Simplicity · Humility · Gentleness · Selflessness · Zeal | | | |
Where Love Is Scattered Freely
I’m writing this week’s Servant Leader column from London and Liverpool, England, where some friends (including SVdP Board member Brian Burgess) and I are attending the British Open this week.
Last Saturday night, we attended Mass at a nice Catholic church in Covent Gardens, near Buckingham Palace. I was particularly taken by the priest’s homily on the Gospel reading. And it made me (and Brian) think of our Vincentian vocation — a connection that, frankly, I had never made before.
As you recall, the Gospel last Sunday presents us with a familiar image: a sower scattering seed across the land. We have all heard this passage many times, and often, the focus is placed on the different types of soil: the path, the rocky ground, the thorns and the rich earth. Typically, we are invited to reflect on what kind of soil we are and how we might become more receptive to God’s Word. Read more...
| | EARLY BIRD PRICING FOR NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ENDS SOON | | |
Take advantage of the best registration pricing for the National Assembly 2026 when you register by Friday, July 24.
The cost to attend the full conference is $490, the one-day cost is $200, and the youth cost is $60 if you register by next Friday.
Starting Saturday, July 25, registration increases to $540 for the full conference, $225 for one day and $65 for youth. Don’t wait!
Join Vincentians from across the country at the Hyatt Regency in Salt Lake City from Sept. 8-12. With inspirational keynote speakers, informational workshops, service projects, a talent show and more, you don't want to miss this special gathering. Register here: https://web.cvent.com/event/f59ed144-23da-45ca-b8cd-83d8361d88bc/summary.
Learn more about the agenda, why you should attend and hotel and travel information here: https://ssvpusa.org/national-assembly/.
| | ENROLL IN THE VINCENTIAN UNIVERSITY HOUSING STABILITY INSTITUTE | | |
Have you heard about the Vincentian University Housing Stability Institute? Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a limited number of Vincentians across the country to pilot this incredible virtual education program created by the Homelessness Prevention Committee and MSWorx Learning for Vincentians across the country.
You may be thinking, “I’ve been a Vincentian for 20 years, I don’t need to learn more about these topics.” Well, see what some of your fellow Vincentians are saying after beginning the courses in July:
- “Though having more than 40 years of personal encounters and service with different neighbors, I am impressed by how this opening module sets a strong foundation. The course design feels different in a very positive and meaningful way — practical, reflective and directly applicable to our Vincentian ministry.”
- “The content so far is informative, in-depth and spiritually nourishing without being overly theoretical. The short, focused segments make it easy to engage with while reflecting on real experiences in the field.”
- “I am through Module 5. I’m impressed. I am benefiting, and it is a great mix of Vincentian and practical.”
- “I've been a Vincentian for many years and completed many training classes, but this segment has been very enlightening. Great job.”
- “Very well done. I think this is great material for all Vincentians. Course material was excellent, very well laid out. Very useful.”
- “I've just started the Vincentian University training. It is impressive and impactful. As I watch it, I'm feeling renewed and bursting with pride in the Society. This first module has certainly reminded me of the value of the calling and why we do this difficult work. Thanks for renewing my spirit.”
Courses Include:
1. The Vincentian Encounter: Grounds every Vincentian in the foundational “how” of service — the person-to-person encounter that defines our work. Covers dignity, presence, cultural humility and what it means to meet a neighbor where they are.
2. Recognizing Crisis and Responding with Care: Trauma-informed recognition of housing, mental health, DV and substance use crisis — and what to say.
3. Safety Across Service Settings: Personal safety, de-escalation and self-care across homes, pantries, shelters and community.
4. Mandatory Reporting: Covers mandatory reporting obligations, includes state-specific supplements for Georgia, Missouri, Texas and California.
5. Understanding the Housing Crisis and SVdP’s Role in Prevention: The why — data, root causes, cost of inaction, the case for Vincentian-led prevention.
6. The Diversion Conversation: SVdP’s first intervention tool — problem-solving dialogue grounded in motivational interviewing.
7. The Prevention Toolkit: Emergency Financial Assistance (EFA) mechanics, reading a lease and eviction notice, public benefits, landlord mediation and tenant rights.
The pilot is being run in four Councils (Dallas, St. Louis, Oakland/Alameda and Georgia), but Vincentians from any Council can also participate and provide feedback until the pilot ends Aug. 30. Courses are available online and on demand and can be accessed on any device with an internet connection.
Each of the seven free, self-paced courses is approximately 60-75 minutes long and broken up into 10-minute segments. You can stop at any time and resume where you left off.
