I’m Karen O’Keefe and I joined the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in February 2023 as the new Director of Conference Formation!  What is that job, you ask?  I support and coordinate the 57 Conferences which are groups of Vincentian volunteers at our local Catholic Parishes!  In 2022, over $2.3 million dollars of desperately needed aid was distributed to individuals in our community by more than 800 Vincentian volunteers through our Parish Conferences.  As a Licensed Social Worker with a background in mental health, homeless services, and addiction, I’m thrilled to join this astonishing network of neighbors helping neighbors.  

As one of our first initiatives, our Pittsburgh office partnered with the SVdP Eastern Region Formator from Philadelphia who joined us for two full days of a “train-the-trainer” course on Orientation for new Vincentians Volunteers.  Pittsburgh now has six formators prepared to offer robust trainings grounded in Catholic Spirituality to any new volunteers seeking to serve the poor! 

Money, prayers, and people are all needed to sustain our vital work!  If you feel called to help the poor directly in service, please call me at 412-321-1071 X1203 to learn more about becoming a Vincentian Volunteer!  We need you!  You would join an incredible legacy of 171 years of aid to the poorest in the Pittsburgh area!  Thank you and God bless you for providing materially, spiritually, and in gift of self, to our most needy neighbors in the Pittsburgh area!

On August 1, 2023, we have an extraordinary opportunity to make a tremendous impact on our community and uplift those in need during The Pittsburgh Foundation’s Critical Needs Alert online giving event. 💖

Join us on this momentous day of generosity as we unite to address the critical needs of the most vulnerable individuals and families in Pittsburgh through the work of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Your participation can be the catalyst for positive change, providing essential support to those facing hardships and difficulties.

Here’s how you can make a difference:

  • Mark your calendars for August 1, 2023, and set a reminder to participate in the online giving event at https://www.pittsburghgives.org/svdppitt
  • Share this call to action with your friends, family, and colleagues, encouraging them to join us in this meaningful initiative.
  • Amplify the impact of your donation by spreading the word through your social media channels using #PittsburghCriticalNeedsAlert
  • Consider making a matching gift challenge to inspire others to give generously alongside you

Together, let’s show the strength of our compassion and support, proving that our community stands united in times of need. Whether it’s providing a warm meal, shelter, or essential resources, your generosity can change lives and create a brighter future for those struggling in our region. Every donation, no matter the size, matters and will be utilized to address the critical needs of our neighbors in need. Your kindness is a beacon of hope for those experiencing difficult circumstances, reminding them that they are not alone.

Mark your calendars, spread the word, and be ready to make a lasting impact on the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Council of Pittsburgh on August 1st, 2023, during The Pittsburgh Foundation’s Critical Needs Alert online giving event. Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate Pittsburgh.

Thank you for being the driving force of positive change in our community. We are stronger when we stand together! 🌟💪

On September 10, 2023, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Council of Pittsburgh will host its annual Help Thy Neighbor Walk, an inspiring event that brings together compassionate hearts and enthusiastic spirits to make a significant impact in the lives of those in need. This initiative, born from a desire to uplift the community, invites participants from all walks of life to join hands and walk side by side, demonstrating the power of collective action.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is dedicated to supporting vulnerable individuals and families facing hardships. Through its charitable initiatives and assistance programs, the organization has been instrumental in alleviating poverty and restoring hope for countless people.

The Help Thy Neighbor Walk is not just a fundraiser; it’s a celebration of solidarity and a testament to the transformative potential of unity. The event promises to be a day filled with joy, fellowship, and a shared commitment to make a difference. It presents an opportunity for individuals, families, friends, and local businesses to come together and actively contribute to the betterment of society. Every step taken during the walk symbolizes a step toward positive change, reminding us that we have the power to be agents of compassion and empathy.

