e-Gazette

08-31-2023 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders

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Next week, your National Council will perform two of its most important obligations when it meets in St. Louis. We want all of our members nationwide to understand the impact of these decisions, even the impact on your local Conference. Wow, sounds pretty ominous, doesn’t it?

One responsibility of our membership representative body, called the National Council, is to elect a National President and to ratify the new President’s appointed Board of Directors for its six-year term of office. The Presidential election was held months ago, so that our new President-elect John Berry would then have months to prepare for his time in office and to consider his board appointments and their responsibilities. According to our Rule, the President appoints the board (most of them, anyway – the Regional Vice Presidents are elected by members of their regions) and these appointments are ratified by the membership. This Rule provision is included to assure transparency among our members and the public about who is on the National Board, and hopefully to give them comfort that the right people have been selected according to their skills and experiences both inside and outside of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Considering that these Board members will be asked to serve for up to six years, this is not a frivolous undertaking!

The second decision to be made next week is an annual one, to establish a National Council budget for the next fiscal year. Writing this as your national CEO, I feel we are relatively blessed among national organizations at budget formation time. First, despite crazy economic times and a pandemic period that disrupted so many parts of our lives, we have a working, stable membership dues (called solidarity) formula. It is based on the annual income of our member Councils and Conferences, calls for never more than six-tenths of one percent of local income already earned the year prior – sometimes less with excepted revenue categories – and funds less than half of the National Council budget. Second, we have grown non-solidarity revenues to support member services growth. This includes a direct mail fundraising program shared with local participating Councils, planned giving including bequests, and smaller fee programs such as catalogue/book sales. Third, through policy development and management practices we have invested windfall bequests and other gifts and any retained revenues to produce annual investment income that reduces the need for dues funding. Along with managing our expenses properly, we benefit from a strong annual budget that allows for sustainable operations and opportunity for program/services growth with only moderate risk.

There is much more to all this, of course, but the bottom line is that the National Council uses a membership-represented body, the National Council, to provide a representative leadership National Board of Directors, who then provides a strong budget request back to the National Council for its discernment and approval. By the way, the National Council sees the board appointments and the annual budget recommendation at least 45 days before it votes – no slipping things under the door at the last moment!

If you want a membership meeting full of angry shouting, accusations about hidden agendas or funds, and knee-jerk leadership and financial actions, I guess you will need to look elsewhere. (Please fill in your own joke here…) It’s just not in our Vincentian nature or the way we operate. We don’t apologize for being somewhat boring! However, if you want to see a stable, servant leader, membership-driven and led organization in action that has continued to move ahead for 175 years, I invite you to come to the Business Meeting. Or if you prefer, you can watch a video of the meeting that we will bring you soon!

Please thank your voting National Council Member (NCM), almost always the Arch/Diocesan Council President or the President of the oldest District Council where we don’t yet have an Arch/Diocesan Council. We ask, as I hope you do as well, for this NCM role to be taken very seriously. After all, they represent you among nearly 90,000 other US members. When they return from St. Louis after next week, ask what they heard, what they approved, and what they learned on your behalf.

Yours in Christ,
Dave Barringer
CEO

08-24-2024 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders

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Dear Vincentian Friends,

Disasters have made the headlines frequently this year.  Fires, floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes have left suffering and damage in their wake in the United States and throughout the world. We are being told that this will be a very intense hurricane season, which is following a very active summer of fires. I ask you, your Conference and Council to consider contributing generously this month to our National Council Annual Disaster Appeal. This is the best and most effective way to get disaster aid to our members working in the United States, in cooperation with our Disaster Services Corporation and to provide disaster relief throughout the world through our international structure. This appeal allows us to respond quickly to requests. It also provides funds for disasters that may not make the headlines in your local media. Our Conferences in those areas often need our help just as much as those located where a major hurricane strikes.

