(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Fall 2024 Issue #113)
by Sharon Winzeler, OFS
Communications Committee Chair
“When you serve and engage, you find meaning in your life. This helps you fill a hole in your life that only God can fill,” said Susan Junker, senior development officer for the St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVdP) in Phoenix, Arizona. She led Chapter attendees on a tour of the world’s largest St. Vincent de Paul facility. The visit was part of the ‘half-day away’ tradition at Chapter to help attendees become acquainted with the area.
One of the tour groups with members from Chapter. (Cathy Roszhart)
In a concerted effort to address poverty and promote dignity, the Phoenix Diocese operates comprehensive programs that reflect the shared values that Franciscans will recognize. Under the auspices of the SVdP, 380 staff members and 16,000 volunteers run the operation that focuses on spirituality, community and service.
With 82 SVdP conferences actively engaged in food distribution, medical and dental services and housing, the initiative aims to serve the vulnerable and foster a sense of belonging. Every month, the society organizes food deliveries to local families, utilizing banana boxes for distribution. Each conference can pick up pallets of food twice monthly, with dedicated Vincentians personally delivering these essentials directly to homes so the families don’t have to wait in line. Last year local volunteers distributed 168,000 food boxes.
The Last Chance Gift Store plays a vital role in providing affordable household items and furniture to those in need. With a fleet of 10 trucks collecting donations across the valley, the store offers a second chance for items that have cycled through other outlets, allowing families to purchase goods at low prices.
A bicycle repair shop on the premises repairs and maintains a fleet of bicycles to provide transportation for those in need.
A significant aspect of the SVdP outreach includes free medical and dental clinics. Supported by a network of volunteers and partnerships with medical schools, the clinics focus on preventive care, including nutrition counseling and specialized children’s dental services. Last year there were 18,700 visits to the dental and family wellness clinics. A photographic exhibit called the Hall of Smiles illustrates the improvements that dental care has made in the lives of children.
Recognizing the increasing need for transitional housing, especially for the disabled and individuals aged 55 and older, the diocese operates multiple housing facilities. These spaces accommodate 231 residents and are designated to self-sufficiency, with an average stay of nine months. Efforts include support for individuals with mental and physical disabilities. Residents may bring their dogs, and a vet clinic is scheduled to open soon. Statistics show that 98 percent of SVdP transitional housing graduates remain housed one year later.
The food service building houses one of the Southwest’s largest commercial kitchens which is used to prepare 7,000 meals a day. Many of the meals are distributed by 30 local agencies that lack kitchen facilities.
Meals are also served on site. Community engagement is enhanced through family-style dinners served Monday through Friday, providing meals, fun, and fellowship for parents and children. SVdP is also proactive in alleviating homelessness, utilizing an app for emergency assistance requests. This personalized approach allows families in crisis to receive timely support, focusing on maintaining housing stability and fostering income opportunities.
A work area for “Love in a Box” (Jane DeRose-Bamman)
Secular Franciscans visiting the center felt at home amidst the Vincentian spirit of service and sacrifice, especially when they arrived in one of the new housing units with the words attributed to St. Francis of Assisi stenciled in large letters on the wall, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.”
The day away was followed by a lively game night back at the retreat center. The trip, game night and hospitality at Chapter were graciously hosted by the St. Thomas More Region.
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