The Samaritan 1

The

Samaritan Summer 2

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Volume 15, Issu

e 3

Society of

St. Vincent de Paul

Family Assistance Center 4451 Mercantile Avenue Naples, Florida 34104

Phone: 239.775.1667

Fax: 239.775.2412

Meals on Wheels:

239.775.0443

Thrift Stores:

3196 Davis Boulevard Naples, Florida 34104

239.775.2907

3725 Bonita Beach Rd Bonita Springs, FL 34104

239.775.2907

www.svdpnaples.org

Pilgrimage of the

Heart and Symposium

400th Anniversary of the Vincentian Charism

From October 10-18, 2017, Vincentians have

the opportunity to travel to Rome where the

Pope will welcome Vincentians and their

family and friends for a “Pilgrimage of the

Heart and Symposium.” The Pope and the

church celebrate the 400th Anniversary of

the Vincentian Charism, and welcome all to

attend this truly special event. We have part-

nered with JetVacations in creating a travel

package to assist our members in attending

this event and receiving the

Pope’s blessing!

While in Rome you will be

participating in a customized

tour program discovering

Imperial and Christian

Rome, and a special visit to

Assisi, the home of the

name sake of our beloved

Pope Francis. By participat-

ing in the travel option, you

will also be contributing

fundraising dollars that will

support the efforts of our

local SVDP Council. The

package is open to be

shared with family and

friends in joining the group

in Rome. For the three days

of the Symposium, there will

be a private transfer in-

cluded each day in getting

the participants back and

forth to the Symposium.

Flexibility exists in attending

the events during the Sym-

posium. Recently an-

nounced, the event will in-

clude Project 2030: Ending

Homelessness. More details

TBA, but should be a power-

ful breakout within the Symposium. On the

14th, the present agenda is for ALL partici-

pants to receive a special and personal

blessing from the Pope.

Please contact JetVacations directly at 1-855

-538-0999 for details or questions regarding

the travel program, and to make your reser-

vations.

Continued on page 3

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President’s

Update

Getting Caught Up With St. Vincent de Paul in Naples

The Naples District Council of St. Vincent de Paul is 75% of the way thru

our fiscal year. We have accomplished a great deal in 9 months including

the following:

Improved our service to Meals on Wheels participants

Increased the number of Vincentian caseworkers supporting Meals on

Wheels

Implemented an “in house,” approved fingerprint processing capability

to support our ministries in Naples and others

Upgraded the Davis Thrift Store with a new look, carpeting and facelift

Opened the new Bonita Thrift Boutique with a “Better Finds” focus

Hosted Catholic Charities Choice Food Pantry during the rehabilitation

of their facility

Expanded the breadth of our thrift store sales by adding local EBAY

sales

Purchased two new box trucks with excellent advertising displays on

the bodies encouraging donations to our stores

In addition to these improvement projects, our Caseworkers have supported

over 6,000 cases in this period which represents more than 17,000 individ-

ual and family members. Approximately 5,000 of these cases were sup-

ported with food from our Choice Food Pantry. Others were helped with

rent, utilities, clothing, furniture, counseling, referrals, and other services.

Our slogan on each truck says, “St. Vincent de Paul Provides...HOPE”

Hope comes from providing basic necessities to people we serve and by

being good listeners!

We are in the middle of summer and this is the time of year when there are

few jobs in Naples and we see more people in need. We depend on you to

provide us the resources for helping! If you are able, please make a contri-

bution to help us thru this period.

Thank you! Have a wonderful, blessed summer.

