Saint
Austin Parish Conference of
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Recent Home Visits
A glimpse at the work
of our St. Vincent de Paul Society
Life is full
of small success stories that often mean monumental changes for the people
who experience them. It is particularly exciting when the generosity
of the St. Austin faith community plays an important part in bringing about
these changes. "Jenny" is a single mother who is supporting her
5-year old son and her disabled mother. The St. Vincent de Paul Society has
assisted her in the past with utility bills. This past spring Jenny was enrolled
in a cosmetology school, working full time and being a mom. She found herself
behind on her tuition for the cosmetology program and needed to pay off the
balance before she would be eligible to take her practicum exam. She'd received
some help from her brother but still needed more funds to pay off the remaining
balance. The St. Austin St. Vincent de Paul Society members recognized this
was a wonderful opportunity to help this struggling single mother to really
make a difference in her life and agreed to help her pay off the tuition balance.
Last week, Jenny shared the news that she'd passed her practicum exam. She
can now quit her other job and find full time work as a hair stylist and earn
better wages.
The St.
"Thank
you so much and thanks to St. Austin Church for your generosity. My apartments
have received the check and I will be able to come up with the balance and
be able to keep my apartment. I also have other good news. I was just offered
a job at a law firm, so I am back on my way to being a wage-earner again (thank
goodness). It was a difficult period for me, but I want to let you all know
how your support and comfort gave me the strength and courage to continue
to try. I am forever in your debt