Interview with John Cogis, Our Lady of the Valley Conference, Beaver County

At Our Lady of the Valley Food Pantry, It’s More Than a Meal—It’s a Ministry of Hope

At the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Council of Pittsburgh, the mission to serve neighbors in need goes far beyond providing essentials—it’s about creating moments of dignity, compassion, and connection. One shining example of this is the work being done at the Our Lady of the Valley Food Pantry, where each month over 100 families receive far more than groceries. We recently spoke with one of the dedicated Vincentians leading this joyful effort to learn what makes this pantry so special, how themed “celebration days” uplift families, and why friendship and faith are at the heart of it all.

Q: How did you become involved with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Council of Pittsburgh?
A:  Like many others, you see or hear of some works of the Society and join to make a difference.  For me, it was a program on EWTN that highlighted a ministry serving the homeless.  At Our Lady of the Valley you can help hungry families at the Food Pantry or visit a family in their home facing a crisis.  But you quickly discover it is not simply about the works but it is more about the Friendship, Compassion, Respect, and Trust.  It inspires when you witness heartfelt gratitude and renewed hope.

Q: What inspired you to take on a leadership role at the pantry?
A:  There is so much work to do, and Vincentians and volunteers want to make a real difference for the families that visit each month.  With the exponential growth in the number of families facing food insecurity, comes the challenge of being ready when the doors open to make every visit a special and joyous occasion.  Whatever I need to do to remove obstacles and support each month’s offerings made ready by all the Pantry workers is essential for the health and wellbeing of our visiting Friends In Need.  We all know as we say a prayer before opening the doors that this will be a special occasion for those who line up outside and for all Vincentians that serve.  The Food Pantry leadership is dedicated to this outcome.

Q: Tell us a little about your pantry. What sets it apart?
A: The 2nd Tuesday of each month more than 100 families line up outside of Keating Hall to receive an oversized bag of nonperishable food and a $25 food voucher redeemed at their local grocery store for fresh items.  There are stations throughout the pantry where families stock up on toiletries and essential household goods, supplies for infants and clothing for toddlers, gifts for children and treats for the entire family, religious books and devotionals, and even food for their four legged family members.  Every month we prepare a “special menu” based on a timely theme: visitors encounter a Christmas celebration, Thanksgiving thankfulness, Fourth of July picnic, and a Cinco de Mayo festival to name a few.  Each themed event must provide nourishing food offerings to impact the family’s food deficiencies. Our visiting friends know when they come to Our Lady of the Valley Food Pantry they will receive other treasures from the Vincentians and volunteers who welcome them with kindness and respect for their dignity.  They encounter friendship, understanding, and hope.

Q: Can you share a story that’s stayed with you?
A:  Each month families line up outside anticipating a spectacular event.  Our visiting friends and the Vincentians spend time together more like family rather than random strangers.  When all is ready and the doors are about to open Vincentians pray together that our hearts are open and our actions are welcoming.  Chairman Joe ventures out to greet all, walking the line, and encouraging them to “go to church”, “check out the Mass times” in the Bulletin stuffed in their food bags, and “take care of each other”.  He announces to all this is a great time to keep respect in your mind, kindness in your words, and friendship in your hearts.  You could see everyone agrees as heads nod and smiles blossom. We witness the friendliness, kindness, and cheerfulness among strangers.  A lady standing in line asks for a chair.  She noticed an elderly man with disabilities in obvious pain standing behind her and encourages him to sit.  She would help move the chair as they moved closer to the front.  A small group of women have become new friends as they talk about their hardships and their blessings.   You can hear one of them proclaim the love of Jesus for them. The next visitor was just about to enter through the doors of Keating when she spotted our disabled senior veteran arriving at the end of the line.  She left her place to greet him and was moved by his frailty as he inched closer with his walker.  She did not leave his side as they bypassed everyone in line.  Looks of kindness and approval were exchanged by everyone as they slowly went by and disappeared into the pantry.  A young girl carrying her bag of groceries on the way out stops and says she was given a rosary at the last visit and wondered if she could get another for a friend.  

Q: What does being a Vincentian mean to you?
A:  At the Food Pantry as our Friends leave for their homes you can see the joy in their faces.  Many tell us they prefer to come to Our Lady of the Valley Food Pantry over other food resources in Beaver County.  On the way out each Friend passes by with a big smile, a cheerful “thank you”, and a heartfelt “God Bless”.  “See you next month” is the reply from each Vincentian, while under their breath they are thanking God for the blessings they just received.  This is the face of Christ we strive to see in those we serve. 