In the Vincentian Spirit,

Denis Dugan

President, Naples District Council

St. Vincent de Paul

Board of Directors

Fr. Thomas Glackin, Spiritual Advisor

Denis Dugan, President

Fred Michaels, Vice President

Tom Tette, Treasurer

R. Barrie Schmitt, Secretary

Stan Kabala, President Emeritus

Lloyd Sample, President Emeritus

Mickey Flynn, President, San Marco

Frank Carlin, President, St. Agnes

Paul Gladdys, President, St. Ann

Chuck Drago, President,

St. Elizabeth Seton

Carlos Lamadrid, President, St. Finbarr

Bill Smart, President,

St. John the Evangelist

Donna Merlin, President,

St. Peter the Apostle

Dianne Kabala, President, St. William

St. Vincent de Paul Staff

Kim Schul, Operations/Finance Director

Samantha Maturo, Program/Volunteer Mgr

Carol Harris, Meals-on-Wheels Coordinator

Kathy Hankins, Senior Accountant

Evelyn Baquero, Meals-on-Wheels

Brianna Cox, Office Assistance

Melanie Kennedy, Client Intake Specialist

Catherine Sciandra, Dispatch

Greta Santos, Davis Store Manager

Michel Wilk, Bonita Store Manager

Jerry Fenelon, Assistant Store Manager

Randy Fenelon, Assistant Store Manager

Store Staff: Kenzy Aly, Guillermo Bolivar,

Lucas Caserio, Kathleen Casey, Jesse Dur-

den, Alex Hernandez, Maria Montes, Sergio

Montes, Casey Santino, Yedriel Vazquez

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HELP US HELP OTHERS

You can help us in our ministry of serving those in need by…

Making a monetary donation—visit our Donate page on our website or donate through your local Catholic

Parish.

Making a gift of Stock or other Securities.

Donating to our thrift stores—we accept CLOTHING, FURNITURE, APPLIANCES, CARS, BOATS...any gently

used item is appreciated.

Call (239)775-2907

Donating non-perishable food to our pantry—drop off food at our office at 4451 Mercantile Avenue, either store,

or during your Parish food drive.

Consider a PLANNED GIFT. Through a planned gift, you are able to help the Society for years to come.

Planned gifts can be made through wills, trusts, insurance, and gifts of property. We encourage you to talk to

your financial planner or attorney to learn ways in which you can ease your tax burden while investing in the

lives of the needy of our community.

Our legal name is ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY NAPLES DISTRICT COUNCIL, INC. We are a 501 (c)3

agency. Donations may be tax deductible; please consult your tax advisor.

A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer service by

calling toll-free (800-435-7352) within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommen-

dation by the state.

Pilgrimage

Continued from page 1

If interested, we recommend you do so as soon as possi-

ble; we anticipate space will sell out. Note, air is sched-

uled from Miami, but other gateways throughout the USA

are available upon request.

In closing, we are excited to be able to offer the travel

program in attending this once in a lifetime event for all

Vincentians. We hope that many of you will be able to be

in Rome for this special Pilgrimage and for you to receive

your well deserved appreciation and blessings.

Donate your car today…

Make a Difference In Someone’s Life Tomorrow

When you donate your car to St. Vincent de Paul you can help put food

on a family’s table, a roof over someone’s head or keep the electric on in

a home.

Schedule a free pick-up of your car donation by calling (239)775-2907 or

drop off your car at our Davis Thrift Store location (3196 Davis Blvd.).

We’ll take care of the paperwork for you and provide a tax receipt.

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St. Vincent de Paul offers many volunteer opportunities...there’s something here for you!

Caseworkers: Caseworkers work through our 8 local Catholic Parishes in Naples. Last year, 175 volunteer caseworkers

assisted more than 14,000 children and adults from our community, conducting one-to-one interviews with each individ-

ual to determine what type of assistance is needed: food, rent, utility bills, clothing, furniture or household items. Case-

workers coordinate with other area agencies to provide the required assistance, with the ultimate goal of helping appli-

cants find stability in their lives.

Meals on Wheels: Each year over 175 dedicated volunteers deliver over 94,000 meals to homebound, older and dis-

abled adults in Collier County. As a volunteer driver you will help to deliver hot meals during the week and spend a few

welcomed minutes visiting with recipients.

Thrift Stores: Through the help of donors and our volunteers, over $67,000 was given in in-kind store goods last year,

i.e., furniture, clothing, household goods…. Thrift store volunteers are trained to work in many areas of our thrift stores,

including: receiving donations, straightening, sorting and pricing clothing, linens, household goods, books, furniture and

electronics, answering telephones and cashiering.

Food Pantry: Last year over $393,000 was given in food through our Choice Pantry. As a food

pantry volunteer you can help to walk those we serve through the pantry and help with their

choices or you can help in sorting and stocking the food donations.

To become a volunteer please contact Samantha Maturo (239)775-1667 ext. 307

smaturo@svdpnaples.org or visit our website.

