Building a Strategic Partnership to Empower Greater Houston's Underserved Communities
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston is proud to partner with Spalding University, fulfilling a strategic objective to establish partnerships to better serve the underserved communities of Greater Houston.
Spalding University, rooted in the tradition of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, is committed to meeting the needs of the times through quality education grounded in spiritual values, with a focus on service, peace, and justice.
Laura Rodriguez, an occupational therapy student at Spalding University, will be working with St. Thomas Aquinas, one of the Conferences funded by the Underserved Communities Grant Program, from May until the beginning of the fall semester. Her capstone project is designed to enable Vincentians to better serve those facing situational poverty.
"'I hope to be a vessel of hope by educating
Vincentians on various strategies and resources that can be utilized during home visits to effectively navigate challenges," Laura tells Council staff during prayer.
Laura's connection to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is deeply personal. Her family once needed support, which they received from dedicated Vincentians many years ago. Laura is now giving back to the community by leading a project aimed at making resources more accessible for individuals with physical disabilities, illnesses, and injuries. She is using her experience and passion to create meaningful change and ensure others receive the help they need to not only survive but thrive.
"Through this experience, I aim to enhance my spiritual growth by acquiring knowledge from my fellow Vincentians. I aspire to become a beacon of hope by empathizing with the face of Christ during our Home Visit encounter and spread the good news to each person we serve," Laura expressed.
This collaboration is a testament to the Society’s impact across the Greater Houston area. It showcases how beautifully things can come full circle, embodying God’s glory. Stay tuned to learn more about the fruits of this partnership!
Want to know more about the Society's Underserved Communities Initiative?
Established in 1871, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston is a 501(c)3 faith-based organization with a mission for members to grow spiritually through person-to-person service in our community. The Society serves 10 counties throughout the greater Houston area through a network of 54 parish-based chapters ("Conferences"), more than 1,700 volunteers ("Vincentians"), and a food network of localized pantries. Assistance is given to neighbors in need throughout the Galveston-Houston area through its Home Visit Program, Food Network, Clothing Vouchers, Resiliency Programs, and Disaster Response.