OUT OF POVERTY

Society of St. Vincent de Paul Western Region

INFORMATION ON VOICE OF THE POOR AND
OTHER SYSTEMIC CHANGE INITIATIVES
Year 5, No. 4

JULY 2015
CONTENT

Dear Western Region Vincentians:

The July 2015 issue of OUT OF POVERTY starts, as usual with the Voice of
the Poor Prayer, followed by a reflection by International President
General, Michael Thio on Blessed Frederics Dare to Dream. The next
page has a link to America Magazine for a short video on The Biblical Roots
of Catholic Social Teaching.
The discussion of issues, impacting the people we serve, starts with
Healthcare, with comments on the recent Supreme Court decision in favor
of ACA, and a link to a short video on the many factors that impact health.
Climate Change is a Moral Issue is an Op-ed by three California Bishops
on Laudato Si, the encyclical by Pope Francis on the Environment, issued
in June. A list of resources on the encyclicals teaching on Environmental
Justice follows. Then, on Immigration, we discuss The Economics of Stepby-Step Immigration Reform and the June action alert on End Detention
of Immigrant Families.
Starting on page 8, two amazing stories of Vincentian Dedication show
how Vincentians make a difference. Dedication continues to be as
important as ever as we increasingly work at addressing the root-causes of
poverty.
Starting on page 10, an extensive documentation on the Western Region
meeting in Burbank, CA, includes the reflection Ozanam in Hollywood
and a report from the VOP / Bridges meeting, showing that much is
happening in our region towards helping to restore peoples dignity.
Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life, on page 13, talks about the SVdP
participation to the 2015 Universal Expo in Milan, with information about
some of the innovative approaches of the Milan Council.
The News from the Western Region, include updates from Arizona,
California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Together with Advocacy, other
Systemic Change initiatives are now taking roots across the region.

SPIRITUALITY
VOICE OF THE POOR PRAYER
Page 2
BLESSED FREDERICS DARE
TO DREAM
Page 2
THE BIBLICAL ROOTS OF CATHOLIC
SOCIAL TEACHING
Page 3
ISSUE DISCUSSION
US SUPREME COURT DECIDES IN
FAVOR OF ACA
Page
WHAT MAKES US HEALTHY
Page
CLIMATE CHANGE IS A MORAL
ISSUE
Page
ENVIROMENTAL JUSTICE
Page
THE ECONOMICS OF STEP-BY-STEP
IMMIGRATION REFORM
Page
END DETENTION OF IMMIGRANT
FAMILIES
Page
VINCENTIAN DEDICATION
Page
FROM BEAUTIFUL DOWNTOWN
BURBANK THE WESTERN REGION
MEETING
Page
FEEDING THE PLANET, ENERGY
FOR LIFE
Page

4
4
5
6
7
7
8

10
13

FROM THE WESTERN REGION

ARIZONA
Page 16
CALIFORNIA
Page 18
IDAHO
Page 18
OREGON

Page 19

WASHINGTON

Page 19

VOICE OF THE POOR

Voice of the Poor does not take
positions for or against a political
party or individual candidates.

Giulio Grecchi
Tucson Diocesan Council
Voice of the Poor - Western Region Representative

You are receiving OUT OF POVERTY because you expressed interest in the
Society of St. Vincent de Pauls Voice of the Poor. If you no longer wish to
receive OUT OF POVERTY or want to be added to the distribution list,
please e-mail voiceofthepoorwr@cox.net.

However, Voice of the Poor is

interested in working with those
elected officials of either party, who
support initiatives that will benefit
people in poverty, children, elderly,
immigrants (documented or not),
and all of those that SVdP serves.

VOICE OF THE POOR PRAYER (by Ruth Zemek)

Lord of all people,
During your time on earth you identified with the poor and instructed us to care for one another, for our neighbor
and especially for the least of our brothers and sisters.
Be with us as we advocate for the poor.
Help us to persevere in joy and love on their behalf.
Add your voice to ours as we speak out for those who are not heard in our communities.
Guide us as we work, comfortable in the knowledge that we are doing your will for this day, and time, and place,
and that you will take care of tomorrow.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, his Blessed Mother, our patron St. Vincent and our founder Blessed Frederic.
Amen
SPIRITUAL REFLECTION

BLESSED FREDERICS DARE TO DREAM

Excerpts from the speech by Michael Thio, International President General, for the Bicentenary Anniversary Celebration of Blessed
Frederic in Paris in 2013

