From the Executive Director

A Reflection on Summer

As I look back on this summer, I am reminded of the many ways God works through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the people who give so generously to this ministry.

One of my highlights was attending our annual North Central Region Meeting in Green Bay this year. I was grateful for the opportunity to learn more about our Vincentian mission and to share with other Vincentians how tools such as AI can help us use our time and talents wisely so we can focus more on serving others.

Pictured here are Vincentian Volunteers, District ED and National CEO Michael Acaldo at the NCR meeting.

But some of my favorite moments have been much simpler; talking with customers at our Thrift Store, hearing our pantry volunteers share stories about what we provide for the people they serve, and listening to our Getting Ahead graduates celebrate their successes. These are the moments that remind us why we do what we do.

We were also blessed to continue as the fiscal sponsor for the JCI Backpack Program for another year. With the support of two grants and many donations, we will help provide much-needed food to children during the coming school year.

I am incredibly grateful for our volunteers who give their time, creativity, and dedication; our donors who faithfully provide the financial resources to continue our work; and our church and parish partners who support us with food, donations, and prayers. Every gift of time, talent, and treasure makes a difference.

This work is not always easy. Sometimes the stories we hear hurt our hearts, and the needs can feel overwhelming. But even in those difficult moments, we can always be a light in someone’s life.

As we enter the final months of our fiscal year, my hope is that St. Vincent de Paul Marinette continues to make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve and those who serve alongside us. May we continue to see Jesus in every person we encounter and look for the good in one another.

Thank you for being part of this ministry and for helping us bring Christ’s love and hope to our community.

With gratitude,

Ashley Campbell
Executive Director
St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marinette, Inc.

Conference Spotlight: Menominee Resurrection

The Menominee Resurrection Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has been serving our neighbors in Menominee County for nearly 40 years. Located at 2607 18th Street in the lower level of Resurrection Church, the Conference is blessed with approximately 30 dedicated volunteers who put their faith into action by walking alongside those experiencing hardship.

Through compassion, prayer, and personal assistance, the Conference provides support with essential needs such as food, rent, and utility assistance. Each year, Vincentians answer the call to help individuals and families facing difficult circumstances, offering not only resources but also hope and dignity.

A vital part of this ministry is the Menominee food pantry, located in the rear parking lot of Resurrection Church. Each month, the pantry provides groceries and household necessities to more than 120 families, a number that continues to grow each year. Families receive items such as milk, meat, bread, canned and boxed foods, and personal care items. The pantry is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Recently, the Conference added a “Bonus Bag” program, providing families with additional basic grocery items to help stretch their resources even further. During the Christmas season, the pantry also prepares large food boxes for approximately 140 families, bringing extra support and joy during the holidays.

The generosity of the community makes this ministry possible. The pantry is supported through food drives, donations from local churches and businesses, and contributions from caring individuals. Financial gifts allow the Conference to purchase needed food items and continue responding to the growing needs of our neighbors.

Beyond food assistance, the Menominee Resurrection Conference provides direct support to families struggling with rent, water, electricity, and heating expenses. Each year, nearly 200 families receive assistance through these programs. During the summer months, volunteers also prepare backpacks filled with school supplies for children in need, helping students begin the school year with confidence.

The work of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is carried out through the generosity of volunteers who share their time, talents, and hearts in service. Volunteers are always welcome and can help in many ways, including packing and distributing food, sorting donations, organizing pantry items, or assisting with special programs. Volunteers do not need to be Catholic—only a willingness to serve and a compassionate heart are needed.

If you feel called to join this ministry of service, please contact the Menominee Resurrection Conference at 906-863-3405, extension 6.

“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40

Every day, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has the privilege of walking alongside our neighbors who are facing difficult times. Through our Conferences in Marinette, Menominee, Crivitz/Wausaukee, and Oconto, Vincentians serve individuals and families with compassion, respect, and hope, seeing Christ in every person we encounter.

Our ministry extends far beyond providing food. We assist families with emergency rent and utility assistance, operate food pantries, offer affordable clothing and household goods through our thrift store, distribute school supplies and Christmas food baskets, and make home visits to listen, encourage, and pray with those in need. Every act of service is an opportunity to restore hope and affirm the dignity of our neighbors.

As the needs in our communities continue to grow, so does our need for caring volunteers. Whether you have a few hours each month or more time to share, there is a place for you in this ministry. We invite you to complete our new Volunteer Interest Form and discover how your unique gifts can make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

If you feel God calling you to serve, we invite you to answer that call. Together, we can continue bringing Christ’s love and hope to our neighbors in need.