We all have been saddened by the devastation left by the fire in Maui this month and the earthquakes in Syria earlier this year. Many Vincentians inquired about providing funding for these disasters but we have no Vincentian presence in those locations. However, there was a major hurricane in Florida, record setting floods in Nigeria, and major flooding in eastern parts of the United States. We have Conferences and Councils present in these locations and they did receive our help. This illustrates the reason why we need to have one annual collection that can then be used as we learn the actual needs our Vincentians identify after disasters.

The Society’s Disaster Services Corporation (DSC) gives us excellent capacity to serve after a disaster. DSC constitutes a knowledgeable team to provide training for our members and to secure private and governmental grants that greatly expand the ability of the Society to serve in these situations. The support the National Council provides for DSC’s efforts is largely funded by this Annual Disaster Appeal. In the past year, DSC has helped Councils in every region of the country respond to floods, tornadoes, wildfires, and hurricanes. The success of this appeal last year meant that we did not have to keep sending out fundraising requests for every one of these efforts. I suspect you would become annoyed with the National Office if we did that.

This appeal will also support the international relief provided by the Society through the Commission for International Aid and Development (CIAD). My position as a vice president on the International Board of Directors is responsible for these grants, and I can assure you that this assistance is very much needed to support the work of our members throughout the world. I also can assure you that the use of the funds is monitored closely, with appropriate reports for accountability. Again, a single appeal allows us to fund response to many disasters you will never hear about. The single appeal also avoids funds being designated to a country without the capacity of members there to use donations that well-meaning Councils might otherwise send.

Before committing funds to a particular disaster, it is important to be certain the local councils have the people and capacity to put our donations to work. When major disasters strike, the need for assistance can last for many years. Long after the reporters have left, our Vincentians will be there helping their neighbors.

Please be generous in supporting this campaign. Frédéric Ozanam saw the Society as a network of charity. The network he envisioned has come to embrace the world. It is at its strongest and most caring when we support the work of Councils and Conferences of our Vincentian sisters and brothers faced with relieving the unforeseen suffering of a natural disaster.

Serviens in spe,
Ralph Middlecamp
National Council President

A Week in Prayers August 14 – August 18

A Week in Prayers August 14 – August 18 1080 1080 SVDP USA

Monday, August 14

Awaken me, Lord, from my slumber.
Lead me from night into day.
You are the Word of everlasting life,
Through Whom all my sins are repaid.
Amen

Tuesday, August 15

Mary Immaculate, pray for me,
That the Father may grant me patience.
Mother of God, pray for me,
That the Holy Spirit may grant me peace.
Queen of Angels, pray for me,
That Your Son Jesus Christ
May enter my heart, and I His,
Eternally.
Amen

Wednesday, August 16

Heavenly Father,
I set aside preoccupations,
I set aside myself,
To go and serve the neighbor.
This I do for You.
I set aside this worship,
But leave God only for God,
So my actions become my prayer.
This I do for You.
Amen

Thursday, August 17

Lord Jesus, awaken me from slumber,
Open my eyes and heart,
Lead me from darkness to light.
You are my strength in weakness,
My joy in sorrow,
And my life beyond life.
Amen

Friday, August 18

Lord in Heaven,
Lord on Earth,
Lord in my living heart,
In Your image
And by Your will
I live and move and am.
Amen

Daily Prayers are written by Tim Williams, National Vincentian Formation Director.

Youth from Around the World Gather in Lisbon for World Youth Day 2023

Youth from Around the World Gather in Lisbon for World Youth Day 2023 640 480 SVDP USA

Once every three years, youth and young adult Catholics from around the world come together to celebrate World Youth Day, a worldwide encounter with the Pope. WYD is open to all young people who want to take part in a festive encounter centered on Jesus Christ together with their peers. It is an opportunity to personally experience the universality of the Catholic Church, and to share with the whole world the hope of many young people who are committing their lives to Christ and His Church.

This year’s World Youth Day was held in Lisbon, Portugal.

