Fall 2021 Newsletter

ST. VINCENT’S WAY FALL 2021

Here Come the Holidays

A season of gratitude, giving, and gathering together once more...

Join us!

Society of St. Vincent de Paul—Cincinnati District Council

DEAR FRIENDS, Can you feel it? Autumn is in the air.

As the mornings get cooler and the nights get longer, our days seem to get busier and our schedules fuller.

And, as many families begin planning for the holidays, St. Vincent de Paul, too, is bustling with preparations for the season unfolding in the weeks and months ahead.

Throughout November and December, St. Vincent de Paul will touch the lives of thousands of neighbors seeking assistance with the basics.

It’s no secret that extra expenses associated with the cold winter months can be a financial stressor.

Add on top of that the pressure of pulling off special celebrations for the holidays, and it becomes even more difficult to make ends meet, especially for families living paycheck to paycheck.

We hear from so many of our neighbors that they would not be able to provide all of the things that their loved ones deserve – a holiday

meal, a warm coat, or presents under the tree – without the support of St. Vincent de Paul and our powerhouse network of volunteers.

Take for instance the scene captured beautifully on the cover of this newsletter: our Thanksgiving meal distribution. This year, we plan to bring this joy-filled event back to our Don & Phyllis Neyer Outreach Center with Covid-19 precautions in place. We’ll need volunteers to help greet neighbors coming to pick up a meal, as well as dozens of hands to sort, pack, and load meals into neighbors’ cars (or carts).

If volunteering in person isn’t for you, I ask you to consider inviting your network – your kids’ sports teams, your colleagues, your book club – to give back through one of St. Vincent de Paul’s programs this season.

Could your workplace host a collection barrel for our coat drive?

Instead of Secret Santa, can your friends purchase items off of a family’s Christmas wish list? Would your kids consider donating the toys they’ve outgrown to one of our thrift stores?

On page 7 of this newsletter, you’ll find a calendar of the events planned by our Cincinnati District Council over the next few months. I invite you to join us for one event, or for all.

Don’t see something that’s for you?

More opportunities are listed online at SVDPcincinnati.org/Christmas, or you can connect directly with our volunteer coordinator, Alec, by emailing volunteers@SVDPcincinnati.org.

We know this holiday season will be extra special for many. After setting aside plans to gather with grandparents, cousins, and co-workers last year, this year, it seems, we’ll be in a much better position to celebrate together once more. May we do so, centered by our core Vincentian values: faith, friendship and service.

Alison Zlatic

St. Vincent de Paul - Cincinnati District Council President

A CELEBRATION OF SERVICE St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) honored Becky Catino and Bart Kohler during its sixth annual Celebration of Service event on Thursday, September 16th at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. Two hundred fifty guests gathered on the zoo’s outdoor Africa Deck & Patio to honor Catino and Kohler, two visionary leaders who recently co-chaired SVDP’s $12 million Upward Spiral Comprehensive Campaign.

In total, this Celebration of Service event raised over $400,000 in Catino and Kohler’s honor, which will be directed to SVDP’s Homelessness Prevention Program.

This generous support will help bring relief and hope to hundreds of local families on the verge of eviction.

Hold your phone’s camera over this QR code to be taken to the video shown at this event.

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From St. Vincent de Paul to the Stage

Local costume creator draws inspiration from thrifted finds

Grace Wenstrup knows a good deal when she sees one. That’s why she’s been a

loyal St. Vincent de Paul thrift store shopper for decades. When her kids were young, Wenstrup says she would scour the aisles at St. Vincent de Paul for affordable designs.

Now, her bargain hunting hobby helps fuel her passion for giving back.

Following a family emergency over 10 years ago, Wenstrup says she began seeking out new ways to show her appreciation to her community.

She signed up to direct the school play at the elementary school where she works as a reading specialist. It was a resounding success. Then, spotting a help wanted ad, she offered to design the costumes for a local theater camp for kids.

“Now it’s something I look forward to every summer,” Wenstrup says.

The theater camp, hosted by Cincinnati Academy for Performing Arts, puts on three shows within four weeks each summer. Wenstrup says her discerning eye – and sometimes pure luck – have helped her create the elaborate designs that students don on stage each night. Her regular trips to St. Vincent de Paul’s Milford thrift store (which Wenstrup lovingly refers to as “the Palace”) have helped provide the supplies she needs to pull itall off.

“Two summers ago I found this bedspread there. I had no idea why I bought it. I see something – I buy it. I know something will come up and I’ll need it,” Wenstrup says.

The bedspread, made of a dull, satiny material, became pants for three lions in the camp’s

production of Lion King Kids. The bedspread’s golden fringe became Simba’s mane. More fringe from handbags thrifted from St. Vincent de Paul adorned Timone and Pumba.

“Fringe really helps convey movement on the stage,” Wenstrup explains.

