Ending Poverty Thru Systemic Change

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul does not exist to simply help make poverty more tolerable.  We are here to impact and improve lives.  Life was not meant to be a miserable existence.  God does not want that for his children.

The foundation of our local “Teach a Man to Fish” program can be summarized with the overall message from our National President about the theme of systemic change posted below.

The Definition of Insanity

“Doing the same things over and over and over again, and expecting different results.”

Building Blessing – Open House Celebration

A big “Thank You” to Father Bill Libscomb of Traverse City for conducting the blessing of the building, volunteers, employees, donors, visitors, shoppers and “the work” of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Traverse City this past Wednesday afternoon.  84 attendees enjoyed the ceremony, shared some good food and drink, toured the operation and enjoyed good conversation with friends, old and new.

Thank you all.  It was a huge success and the prayers and physical & financial support will help continue the upward trajectory and positive impact St. Vincent de Paul has on the lives of needy families in our community.

Our prayers and thoughts continue to be with Father Tony Cureton and his mother Savannah.  Father Cureton was hurriedly called to visit her and was unable to attend today’s celebration.

Father Bill Libscomb and Kevin Endres, Spiritual Advisor at St Vincent de Paul.

Father Bill Libscomb and Kevin Endres, Spiritual Advisor at St Vincent de Paul.

St. Mary Church – Hannah Youth Group

Thanks again to all the young students and Director of Religious Education and Youth Group, Norm Schichtel, for the wonderful donations of food, religious books and other household items for use in the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry, thrift store and soon to be opened Catholic Book & Gift Store.

You were all a pleasure to meet and work with and we hope to see you and some more of your friends every month.  Keep up the good work and you will continue to be a shining example for others to witness.

Black Friday Sale

Mark your calendars….

BLACK FRIDAY SALE
Thrift Store Only

All items $2 or less
FRIDAY, NOV. 23rd
10am to 5pm

  • All Clothing – Shoes – Sweaters – Dresses – Shirts – Slacks – Coats – Hats – Gloves
  • Household Items – Plates – Dishes – Cups – Artwork – Knick Knacks
  • Christmas decorations -
  • Books, videos, DVDs – small box for $2

Catholic Book & Gift Store

Moving ahead with some finishing touches for Traverse City’s only Catholic Book & Gift Store… at St. Vinnie’s !   Inventory has been ordered, a few shelves need to be put in place, a little glass cleaner and some elbow grease and the store wil be open in time for the Advent season.

Volunteer Joe Brunett puts his talents to work putting up some material for the book store.

 

Shelving units prepped.

The gift shop area from the other side of the store.

TCSF Seniors Helping St. Vinnies

Thank you Traverse City St. Francis seniors Noah LaLonde, Jake Tenbusch, Evan Primeau, Malcom LaLonde and JP Thornwell.  They contributed a total of 19 hours of Christian service to St. Vincent de Paul.   Much was accomplished to help the needy in our community.  Thanks Boys!

JP Thornwell help construct some backroom shelving units.

Malcom LaLonde does the heavy lifting at St Vinnies this past week.

 

Volunteer Positions

Two volunteer position job descriptions have been posted on our website.

We are looking for a few compassionate individuals to serve as Program Service agents.

Additionally, we are in need of a detail oriented, energetic and personable individual to serve as a Food Pantry Coordinator.

Check it out.  If you know of anyone that might be interested, or if YOU are interested, please contact us to learn more about these opportunities to give back to the community and grow and serve.

Executive Director Named

St. Vincent de Paul hires new Executive Director

TRAVERSE CITY, MI, May 14, 2012 — The Board of Directors of the Society of St Vincent de Paul have selected a new Executive Director to lead the organization forward.  Long-time resident of Traverse City, Tim Moeggenberg, has been selected from over four dozen applicants from across the country.  Beginning May 29, 2012, Mr. Moeggenberg will oversee day-to-day thrift store operations and will also focus on program service delivery, volunteer recruitment, administration, community relations and fundraising.

Prior to joining St. Vincent de Paul, Tim enjoyed a successful 32 year career in the professional menswear industry in Traverse City from 1977 to 2009 (Moeggenberg’s Menswear Inc. / Professional Menswear LLC).  Since 2006 he was a Certified Funeral Celebrant with the Reynolds-Jonkoff Funeral Home while also serving as the Public Address announcer for the Traverse City Beach Bums professional baseball team from 2006 to 2011.

Mr. Moeggenberg is a 1979 graduate from Traverse City St. Francis High School, a 1981 graduate from Northwood Institute in Midland,, MI with associate degrees in marketing and retail merchandising.  Tim is currently a member of Christ the King Parish in Acme, MI and for 32 years was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Traverse City.  Over the years, Tim has participated in numerous school and church fundraising activities resulting in donations in excess of $2.3 million.  Tim has been married to Michelle, a 3rd generation Traverse City native, since 1981 and has three grown children and four grandchildren.

Board President Margaret Sophiea stated that “We are blessed to have the opportunity to work with someone like Tim that has such strong ties to the community and a deep-rooted, inner passion for serving others.”

Tim Moeggenberg comments that “Helping transition St. Vincent DePaul from its present state to becoming a future leader in charity in the Grand Traverse Region is a challenge I relish.  I haven’t felt this burning desire since I was a younger man, and it consumes my thoughts daily.  There is a powerful, irresistible presence in the effort to resurrect St. Vinnies.”