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Ella and David worked hard all of their lives; Ella self-employed as a hairdresser and David as a printmaker.

David always carried the health insurance that Ella relied on to get medicine for her diabetes and thyroid disease. When both she and David lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic, they lost this coverage. But Ella couldn’t go without her medicines. She needed them to survive.   

David and Ella are two of the estimated 20,000 Dane County neighbors without health insurance due to job loss, divorce, or inability to afford coverage. When our neighbors, like Ella, don’t have health insurance they are more likely to stop taking their prescriptions. This causes their health to suffer and their worries to increase.

A Prescription for Hope

When Ella lost her health insurance, she couldn’t afford to see her doctor or access her prescriptions.

“I went two and a half months without medicine,” Ella said. “My hair was falling out and I lost 30 pounds. Friends and family told me I looked dreadful.”

Ella called a social worker who referred her to the St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Pharmacy. Once there, pharmacy staff connected her with Our Lady of Hope Free Clinic where she met with a doctor to reestablish care.

Thanks to you, Ella is back on her routine prescriptions and feeling much better. She worries less about her health and feels secure knowing there are people she can turn to for help.  She’s grateful for the care provided by pharmacy staff and volunteers.

“You couldn’t ask for nicer people” Ella said. “They have been a blessing, a God-send. Every single person is so friendly.”

Your gift today can provide lifesaving medicines at no cost to patients like Ella and bring immediate help and long-term security to struggling neighbors.

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Access to medication is the first step to healing – physical, mental, and emotional – for people without insurance. You relieve their stress, give them peace of mind, and help them regain their dignity and their health. With your help, they are healthy enough to hold down a job and care for their families.

Ella is strong and resilient. One unfortunate event beyond her control severely threatened her health. Thanks to you, she is more stable and on the road to better health. She worries less because she knows she can count on you and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul — Madison.

Ella and David

St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Pharmacy

Mural for St. Vincent de Paul Social Services Building

This beautiful mural now hangs in the lobby of the new St. Vincent de Paul Social Services Building! Above St. Vinny’s Willy St. at the intersection of Williamson and Baldwin Streets in Madison, the mural will welcome people into the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and Microlending program spaces.

A huge round of applause goes to Eva Pratt, St. Vinny’s Verona Assistant Store Manager, for creating this art! Additional thanks to Deborah Goedel, St. Vinny’s Verona Store Manager and Leighla Baney, St. Vinny’s Waunakee Assistant Store Manager, for their design collaboration.

The mural showcases and highlights the connection between our thrift stores and charitable programs across Dane County. Two more panels will be installed beneath the stairs. While four separate pieces of artwork, each panel flows together. When asked about the inspiration, Eva said…

“The ideas were all of ours, we collaborated. We thought about the services that we, Society of St. Vincent de Paul — Madison, offer and talked about the history of our first thrift store on Williamson Street. It was interesting doing research on the store to understand our history. We went with a somewhat 1950s vibe with that section. I knew the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Program was going to be upstairs in this building, so I thought that it would be a really nice visual of the mother and children walking up to people helping them. We did some preliminary sketches, looked it over all together, and came to agreement on what looked good. After that, I went for a cleaner sketch and designed the final artwork.”

A few weeks ago, we said goodbye to Arina V. who has been interning at the St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Pharmacy all summer! She shared about her experience here:

❓How long have you been with the pharmacy and what have you done?

I’ve been here since June and have helped fill prescriptions, have met new clients and have translated for patients and staff. I really enjoy this community! It was very welcoming. I’ve enjoyed meeting pharmacy students and undergraduates from University of Wisconsin-Madison; just connecting with people who work in a similar field that I want to pursue as a career.

❓What brought you to the pharmacy?

I was hired by this nonprofit called Maydm and they have a mission to support minorities and women by allowing the youth to explore STEM careers. Internships are one of the ways that they allow us to do this! I’ve wanted to learn more about pharmacies for a very long time and this has been very cool.

❓What’s one thing that sticks out from your time here?

The first day I was here, I helped a Spanish-speaking client which was very rewarding. For me, it felt important because my work was needed and I felt appreciated. It’s been rewarding to help people who need it especially with a language barrier. I have parents who immigrated here, so I understand the barriers.

Thank you, Arina, for your work in the pharmacy these past few months!


Want to help patients get the medications they need?

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(Left to right) Volunteers Karen, Lydia and Bob

In honor of #NationalVolunteerWeek, here are “Why I Volunteer…” testimonies from three of our volunteers!