Help Make A Difference In

Someone’s Life Today…

VOLUNTEER!!

Feeding the Hungry

Our Food Pantry is busier than ever this Summer and our need is at an all time high.

Our most needed items are:

Jelly

Spam

Chicken Noodle Soup

Pasta

Shampoo

If you would like to help by making a food donation, please deliver to:

4451 Mercantile Avenue

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St. Ann Conference

Update

The St. Ann Conference Youth Coordinator and Director of St. Ann School Youth Group “The Mini Vinnies” Mrs. Nancy Cook will be

leaving us for a teaching position in Latana, FL. Nancy has been the driving force in establishing and developing the Mini Vinnies

youth Group for the past five years. Her professionalism and dedication has made a tremendous impact on the students and the

mission of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. The majority of the students in grades 6 through 8 are members of this youth group. This

past year a total of 48 students participated in the program. Our conference will sorely miss Nancy from our conference activities.

Our members wish her the very best as she takes on these new educational endeavors on the East Coast of Florida. Nancy has in-

formed me that she plans to be actively involved with the societies youth programs at her new location. Nancy we thank you for a

job well done.

This photo was taken during the last Mini Vinnie activity of the school year. The group participated in a field trip to our Davis Blvd.

Thrift Store. Each student was provided with a store voucher for $10.00. Greta the Store Manager made a presentation to the

group on store operations. The students were then permitted to spend the next hour shopping for merchandise. Needless to say it

was organized chaos as the students searched every corner of the store for their prized purchase. After their shopping spree the

group was bused back to our office facility for a pizza party. We thank all of our members who participated as group leaders for this

activity.

Our conference’s other activities include the bike project. This past year we have provided 72 bikes to those in need in the commu-

nity. This bike project involves all those families from all of the conferences in the council. Each bike cost $85 which included a

chain and lock, a basket, tail lamps and head lights. The criteria for providing bikes are for transportation for employment, medical

purposes, i.e., visits to physician’s offices and for everyday necessities. This year the conference did apply for a grant from the Na-

tional Office for the bike pro-

ject. Our request was denied

since the National Office had

authorized all their funds for

other projects. The confer-

ence beside its regular activi-

ties of assigned members to

the office to assist families in

need for food, clothing, and

financial support also provide

a car to a family in need for

transportation. This is the

second car that the confer-

ence has provided in the past

three years from the donated

car thrift store program.

Paul Gladdys

President, St. Ann Conference

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Director’s Update

SVDP National Meeting

St. Vincent de Paul’s National Assembly is sponsored this year by the Southeast Region and will be

held, Tuesday, August 29—Saturday, September 2 at the Tampa Marriott in Tampa, FL. This is a

chance to reconnect with fellow Vincentians from around the country, hear from speakers on a variety

of topics and take time to renew your Vincentian spirit. Check out National’s Website to find out more.

Recognition Opportunities

Honor and Memorialize loved ones

and friends with our Giving Tree

Opportunities

Palm Frond (Leaf) $500

Coconut $1,000

*Please call (239)775-1667 to

take part in this opportunity

Summer, typically the time of year for fun, travel, and relaxation. We all can’t wait for sum-

mer. However, while most are scheduling the family vacation, or “staycation”, some are

wishing they were at work. Naples is a prime example of those wishing they were earning a

paycheck this summer. Many families become out of work during the months between April

and September due to seasonal downturns. While they look for work, these families and

individuals need help. Beginning in May, the volume of requests for assistance with rent,

utilities, food, and clothing become much larger as the number of unemployed, underem-

ployed, and homeless grow.

In response to the growing need, St. Vincent de Paul steps up to the challenge. But in order for St. Vincent de Paul

to assist, we need your help. With the support of those in our community, we can assist those in need and quiet

their fear of losing their homes and feeding their children.

Please help us help those in need. Every gift, no matter how great or small, can make a huge difference to those

struggling with very little or nothing.

Our prayer is that no one needs services, our mission is to help those who do.