Q: What advice would you give to someone starting or revitalizing a pantry?
A:  Give each one of your Friends in Need a place where they can go to reduce the impact of food insecurity, share some friendship with fellow visitors and with Vincentians who greet them, and find respect for their dignity from those Vincentians who care for their needs. It simply is not giving and getting groceries; it is offering a hand in friendship and nurturing a ray of hope. Make it a heartwarming experience and witness the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

Welcoming Richard Palermo, Our New Development Associate!

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Council of Pittsburgh is thrilled to welcome Richard Palermo as our new Development Associate. Richard will play an essential role in supporting our mission to serve those in need throughout the Pittsburgh area. He’ll be responsible for assisting with donor relations, organizing fundraising events, and expanding outreach efforts to engage our community and supporters.

We wanted to give you a chance to get to know Richard, so we asked him a few questions in a quick Q&A:

Q: What inspired you to join the Society of St. Vincent de Paul?

A: I wanted to be a part of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul because my faith and deep desire to help those in need inspired me to be a part of this mission. The values and mission of SVdP resonate deeply with me, as I believe in serving individuals with dignity and compassion. Treating every person with kindness and respect is something I strongly believe in, regardless of their situation or background. Belonging to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul serves as a nudge that little gestures of kindness hold lasting impact, and collective efforts lead to positive transformations.

Q: What will be your focus as a Development Associate?

A: In my role as the Development Associate for the Society of St Vincent de Paul my primary responsibility will be to enhance and bolster the fundraising initiatives that support the organization’s programs and services aimed at assisting individuals and families in need by providing resources among others. My objective is to contribute towards sustaining the growth and effectiveness of these programs over time by fostering an environment of appreciation and openness which I believe are elements for ensuring success in fundraising endeavors. My goal is to use data and communication tools to monitor donations and enhance interaction with our supporters aiming to show donors the impact of their generosity and actively support development and fundraising efforts with enthusiasm.

Q: Can you share a bit about your background and how it has prepared you for this position?

A: I have experience in the non-profit sector and most recently worked for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust in their Development Department. While working there I collaborated with donors, partners, and sponsors to support programs and projects. In Development work it’s not only about raising funds; it’s also about building lasting relationships, making donors feel valued, and illustrating the impact of their contributions on the community. I’m excited to use that information to support the Society’s initiatives and gather support for their programs. I’m enthusiastic about playing a role in the progress and expansion of the organization.

Q: What are you most looking forward to in your role?

A: I’m enthusiastic about the opportunity to help grow the Society’s reach and fundraising capacity. The work SVdP does is so important, and I believe there are many untapped opportunities to engage the community further whether that’s through increasing individual donations or fostering partnerships with local businesses that raise both funds and awareness. I’m eager to be involved in these initiatives, helping to amplify the Society’s impact and ensure that more of our neighbors can access the support they need. I’m looking forward to being part of a team that is so deeply committed to service, and to playing a role in strengthening the development efforts that will help sustain and expand the vital work SVdP does in Pittsburgh and beyond. I’m excited for the challenge and the opportunity to contribute to a cause that truly changes lives.

Q: Any interests or hobbies you’d like to share?

A: When I’m not at work I have a strong passion for music. I am a professional musician and play the violin with professional orchestras in the tri-state area including the Pittsburgh Opera Orchestra, the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra, the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, amongst others. I’m also into cooking and trying out recipes. It’s something I enjoy doing for my loved ones, too. Cooking and sharing a meal with loved ones bring me happiness and helps me relax and bond with the important people in my life. Spending time with my wife and family is one of my greatest joys. Whether it’s unwinding at home or going for walks, these moments with my wife and close ones are truly special to me.

Please join us in welcoming Richard Palermo to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul family!

Introduction of Sarah Komatsu, SOS Collab’s Joint Care Navigator

We are thrilled to welcome Sarah Komatsu as the new Joint Care Navigator for the SOS Collab hosted at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Council of Pittsburgh. With a deep commitment to community service and a passion for helping others, Sarah brings a wealth of experience and compassion to her role. As Joint Care Navigator, Sarah will be working closely with families in need, providing critical support and resources to help them navigate challenging situations. Her role is integral to ensuring that individuals and families receive the comprehensive assistance they need, from emergency relief to long-term support. 

Sarah’s primary responsibilities include connecting families with essential services, coordinating assistance across multiple programs of the SOS Collab, and serving as a compassionate advocate for those facing financial and personal hardships. Her work will be instrumental in helping us continue to fulfill our mission of supporting the most vulnerable members of our community. 

Sarah has just moved back to Pittsburgh from Los Angeles, Ca where she lived for eight years. To help you get to know Sarah better, we provided her with a few questions for a brief interview: 

What inspired you to join the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and what does this role mean to you? 

