Strong Communities, Holding Hands

“It’s about all of us, holding hands, together, in unity,” spoke “Jane,” past Society of St. Vincent de Paul of San Mateo County (SVdP) Homeless Help Center guest, who was in and out of incarceration due to addictions.  She received services from SVdP’s Homeless Help Center in San Mateo, and, now, is a current resident at SVdP’s Catherine’s Center, a home for women out of incarceration.  Jane said the world needs more places like SVdP, because it gives people hope. 

 SVdP is a “P2P” business, person to person; its business is changing lives.  To change lives for the better, by helping our neighbors in need.  The call to help our neighbors in need is an important one, one that should not be screened or ignored.  Thankfully, our community does answer the call. On April 18th, SVdP held its second annual signature fundraising event, “Eat Your Heart Out” at Viognier Restaurant, Draeger’s Market in San Mateo. Over $240,000 was raised for SVdP’s Safety Net Programs along with generous support for SVdP’s Catherine’s Center and its courageous women, as they transform their lives from one of incarceration to one of hope.

 Our strong community is exemplified by the many local companies and families who sponsored the event, Diane Dwyer, NBC Bay Area News weekend anchor, offering her services as auctioneer, and Jim Harbaugh, 49er Head Coach, attending and supporting the effort as well, the result of which was an evening of great fun and funding.  Holding our hands together, in unity – to help each other, showing compassion, this is the fiber of a strong, vibrant community.   

 Jane is a new resident at SVdP’s Catherine’s Center and it is hoped that she will stay. If she does, Jane, SVdP's Catherine's Center and the greater community will be the better for it.  Thank you to our community for helping change a life, for making a real difference in the lives of those in need in San Mateo County.  Together we can continue to provide essential assistance to our neighbors, including food and housing, but more importantly, love, respect, support, and hope.

To learn more about SVdP's programs and services, please visit www.svdp-sanmateoco.org.