Blessed Frederic was a special gift of God to the poor in the world and to us. He was an extraordinary man, a person of
deep Faith and Spirituality who believed and trusted God, a man of vision and wisdom and with tremendous charism, a
great and capable leader, who was able to inspire, motivate and influence people. Through the grace of God, Blessed
Frederic, along with his six companions, cofounded the Society 180 years ago in 1833 here in Paris. As we remember and
honor Blessed Frederick, let us also remember his dear wife, Amelie, who was so supportive of him in his works and life.
Lets also remember the other co-founders: Emmanuel Bailly, the first President and a fatherly figure of the younger
members; Francis Lallier, the Secretary, who was largely responsible for the initial Rule of the Society; Jules Devaux, the
Treasurer, who initiated contact with Blessed Sr. Rosalie Rendu, DC, who provided tremendous advice and assistance to
our early founders; then, Paul Lamache, Augustine le Taillandier and Felix Clave.
Blessed Frederic dared to dream Dreams and one of his dreams was to encircle the whole world in a network of Charity.
From one conference in the beginning, the Society is today in 150 countries, with over 70,000 conferences, 780,000
members, 1.3 million volunteers and assisting over 30 million poor. His dream has been realized many times over through
Gods grace. This is truly amazing.
Blessed Frederic did not try to imitate the exact same works of St. Vincent so much as his spirit of Charity. Both St. Vincent
and Blessed Frederic found ways of serving Christ in the poor. If one part of their charisms was to care for the poor people,
the care of souls was always an important part of their mission. Blessed Frederic reminded members that material aid was
not the most important part of our service to the poor. He stressed, Through the members Spirituality and their loving
Christian action, in witnessing God, many Christians have been brought back to the Faith and many non-Christians were
evangelized. This is one key aspect of our Vincentian Spirituality.
The Society has come a long way since our humble beginnings and it is one of the most respected, well known, and
inspiring Catholic apostolate of Charity in the world. We are part of this legacy that all Vincentians along with the Council
General International (CGI) will continue to grow and perpetuate the Vincentian vocation, mission and values as servants
of Christ and the poor. The United Nations has now accredited the Society as an international NGO with Special
Consultative status. This recognition affirms our Societys standing as an international organization of high repute. All
Vincentians are instrumental in contributing to and maintaining the dynamism, vibrancy and growth of the Society and
you have a part in it and you should be proud of it.
In responding to the call of St. Vincent and Blessed Frederic, we are witnessing Christ in the poor and needy we serve. We
can encapsulate our activities into the virtues and practice of the Gospel values of Faith, Hope and Charity. This
exemplifies our zeal, commitment and love in our mission and vocation in our Vincentian apostolate.
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CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING

The Biblical Roots of Catholic Social Teaching

From:

A reflection from Meghan J. Clark of St. John's University on the Old and New Testament roots of Catholic
social teaching.

For the reflection click on:

http://americamagazine.org/media/videos/biblical-roots-catholic-social-teaching

"I don't want my money going to bailing out poor people."

Response:
"The money will be utilized for poor people no matter which way you go.
It can either be utilized for education, social programs and health care; or it can be utilized for
prisons, increased police presence, and higher premiums levied on those who have health
insurance. One creates productive workers who contribute to society. The other creates desperate
people who tear and gnaw at society's fabric.
Which would you prefer?"
(From the Facebook page of Linda Victoria, Tucson)

HEALTHCARE

US Supreme Court decides in favor of the Affordable Care Act

Many of the people we serve rejoiced about the Supreme Court ruling on June 26, holding that federal subsidies for health
insurance will continue to be available through the federal health insurance exchange in those states that have not established a
state exchange, as provided by the Affordable Care Act. The decision maintains the affordability of health insurance for
approximately 6.4 million low-income individuals nationwide.
The legal argument of opponents questioned the eligibility of users to receive federal tax subsidies. The justices, while noting the
imprecise language of the Act that enabled such a challenge, decided by six to three in favor of federal subsidies because the
spirit of the Act was to improve the health insurance markets, of which subsidies are a key component.

Although the ruling represents a technical clarification and a symbolic victory that will protect and strengthen the Act, more
challenges are likely to follow, as long as there are opponents
that see medical insurance subsidies as a government give-

Impact of Affordable Care Act in Arizona:

Net gain of Medicaid enrollees since December 2013: 365,129

away.

Arizonans under age 26 on parents' insurance plans: more than

70,000

In only 2 years, the number of uninsured Americans has fallen

Arizonans with insurance from the federal marketplace: 205,000

(126,506 of them receiving subsidies)

from 18% to 12%. Under the Affordable Care Act, more than
16 million people have been covered so far with affordable

Source: University of Arizona Center for Rural Health

health care. Of these, 6.4 million low-income are low-income.

The Affordable Care Act brought many positive changes. But, our government has not yet satisfactorily addressed the exception
requested by the Little Sisters of the Poor and other Catholic organizations, who feel forced to add contraception to the benefits
provided by their healthcare plans, even if it is contrary to their religious belief.

WHAT MAKES US HEALTHY

The connections between health and community development in plain English by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco

The link between health and community development explained in less than four
minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zx6dJ4O4sZQ
The top contributors to long-term health and life expectancy may be surprising to most. As it turns out,
only a fraction of what affects our health relates to healthcare. To truly improve outcomes, we need to look,
beyond healthcare, at a variety of factors that impact health, and the community development sector is
poised to address this challenge, as you can see in this video.

