The primary work of the St. Vincent de Paul Society members is to serve the needy in the Norman and Noble areas. Home visits are conducted with those persons who call the Voice Mail Assistance line at (405) 329-5372 for help or submit a request for aid using the on-line form found at http://www.svdpatstm.org. A team of two members perform the visit and obtain information from the clients in order to determine the type of assistance needed. The typical case usually involves financial assistance with utilities or rent. Information is also provided to the clients on the many organizations in Norman that may also help them with both their immediate and longer range problems. The clients are encouraged to take actions that can help them with their future needs. People are helped regardless of faith, race, age, ethnicity or background.
We meet each Thursday after the 5:15 Mass to review current cases and to distribute new cases. We currently have about 16 active members and each member averages about two visits per week. New members are always needed in order to provide more responsive service to those who request our help. Our Society has had significant growth since it started at St. Thomas More in 1990 when the total assistance provided in one year was about $9,000. This compares to more than $100,000 in assistance provided in 2016. Norman and Noble have grown significantly since 1990 and the number of people in need has grown along with them.
The parishioners of St. Thomas More have been very generous over the years in supporting the work of our Society. Our greatest need at this time is new members who feel called to put their faith into action in this way and assist with making home visits, picking up or delivering furniture, and becoming informed as advocates for the poor. Our second greatest need is maintaining or increasing the donations necessary to do the work of SVdP. Our primary sources of income are contributions to the Poor Box, faithful monthly supporters, a generous grant from the Sue Wilson Charitable Fund and the proceeds from the annual Friends of the Poor Walk, now in its tenth year.
Anyone is welcome to attend a meeting of SVdP to learn more about our work.
Contact: Becky O'Dea, President, bec_ode@sbcglobal.net, 405.360.2954