From kids’ favorites like The Jungle Book and Suessical to productions for teens like Xanadu – Grace says St. Vincent de Paul has been essential for costuming players in affordable and beautiful costumes for the past 8 summers.

“When I find the $5 dollar off coupons –I get an even better discount!”

Do you have a thrift store creation you’d like to share?

Email us at news@SVDPcincinnati.org.

Thank you to all of our loyal shoppers!

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Fall Fellowship Mass & Awards

Vincentians, staff and friends of the Society gathered in the chapel at St. Ursula Academy on Sunday, September 26 for our annual Fall Fellowship mass and awards ceremony. During this mass, Alison Zlatic, 11 Conference Presidents and three new Vincentian Volunteers of Cincinnati were commissioned as they begin their tenures of Vincentian service.

Congratulations to each of our award recipients, who were nominated by Vincentians from across our Cincinnati District Council and honored at this event. We are blessed by their compassion, leadership and dedication to the mission of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

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are privileged to know him,” Mattingly said.

CHRISTIAN JAMES Christian James, a volunteer call-taker for Our Lady of Lourdes Conference, was honored with the Fires of Faith Award. Michael Mattingly, Conference President at Our Lady of Lourdes, commended James for his unwavering efforts to help others, six years after a life-altering ALS diagnosis.

“Christian chooses to live each day with relentless positivity – bolstered by his spiritual fire for helping others.

Christian’s steadfast faith in God – and his trust in God’s plan for his life – has a positive impact on all who

MARY McCONN A Vincentian at Immaculate Heart of Mary Conference for over 15 years, Mary McConn was presented the Fires of Faith Award. IHM Conference President Lori Laux says, “Mary and her late husband Dick not only took calls and made visits, they also went above and beyond on many occasions to follow up with our neighbors to make sure they had what they needed. They drove neighbors to appointments, went shopping for them and even

(Mary McConn continued.)

shared their own food when the pantries were not available.”

“I cannot think of a more deserving person for this award than Mary,” continues Laux. “Her love and care are consistent and we would be lost without her.”

Fires of Faith

Bower continues, “So many of our neighbors have come to us defensive or frightened. Dennis listens with empathy, speaks calmly, and is able to defuse tense interactions. It’s in these interactions that Dennis displays the virtues of gentleness and simplicity. It’s amazing how many neighbors call asking for ‘Mister Dennis.’”

ADRIANA HOWARD Adriana Howard, who serves St. Vincent de Paul as Call Center Manager at the Neyer Outreach Center, received the Ozanam Award.

She was nominated by Bob Ramsay from Church of the Nativity Conference. Ramsay says, “I have been working with Adriana as a volunteer call taker at Bank Street for a little more than a year. She has been a true joy to work with.”

“When we start a call session, we take a few moments to pray. Her prayers are so honest and humble, they’re inspirational. She is really having a conversation with God. Asking Him to forgive us for our failings; to guide us with patience, love and understanding with our neighbors; and to help us be better people. I always feel blessed after her prayers. And it makes me a better call-taker,” says Ramsay.

DENNIS COOK Dennis Cook, who has dedicated five years to St. Catharine of Siena as Conference Treasurer, was honored with the Top Hat Award. Therese Bower, a St. Catharine Vincentian, says “Dennis would underplay the many good works he has done… but he goes above and beyond.”

TRUDY THOMAS Trudy Thomas received the Top Hat Award for her outstanding work as a Vincentian at St. Bernard Conference, Spring Grove Village.

Among her many acts of compassion, St. Bernard Conference President Bob Mierenfeld says, “Trudy will often do drawings of our clients and their children, frame them, and offer them to the neighbor after a visit. She goes beyond the expressed concerns during a visit, to make sure a neighbor’s needs are met.”

He continued, “Trudy has energized our conference. She inspires me by the energy, enthusiasm and sincerity with which she serves. She has a deep faith in God and in humanity which is evidenced in everything she does.”

Recognizing a person who has played a significant role in contributing to the spiritual growth of a Conference during the past year.

Ozanam Award

Recognizing someone who exemplifies the spirit of Frederic Ozanam and St. Vincent de Paul. By design, this recipient is not a Vincentian.

Top Hat Award

Recognizing a Vincentian who specifically exemplifies the spirit of our founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam.

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A LOOK BACK

JULY: ‘PRESCRIPTION FORE FUN’ GOLF OUTING AND WINE & BOURBON TASTING Our 14th annual event raised over $82,000 – all benefitting the Charitable Pharmacy. Proceeds will help fill thousands of prescriptions to help keep neighbors healthy.

AUGUST: STRIKE OUT HUNGER Reds fans who brought non-perishable food to the August 6th and 7th games at Great American Ball Park will help to provide 2,400 meals to neighbors who turn to St. Vincent de Paul for assistance.