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

CLIMATE CHANGE IS A MORAL ISSUE

Op-Ed for the Sacramento Bee by Stephen E. Blaire, bishop of the Diocese of Stockton, Armando Xavier Ochoa bishop
of the Diocese of Fresno, Jaime Soto bishop of the Diocese of Sacramento.

http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/op-ed/soapbox/article25435690.html

With the release of his encyclical, Pope Francis has issued a moral challenge to all people of the world. As the
Catholic bishops of three dioceses in Northern and Central California, we join our voices with his in calling for
urgent action to care for our common home. Please join us in reading and prayerfully considering Laudato Si
over the coming weeks.
Pope Francis shares his predecessors concern for both human and environmental degradation. In 1990, Pope
John Paul II warned, The gradual depletion of the ozone layer and the related greenhouse effect has now
reached crisis proportions.
Twenty years later, Pope Benedict XVI asked: Can we remain indifferent before the problems associated with
such realities as climate change, desertification, the deterioration and loss of productivity in vast agricultural
areas, the pollution of rivers and aquifers, the loss of biodiversity, the increase of natural catastrophes and the
deforestation of equatorial and tropical regions?
In California, we have been devastated for several years by severe drought. This has hurt the health of our
residents, risked the vitality of our waterways and harmed our economy. No matter the explanations, Californians
must learn to steward responsibly and reverentially our portion of Gods creation.
The American Lung Association ranks the Central Valleys air quality among the unhealthiest in the nation. Soot
and particles from automobile and industrial emissions can cause heart problems and cancer. By ignoring our
moral responsibility to care for the creation entrusted to us, we risk being overwhelmed by our own folly.
Of particular concern is that environmental degradation and climate change burden disproportionately
the least among us. Our children and seniors are most vulnerable to negative health impacts, and poor
families are least able to afford additional medical and utility costs associated with this crisis.
The Catholic perspective is that human and natural ecology go hand in hand. We are called to solidarity with the
poor as well as stewardship of the Earth. Our deep regard for the dignity of every person commands us to
cultivate a climate of life where each of Gods children thrive and join with creation in praising our
Creator. This is the integral ecology of which Pope Francis speaks.
Personal decisions have social consequences, and public policies governing use of resources have implications
for the welfare of the entire human family. Therefore, all of us must engage in the political process and urge our
leaders to work together to ensure our common earthly resources our land, air and water are pure and
accessible.
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A reliance on technology will not restore the Earth to health. Instead, we must each undergo a personal
conversion of heart and mind. Together we can create a moral climate change that reflects our values of
human dignity, global solidarity with the poor, reverence for creation and working for the common good.
We must ask ourselves: What kind of world do we intend to leave to our children and grandchildren?
Creation is a blessing held in common among all people and in trust for future generations. We invite
people to join hands and hearts with all people of goodwill in caring for the least among us by ensuring
that Earth be a home for all.

ENVIROMENTAL JUSTICE
(By Giulio Grecchi, Western Region Voice of the Poor Representative)

The Popes encyclical Laudato Si, issued on Thursday June 18, takes its title from the first verse of St.
Francis of Assisi's "The Canticle of the Creatures", a 13th-century prayer giving thanks to God for its
Creation. The Canticle of the Creatures is one of the earliest writings in Italian and a classic in Italian
literature.
The encyclical addresses in non-uncertain terms the impact of environmental degradation and climate
change on the poor and vulnerable of the world and on future generations.
Here are some resources for us to familiarize ourselves with the encyclical:
-

America Magazine provides a very useful map for navigating the encyclical, with a summary of each
of the six chapters
http://americamagazine.org/issue/laudato-si-map

The National Catholic Reporter offers A readers guide to Laudato Si by Fr. Thomas Reese, SJ with
chapter-by-chapter teaching and questions:

http://ncrnews.org/documents/NCR%20Readers%20guide.pdf?bl
Interview - Dr. Lothes talks to Katie Couric about Pope Francis and Laudato Si'
Dr. Erin Lothes is an Assistant Professor of Theology, College of Saint Elizabeth; researcher, faithbased environmentalism and energy ethics. I met Dr. Lothes, when we were both members of the
organizing committee of the NJ Catholic Coalition for Environmental Justice in 2002-2006:
https://screen.yahoo.com/katie-couric/pope-releases-major-climate-change-092641415.html
The Catholic Climate Covenant: for comprehensive information on Care for Gods Creation:
http://www.catholicclimatecovenant.org/

IMMIGRATION

The Economics of Step-by-Step Immigration Reform

The Bipartisan Policy Center issued a very interesting report in May 2015 that reveals that among the
numerous paths available for reforming our countrys immigration system, only legislation combining increases
in enforcement with measures that sustain and grow our labor force, would ensure future prosperity. An
enforcement-only approach would instead lower GDP and increase our national debt.
While many lawmakers argue that immigration reform should happen only through a sequence of legislative
provisions, often giving priority to an enforcement-only approach, the study clearly shows that combining
enforcement with other policies can achieve the best of both worlds.
The following are the studys key results:
An enforcement-only approach to immigration reform using the E-Verify system would limit
growth and increase deficits.
Combining policies that have different effects produced better results.
Immigration limits must be flexible to stay in step with the economy.
High-skill reform would have positive effects on GDP and reduce deficits.
Advancing all reform components produced the most budget savings. (The study found that all
of the above scenario reduced cumulative deficits by $570 billion over 20 years.)
Immigration reforms wage impacts are generally small.
Immigration reforms that provide more future immigrants have larger positive effects on GDP.
You can read the full report by clicking on:
http://bipartisanpolicy.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/BPC-Immigration-Economics.pdf

The study used as a reference case the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration
Modernization Act of 2013 (S.744), passed by the Senate, assessing the economic and budgetary impacts of
alternative scenarios and assumptions.
You might remember that the Society supported S744 throughout 2013 and 2014, through action alerts and
congressional visits. Unfortunately, S744 expired at the end of 2014, because the House leadership never
allowed the bill to come to the floor, in spite of the fact that a clear majority of House members would have
voted in favor.