“WYD 2023 with Pope Francis truly showed how universal the Catholic Church is. People from around the world, speaking different languages, different nationalities, and cultures came to WYD with one commonality — God being our Father,” said John Paul Brissette, a member of the National Youth Committee. “Just being in the city with millions of young Catholics praying, praising, and signing was a sight and a feeling I will never forget. Although we may be speaking different languages, we are all saying the same thing.”

“My favorite part of the World Youth Day experience was being able to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima in Fatima, Portugal,” said Luna Mata, Development and Communications Coordinator for SVdP Dallas. “Visiting the place where our Blessed Mother stood and taught us so much was incredibly humbling and beautiful.”

In collaboration with World Youth Day, the International Society of St. Vincent de Paul took the opportunity to gather its young people together in celebration of the Vincentian Charism. This gathering was called The International Vincentian Youth Meeting (ICYM) and the theme was “I am neither from here nor from there, but from wherever God wants me to be.” The theme was inspired by a sentence from St. Vincent de Paul to the Daughters of Charity in 1634. 

As part of these celebrations, the U.S. Council sponsored a number of Youth and Young Adults to travel to Portugal and participate in these special events.

“Before we attended World Youth Day, we had the privilege of attending the Vincentian Family Gathering where we had the opportunity to share our Vincentian Charism with other Vincentians from around the world,” said John Paul. “We discussed common struggles Vincentians face and tried to work toward solutions together. The weekend was filled with friendship, services, and spirituality.”

“We followed in Mary’s footsteps with ‘haste’ throughout World Youth Day, so ending with this spiritual blessing and joy from our Mother was incredible,” said Luna.

We are so blessed that the SVdP U.S. National Council was able to be a part of this experience. It was a transformative experience for all the young people who participated. They returned with renewed zeal for their Catholic faith and those that attended on behalf of SVdP have a renewed dedication to the Vincentian mission. God bless all who participated!

The next World Youth Day will be held in Seoul, South Korea in 2027.

Disaster Services Update — Empowering Hope: Rebuilding Lives Beyond Hurricane Ida’s Wake

Disaster Services Update — Empowering Hope: Rebuilding Lives Beyond Hurricane Ida’s Wake 615 218 SVDP USA

When Hurricane Ida slammed the East Coast in 2021, Passaic County, New Jersey bore the brunt of the storm.

In the wake of devastation, the heart of Passaic County was witness to both the impact of destruction and the incredible power of community coming together.

This is a story of resilience, strength, and the transformative impact of generosity – a story that speaks to the mission of Disaster Services Corporation, a subsidiary of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

Imagine a single parent courageously navigating life with four precious children. When Hurricane Ida’s fury struck, their world was turned upside down. The family was forced to leave their home and  seek refuge in a shelter in nearby Bergen County. But amidst the chaos, their determination and love for each other remained unshaken.

In collaboration with The Salvation Army and Compass 82, DSC was able to give this family more than $13,000 to help them find permanent housing, stability, and hope.

The family’s resilience and hope captured the attention of Disaster Services Corporation. And thanks to compassionate donors like you, a chain reaction of support helped give this family a path to recovery.

When you donate to Disaster Services Corporation, you become an integral part of stories like this. You help us restore hope and rebuild lives. Together, we help families overcome the challenges that disasters can bring.

Thanks to your support, stories of disaster recovery can become stories of resilience and hope. Together, we can give families the strength to rebuild, the courage to overcome, and the hope to thrive.

For more information about DSC please visit: www.svdpdisaster.org.

08-17-2023 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders

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In a few weeks, hundreds of Vincentians from across the country will arrive in St. Louis for the National Assembly under the theme of “Where It All Began.” Thanks to the pandemic, our original 175th anniversary celebration will be two years later than scheduled.  Let’s take a look not only at where it all began, but also when it all began back in 1845 St. Louis.

St. Louis was a major city in 1845 thanks to its location on the banks of the Mississippi River and its uses for commerce, fur trading, and both military and civilian exploration of all points West. From its 1840 population of 16,469 the city would grow to 77,860 by 1850, becoming the eighth largest American city. The St. Louis Diocese covered a third of the country but with only 75 priests and 33 churches. By 1849, St. Louis would become the second archdiocese, after Baltimore, within the organized states of the Union. It was the only major Catholic presence west of the Mississippi.