 

Karen

St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry

I volunteer at St. Vincent de Paul because I like having a positive influence in the community where I live. It is truly neighbors helping neighbors. We never turn down someone looking for food, that’s how I like to solve a problem by doing something immediate and impactful. You need food? We load it into your car just as simple as that. It’s a positive place to be each week. Everyone is there because they want to help and they are happy to do it. There are many smiles, laughter and camaraderie among the volunteers. Through rain, snow and sun we are all in this mission together.

Bob

St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Pharmacy

I’ve always volunteered, even when I was working. In Oklahoma, I trained volunteers through a grant from an honor society. I was also a director of a Peace Corps training center in Honduras. I started volunteering in 2010 because a neighbor knocked on my door and asked if I would volunteer for The River Food Pantry. I’ve also volunteered at Luke House and the McFarland Food Pantry. I found out about St. Vincent de Paul and came to volunteer here as well. That was before COVID-19 and we would walk around in the pantry with pads helping people check out. The reason I’m here in the pharmacy now is because Julie Bennett asked me to volunteer here as they needed help! It’s been wonderful. Yolanda, Becky, and Cheryl are amazing and perfect models. There are a lot of good people here – pharmacy students, college students, retired nurses. It’s a great place to be.

Lydia

St. Vincent de Paul Young Adult Service

I became aware of volunteering with St. Vincent de Paul through the Madison-area Catholic young adult community. At the time, it was the only consistent volunteer opportunity that I saw advertised, which allowed me to make it routine. It is a perfect match for my career in agriculture, and packing boxes and stocking shelves at the pantry is a great complement to working in front of a computer. Volunteering has been part of my life since my childhood 4-H days. From these days I have an ingrained sense that “volunteering is just what one is supposed to do,” but it has also become a much more conscious decision as I have learned about the two feet of love in action. Volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul is one of the ways I put the charity foot in motion. We all have seasons and aspects where we need to be served. There is also value to share in serving others. This is one way I choose to serve!

 


Become a Volunteer!

Your care can do good. Help your neighbors in need every day by volunteering at the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry or Charitable Pharmacy.

Pantry Positions    Pharmacy Positions

Experience the benefits of shopping thrift on National Thrift Shop Day, August 17th!

National Thrift Shop Day highlights the positive impact that thrift shopping has on both the environment and the local economy. By shopping at St. Vinny’s Thrift Stores, shoppers support sustainable fashion, reduce waste, and contribute to the well-being of Dane County. In addition, shoppers help neighbors in need through programs that provide food, medicine, microloans, housing support, and more. The stores also offer direct charity through clothing, furniture, and household goods vouchers to people in need.

“We are thrilled to celebrate National Thrift Shop Day with our shoppers,” said Brooke Trick, Senior Director of Retail Operations at St. Vincent de Paul — Madison. “When you shop at St. Vinny’s Thrift Stores, you’ll find quality clothing, household goods, furniture, great deals, and unique items. When you shop, you’ll also support our mission of helping our neighbors in need. We’re proud to operate seven thrift stores across Dane County. All donations we receive, and store proceeds stay in our community.”

 

Find your nearest St. Vinny’s Thrift Store to shop on August 17th, National Thrift Shop Day:

 

To learn more about St. Vinny’s Thrift Stores, visit /shop/.

“Now I feel confident and know what to expect.”

Dennis has diabetes and takes medication daily to manage his blood sugar. Several years ago, his doctor prescribed insulin as his condition was worsening. At that time, Connie, his wife and caretaker, worried about where they would be able to afford the new medicine and how she would help her husband. Unfortunately, Dennis didn’t have prescription drug insurance. But, going without insulin wasn’t an option. Connie says she has no idea what they would have done if not for the St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Pharmacy.

“The pharmacy has made an inconvenient and intrusive diagnosis so much easier,” Connie said. “When Dennis first started on insulin I was worried about knowing how to care for him, but now I feel so confident and understand what to expect.”

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Help is only a phone call away

Connie commends the pharmacy staff for teaching her how to care for her husband through his diagnosis. The personal relationships she has formed with staff means help is only a phone call away.

Due to Connie’s own physical limitations and without a reliable car, transportation is extremely difficult for the couple. Since the pharmacy currently offers free Uber rides to patients, they’re able to get Dennis’ lifesaving prescriptions, see a pharmacist in-person and talk through any questions or concerns.

Because of you, Dennis and Connie have help and hope to thrive.

Donate to the St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Pharmacy today.

Dennis

Kate was afraid this would happen. Last month, her ex-boyfriend came to pick up their daughter Lily for a visit when they got into an argument. A neighbor called the police. Now, her landlord won’t renew her lease.

When things got really tough before her break-up, Kate and Lily moved in with her sister’s family, then to a hotel. When she finally found an apartment near Lily’s school, she signed the lease even though it stretched her budget. Rent takes half of her paycheck now, leaving little money for utilities, gas, child care, food, and everything else. There is nothing left for an unexpected expense.

