Meals on Wheels Program
SVdP Naples, since 1977, has been assisting homebound, low-income seniors and disabled neighbors thru its Meals on Wheels programming. Today, we operate the largest program in Collier County delivering well over 50,000 meals, annually with a goal of delivering over 82,000 meals come 2024. Our Dedicated Volunteers and drivers, along with Carol Harris, involved with the program almost since its inception, support the nutrition and general well-being of these neighbors by making deliveries 3 times a week, providing 7 total meals for one main meal per day.
The intangible, is the wellness check, care, and compassion our volunteers provide to each and every neighbor we serve through this program. Like the home visit, our main process in supporting neighbors with financial assistance in keeping families in their homes, the volunteer aspect of the program leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering. Each and every day, our neighbors are reminded that they are loved due to SVdP volunteers who take the time and make the effort to prepare and deliver these meals which is nothing short of God’s mercy on display.
This program is vital within our community, and recognized by local charitable foundations within collier county and nationally, as being very important and special. We are grateful to our donors and our volunteers who support and recognize its importance and true need.
Life Skills Programming
We pull this statement from the national organization of the Society in supporting the creation of our Life Skills Program SVdP Naples:
“Organized locally, Vincentians witness God’s love by embracing all works of charity and justice. The Society collaborates with other people of goodwill in relieving need and addressing its systemic causes, making no distinction in those served because, in them, Vincentians see the face of Christ.”
In pulling the phrases “collaborates” and “systemic causes” we move it forward with providing service/support in creating systemic change.
In collaborating with MidWestOne bank, locally, we are offering a series of 90-minute classes with the goal of achieving Financial Literacy (teaching families how to earn more, save, and spend less) and developing employment skills and support finding new job opportunities for our neighbors.
Scan this QR Code to watch a video from our MidWestOne teacher, Ed Alfaro talking about the program and how it can impact a family.
St. Ann’s Conference: Christmas Angels 2021
The children of St. Ann School (including our wonderful Mini-Vinnies, introducing children to social justice issues, to the St Vincent de Paul Society, and to living faith through action, and St. Ann Youth Group) dazzled our neighbors and their children here at St. Vincent de Paul Naples Council! Imagine our surprise when over 350 pairs of new pajamas were donated for children in need as well as Christmas presents for those we serve.
The children held a Pajama Day in December, wearing pajamas to school for the day. They had a great deal of fun while each child wore and then donated a new pair of pajamas to St. Vincent de Paul. We are so grateful to the children, teachers, and staff for their special contribution and dedication to our Ministry here at St. Vincent de Paul. Thank you.
Please also check out a short video with Jennifer Wojcik Dean of Students at Royal Palm Academy during their visit and presentation of gifts for our families in need during this past Christmas.
St. John the Evangelist SVdP conference and
SVdP Naples provide a mobile food pantry
For the past year, St. John the Evangelist conference and SVdP Naples family center have partnered to provide a mobile food pantry, stocked with essential staples for the Spanish and Haitian migrant neighborhoods within our community. In the past two months, we have begun a collaboration with Healthcare Network, which provides low-income families with affordable health care options including dental. As per Julie Pedretti VP of External Affairs for Healthcare Network in communicating with a SVdP volunteer, “We are very excited about our new collaboration with St. Vincent de Paul. I was so impressed with you and the volunteer team.”
Upcoming Events
March:
- Donor Appreciation Dinner
April:
- Volunteer Appreciation luncheon and awards presentations
- League Club Breakfast and Grant presentation to SVdP Naples – MOW
- Good Friday: Family Center and Thrift Stores will be closed in observance of the most Holy day of the year
- Easter Sunday: Christ is Risen! Alleluia!
May:
Summer:
- Ribbon Cutting event with the Bonita Springs Chamber in recognition of SVdP’s two Thrift Stores