Dear friends,

A couple of months ago, I invited you to share why the Society of St. Vincent de Paul — Madison is important to you. So many of you blessed me with responses that touched my heart and left me grateful once again for you and this ministry.

Here’s what you said:

• You trust St. Vincent de Paul — Madison to turn your donations into hope and real help for neighbors in need.
• You want your generosity to benefit local families in Dane County.
• Your giving puts faith into action and promotes social justice.
• Many of you have a personal connection with the Society, whether through family members who served or because you once received help yourselves.

Learning why you’re passionate about helping our neighbors gives me hope. While our ability to influence change at the national level is small, our ability to make life better for someone in Dane County is profound.

During this season of Lent, my Catholic faith invites me deeper into the spiritual practices of fasting, almsgiving and prayer. My plan is to give up a daily indulgence, to act more generously, and to pray intentionally for a more just world. I will continue to pray for you.

With rising rent costs, increased competition for affordable housing, high prices and uncertainty around social safety nets, more of our neighbors need help every day. Will you join me in making life better for struggling local families? Your generous gift will provide food, medicine, and relief to those in need.

Julie Bennett
CEO & Executive Director