End Detention of Immigrant Families

On June 23, our National President, Sheila Gilbert, issued an action alert calling on President Obama to end the detention
of families, mainly women and children, fleeing extreme violence, death threats, rape, and persecution in their home
countries. Targeted by gangs or, in some cases, victims of domestic abuse, they seek safety and asylum in the United
States and instead they find prison. Many are spending long periods in detention, while their cases are pending.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched the policy of detaining immigrant families in prison-like facilities in
2014, as a deterrent, hoping to discourage more families to arrive at our borders.
Detention has a devastating effect on the lives of millions of persons each year. A network of supervised release, case
management and community support programs, designed to ensure court appearances would be a much more effective
and humane system.
While we noticed some slow changes towards reducing the number of families detained, much more is necessary.
If you did not have the chance to sign on this action alert, you can still do so by clicking on:
http://capwiz.com/svdpusa/issues/alert/?alertid=66777736&queueid=10904151796

VINCENTIAN DEDICATION
The following two stories remind us of the type of dedication that makes a difference. These are
stories from the past, when individual dedication often went a long way in solving the immediate
issues of the people we serve. That remains true today, when we find ourselves confronted with
unexpected emergencies.
Today, however, Vincentians have available additional tools that effectively address the
root-causes of poverty. Whether it is Advocacy or Bridges out of Poverty, the demand
for strong dedication continues as ever before. The difference is that addressing the
root-causes of poverty is no longer an individual initiative, but requires the concerted
action and commitment of entire teams, or entire Councils, or the entire Society. This is
a new challenge for Vincentians, because besides dedication, they now need the
maturity to overcome individual preferences, to be able to achieve the more complex
common goal. Are we ready for that?
THE NIGHT SHIFT AT THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC
Joe Connor was the Conference President at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Scottsdale in the 1960-70s. Peter
C. Boulay, who now lives in Salem, OR, reported this story through Sue Woodford-Beals, Voice of the Poor,
Salem
When I was a young reporter for The Arizona Republic, a large metropolitan daily, I sometimes drew the
night slot assignment. This meant working on a late shift, usually from 4 p.m. until the paper was put to
bed around midnight or one a.m.
My job then would be to write the obituaries, and be available to the night editor for sudden last minute
stories that might need to be researched and written for the morning paper. Sometimes a family would
come into the newsroom with a picture of their son, wanting to explain to someone that he had died in
action in Vietnam. More often, there was nothing at all happening on the night shift.
But, I began to see a pattern emerging and I could never figure out exactly how it began. A call would come
in from a lost soul on the streets of Phoenix asking for help. Maybe it was midnight and the caller just
wanted to chat. I liked to chat and found chatting much more interesting than writing obituaries. Sometimes
the calls from a particular person would come in night after night and then we would be on a first names
basis. Many would have been drinking, but not enough to muddle their thoughts completely.
One night a man who would not identify himself called to say that London Bridge had been sold to an Arizona
city and would be deconstructed rock by rock and rebuilt in Lake Havasu, Arizona. Sounded like a joke to
me but I dutifully called the City of Londons chief engineer at his house at about five in the morning. He
could not believe we had the story, but he confirmed it and now, many decades later London Bridge still
serves the good drivers of Lake Havasu.
One night a woman called. Her name was Sara. She had been drinking a bit. She lived outdoors in a city
park halfway between the mayors office, where I was assigned at the time, and the Arizona Republic
newsroom. She needed help badly. She was a victim of spousal abuse. She had three children six and
younger living on the street with her. It was going to be a cold night.
I called a friend, Joe Connor, with whom I had worked at a different job a year or two before. I knew he
was an active member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in my parish, Our Lady of Perpetual Help in
Scottsdale. Joe responded immediately, even though it was eleven p.m. He told me to find out for sure
where she would be in 20 minutes and to tell her to look for an old, green station wagon.
In an hour, Joe called me to say everything was taken care of, he had found a home for the night for Sara
and her children, and that he had already picked them up and brought them to the home of a fellow
parishioner. He said that he would contact them in the morning and talk to Sara about the next days
possibilities for longer-term lodging. I went back to my obituaries.

Somehow, that incident became known on the street and a trickle of homeless people with sad stories
began. It was never more than one or two a month, but each time I called Joe and each time Joe took on
the task of meeting the immediate needs of the individual or family.
In my mind, Joe was the ideal member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. This all happened in the late
1960s and remains more than 50 years later a great inspiration. That is why I will always have tremendous
respect for the St. Vincent de Paul Society---and for Joe, bless his soul.
THE BUCHANAN BUNCH
Dick Buchanan is the former President of the St. Peter and Paul Conference in Tucson. He and his wife,
Elizabeth, have been foster parents for 217 babies. CCUSA recognized them with the 2015 Volunteer of the
Year award.
On February 5, 1963, our life changed forever. On that day our daughter, Monica, was born but only lived
for 66 minutes. Instead of bringing our daughter home, we ended up planning for a funeral and burial for
our daughter. In those days, there was no counseling to help guide us through this difficult time. So, we
were left on our own to try to cope with this tragic loss. At first, to fill our void, Elisabeth provided day care.
Then Dick's mother, who was a volunteer at Catholic Community Services, suggested we look into becoming
foster parents for babies waiting to become adopted. On October 18, 1963, a newborn little girl that we
named Linda arrived in our home. She stayed for 34 days before she went to her adoptive home.
We have had one baby for as little as a few hours and another for 8 months. The time a baby spends in our
home is usually to clear up possible legal problems or to give the birth mother time to decide if she wants
to place her child up for adoption or keep the baby.
People often ask how you can give up the baby. In the earlier years, it was more difficult than it
There was very little contact between the adoptive parents and us. Now that has changed. The
parents come to our home and we are able to interact with them. To see the joy in their hearts
much easier for us to turn the child over to these loving couples. Yes, our house does seem empty
days after they leave.

