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Congregation Beth Israel celebrates 25 years of "Hunger Project" at the Village
St. Vincent de Paul Village has benefitted from Congregation Beth Israel's partnership since 1986. Each week, the temple's Hunger Project provides essential services in the PMC Dining Room, where it has distributed more than 900,000 meals to date. On March 13 the Hunger Project marked its 25th Anniversary with a special cake, scores of helping hands and Father Joe, who happily lent his gratitude along with his congratulations. Thank you, Hunger Project!

Graduation ceremony recognizes the achievements of Village residents
On February 15, some 65 residents were awarded certificates of completion and/or diplomas during the Bridges to Independence graduation ceremony. Hundreds of supporters applauded as Father Joe distributed the documents to the graduates. Among the honorees were four students of the Culinary Arts Program and graduates of the Village's GED, Challenge to Change, and computer skills courses. Congratulations to one and all for achieving success and for inching closer to the goal of independence.

Decorated Iraq veteran and author Nick Popaditch inspires Village vets at the JKC
Nick Popaditch, a retired Marine gunnery sergeant who received both the Purple Heart and Silver Star for bravery under fire, spoke to the Veterans of St. Vincent de Paul Village at a special luncheon held February 3 in the Joan Kroc Center. As highlighted in his book "Once a Marine: An Iraq Tank Commander's Inspirational Memoir of Combat, Courage, and Recovery", Nick told of the injuries he received after being hit in the head by a rocket in Fallujah. "We all have obstacles in our lives and you can either choose to let them trip you up or you can move on," he said, drawing parallels between his own recovery and those of the men sitting before him. Village alumni and veteran John Plough coordinated the event.

Toussaint teens learn decision-making basics at annual Life Skills Scavenger Hunt
On January 29, teens from Toussaint Academy San Diego learned what's it to pay utility bills, shop for groceries, open a checking account and rent an apartment at the facility's 8th annual Life Skills Scavenger Hunt. Working with volunteers representing everyone from job interviewers to collection agents, the teens got a first-hand look at what it means to temper life in the fast lane with conscientiousness, a budget, and the skills needed to succeed.

Village staff and volunteers participate in annual Point-in-Time Count
Staff and volunteers of St. Vincent de Paul Village were among the more than 400 participants who traversed San Diego's byways for this year's Point-in-Time Count. Sponsored by the Regional Task Force on the Homeless, the count is an annual census of homeless people living on the streets throughout San Diego County. RTFH uses the findings to help plan, coordinate and implement services that might one day put an end to homelessness. Approximately 35 Villagers braved January's pre-dawn cold to number the many homeless people they found sleeping in alleys, under overpasses, and on beaches.

Board Member Jim Mulvaney, Jr. and friends lend time and support to the PMC
Jim Mulvaney, Jr. —a longtime board member and supporter of Father Joe's Villages—his brother, David, and a group of their friends brought energy and enthusiasm to the PMC on January 28. The group served lunch in the center's dining room and demonstrated how easy it is to make the Village's noontime event one well-oiled machine!

Volunteer San Diego provides needed help at mealtime Members of Volunteer San Diego lent their time and efforts to the Paul Mirabile Center Dining Room on January 15. We thank the team for its kind generosity in service to our residents and fellow neighbors in need.

International Rotarians spruce up the Paul Mirabile Center
On January 15, the Paul Mirabile Center served as a mini-United Nations of sorts when members of Rotary International converged to paint one of the building's stairwells. Representing countries from all over the world—including France, Japan, Argentina and Wales—the volunteers braved cramped conditions and tight corners with paint utensils, smiles and some stellar brushwork. Other Rotarians served food in the centers' dining room, making for a very active and pleasant day on behalf of those we serve.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL VILLAGE AWARDED STEWARDSHIP OF PROJECT 25
On January 12 the United Way of San Diego and St. Vincent de Paul Village announced partnership of Project 25, a new and innovative program that seeks to ease the public costs resulting from chronic homelessness. Father Joe Carroll and San Diego's Commissioner of the Plan to End Chronic Homelessness, Brian Maienschein, were on hand to present the three-year pilot program and to discuss its significance to the community.

New Years Meal at the Village
On Saturday, January 1, 2011, many volunteers gave of their time and energy to help serve the annual special meal at St. Vincent de Paul Village's Paul Mirabile Center's dining room. Among our volunteers was Alejandra Cerball, 10 News Anchor and various members of the Buffalo Soldiers MC .