Minutes Society of St Vincent de Paul, St Thomas Aquinas Conference Meeting of November 5, 2015 Members present: Millie Brady, Phil Brady, Janice Klein, Bob White, Peggy Alderman, Bill Larson, Bill Hubbs, Sally Debono, Chris Countryman, Tom Quinn Guest: Sharon Horvath 1). Opening Prayer/Spiritual Reflection The meeting was opened with prayer and reflections led by Millie. 2). Guest Presentation Sharon Horvath discussed a proposed STA school project regarding hunger and poverty. The intent of the project is to “adopt” local families in need during the Advent season, provide them with gifts of clothing or other items, and help make STA students more aware of hunger and poverty issues in our community. Potentially, each class could adopt a family. Sharon asked for suggestions from SVdP members on how to implement a successful program. SVdP home visitors agreed to identify families that could be potential recipients in the program. 3). President’s Report Highlights of the SVdP north district meeting on October 11 were shared, primarily information regarding the Micro Loan Program. This program provided by the Indianapolis Council provides loans of up to $500.00 for emergency expenses as an alternative to high cost payday loans. The program has been very successful to date, and home visitors are encouraged to identify individuals who could benefit from the program. Clothing bins to collect used clothing for the distribution center are ready for distribution to parishes which have requested them. STA is still determining the best location on the church campus for our box. The Knights of Columbus Charity Breakfast will be held on Sunday, December 13 from 8:30-‐12:30 at the Knights of Columbus on the north side. The breakfast has a suggested donation of $5.00 and all proceeds after expenses will go to the Indianapolis SVdP Council.
The SVdP Indianapolis Council annual Christmas Party for volunteers will be held on Saturday December 5 at 5:30 at the Pratt-‐Quigley food pantry. An RSVP is requested by November 20 via the council web site.
3). Treasurer’s Report The beginning balance in the SVdP account as of October 1, 2015 was $1,552.42 $2,891.00 was received from STA contributions in September $2.00 was received from the STA Poor Box $22.00 was received from the October 1 STA SVdP meeting Total income for October was $2,915.00 $2,566.16 was spent for client rent and utility assistance $300.00 was provided to the Boulevard Place Food Pantry $500.00 was provided for SVdP annual dues $200.00 was provided for Kroger gift cards to be distributed during home visits Total expenses in October were $3,566.16 The ending balance in the SVdP account as of November 1, 2015 was $901.26
4). Client Support Update and Discussion No new client requests were reported. 6). Volunteer Reports and Other Activities It was reported that the automated check-‐in system at the boulevard Place food pantry has been implemented and is running well. Bill Larson has made arrangements for the Thanksgiving baskets. Volunteers will be needed the morning of Sunday Nov 22 at about 9:30 to assemble the baskets at the church, and additional volunteers to distribute the baskets following the 10:30 mass. 9). Collection for the pantry Completed
10). Intentions and Closing Prayer Next Meeting: Thursday December 3 in the Bethany room. All are invited to attend