is today.
adoptive
makes it
for a few

When asked about the racial make-up of the child, Elizabeth is quick to
answer: "I don't know and it doesnt matter. A baby is a baby, and the mother
loved enough to give her baby life, and she had the strength to give up her
child for adoption."
In the earlier years, many of the birth mothers did not choose to give their
babies a name. Therefore, we would name the baby while they were in our
home. We devised a system whereby each of our four children would take
turns naming the baby (within reason). This way each of our children became
involved in the process of accepting the baby into our family.
We have learned over the years that each baby is unique and has different
likes and dislikes. This is something that you would not expect from a
newborn child. Here are a few of the babies that we will always remember:

Kevin, now Will, has a special place in our hearts because we have
always had contact with him as he grew up. His parents would bring him by
our house once a week when they lived in Tucson. Now he is about to
graduate from college.

Sarah, a premie who had medical problems and Elisabeth spent many hours in the hospital talking
to her and holding her. She was a healthy baby when she left our home.

Bradley, who could laugh and giggle, especially in church. He would be on Elisabeth's shoulder and
laugh aloud at the people behind us. We finally had to resort to sitting in the last pew so there was not
anybody behind us.

Donald, who stayed with us for eight months. He became especially attached to Dick. He came back
to visit us when he was 22 years old, a fine young man.
These are just a few of the many memories that we have of our 217 babies.

From Beautiful Downtown Burbank the Western Region meeting

Article and photos by Christine Krikliwy, Tucson Voice of the Poor

OZANAM IN HOLLYWOOD
The Western Region meeting at the end of May was a spiritual journey inviting us to search within ourselves and
delve into the lives of our friends for answers.
The keynote speakers were Sr. Paule Freeburg, DC and Deacon Gene Smith. They
were informative and insightful. They reminded us that when we think of Hollywood
we see glamour, mansions, the red carpet, movie stars, and a yearning to run into a
star (the ones on the ground not the ones in the sky!). Hollywood fascinates us and,
if Frederic Ozanam visited Hollywood, he too would have been enchanted except that
his Vincentian eyes would look for the poor, To strive to seek out those in need and
the forgotten, the victims of exclusion or adversity.
What does it mean to see through Vincentian eyes? In our busy lives as we hurry on
by we casually notice the poor, but Frederic Ozanam teaches and shows us a deeper
way of seeing the poor. Frederic saw beyond the glamour and glitz, finding the
homeless, the immigrants, the youth who were not successful in Hollywood and
families who may be living on the streets.
According to Frederic Ozanam our Vincentian eyes are trained to look for the
poor and what we see goes straight to our hearts.our Vincentian hearts.
Frederic has said that it is not the idea of the poor that moves us to action, but it
is in seeing and knowing the poor that moves us into action.
How does the Vincentian get to know and treat the poor? The Vincentian is a unique individual and the Home
Visit is just as unique as we are. Going into ones home provides us with essential information about the individual
and helps us to assess their immediate or long-term needs. Seeing with ones own eyes moves one. A home
may be defined as a person living in a house, a cardboard shelter, a boat, on the street or in prison. Sr. Paule
and Deacon Gene Smith discussed Pope Francis Joy of the Gospel and The Culture of Encounter whereby
we find common ground with those whom we visit. Before ending their presentation, they talked about Frederic
Ozanams experience when he lived with a rich family. Frederic noticed that the wealthy were always served
food with a napkin. In turn, Sr. Paule and Deacon Gene Smith distributed cloth napkins to all of us in attendance,
as a reminder to serve those in need with care, respect and love, the ultimate Culture of Encounter.

That evening, many of the meetings participants went on a tour of Hollywood. We visited the Blessed
Sacrament Catholic Church in the heart of Hollywood. In days gone by, the Church was packed with the rich
and famous. It was the site for several celebrity weddings and funerals, among them, Bing Crosby, John
Wayne and James Stewart. It was also used as a film shooting location. Today the rich and famous have
10

