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Edward’s story – Vinnie’s Auto

Edward is a devoted husband and father. His pride is evident when he talks about his wife and daughter. But Edward faces some unique challenges because his daughter has Down’s syndrome and his wife has early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

In spite of these challenges, Edward relishes the time he spends with his family. Last year his freedom to visit his wife and participate in his daughter’s activities was impacted when his car was totaled. Thanks to the Vinnie’s Auto program, he received a replacement car.

“My car is such a blessing to me,” says Edward. “If I didn’t have a car, I couldn’t visit my wife every day at the nursing home or take my daughter to her many activities. Just last week I was able to drive her to the Team Activities for Special Kids Prom and watch her at the Special Olympics. She had such a great time!”

Edward also uses his car to help others. “I try to help anyone who needs a ride somewhere. Whether it is a trip to the doctor’s office or to the grocery store, I gladly give them a ride. I feel so blessed that I try to pass my blessing along to others.”

The gift of one car can mean so much to so many. Your support can help more people spend time with their family, access a better job, or have the freedom to get ahead. For more info….

Rosemarie

“I was someone who never thought I would need the help of an organization like St. Vincent De Paul,” says Rosemarie. “I had always been the person who volunteered for charitable organizations, and it was hard to be on the receiving end.”

After the death of her husband, she was having a hard time finding a job. Even though she had a college degree, she needed to take care of her young daughter while juggling her husband’s substantial medical bills.

“I didn’t know how I was going to make it on my own.” Fortunately, Rosemarie was a member of Holy Infant Parish. “I was getting the emotional and spiritual support I needed at Mass, but I needed help with my finances.”

She turned to Holy Infant’s St. Vincent De Paul Conference. “They were so wonderful. They provided immediate support to help me get settled in my apartment. Walter, one of the volunteers, spent a week going over my finances. He developed a spreadsheet and a budget to get me back on track. And it has worked!”

Rosemarie says that it wasn’t just financial support she needed—she needed someone to believe in her. “I also had the help of a Stephen Minister. It was so important to have them cheering me on. They talked to me; they prayed with me…they were all so kind. I knew where I wanted to go; I just didn’t know how I would get there. St. Vincent DePaul showed me the way.”

Rosemarie’s story so beautifully illustrates the mission of the Society of St. Vincent DePaul. Conference volunteers don’t just help those in need; they walk side by side with them, growing together in their faith along the way. “I was on my knees,” says Rosemarie. “They picked me up and put me back on my feet. I don’t take that lightly. I am so grateful for what they did for me, and I look forward to helping someone else.”

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