To register, go to this link or VincentianUniversity.org and complete an enrollment form. After completing the enrollment form, you will receive an email with your username and temporary password. Check your spam folder if you do not see it within a few minutes.
Attending the 2026 National Assembly in Salt Lake City? Come see us and “test-drive” a course at one of our kiosks, or attend “The Vincentian Encounter and Housing Stability Initiative” workshop session at 2:30 p.m. MT Thursday, Sept. 10 to get an overview of the curriculum and see how a Conference can incorporate this training into a regular Conference meeting.
| | HONORING JEFFREY BEAMGUARD'S SERVICE AND
INVITING INTEREST IN THE DIRECTOR OF STORES SUPPORT ROLE | | |
Jeffrey Beamguard will retire from his position as Director of Stores Support at the end of September. While we will miss his day-to-day leadership in this important role, we are grateful Jeffrey has agreed to continue supporting SVdP as a consultant after his retirement.
Jeffrey joined SVdP in November 2020, a time when thrift store operations across the country were facing the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite those obstacles, he helped dramatically turn around the operations of the National Store in Avondale, Arizona. Today, that store continues to thrive and serves as a training center for thrift store staff around the country.
Working with the National Office and the Board, Jeffrey also helped establish a second National Store in Fairview Heights, Illinois, creating another important training site for SVdP thrift store leaders and teams. Through his work, SVdP has expanded its ability to share practical knowledge, strengthen store operations and support mission-driven retail leadership across the network. In addition to managing the training stores, Jeffrey has traveled across the country conducting operational assessments, supporting existing stores and helping Councils and Conferences explore and open new stores. His hands-on approach, extensive thrift store experience and unparalleled commitment to the SVdP mission have earned praise from thrift store leaders, CEOs and Executive Directors for improving operations, strengthening profitability and helping stores better serve their neighbors in need.
Seeking Candidates for Next Director of Stores Support
As Jeffrey prepares for retirement, SVdP is beginning the search for a highly motivated leader to serve as the next Director of Stores Support. This is a unique national opportunity for an experienced SVdP thrift store director or SVdP executive with appropriate thrift store experience who is ready to help strengthen store operations, support local leaders and advance the mission of the Society nationally.
The Director of Stores Support serves as a national resource and strategic support leader for SVdP thrift store operations. The role works closely with the National Stores Committee, the Chief Operating Officer, store leaders and regional representatives to help stores strengthen mission impact, improve operational consistency and build long-term sustainability. Key responsibilities include providing hands-on field support through store assessments, new-store development, manager training, troubleshooting and best-practice implementation. The position also supports training store operations, develops and shares best practices helps organize communications and website content and uses store data and operational feedback to identify opportunities for improvement.
The ideal candidate will bring strong thrift store leadership, excellent communication and organizational skills and a collaborative, relationship-centered approach. Because this position supports stores nationwide, candidates should also have the ability and willingness to travel regularly and work effectively with local Councils, Conferences, store teams, partner vendors and national stakeholders.
How to Express Interest
Qualified individuals who are interested in applying for this position are encouraged to contact
Chief Operating Officer Kevin Pratt or Chief Executive Officer Michael Acaldo to learn more about the role and next steps. We are grateful for Jeffrey’s years of service and leadership, and we look forward to identifying the next great leader who will continue building on this important work in support of SVdP thrift stores nationwide.
| | SVdP GREEN BAY CELEBRATES SUCCESSFUL NORTH CENTRAL REGION MEETING | | |
More than 375 Vincentians gathered to share in spirituality, friendship and fun during the North Central Region Meeting, hosted by the Green Bay, Wisconsin, Diocesan Council from Thursday, July 9 to Saturday, July 11.
The three-day conference kicked off with the Host City Event at Lambeau Field, home of the National Football League's Green Bay Packers. Vincentians had the opportunity to tour the iconic stadium and enjoy a tailgate-style dinner and a “My Cause, My Cleats” fundraiser.
During the fundraiser, Vincentians stuffed money into the custom-designed SVdP cleats Packers right tackle Zach Tom and New York Giants left guard Jon Runyan wore last fall. Tom and Runyan matched the money raised during the fundraiser, bringing the total to $7,350.
The Green Bay Diocesan Council sent 14 Conferences home with $500 and a 15th with $350, all for their homelessness prevention programs and outreach efforts.
The North Central Region Meeting also included a pilgrimage to The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, tours of SVdP Green Bay thrift stores and various impactful presentations at the Oneida Casino Hotel.
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