dispersed from the area, and a large number of

homeless and poor have moved in, but the Church
is still visited by the faithful.
The Church has a St. Vincent de Paul pantry. The
pantry has two rooms that are stocked with food
piled high up on pallets, received from the
government. The needy flock to the pantry daily for
food. The original founder of the pantry died of
cancer, but today, his wife faithfully carries on the
tradition, and mounted on the wall is his Hollywood
Walk of Fame star awarded to him for his dedication
and hard work in helping the poor.
Sr. Paule and Deacon Gene Smith wondered when
we reach the Pearly Gates who will win The Academy Awards in the Sky.
VOICE OF THE POOR / BRIDGES OUT OF POVERTY
On Thursday, May 28, just before the opening reception, we
offered a workshop, open to all Vincentians, on Voice of the Poor
and Bridges out of Poverty. This was the logical continuation of
the sessions on Part 7 of the Rule - Relationship with Civil Society
- in San Diego, in 2014, and of the sessions on Voice of the Poor
and Systemic Change in Sparks, Nevada in 2013.
The workshop gave the opportunity to Western Region
Vincentians involved with Voice of the Poor and Bridges out of
Poverty to share their experiences with these projects and their
future plans, all related to strategic Goal 4. Among those, who
gave a report were Vincentians from Los Angeles, Paterson
(Stockton Diocese), Contra Costa (Oakland Diocese),
Sacramento, San Diego, Ashland (Archdiocese of Portland),
Seattle, Boise, Phoenix and Tucson. The collective effort gave a
clear impression of how much is happening in our region towards
helping restore peoples dignity.
The Tucson Council is the first in the region to pilot the Getting
Ahead program, which is based on the Bridges out of Poverty
construct. Ann Meyers, Christine Krikliwy, Joan Grecchi shared
information on the program and their experience with recruitment
and mentoring. Dan Torrington, Council President,
commented on the estimated cost of $800 for each
investigator, stating that the amount is how much a
conference would spend for a couple of month of rent, just
to prevent a family from being evicted. Spending the same
amount on GA participation, gives a person the skills needed
to get ahead and eventually move out of poverty. Therefore, it is money well spent.

11

During the workshop, Giulio Grecchi proposed a "model"

that brings together all the activities of the Society towards
moving people out of poverty. The model shows how both
"Voice of the Poor" and "Bridges out of Poverty", together
with the other elements of national strategic goals 4 and 5,
are essential to address the root-causes of poverty, in an
amazing convergence and interdependence.
After this presentation, the session exploded with
questions and comments about the Getting Ahead
program and on the initial steps and tools required for
implementing the program successfully. How, what and
where? Here are some of the questions:
1) How do we convince Vincentians to join the program, some
show interest and some do not? Some Vincentians are
skeptical, prefer to follow the status quo and do not like
change. Clearly, running the GA program is not for
everyone. But do not worry, the Society has room for
everyone, as home visits, pantry work and direct
assistance are essential and will always be needed. To
recruit members for a GA start-up team, we suggested that
presentations be made at local parishes and churches
with/without Conferences, sharing videos, PowerPoints
and success stories. In Tucson, three VOP team
members trained at the Hope in Action session in Los
Angeles. Then, they recruited a small team of
The National Council President from Mexico, Luz Mara
Vincentians from several conferences, who believed in
Ramrez Gonzlez (foreground) expressed interest in
addressing the root-causes of poverty. Tom Jefferson Voice of the Poor and Bridges out of Poverty
is leading the Tucson effort with great passion and
dedication. Unfortunately, he could not be in Burbank, because of familys circumstances. For
several months, the team trained intensely on the Bridges out of Poverty concepts through books,
videos, webinars, etc.
2) How does one obtain funding for the program, as Conferences
generally need the money collected from their congregation for
direct help? In Tucson, the local Diocesan Council funded the pilot
program. We will then use the success stories from the pilot program
to apply for grants and funding from public or private agencies. Our
national CEO, David Barringer reminded us that the National
Office also offers grants for starting the GA program.
3) How does one recruit mentors? Mentoring is an extremely
important part of the Bridges program.
We should do
presentations concerning mentoring to all our local Conferences. Mentoring has nothing to do with helping
financially. Mentoring means walking with the individuals, answering their questions, encouraging them,
introducing them to agencies that can provide the resources they need, during the difficult journey out of
poverty, as they follow their plan to get ahead. Many Vincentians are rich in knowledge and experience and
can share their expertise. In Tucson, we require from mentors at least a one-year commitment.
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Workshop participants continued to discuss ways to start the GA

program; some wanted to secure funding and mentors before
planning the program, some were still trying to convince their
Conferences that the program could change lives (teach how to
fish). During the discussion, we all learned from each other.
In spite of the 70 or more seats in the room, there was standing
room only, some participants were sitting on the floor and others
pressed at the doorway, trying to peek-in.

Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life

SVdP at the 2015 Universal EXPO in Milan

(By Giulio Grecchi Western Region Voice of the Poor Representative)

The theme chosen for the 2015 Milan Universal Exposition is Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life. It embraces
technology, innovation, culture, traditions and creativity, as they relate to food and diet. The opening took
place on 1 May 2015 and the Expo will close on 31 October 2015.[
The Expo is opening up a dialogue among the 145 participating countries on nutrition and the resources of our
planet. It is an opportunity to reflect upon, and seek solutions to the contradictions in our world. On the one
hand, there are the hungry (approximately 870 million people were undernourished in 2010-2012) and, on the
other, there are those who die from ailments linked to too much food (approximately 2.8 million deaths from
diseases related to obesity in the same period). In addition, about 1.3 billion tons of food go to waste every
year. For these reasons, the Expo encourages conscious political choices to develop sustainable lifestyles and
to use the best technology to create a balance between the availability and the consumption of resources.

