The boys' room, after Emmanuel students worked their magic

As they have done for each of the last six years, students from Emmanuel College in Boston once again spent their spring break not partying in Florida, but serving the poor in Phoenix. Each day they worked in our kitchen, served lunch in our main dining room or dinner at our Family Evening Meal, worked in our Ministry to the Homeless, and in other areas.

One full day was especially memorable, and was spent working with SVdP’s new Vincentian Fresh Perspectives program. The students planned and then transformed the home of a family of seven who had just moved here by car — cross country in a mid-sized sedan with two adults, five kids, three pets, and a carpet. Needless to say, the family didn’t have a lot of belongings to brighten up their new home when they arrived and started looking for work.

Especially to brighten the lives of the five children, and make their transition to their new state a happier one, the Vincentian Fresh Perspectives program and our Emmanuel students did a home visit, and planned a full home makeover project for the kids’ bedrooms and the living room. They did this through their own artwork, using low-cost or no-cost materials, donated furniture, a toiletry drive, household items, and lots of love. Our volunteers even pitched in to buy the family a gift card for groceries, and put some of their own spring break money on the family’s utility account to help pay their next electric bill.

The five kids didn’t see their rooms until the work was finished, during an unveiling ceremony where the children opened each bedroom door to experience the transformation our Emmanuel altruists had created for them. The kids loved their new rooms, as you can see from their reactions here.

The boys' room, before Emmanuel students went to work

We can’t stop signing the praises of students like these, who could be partying in Fort Lauderdale, but instead choose to spend their time and money on spring break coming to overlooked neighborhoods in Phoenix to work hard all week long. Thanks to all of you who helped make this project possible!

For more information about the Vincentian Fresh Perspectives program and its home makeovers, contact Gabriela at gbova@svdp-phx-az.org.

Leonard after his Vincentian Fresh Perspectives home makeover

At one time or another in our lives, most of us have decided that it is time for a change.  For instance, we may want to get some new furniture. Maybe our kids have asked to have their rooms decorated with a particular theme. Or we may choose to paint the walls of our home a different color.  Most of us have the luxury of being able to make those changes happen in our homes.  However, there are many people, especially those individuals and families that we serve at St. Vincent de Paul who, for a variety of reasons, don’t have those luxuries and can’t make those changes.

“Leonard” is a perfect example.  Leonard, from Sacramento, lost his wife of many years after a long and protracted illness.  After paying all of his bills, he decided to make a fresh start by leaving Sacramento and going as far as his money would take him—to Phoenix, Arizona—where he had just enough money left to rent an apartment.  Leonard contacted St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church for help. Their St. Vincent de Paul Conference helped Leonard with a food box, a TV tray, and a bed.

Leonard’s case was also referred to St. Vincent de Paul’s new program, aptly called A Vincentian Fresh Perspective, where in collaboration with the Land of Ahhs Consignment Store, his apartment was furnished with those items necessary to make his house more habitable.  The first day that we met Leonard, he was joyless and depressed.  After the project was finished, Leonard was smiling and filled with joy and exclaimed that “now, I can invite my friends over because I have a place for them to sit.”

Leonard before his Vincentian Fresh Perspective home makeover

Leonard went from merely having a house to having a home that he was proud to call his own.  That is what this new program is all about–a collaborative effort between Vincentian Conferences and volunteers from corporations, churches, schools, or individuals all working together to give those in need A Vincentian Fresh Perspective.

On December 29th, St. Vincent de Paul was flooded with Feed The Children staff and volunteers to help serve over 300 families with food boxes and personal hygiene items. And as families lined up to receive their boxes, they were greeted by none other than Phoenix Suns guard Leandro Barbosa (and the Gorilla, of course!).

To this day, I am amazed at the immense generosity of our Phoenix Suns team. Fresh off a big win from the L.A. Lakers, they were eager to roll up their sleeves and lend a helping hand. And as a great basketball player as Leandro is in the NBA, I believe he is an even better man. He is a terrific volunteer and role model for our community, and we were very blessed to have him participate in our Feed The Children event.

I invite you to take a look at this exclusive video of Leandro and share with your family and friends. A very special thank you to everyone who assisted St. Vincent de Paul that day in ensuring a successful event for Feed The Children, and providing much-needed relief to families in need.

Leandro Barbosa teams up with St. Vincent de Paul

Click to play the Leandro Barbosa teams up with St. Vincent de Paul video

Hard work, of course. But also higher education.

That’s why Terry Wilson started the One at a Time Scholarship Program at St. Vincent de Paul several years ago. Education has always been the best hope for creating the opportunities for success and achieving permanent economic change in families.

This program provides financial aid to students who would not be able to attend college without our financial help. Many are the first in their families to enjoy higher education. Besides a commitment of financial help to pursue a four-year degree, these students receive the help and support of an adult mentor.

Jeff Hornacek and Terry Wilson

Yesterday, the 23 students currently in the One at a Time Scholarship Program, along with their families and mentors, gathered for lunch and encouragement from NBA star Jeff Hornacek and SVdP Board President Joe Riley.

Joe pointed out to the students “…how important it is to think positively. Those who harbor a negative view of life, whose cup is always half-empty, impose a terrible and foolish burden on themselves. I’m not even willing to settle for my cup being half-full. I always try to think that it runneth over. Maintaining that positive outlook can make all the difference, every day. I can think of countless ways in which it has been beneficial to me.”

He also shared this poem with those in attendance. It’s a message we can all use:

The Victor
C.W. Longenecker

If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you don’t
If you like to win but think you can’t,
It’s almost a cinch you won’t.

If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost.
For out in the world we find
Success begins with a fellow’s will
It’s all in the state of mind.

If you think you are outclassed, you are.
You’ve got to think high to rise.
You’ve got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win the prize.

Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man.
But sooner or later, the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can.

If you would like to learn more about the One at a Time Scholarship Program, become a mentor or make a financial donation, please contact Terry Wilson at tbakerwi@aol.com.

by Megan Gordon – Jul. 4, 2009 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

by Mark Henle/The Arizona Republic

The number of homeless schoolchildren in Arizona has surpassed 25,000 – equivalent to the population of Fountain Hills.

An increase of nearly 18 percent in the past year was driven by the soaring rate of unemployment and foreclosures, education officials say. Parents lose their jobs, then their home, and families lose their stability. They stay at a friend’s, a hotel, a campground, a shelter – even live out of the car.

“We are now seeing families who come from middle-class America,” said Sean Schubert, Peoria Unified School District’s liaison for the homeless. “Now, many of those people are currently facing very challenging situations. What we all need to understand is that this can happen to anyone.” Read the full story…

Are you in danger of being homeless and need help? Find answers to questions like “what can I do if I become homeless” at StVincentdePaul.net.