “Share What You Can,” and had tremendous results. You can read about it on page 6.

With the recent expiration of the federal public health emergency that was put into place during the pandemic, Ohio has begun resuming normal eligibility reviews for Medicaid. In turn, we are prepared to help neighbors who may lose health coverage or experience new barriers to accessing health care. Read how our Health Insurance Navigator is playing a frontline role in our response on page 5.

And, whether we consistently get it or not, adequate sleep is an essential need in all of our lives, 365 days (and nights) of the year. You can read how we are working to get more beds into the homes of neighbors who need them on page 3.

None of this important work can be done alone. As our mission statement reads, we are a “network of neighbors.” Each day, I am witnessing how powerful this network is when we work together, realizing our call to grow in faith, service, and friendship with one another and with God.

I thank you for your continued support and prayers, in this season and throughout the year.

Brad McMonigle, CEO, SVDP - Cincinnati

Brad McMonigle, CEO