St. Louis was considered the gateway to the West from the time of its 1804 launching of the Lewis and Clark expedition until at least the great railroad expansion after the U.S. Civil War. Steamboats and wagon trains regularly started from St. Louis, and much wealth was generated from fitting these expeditions from St. Louis merchants and wagon builders. The city would continue to grow, especially around the time of the 1904 World’s Fair and later decades. For Vincentian purposes, the “Old Cathedral” (the only cathedral in the city at that time) was completed in 1834 in a bustling mixed-use downtown of commerce, shipping, and residences. Today the Old Cathedral sits in a national park at the base of the famous Arch, built in the late 1950’s-early 1960’s. The entire five blocks from the cathedral to the river was razed of old warehouses for the arch’s construction, but the Old Cathedral was gracefully spared.

When the Society of St. Vincent de Paul held its first meeting on November 20, 1845 at the Old Cathedral, life was quite different than we might realize from today’s city and United States.

Nationally, John Tyler’s Presidency gave way to the election of James K. Polk. There were only 26 states in the Union; Florida was added in March of 1845, followed by the former Republic of Texas in December. The Texas addition sparked the Mexican-American War that year, over some disputed territory. The U.S. Naval Academy began in Annapolis in 1845. Newspapers in 1845 included the first usage of the term “Manifest Destiny” and the first accounts of a new game called baseball.

Published pieces that year included the autobiography “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave” and the first printing of “The Raven” by Edgar Allen Poe.

When our first members met, they met by candlelight or perhaps gas, as light bulbs would not be invented until 1880. They arrived by horseback or carriage, since the earliest cars didn’t come around until 1871. They may have had just a short meeting, since there were no indoor bathrooms back then (late 1840’s)!

In considering our Society’s beginnings, let’s remember that we are older than Goodwill Industries (1902), The American Red Cross (1881), and the Smithsonian Institution (1846). We pre-date basketball (1891) and tennis (1859), the Transcontinental Railroad (1869), the California Gold Rush (1848), and the women’s suffrage movement (1848). The Society of St. Vincent de Paul was not only established before the U.S. Civil War (1861-65), but during the war we even held our first National Assembly! (September 1864 in New York City).

We are only the 7th country to have a Society presence since our Paris founding in 1833. Irish Catholics had been welcomed years prior to the rich Missouri farmlands, and a gracious reputation preceded more Irish migration in the 1840’s. The great Irish Potato Famine occurred in our formative year, so there was intercontinental travel, by steamship, of clergy and laypersons who would help form the initial St. Louis Conference. The Ireland SVdP’s copy of The Rule was brought to St. Louis and guided our beginnings. To be established in 10 countries in just 12 years (Germany, Mexico and Scotland were also formed in 1845) from Emmanual Bailly’s and Blessed Frederic’s first meeting is surely an act of God.

As you consider joining us for National Assembly in a few weeks, or if you are coming at another time to St. Louis, please visit the Old Cathedral. Imagine what it was like, where and when, our St. Louis founders decided to use a Rule from abroad and get organized using their funds and Catholic faith to serve the city’s poor. If you need further inspiration, a statue of St. Vincent de Paul stands at the front of the cathedral. He is, after all, a patron saint of the city.

Yours in Christ,
Dave Barringer
CEO

08-10-2023 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders

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Dear Vincentian Friends,

In a few weeks many Vincentians will gather for the 2023 Assembly of the National Council of the United States. Our National Assembly theme will be “Where It All Began,” because we will gather in St. Louis within sight of the Old Cathedral, where the first Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the United States met in 1845. It is not too late to plan to attend. Coming to a National Assembly will draw you deeper into this vocation as a member of the Society. That is what happened to me when I attended my first national meeting.