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The Expo is focusing on respect for

the environment and for all the
places where local communities live,
based on a sustainable future for the
planet and for the society as a whole.
With the theme of the Expo so close
to the heart of the SSVP, the Italian
National Council represented the
Society with an informational stand,
during the early part of June. The
booth was located in a space (a
former farm) specifically reserved for
NGOs. The Italian SVdP National
THE FIELDS OF TOMORROW at the Israeli Pavilion - Experimental vertical garden allowing a large
yield of grains in a very limited space and with little water usage.
Council and the Lombardy SVdP
Regional Federation joined forces to display information on the Italian and international activities of the
Society, through three touch screens slideshows.
The National President Claudia Nodari and Board, the Regional President and the SVdP Expo Commission were
all present at the inauguration of the stand on June 1. Vincentians from Italian conferences and councils
volunteered at the stand throughout the period, answering the numerous questions by visitors.
See more news and updates on the Italian SSVP website: http://www.sanvincenzoitalia.it
Joan and I were in Milan, for a couple of weeks in June, because of
family obligations, and we had the opportunity to visit both the Expo
and the Milan Central Council of SVdP. During our visit to the Council,
we met and exchanged information with Council President, Laura Cozzi
Vitaloni. The Council has 99 conference in the city and in the immediate
suburbs. Other cities within the Milan Archdiocese have their own
separate Council.
It was amazing to realize how many of the activities that they do are so
similar to what we do in the US, starting with home visits and direct
assistance.

Laura Cozzi Vitaloni, President of the

Milan Central Council, with Joan Grecchi

At the same time, we learned of new and innovative approaches, all based on Fredericks motto that No work
of charity is foreign to the Society. Some examples are:
Family conferences, where parents and children do work of charity together
A promotion of Family spirituality, through national meetings to reflect on family life and marriage
spirituality, initiated following a recommendation by Pope Francis
Youth summer camps
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Student housing
Many forms of prison ministry, from spiritual and material assistance of those detained, to support of
their families, to finding work for those detainees permitted to leave the prison during the day, to
assistance for their reintegration in civil society after release
Fund-raising through fashion shows of gently used clothing, with Vincentians ladies walking as models
on the catwalk

Grazie Federico (Thank you Frederick), an exhibit, travelling from city to city, on the life of our
founder, on the history and work of the Society, on Vincentians spirituality, etc.
The statue of St.
Vincent de Paul in
front of the Milan
Central Council has
the Cross, in one
hand, and a small loaf
of bread in the other.
Balloons at the
entrance of the Milan
Central Council.
Via Federico Ozanam
in Milan

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FROM THE WESTERN REGION

ARIZONA

PHOENIX
NAVIGATOR PROGRAM
The Phoenix VOP committee is working with our main SVdP office to develop a Navigator Program for the
Diocesan Council. This program would help conferences locate resources to help the families they serve. It
would also help Vincentians go the extra mile for families that need deeper options and assistance. Much of
the thought process in this program is utilizing the ideas and theory of systemic change. Many times
Vincentians could help a family or individual so much more...but just do not know of excellent programs and
resources easily available to those we serve. We are in hopes of creating a team of Vincentians who are
experts in seeking out the wide depth of available resources who then will work with conferences in need of
direction and ideas to help families move forward and out of poverty. We also are working on a prisoner
reentry program that is being developed by St. Vincent De Paul and an update of a Foster Care program for
persons who are aging-out of the program.
Contributed by Julie Douglas
TUCSON
THEOLOGY UNCORKED
At the end of April the Tucson VOP team presented their first Poverty Workshop at Most Holy Trinity Parish,
as part of the parish series Theology
Uncorked.
The workshop included:
Information about Poverty in Tucson,
a portion of Donna Beegles video,
where she recounts how she
journeyed from generational poverty to
a successful university professor and
advocate for the poor
Information on the important role of Systemic Change, Voice of the Poor and Bridges out of Poverty in
addressing the root-causes of poverty.
For over 30 minutes, at the end of the presentation, the 75 or so participants asked many questions about our
programs and some invited the VOP team to bring the program to other parishes.
We are planning additional workshops starting in September. Our goal is to make Poverty an important
subject of public conversation in view of the 2016 Presidential elections.
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GETTING AHEAD GRADUATION

On July 9, 2015 we celebrated the graduation of the first St Vincent de Paul
sponsored Getting Ahead class. A group of thirteen very diverse graduates
completed the program, after 16 sessions, from March 26 through July 7.
Rose Tederous, a professional social worker of the Amphitheater Unified
School District, facilitated the program. As a direct result of the program, one
graduate already started classes at Pima Community College, the first week
of July.

The Getting Ahead graduating class

All of the graduating

Investigators gave a short
talk on their experience
with the program: what
they learned, how they
changed, their plans, etc.
The outstanding part of
this feat is that most of the
Investigators would have
not been able to speak in
front of a large group, just
three months ago, when
the program started.