Participants will gather at both North and South Parks for this regional event:

North Park: Meet at Harmar Grove for 9:00am Mass then a leisurely walk up the hill and around the South Loop. There will be water, cold drinks and coffee with light snacks.

South Park: Meet at the South Park Fairgrounds in the Museum Building. Mass will begin at 10:00am with a walk around the Fairground Oval (0.5 miles) following. There will be water, cold drinks and coffee with light snacks.

The air will be filled with excitement as volunteers and supporters cheer on the walkers, encouraging them to walk not only for themselves but for their neighbors in need. Throughout the journey, stories of hope, resilience, and the transformative impact of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s assistance will be shared, inspiring all to continue their efforts in building a more compassionate and just world. Each dollar raised and each participant’s presence will play an essential role in the success of this event, and more importantly, in transforming the lives of those struggling within the community.

Mark your calendars for September 10, 2023, and join the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Council of Pittsburgh’s Help Thy Neighbor Walk. Together, let’s create a ripple of positive change that reaches far beyond a single day, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of our neighbors in need. Your support and participation is a testament to the belief that, united, we can make a real difference. Step by step, let’s walk towards a brighter future for all.

by Tall Cathy
96.1 Kiss FM

Gotta say, I LOVE a good shopping trip. I also LOVE to save money! On a recent shopping trip at Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the Castle Shannon, I found some pretty great stuff. A gap sweater, a maxi dress that’s actually long enough to fit me AND a brand new pair of Minnetonkas.

A little about Society of St. Vincent de Paul: Every year, the Council serves more than 100,000 neighbors in need through a variety of direct services including clothing, furniture, housing, utility assistance, food, medical care, and transportation. The thrift stores serve as outlets for clothing and household items to needy individuals and families referred to by local Conferences. Additionally, income earned from store sales and recycling operations undertaken by the warehouse supports our assistance programs.

So when you shop, not only are you snagging great deals BUT you’re also helping out our Pittsburgh neighbors. While I was in store, I plucked a ton of stuff from the racks that I thought you would enjoy. They’re all up for your shopping enjoyment right now at ESHOPPITTSBURGH.COM

Like this flutter sleeve tee:

This denim jacket and Treat People With Kindness shirt

Even these GORGEOUS J Crew Pajamas

I also donated some items from my personal closet. A few things with the tags still on and a few things that have some real sentimental value to me.

Like this soft denim pearl snap GAP shirt that I wore when I met Justin Bieber, I LOVED this shirt. Sadly, it just doesn’t fit anymore.

A party dress that I wore to VEGAS!

And this BRAND NEW, TAGS STILL on dress that I bought from ASOS. I bought it for a Miami trip and never go around to wearing it.

HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!!!!!!! ESHOPPITTSBURGH.COM

We wanted to take a moment to share another way you can participate this Giving Tuesday! We’re asking you to help us spread the word about the great work done by local St. Vincent de Paul volunteers and conferences by posting an “unselfie” on Facebook or Instagram over the next few days.

What exactly is an unselfie?

An unselfie is just like a selfie, but with a generous twist. All you have to do is take a photo of yourself holding a sign that tells your followers why you’re supporting the Society of St. Vincent de Paul this Giving Tuesday.

It’s a quick way to get the word out about the good work of St. Vincent de Paul and why it matters to you.

You can participate in our unselfie movement by following these steps.

  1. Download & print the unselfie sign from our website (Unselfie Flyer):  If you don’t have a printer at home, feel free to make your own version!
  2. Write your reason for supporting St. Vincent de Paul on your sign.
  3. Take a picture of yourself with your sign (or have another member of your household take the picture for you).
  4. Post your photo on Facebook or Instagram. Feel free to tag us @svdppitt and we’ll share your picture on our page as well!

Even as we practice physical distancing, we can remain connected through kindness and generosity.

This Giving Tuesday, we hope you’ll join us in spreading the word about the work of our dedicated volunteers and local conferences as they continue to provide vital assistance to our neighbors in need.

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