At our Assembly we gather to look backward and remember our roots, but — more importantly — we look forward, as well. We will celebrate our 178-year history here in the United States, and we will also celebrate the past six years of working with our current leadership team. More significantly, we will plan for the future as we install a new National Council President and officers.

We have prepared a well-rounded program that will strengthen your Vincentian spirituality, friendship, and service. An excellent team of presenters will provide more than 40 workshops to advance our knowledge and understanding of the Society and its mission. Our Friday Morning of Reflection will again be led by Bishop Donald Hying, who has blessed us as our National Episcopal Advisor for the past six years. Our keynote speakers and daily celebrations of the Eucharist will nourish us on our journey together toward holiness.

Meetings such as this are important gatherings for our membership. It is easy to just coast, doing the same work, with the same resources and people. In St. Louis you will be exposed new ideas, presented by some of the best speakers in our Society. Coming back with just one or two good ideas can renew you and your Conference. We will be better helpers to those we serve if we are continually improving our knowledge and growing spiritually.

My term as your National Council President ends on September 30; so this will be my last National Council Assembly as your president. We have had excellent committees and task forces working in the background for the past six years. I am grateful to all who have served on these groups and to their leadership. I look forward to the opportunities we will have at this meeting to witness the fruits of what they have done. That work will be passed on to new leaders with new ideas and energy.

It has been a pleasure working with our national leadership team for the past six years. There is much that we have been able to accomplish together. What I have valued most is the Vincentian friendship I have found everywhere I have traveled. I look forward to continuing these friendships as we pass the responsibility of servant leadership to a new team.

John Berry has been a friend for many years, and I know we are in good hands with him as our next National Council President. I ask you to join me in praying for John and his team of officers as we continue our journey as Vincentians in the United States of America.

I hope to see many of you in St. Louis.

Serviens in spe,
Ralph Middlecamp
SVdP National President

SVdP and Other Groups Band Together to Assist Flood Victims

SVdP and Other Groups Band Together to Assist Flood Victims 1264 942 SVDP USA

Today, we bring you an inspiring tale of resilience and community support following the recent flash flooding that wreaked havoc in the Cicero, Stickney, Berwyn, and Austin areas of Chicago.

At the beginning of July, the Chicago area faced an unexpected and severe flash flood, with a staggering 0.5 inches of rain falling every 10 minutes. The impact was devastating, leaving thousands of people grappling with the aftermath of major flooding in their homes and neighborhoods.

An estimated 15,000 individuals were affected by this natural disaster, with homes inundated and streets rendered impassable. The devastation was widespread, with approximately 4,600 homes completely destroyed by the floodwaters.

The resource center, which was made possible by the Town of Cicero’s sponsorship, saw an overwhelming turnout, with between 3,000 to 5,000 families seeking assistance. The spirit of unity and compassion was evident as neighbors and volunteers worked hand in hand to help their fellow community members.

In the face of such adversity, the communities came together to extend a helping hand to those in need. The Town of Cicero, Stickney, and Berwyn, along with the Austin area in Chicago, united to support the affected individuals and families. It was a testament to the strength and compassion that resides within the hearts of these communities.

 

During this challenging time, Church World Service stepped in to provide aid and donated the much-needed cleanup kits. Although the local Conference of St. Vincent de Paul did not directly provide the kits, they played a crucial role by connecting Church World Service with the impacted communities. The relief effort required a 501(c)(3) organization to sign off on the donation, and the St. Vincent de Paul Conference facilitated this process, allowing the support to reach those in need.

 

One of the driving forces behind the coordination and assistance efforts was Joe Butkovich of the SVdP Council of Joliet, a dedicated individual who serves as the Vice Chair of the NE IL COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disasters). Joe also plays a crucial role in the long-term recovery board of NVOAD (National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster). His expertise and commitment have been instrumental in ensuring effective disaster case management and guiding the recovery process.

As the affected communities slowly move towards recovery, it’s important to acknowledge that establishing the Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG) is a work in progress. These efforts take time, and the collaboration and cooperation of all stakeholders are essential to ensure a comprehensive and effective recovery plan.

