A new food pantry brings life in St. Louis through the efforts of a caring community. Volunteers integral to the project are (l to r) Mary Koenig (sister of Father Tom Croak, CM); Sister Anna Lee Faherty, DC; Rich LaPlume; Father Jerry Morales, CM; Rachael Edelen; and Pat Poehling.

New Vincentian Center Springs from Cooperation

In St. Louis, cooperation between St. Vincent de Paul Parish and Guardian Angel Settlement Association, a social service agency with Daughters of Charity roots, has evolved into a small “Vincentian Center.”

Guardian Angel Settlement Association, established in 1859, needed a place for administrative offices. St. Vincent’s Parish had space recently vacated by another social service agency. Since the origin of Guardian Angel connected it with St. Vincent, and the groups having worked together for many years on specific client needs, services to senior citizens, and a massive annual Christmas program, there was an obvious solution to both problems. Together, they entered into a space-sharing agreement.

The arrangement then blossomed into a deeper collaboration. In May, the Guardian Angel Food Pantry at St. Vincent’s opened its doors. Now that people are learning about the pantry, there is a steady flow of those in need. While the venture started small, there are many possibilities—especially in the current economy—of further development as needs demand.

In addition to this physical association, there is a regular interaction of Vincentians and staffs of the two organizations. Without actually planning it, a Vincentian Center has developed in the near south side of St. Louis.