Blessings,

Kim

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“Amen I say to you, what you have done for the least of min, you have done to me.” -Matthew 25:40

I am often asked why I devote so much time to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. There are so many wonderful charities in our

world that present an opportunity to help those in need. Extremely worthy and effective charities such as Salvation Army, Habitat

for Humanity, St. Matthew’s House, Catholic Charities, United Way, and so many others that offer the chance to give of time, talent

and treasure. What makes St. Vincent de Paul so different?

I see the efforts of our Society as clearly being on another level form other charities. I have learned to focus my work on the above

quoted scripture from Matthew. It is at the heart of our mission.

We not only seek to provide assistance. Rather, our efforts are based on the belief that what we do is spiritual in nature. We are

devoted to searching for the face of God in those we are helping and endeavor to bring the glory of Christ to them through us. We

go forward with the knowledge that the charism of the Holy Spirit goes with us.

I have never viewed what I do at St. Vincent de Paul as work. I see it as a way to walk my journey of faith even closer to God. So

many times, when speaking with those we help, I find myself inwardly communicating with God—”How can I best help this per-

son?”

The Gospels on a few recent Sundays have focused on Jesus’ Parables of the Seed. Given these parables my thought is that our

Society is the rich, fertile soil that with proper care grows seeds in to bountiful harvests. We receive donations of money and mer-

chandise from generous, compassionate, faithful people, and it

is our duty to use those donations wisely. It is not a responsibil-

ity to be taken lightly.

In my few short years at St. Vincent de Paul, I have no doubt that

I am a better Christian, and a better person. I feel that I have

accomplished much, but I can also county too many failures

among my efforts. I still have so much to learn. With the prayer

that God leads me on my path, I will continue to endeavor to

help grow the kingdom of God by helping those in need.

Chuck Drago

President, St. Elizabeth Seton Conference

Answering the Call of God

Golf Update

The Naples Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul hosted its 2nd Annual Golf Tournament on Monday, May 1 at the beautiful

Quail Creek Country Club.

The event was open to all golfers (ladies and men) regardless of golf

skill.

New in 2017, players were treated to a pre-tourney event on Friday

evening, April 29th at the PGA Superstore in Naples. Light appetizers

and wine were served and those in attendance were awarded prizes in

a putting contest, as well as a longest drive and closest to the pin chal-

lenge at the store computer simulated range.

Continued on page 8

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Upcoming Dates & Events

August—September 29—2

Tuesday—Saturday

Annual National Meeting

(Tampa, FL)

August 29—31

Tuesday—Thursday

MOW National Conference

(Denver, CO)

September 4

Monday

Labor Day Holiday

Family Assistance Center & Stores

Closed

September 9

Saturday

Feast of Blessed Frederic Ozanam

September 27

Wednesday

Feast of St. Vincent de Paul

October 18

Wednesday

Ozanam Orientation

St. William

8:30am—12:00pm

November 1

Wednesday

All Saints’ Day

November 10

Friday

MOW Driver Meeting

Family Assistance Center

9:30am—11:30am

November 17

Friday

Caseworker Meeting

St. Elizabeth Seton

9:30am—11:00am

November 23

Thursday

Thanksgiving Holiday

Office & Stores Closed

November 24

Friday

Thanksgiving Holiday

Office Closed

After registration, 80 players were provided with a box lunch and headed for the practice range. Tee off time for the four-ball

scramble was 1pm. Playing a wonderful course on a God-given beautiful day, prizes were awarded to first, second, and third place

teams, as well as individual, closest to the pin and longest drive in both men and women’s division. Raffle tickets were sold and

many of the participants won great prizes!

Following golf the players were treated to a delicious buffet.

Over $11,000 was raised to benefit the works of our Naples Society which provides assistance to the needy here in Collier County.

Thanks are extended to our St. Vincent de Paul Golf Committee headed by Diane Van Parys of St. Elizabeth Seton Conference, and

the assistance of our St. Vincent de Paul staff. Thanks also to the extremely generous support of our players, hole sponsors, and

program sponsors. A really wonderful day brought everyone together

to play golf, but more importantly served to continue to grow the

Kingdom of God through service to those in need.

All the proceeds from this event will be used to support the work of

the Naples District Council of St. Vincent de Paul, providing assistance

to the poor of Collier County.

For further information, please call (239)775-1667.

Chuck Drago

President, St. Elizabeth Seton Conference

Golf Update cont. Continued from page 7