Though the road to recovery may be long, the spirit of community support, resilience, and generosity shines brightly in the face of adversity. We stand in awe of the compassion and unity displayed by the Town of Cicero, Stickney, Berwyn, and the Austin area in Chicago during this trying time.

Together, as a united community, we can overcome any obstacle that comes our way. Let us extend our thoughts and support to those affected by the floods and continue to stand by them throughout their journey to recovery.

Thank you for being part of our compassionate and caring community. To support communities like Joe’s please visit www.svdpdisaster.org to support our efforts.

 

08-03-2023 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders

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I once drove my AP English teacher Ms. Alvarez a bit crazy. She had just assigned us each to write a 2000-word essay on some subject I have blissfully forgotten. At a break, I privately asked her why we had a minimum word requirement. Could I submit fewer words if I conveyed my message in a shorter essay? After her shock subsided, she said that the word count was needed to make us better writers. I replied that I was actually more interested in being a better communicator. Wouldn’t making my point more concisely be a better career skill unless I had a job where I was paid by the word? She agreed to think about it, but meanwhile, start writing, bucko.

The next day she agreed to my odd request but warned that if I didn’t make my points well, then wasting those available words would lower my grade. Fair enough, I thought, and agreed to her other term that I couldn’t tell the other students about our agreement. Maybe she was the one getting paid by the word – ours!

As Vincentians we are blessed with a long and successful history. We benefit from the work, policies, and traditions that precede our Society experience. Yet we still owe it to ourselves, and especially to those we serve, to ask if any of it should change. I don’t suggest radical revolution, but thoughtful discernment into why we do what we do, and especially why “we have always done it this way.”

Indeed, every human advancement, innovation, and invention started with question “why,” or its corollary, “why not.” We learn the question when very young, asking “Why?” in response to every answer from our parents until natural curiosity is replaced with begrudging acceptance either of “Because I said so,” or “Never mind, just eat those carrots!” We slowly learn to just get along and agree to things the way they are.

Change often comes from major disruptions. New thinking is required to react to some new threat, such as competition or a lost resource.  Some brave souls on their own break the bonds of sameness and innovate or create. They must deal with those who fear and resist change, and those who agree with the change but don’t want to do any extra work required to effect it.  That’s why we say “Change is tough. You go first!”

Soon we will have a new National President and new National Council Board of Directors. Every year, between one-third and one-sixth of our Councils also have new local Presidents. Leadership change is a natural time in which to consider – not always change – how we operate, how we govern, and even how we pray as the Society. It’s a healthy process when we do it together. It can be disastrous when left to individuals! Operating through consensus gives us better opportunities to hear all views, and to understand the reasons why we operate as at present.

Often, radical change is unnecessary and more traumatic to the system than continuous improvement, or at least continuous evaluation. Our Councils and Conferences can usually absorb change more easily than experiencing a sudden stop and re-start. This is crucial when intending to keep serving our neighbors in need during any change cycle. They should not suffer from our change process; in fact, whenever possible we want them to be the beneficiaries!

Whether you are a leader or a member of your Conference, sit back with a cold summer beverage and ponder. What could we do better? How can the Society attract more members to grow spiritually, or serve more people in need, or create better opportunities for friendships when we meet? If these Essential Elements are too weighty at first, start smaller. How can we make our Conference meetings more effective, or fun? Why do we have that process to do whatever it is that bugs you right now? How can we be a better voice, or provide a better voice, for the poor?

How will we celebrate our asking? How do we make questioning a positive experience for ourselves and our fellow members? How can we together question backward to improve our Vincentian lives forward?

Please be cautioned that when exploring why we have such Society rules and customs, we might just find that our founders and later leaders had it right! Affirmation that we are doing the best we can is an important element of a successful evaluative process.

I usually aim for 800 words for these Servant Leader columns. This week I didn’t need them all. Please don’t tell Ms. Alvarez!

Yours in Christ,
Dave Barringer
CEO

Stores Corner — Why Thrift Stores?

