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Middlecamp Appointed International Territorial Vice President

Middlecamp Appointed International Territorial Vice President 600 685 SVDP USA

SVdP National Council President Ralph Middlecamp has been appointed as the new International Vice President for Solidarity and Special Projects to the Council General International of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

In his new role, Middlecamp will oversee the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s international efforts in the following areas:

  • Twinning, a program connecting Conferences and Councils in developed countries with Conferences and Councils in areas lacking the means to conduct their works of charity.
  • CIAD (the Commission for International Aid and Development), which provides financial assistance to member national Councils who have had a disaster and are providing relief to the victims. CIAD also prioritizes and funds projects submitted by member countries for financial support via resources from member countries with the means to provide assistance.
  • Special Projects.

Says Middlecamp of the honor, “The programs that our Society operates in the United States have been recognized by our international leadership as models of effective service to people living in poverty. I will be privileged to work with our members throughout the world to bring support to their efforts to relieve suffering in their communities.”

“The Society globally shares its resources among its more than 150 national Councils to get help where it is most needed for disasters and development projects,” says USA National Council CEO Dave Barringer. “Ralph has long been a global citizen in his concern and actions on behalf of the poor. He is a great choice to oversee these cost-effective and efficiently-delivered efforts.”

Contemplation – Behold, I Make All Things New

Contemplation – Behold, I Make All Things New 940 788 SVDP USA

Vincentians serve in hope! Not merely the hope of a paid light bill, but the hope of Christ’s promise, the hope of new life, and the hope of a church that “is ever renewing itself…” [Ozanam in Baunard, 20]

The neighbors we serve often lack hope – any kind of hope. Burdened with material needs, with worries for their children and for their future, it is difficult to offer eternal hope when, as Mahatma Ghandi once explained, “To them God can only appear as bread and butter.”

In our empathy for the neighbor, it can be all too easy for us at times to feel overwhelmed, burned out; to share the neighbor’s despair rather than the Savior’s hope. Our neighbor’s continuing struggles weigh us down, and we allow ourselves to forget the great power of love over even the greatest forms of deprivation.

Whatever resources our Conference has, however great or small, we offer freely and generously. And when we offer food to the neighbor who can only see God as bread, remember that Christ offers Himself to us as bread. All of the material assistance we give is foremost a sign of Christ’s love. In that love, we welcome the neighbor into communion with us, and with the God who sent us.

It is for love alone that we continue, through home visits, through special works, and through systemic change programs, to walk with people out of poverty. It is for love alone that we can say, “this relationship does not end when we pay the bill this week. You matter.”

There is never a need to be frustrated, or to wonder why the land will never lack for needy persons. As St. Vincent taught, it is through our humble devotion to God and our charity toward the neighbor that they might see the beauty and holiness of our faith. [CCD VIII:208] The needs we seek to alleviate may be of this earth, but the hope we bring is not.

We gather on our home visits in His name, and He, as He promised, is there. He is there in the suffering of the neighbor, and He is there also in the prayer and in the hope that we offer, wiping away all tears, saying “Behold, I make all things new.”

Contemplate

How can I better share hope?

Recommended Reading

Turn Everything to Love

Sterling Volunteers engages in volunteer research and its database of Vetted Volunteers is ready to serve

Sterling Volunteers engages in volunteer research and its database of Vetted Volunteers is ready to serve 800 800 SVDP USA

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is excited to share that our valued background screening partner is able to assist with matching and mobilizing local volunteers to serve in communities across the country. Sterling Volunteers (formerly Verified Volunteers), is providing you with complimentary access to their new research report, the Volunteer Perspective: Industry Insights 2019 report.

Click here to DOWNLOAD REPORT

For more information about Sterling Volunteers and/or a background check for your Conference or Council members, contact: Kimberly Chochon VICE PRESIDENT, PARTNERSHIPS Sterling Volunteers o: 212.736.5100 x3129 | m: 206.300.6315 kimberly.chochon@sterlingvolunteers.com

Keela – A National SVdPUSA Partner Announces “Donor Experience Week”

Keela – A National SVdPUSA Partner Announces “Donor Experience Week” 800 800 SVDP USA

Keela is an impact technology company that builds nonprofit management software specifically for small and medium charities. This partnership represents a unique opportunity for the Society of St Vincent de Paul’s Conferences and Councils to access easy-to-use, powerful technology at a low price point. For more information on Keela, please click here.

ANNOUNCING: “The Donor Experience Week” – a series of 10 FREE fundraising webinars. The purpose is to provide nonprofit professionals with the information they need to keep growing their organizations.