AUGUST: DAY TO DREAM For the 5th year, we partnered with Morris Home Furniture and WCPO 9 to provide beds to 50 children without a proper place to sleep. Thanks to volunteers from the Mighty Men of Crossroads, beds were delivered directly to children’s homes. A telethon hosted as part of the event by WCPO 9 helped to provide beds to more families.

12-year-old shares inspiration and warmth

“When I see a person on the corner asking for help and they are cold, I think they must be hoping that someone in their community would help...” says 12-year-old, Tucker Charles. “Then I think, ‘Could I be that person?’”

Tucker has been that person for the last four years, as he served as the coordinator of an annual coat drive within St. Dominic School and Parish. Each year, Tucker collaborates with various clubs at his school to plan, advertise and execute the coat drive. Through his efforts, he has collected over 500 coats which he has donated to St. Vincent de Paul for distribution to neighbors in need throughout the winter.

While Tucker’s efforts have undoubtedly made a big difference, he maintains a humble and inspiring attitude. As he says, “…it is a simple act of kindness and I hope more people run coat drives. Doing good things for other people brings everyone closer to God.” Tucker hopes to collect at least 150 coats to donate this season. Join him in facilitating a drive in your parish, business or school. Contact Renee Berlon at 513-562-8854 or rberlon@SVDPcincinnati.org to sign up today.

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CALENDAR

A LOOK AHEAD

Join us this holiday season! Our seasonal programs will touch the lives of thousands of local families this winter, including yours. We could not do it without the generosity of supporters like you.

Whether you’d like to bring your family to volunteer for the day, organize a coat drive with your coworkers, or give to one of our gift assistance programs, there are truly dozens of ways to help neighbors this season.

SHARE THE WARMTH

DONATE new or gently used

COATS here

Thank you. God Bless.

DOUBLE Y

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DONATION

DAY

NOV. 9

OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, DECEMBER COAT DRIVE Now through the end of January, we’re teaming up with WLWT and Warm 98.5 to collect new and gently used coats to distribute to neighbors. Could your school, business, or church host a barrel for coat collection? Please contact Renee Berlon at rberlon@SVDPcincinnati.org or 513-562-8854. Coats may also be dropped off at any Greater Cincinnati St. Vincent de Paul thrift store.

NOVEMBER, DECEMBER COAT DISTRIBUTION DAYS This winter, we will once again host in-person coat distribution days, when neighbors are invited to hand select new winter coats for themselves and their families. We are in need of volunteers to help sort and hang donated coats ahead of these events, and for day-of-event volunteers to help greet neighbors. Please email volunteers@SVDPcincinnati.org to sign up. New volunteers are always welcome!

NOVEMBER 9 DOUBLE YOUR DONATION DAY Maximize your impact by joining us on Double Your Donation Day! When you make a donation to St. Vincent de Paul on November 9th, your donation will be matched dollar for dollar. Visit SVDPcincinnati.org/give to donate.

NOVEMBER 15 - DECEMBER 31 FOOD FROM THE HEART For over 30 years, we have partnered with Kroger and FOX19 to help local families put food on the table during the holiday season. This year, you can participate in our virtual food drive and help us reach our goal of providing 50,000 meals to neighbors by giving at FOX19.com/donate.

NOVEMBER 23 THANKSGIVING FOOD DISTRIBUTION What’s Thanksgiving without a meal shared between loved ones? This year, we plan to bring our Thanksgiving Food Distribution back into our Neyer Outreach Center. We are in need of volunteers to help greet and register neighbors, and to help us distribute Thanksgiving turkeys with all the fixin’s. Let us know if you can join us by emailing volunteers@SVDPcincinnati.org.

DECEMBER CHRISTMAS TOGETHER Every child deserves to have a present to unwrap on Christmas morning. That’s why we help match families in need of assistance with sponsors through our Christmas Together program.

Could your work group, club sports team, or book club help fulfill a family’s wish list? To sponsor a family, please email ChristmasTogether@SVDPcincinnati.org or call Gabby Garcia at 513-562-8841, ext. 235.

ANGEL TOY

DECEMBER ANGEL TOY Help us transform our Neyer Outreach Center into the North Pole during our Angel Toy Program!

Neighbors in need of Christmas gift assistance are invited to shop for their families in our toy room on select days in December. We are currently seeking toy donations, as well as volunteers to assist neighbors selecting presents. Consider dropping off a toy to the Neyer Outreach Center now through December, or sign up for a volunteer shift at volunteers@SVDPcincinnati.org.

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Non Profit Org US Postage Paid Cincinnati, OH Permit #1106 1125 Bank Street Cincinnati, OH 45214-2130

SAVE THE DATE!

DOUBLE Y

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DONATION

DAY NOV. 9

Donations made to St. Vincent de Paul on November 9th will be doubled dollar for dollar! Visit SVDPcincinnati.org/give to donate.