Front cover of the graduation

Program

There were stories of change in outlook and hope for the future.
Everyone was dressed up for the occasion and very joyful. Several
family members joined them to celebrate their achievement.
As the graduates received their certificates, they stopped by where I
stood and gave me a hug. During the program, I had developed a
relationship
with
each one of them, by
exchanging a few
words,
when
handing out the
stipend cards and
bus passes. I got to
know
them
as
Explaining the mental model of Poverty
people. I made a
difference in their lives, and they made a difference in mine.
There were eight children in the childcare area. It was nice to
Graduates and their families
hear the parents say that sometimes they made an effort to
come to class, because their children wanted to be with their new friends and the Vincentians, who provided the
babysitting. The program made a difference for two generations and the members of St. Vincent de Paul.
Graduation marks the start of a long process of building resources, with the encouragement of mentors. The
most important next step is to form a community of mentors and graduates that truly connect.
Contributed by Ann Myers

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CALIFORNIA
SAN DIEGO
The VOP focus for the San Diego diocese was to support the California Catholic Legislative Network in opposing
SB 128, which would authorize physician-assisted suicide. The bill was passed by the Senate, but was stalled
in a key committee in the Assembly and will not be introduced this year, but it is sure to reappear next year.
Despite its immorality, proponents characterized it as a compassionate bill, capitalizing on a recently publicized
case where a CA woman went to Oregon, because she wanted to terminate her life.
The irony is that physician-assisted suicide is likely to lead the insurance companies acting as the so-called
death panels by encouraging terminal patients to accept an early death for economic reasons. It will be the
poor and disadvantaged who will be most susceptible to this pressure.
Contributed by Ken Poggenburg
SACRAMENTO
Three Vincentians of the conference at St. Martin Mission in Esparto, CA have been familiarizing themselves
with the Bridges out of Poverty material and have trained as Getting Ahead facilitators. They will be reaching
out to other local groups to draw mentors, donors and supports. They will also initiate a local campaign to recruit
potential participants. Their goal is to start the first Getting Ahead program at the beginning of October.
Contributed by Chelsea Becker
IDAHO
BOISE
I shared with the Council what I heard at the regional conference in Burbank, which was loaded with information.
I was particularly inspired by Sister Paule's presentation on St. Vincent De Paul and Blessed Fredrick Ozanam.
When Sister shared the story of the napkin, it was a sharp reminder that we need to serve the poor and respect
them. I believe that as V.O.P. Vincentians, we are in a position to do this in "a special way. We, as advocates,
try to have the "ears" of the "Rich" (Legislators), in response to the stories the poor share with us, try to change
the legislators minds and hearts and to see the poor as their fellow Idahoans, who are suffering due to the
legislation that is not passed. (Increase in minimum wage, Medicaid expansion, among others).
We also shared with the Council a presentation on predatory lending alternatives for the people we serve, who
are caught in a debt trap. We provided handouts to the conference presidents to share with their conferences,
inviting then to come to the July meeting and possibly vote to go forward with the proposal.
I hope we can visit our senators and representatives while they are in town, during the summer recess. They
seem to have no idea of the everyday impact of the bills they support on the people we serve.
We are not issuing bulletin inserts during the summer, but we plan to re-start in the fall and hopefully stir interest
and even some indignation among our fellow Catholics, as well as educate them as to the issues that affect us
all but especially the poor. The Popes new encyclical should stir some interest.
Contributed by Kelly Anderson

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OREGON
PORTLAND AND SALEM
Unfortunately, the legislation on wage theft The Fair Wage Recovery Act, SB 718, that Voice of the Poor has
been following and advocating for did not make it out of the committee. This was an important piece of legislation,
which would have put in place stronger rules, making sure that workers would receive at least the minimum
wage. I hope that the legislation will be resurrected in the future.
SALEM
Salem VOP Vincentians, Sue Woodford-Beals, Carl
Beals and Shari Crawford, attended the Vincentian
Formation Training that was conducted by Stan and Len
Miller at Catholic Community Services in Salem. There
were 15 Vincentians present from various Oregon
conferences.
The training curriculum included Our Founders/Our
History, Vincentian Spirituality, What we do, What we
dont do. How to bridge from spirituality to our actual
work, Charisms/Home Visits, Structure and Basic
Principles and information on Bridges out of Poverty.
Vincentians present participated in the group
discussions, describing efforts in each of their parishes
and conferences. Stan and Len Miller did an outstanding job of presenting the training.
Contributed by Sue Woodford-Beals

WASHINGTON
SEATTLE KING COUNTY
For our Voice of the Poor efforts, we collaborated with the Dialogue for Justice (a partnership with Catholic
Community Services, the Washington Catholic Conference and the Intercommunity Peace & Justice Center).
This collaborative effort helped maintain the Housing Trust Fund, Housing and Essential Needs program and
helped create a new Office of Homeless Youth Programs in the recent Washington state legislative session.
Regarding the King County Council Systemic Change efforts here is what I would say:
We have Centro Rendu, which is a Hispanic outreach program that provides computer literacy training,
GED prep & ESL classes, case management and immigration counseling.
Along with Centro Rendu, we started our first Spanish speaking conference (Divine Providence) which
now serves a number of people we previously could not help, due to language barriers.
We now have a Veterans program (Operation Veteran Renewal) which offers case management to Vets
(particularly men and women who served in Iraq & Afghanistan
We are collaborating with NeighborCare at our Aurora thrift store to provide basic health services and
assessments.
Contributed by Thomas Wagner, Director Vincentian Support
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For More Information on Voice of the Poor,

Visit Our Website by Clicking on: Www.Wrvop.Org
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