The series of 10 webinars will be streamed online and free to attendees from September 23rd to 27th at 9 am and 12 pm PST. Each session will consist of 45 minutes of content and 15 minutes of Q&A. Each webinar will offer actionable content that can be used right away to strengthen relationships and raise more money.

Friends of the Poor Walk – Sept. 28, 2019

Friends of the Poor Walk – Sept. 28, 2019 800 800 SVDP USA

It’s that time of year for the Friends of the Poor® Walk/Run. It is a way for your Conference or Council to raise funds and awareness for helping people in need. Check out the Walk website to locate a Walk/Run near you.

For more information, please check out www.fopwalk.org

“Our Faith in Action: Today’s Society of St. Vincent de Paul” Special Episode – Coming Sept. 27 on EWTN

“Our Faith in Action: Today’s Society of St. Vincent de Paul” Special Episode – Coming Sept. 27 on EWTN 800 800 SVDP USA

A brand-new episode of our Gabriel Award-winning TV series, “Our Faith in Action: Today’s Society of St. Vincent de Paul,” will make its debut on Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) on St. Vincent de Paul’s feast day, Sept. 27.

In the episode, Society of St. Vincent de Paul members help young students prepare for a new school year, offer a bridge to a more stable and prosperous future for the people they serve and provide hope and opportunity for returning citizens seeking gainful employment.

Friday, Sept. 27 1:30 p.m. Eastern/12:30 p.m. Central/11:30 a.m. Mountain/10:30 a.m. Pacific

SVdP continues Partnership with Motel 6

SVdP continues Partnership with Motel 6 800 800 SVDP USA

Motel 6 happily continues its partnership with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. We offer rolling nationwide discounts and direct bill for all Conferences associated with St. Vincent de Paul.

Motel 6 along with SVdP assist with housing for anyone in the community who is in need. If your Conference is new, or you are interested in learning more about what Motel 6 has to offer, please contact using the information below.

For more information, please contact Doreen Musso at musso_doreen@g6hospitality.com or (239) 542-0051.

National Partner, Malouf, provides low-cost mattresses and bedding

National Partner, Malouf, provides low-cost mattresses and bedding 600 600 SVDP USA

Malouf recognizes the link between a good night of sleep and one’s overall health and knows that many Americans living in poverty don’t have access to a bed or comfortable bedding. They offer a full spectrum of bedding products including: mattresses, bed frames, pillows, sheets, protectors, and toppers at affordable prices. They are also offering a special offer to SVdP thrift stores, Councils and Conferences. These include:

• One-stop shop for all bedding products
• 2-day shipping with handy drop-ship option
• No minimum purchase requirements
• Knowledgeable customer experience team
• Industry-leading warranty program

For more information: contact Steve Pond, at 800.517.7179 extension 353 or email Steve at stevenp@maloufsleep.com

SVdPUSA National Partner, Jet Vacations, turns fundraising into fun Trips

SVdPUSA National Partner, Jet Vacations, turns fundraising into fun Trips 592 592 SVDP USA

Jet Vacations is a wholesale tour operator. SVdP Councils and Conferences can use their faith and cultural trips as a fundraising revenue source.

They offer “fundraising made easy.” Their tours are unique and geared toward SVdP affiliates that cannot be found on the retail market. Jet vacations include marketing and administrative assistance.

If you have any questions, call 1-855-538-0999 ask for Carl or email carl@Jetvacations.com

The SVdPUSA Domestic Disaster Fund and the International Relief Fund need your Support!

The SVdPUSA Domestic Disaster Fund and the International Relief Fund need your Support! 778 556 SVDP USA

Did you know that in the United States, major natural disasters are increasing? From 1979 to 2016, FEMA spent $81 billion on natural disasters. Then, in just the last two years, another $80 billion was spent by FEMA on natural disasters, demonstrating the increasing impact of these disasters in the United States.

Are you ready for a major disaster? No matter how prepared you are, the answer is still no. Imagine losing everything … your home, car, furniture, even your clothes are now gone.

Jessica and her spouse were forced to evacuate their home as Hurricane Harvey came through their town. When they returned, they found their home completely destroyed. With the help of FEMA, they were able to purchase a used mobile home, but still needed household items, including a bed and a refrigerator. Jessica was referred to the Disaster Services Corporation of the U.S. Society of St. Vincent de Paul (DSC) for Disaster Case Management and to inquire into the House in a Box® Program. With the help of Disaster Services, Jessica would receive all the household items she needed, including a brand new refrigerator. Upon hearing this, Jessica broke down in tears, as she graciously thanked the Vincentians who had helped to make this possible.