• When I moved back to Pittsburgh this past spring, I knew that I wanted to use all that I had learned and experienced for something important. While valuing purpose made the job hunt harder, it was all the more exciting to discover St. Vincent de Paul and the incredible charity that is run through this organization. I am so excited to be a part of such a venerated organization and one that has been around for so many years. It’s an honor to be a part of history alongside my brothers and sisters, especially in the pursuit of living out the Gospel. The role of Joint Care Navigator means that I’ll be able to help our neighbors-in-need at least one step closer to finding peace in paying a light bill or taking some weight off their shoulders with a furniture set. There are so, so many people in need, and while Jesus says that the poor will always be with us (Matthew 26), we can care for and love those in the community as best we can. Doing it with other organizations, partnering to provide even more careful love to our neighbors, that’s just the cherry on top. 

Can you share a bit about your background and how it has prepared you for this position? 

• While I did work at a non-profit before I moved away from Pittsburgh, the most valuable experiences that I’ve had to launch me in this position were once I moved West. I lived at a foster home in Arizona, right outside of the Navajo Nation. The children told me many stories of how difficult it was to find food or to not have running water, and as a house parent, we ourselves needed to apply for government assistance to feed everyone and keep the lights on. It never got easier asking for help, which I believe helps me have great understanding and compassion for our neighbors-in-need who call. Once I was in California, I was actively involved in my church, where I had more glimpses into the lives of immigrant families and those with extreme hardship. I worked for another non-profit which supported people experiencing houselessness, and that experience taught me a lot about partnerships and more of the innerworkings of non-profits. Both my behind-the-scenes and firsthand experiences have prepared me for this role, being able to talk directly to the people in need, advocate for them and help them navigate through this time to the best of my ability. 

What are some of the first things you’re looking forward to doing in your new role as Joint Care Navigator? 

• I’ve already had the pleasure of returning the many messages we’ve received and speaking with our neighbors-in-need. Looking forward, I’m so excited to be a part of this collaboration, to find new ways to build bridges and find the most and best support for the Pittsburgh (and greater Southwest PA) community. There is so much to learn, and I want to be able to help as many people as possible, with whatever they need. 

How do you plan to connect with and support the families you’ll be working with? 

• I’m already catching up with the messages that have been left, so other than phone, I believe that we will have an online forum where people can submit requests for information. We will use whatever means we can to get the word out about the assistance and support we can provide. I’d love to meet both the organizations and smaller conferences in person; since I’m referring our neighbors to them, I want to know what information is helpful for them to have or me to deliver. 

What do you hope to achieve in your first year with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul? 

• In my position at St. Vincent de Paul, I’m hoping to be able to streamline some of our systems, and to create a better database with fuller information. While every conference is doing a great job running their community, I’d love to see a single database with what conferences are currently able to provide (if only to not refer a neighbor-in-need to them when they’re unable to help). I’d also like to create a system to curate a list of individuals who would be candidates and willing to share their story of how we’ve been used by God to support them in their difficulties. 
• With St. Vincent de Paul as an organization, my hope is that whatever time I have to spend here, I do it in both present and future tenses. I wish to do my job today to the best of my ability, but I also hope to leave whatever imprint possible to continue into St. Vincent de Paul’s future. The world is changing, but there will always be people in need, so much can be done to ensure that future generations are able to both support and receive support from St. Vincent de Paul. 

Anything else you would like to share? 

• I am just so, so happy to be here, to be a part of this organization and family, and to serve the people in my beloved Pittsburgh and Southwestern PA. 

Sarah’s enthusiasm and dedication make her a perfect fit for this role, and we’re excited to see the positive impact she will have on the lives of the families we serve. Please join us in welcoming Sarah to our team! You can reach her at skomatsu@svdppitt.org or by calling 412.321.1071×1006. 

Support the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Council of Pittsburgh through The United Way Campaign

This fall, you have an incredible opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those in need by supporting the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Council of Pittsburgh through the United Way Campaign. By designating your workplace donation to our organization with number 273, you directly contribute to providing vital assistance to individuals and families struggling with poverty, homelessness, and other challenges.

Your contributions help fund essential programs, including emergency financial assistance, food distribution, and support services that empower our neighbors to regain stability and hope. The United Way Campaign is a convenient way to make a lasting impact, and every donation counts, no matter the size.

Signing up is simple:

1. Check with Your Employer: Many workplaces participate in the United Way Campaign, allowing you to give through payroll deductions.
2. Use Number 273: When you fill out your donation form, make sure to designate the Society of St. Vincent de Paul with number 273.
3. Spread the Word: Encourage your colleagues, friends, and family members to join you in supporting our mission.

Your generosity will help us continue our work of serving those most in need in our community. Thank you for being a part of this vital effort through the United Way Campaign!