Stores Corner — Why Thrift Stores? 1080 1080 SVDP USA

Written by: Don Schiffgens, Southeast Region, Diocese of Palm Beach

Funding the SVDP mission — We are certainly blessed to have so many sources for funding our mission including grants, parish collections, our benefactors, various fundraisers like the Friends of the Poor Walk, various special works, etc. One of the biggest sources of revenue for many Conferences and Councils is our Thrift Stores. In my home state of Florida, Thrift Stores in the fiscal year ended September 2022 reported $12.4 million dollars of revenue from 31 stores having a combined surplus of nearly $3 million to assist our Neighbors in Need.

Eco friendly — As we know, it’s all about our environment these days as we see electric cars, energy saving appliances, solar power, etc. Thrift stores do their part in saving our environment by extending the lives of produced products and landfills. Many used commodities that come to our stores are repurposed and sold. Many of our stores rag out to the world textile market.

Vogue — Thrift stores are part of a multi-billion dollar growing industry. Thrifts are prevailing, they are in fashion and provide a fun place to shop for value and diversity.

Employment — Stores provide jobs! In our recent annual reporting cycle, my state of Florida reported $3.8 million in paid wages and benefits providing income for 150 employees and their families. Many stores provide work opportunities and new job skills for community service workers.

Value — Stores offer value to their customers and especially in difficult times. Shoppers are looking to best utilize the declining value of their dollars i.e. thrift stores. Stores also provide a myriad of in-kind donations at no or little cost to thousands of needy families.

I remember seeing a sign on a store entrance door several years ago at the annual meeting in Madison, Wisconsin that said it quite well: “Help your budget, help your environment, and help your neighbor in need.”

Lord, we thank you for the many blessings provided by our Thrift Stores!

If you are considering a new store please contact the store committee for assistance: jbeamguard@svdpusa.org.

The National Assembly is fast approaching in September. If you haven’t made plans to attend, we hope you sign up for the day-long Stores Meeting on September 6, 2023 in St. Louis, MO. You will leave this meeting with valuable information to take back to your store.

Here is our agenda for the National Stores Committee Day on Wednesday, August 6
Rooms G & H
THEME: National Store — Success

  • Opening prayer- Agenda for the day 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
  • Motivational Speaker- Dr Snyder- Director of Phoenix Dental Clinic 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Q & A
  • Working Lunch with Executive Directors 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
  • Break 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM
  • Stores Committee Members Presentations: 2:00 PM – 3:45 PM
    • Staffing and Donations
    • Productivity and Point of Sale
    •  Innovations
    • Future of National Stores
    • Drawing for prizes will occur after Committee Member Presentations. Must be present to win!

Prizes to include:

  • $250 Amazon Gift Card
  • Trip for 1 to attend the 2024 National Assembly in Phoenix (Restrictions Apply)
  • Trip for 1 to attend training at the National Training Store in Avondale, AZ (Restrictions Apply)
  • Dinner for 2 ($200 value) Executive Director group only

The morning will start with a motivational message from Dr. Snyder-Director of the Phoenix Dental Clinic. This will be followed by important information about the National Training Store’s growth and success in Phoenix during the last three years. You will hear valuable information that could help your store grow just like the National Store has grown. You will hear two testimonials from Rick Bologna & Bryan Engle about their experience either visiting the National Training Store or who requested Jeff Beamguard to visit their store to do an assessment.

The afternoon will be dedicated to hearing information about store staffing, increasing donations, profitability, Point-of-Sale (POS), sharing of innovative ideas to think of new ways to serve and information about a future National Training Store in Fairview, IL.

For those attending the Stores Meeting in its entirety on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, they will be eligible for the door prizes shown on the agenda.

You don’t want to miss out!!

Please encourage your store personnel to subscribe to the e-Gazette, by emailing mboyer@svdpusa.org.

If you have a topic that you would like addressed in a future Stores Corner article, please e-mail our Jeff Beamguard, National Director of Stores Support at jbeamguard@svdpusa.org.

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