Author: Sharon Winzeler
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How One Mother Found a Fresh Start — and How You Can Help
When a young mother of two arrived in the Triangle, she was searching for stability and a better future. The hospital where she had worked had closed. She was promised a temporary job that would soon become permanent. Unfortunately, that promise never materialized. Without a steady income, she fell behind on rent and was eventually… Read more
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Hope After Hardship: A Neighbor Rebuilding Her Life
At 57, a mother of three found herself starting over. After leaving an abusive relationship, she needed a safe place to live for herself and her three children. With little time and few options, she moved into one of the few places that didn’t require a security deposit. The trade-off on the security deposit makes… Read more
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A Warm Home, a Grateful Heart
It was an ordinary day when one of our neighbors received a bill she never expected. The propane company had filled her tank without authorization, leaving her with a balance she could not afford. For most of us, an unexpected bill is an inconvenience. For her, it felt overwhelming. This neighbor has already endured so… Read more
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A Helping Hand in a Time of Need: How St. Vincent de Paul Society Supports Families
When unexpected challenges arise, families often find themselves caught among health struggles, financial setbacks, and the day-to-day responsibilities of raising children. The St. Vincent de Paul Society stepped in to walk alongside a father in our community who found himself in just such a situation that could have resulted in an eviction. The neighbor is… Read more
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From Struggles to New Beginnings
Our neighbor has lived in his apartment since October and recently completed his master’s degree at a local university. When his graduate stipend ended in May, he began driving for Uber but soon fell behind on his bills. Thankfully, he has secured a teaching position that begins this week, but he needed help to avoid… Read more
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Walking with Neighbors: Two Stories of Gratitude and Grace
For St. Vincent de Paul volunteer Maureen, the work she does is not just about providing financial assistance—it’s about meeting people where they are and walking with them through their struggles. Recently, she shared two stories that deeply touched her heart and captured the spirit of SVdP’s mission. One involved a 41-year-old father of two… Read more
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Walking With Those in Need: The Heart of St. Vincent de Paul’s Mission
For the volunteers of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, helping neighbors in need is about far more than paying a bill or providing temporary financial assistance. It’s about offering hope, compassion, and companionship amid life’s hardships. “That’s the ministry part of this—walking with the neighbor,” said Cathy Smith, president of the St. Francis of… Read more
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A Light in the Dark: How SVdP Helped Families Facing Crisis
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) continues to be a lifeline for families navigating moments of intense hardship, offering not just financial aid but hope and dignity. In recent months, several neighbors in need have found themselves teetering on the edge of crisis—and through the support of generous donors and dedicated volunteers, SVdP… Read more
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Responding to the full reality of someone’s life
The work of St. Vincent de Paul volunteers is about more than financial assistance—it’s about walking with our neighbors in their moments of need, seeing the full picture, and responding with love and compassion. Recently, a mother of two young children reached out for help with a mounting electric bill. Two Vincentian volunteers visited her… Read more
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Walking with Our Neighbors: A Story of Compassion and Community
At the St. Vincent de Paul Society, we are called to serve not only with charity but also with compassion, dignity, and the willingness to walk alongside our neighbors in their most difficult moments. Every case we encounter is a reminder that behind each request for help is a human story—often one of resilience, heartbreak,… Read more