Mission Stories
Elmer Simurdak:
Elmer comes each year to assess job sites, order materials and over see the work done at each of the home repair sites, he also works on many of the jobs himself. He winters in Honduras volunteering there.
Congratulations Elmer
Elmer Simurdak, who is our volunteer supervisor for our Home Repair Program, was nominated for the "Senior Volunteer Award for the State of Kentucky for 2009". We received word at the end of March that out of 100 nominations, Elmer was chosen. We are so excited for him. The presentation ceremony will be in june at the State Capitol. Congratulations!!!!!!!Home Repair:
"To all you good people who donated money to help us have the roof and other things repaired, we want to thank you from the deepest of our hearts." This lovely note is from Rae Lean and Jeff. Jeff is a hardworking handyman for businesses in Prestonsburg, KY. They have no vehicle but Jeff makes it to work daily on a bicycle. Rae Lean helps out at the mission anytime we need her. This family needed our help and through donations an volunteers we got the job done. It's a wonderful feeling when we finish a project like this but to receive a letter with such appreciation that's an amazing feeling. The mission has been able to help with Emergency Assistance for utilities and with the Holiday season through our Christmas Store program.
Room Addition to a trailer - group went out and found that the grandmother had died the day before. The granddaughter - 16 years old had emotional problems and had attempted suicide more than once. She has a sister with diabetes also and the room addition was a particular blessing.
Room Additions to a home: " We wanted to take the a moment to thank all of you for your help and hard work. Our home looks great and the extra rooms are a blessing." This note is from Michael, Jessica, and family. Like many of us, this family just did not have enough rooms in their house. But more importantly they have a disabled 4 year old child to care for. With the help from our volunteers, they now have the extra space needed for their family. Michael and Jessica's family have also benefited from our Food Pantry and through our Christmas Store.
Tristina
Tristina was walking the narrow highway 404 and dodging coal trucks to get to the food pantry here at the mission to help feed her family. Someone donated a car to the Mission and Tristina did community service so that she could work to get the car. It has helped her and her family get back and forth to a new job that she has and to get her children to doctor appointments.
Christmas Store:
There was a couple that came into the Mission to get the Christmas store for their kids. The wife kept saying to the husband, "You need a coat..." but the husband said, "No - I want this for my kids." Sister Kathleen overheard this conversation and made sure that the man got the coat he needed without it impacting how much his children got.
This card of thanks came from one of our Christmas Store families. "Thank you all for being so kind when I
come to the store. I feel love every time I come over. Thank you for helping my Grandson and his family
during the Holiday season. I really appreciate every thing you all do for us. God Bless Love you all Sister
in Christ, Pearlie." These cards touch the heart of each and every employee and volunteer.
380 people benefited from the St. Vincent Mission's Christmas store in 2009. We were able to help the David Fire Department with toys for the children in this community. We helped people from Hope in the Mountains, Martin Housing Authority, Mountain Comprehensive Care, and Big Sandy Community and Technical College. It's amazing how many people one little community can help but without our donations none of this would be possible. If any individual or organization would like to help please click on the link below or give us a call.