Kate has been through a lot of hard times in her life. She’s resourceful and resilient. Yet she can’t do it on her own. She needs help today, and sustained support to build a better tomorrow.

Worrying about the future but holding on to hope

Kate’s apartment has beds and some kitchen supplies, but not much else. Last month, someone hit her car while she was in the grocery store, dented the driver’s door, and broke off her side mirror. She does not have the money to repair it.

The family’s struggles go deeper than just material needs. Lily’s always been an eager student but lately, she’s had trouble getting up in the morning and clings to her mom when dropped off at school. Depression and stomach problems sometimes force Kate to call in sick to work. Because her job doesn’t include paid time off, her income is even less. Recently she missed a week of work and started to fall behind in rent. She worries about her and Lily’s future. But, she still has hope.

A school social worker connected Kate to St. Vincent de Paul — Madison for immediate needs of food, clothing, and furniture. She encouraged her to check out the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Program for single adults raising children.

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Working towards being better parent and landing a better job

Thanks to you, Kate worries a bit less. She looks forward to working with her Seton Program case manager and getting counseling help for her and Lily. Her goals are to be a better parent and land a better job. With your help, they will stay stable and safe in their home.

You’ve significantly reduced the odds that Kate and Lily will become homeless. You’ve greatly increased the chance that Kate and Lily will heal from their trauma and Lily will do better in school. What’s even more amazing? Your help now offers life-changing long-term help for Kate and Lily:

With your support, scarcity becomes abundance for Kate and Lily, giving them what they need to thrive. Because of you, Lily will have healthy food to grow bright and strong. Kate will have hope and no longer feel alone.

Kate and Lily

St. Vincent de Paul — Madison microloans are offered between $400 and $2,500 at low interest rates to help people with one-time emergency expenses. Thank you for providing neighbors in need an alternative to predatory payday or auto title loans. Your support is making lasting change in the lives of many families.

Between January and May, 2024:

Want to hear from someone who received help through microloans? Watch Terri’s Story of Hope here: /terri-story-of-hope/.

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Your immediate help offers life-changing long-term help for Ruby’s family.

Ruby was doing okay living on her own in a small apartment until a lung disease diagnosis early this year. She moved in with Lucas, her grandson, and his parents when her limited income couldn’t cover her extra medical bills, medicine, and increased rent.

Her family struggles to pay for their basic expenses even with two full-time jobs. Each month, it’s a juggling act. They pay rent and utilities first, followed by Ruby’s prescriptions, and gas to get to work. Leaving little money left for food.

Their limited diet prevents Ruby from getting well and Lucas from fueling his brain and growing body. Sometimes it’s hard for him to concentrate when they’re reading comics together and he struggles to run for a fly ball at practice. Once in a while, Ruby makes “biscuits” for lunch when there’s only flour and mayonnaise in the cupboard. Lucas thinks it’s a treat, but Ruby knows that this isn’t enough. They are hungry all the time.

Your generosity will turn a few loaves and fish into meat, dairy, and fresh produce for thousands of neighbors in need. Only with you can this miracle happen.

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Donate to Provide Food to Families in Need

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Your immediate help offers life-changing long-term help for Ruby’s family:

Like many seniors, Ruby no longer drives. Because of you, she and Lucas can order food online and have it delivered to their door. She feels valued for doing what she can for her family.

With your support, scarcity becomes abundance for Ruby’s family, giving them what they need to thrive. Because of you, Ruby will have healthier foods that improve her health. Lucas will focus on beating Ruby at checkers and running faster for those fly balls. With your help, Ruby can restore her health for many more summers to come with Lucas. She knows she can count on you and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul — Madison.

Ruby

Volunteers at eighteen St. Vincent de Paul conferences across Dane County help our neighbors in need whenever they ask. They may refer people to our food pantry, provide a listening ear during a hard time or provide financial assistance to a family. Susan* received help when it couldn’t wait.

This past spring, Susan contacted the St. Vincent de Paul conference at St. Christopher Parish in Verona for a gas card. Later, she asked for another gas card, but this time it was urgent. Susan’s sister was in a Chicago hospital and wasn’t doing well. Susan wanted to visit her sister, but didn’t have money to buy gas for her car. A volunteer dropped off the gas card the same day Susan reached out for help. The next morning, the volunteer received a text message from Susan saying her sister had passed away the evening before. Since she had received the gas card so quickly she was able to be with her sister when she passed.

During the past year, you helped Susan and thousands of neighbors like her through tough times. Thank you for your generosity, care and dedication to our neighbors in need.

*Name changed to protect the neighbor’s privacy.