St. Vincent de Paul | Louisville

Women who live at Roberts Hall, one of St. Vincent de Paul’s supportive housing programs, got a special treat when seven Bellarmine University coeds, led by Katie Dorminey, served dinner at the home.

“Everyone had a good time,” says Kay Redfern, program manager for Roberts Hall, a dormitory-style residence for formerly homeless women. “They had salad, pasta and pizza, with cake, pie and pudding for dessert.”

The college students also took the time to talk with the women, to listen and to get to know them, adds Redfern. “That meant a lot to the ladies.”

Simon Hall, the house on St. Vincent de Paul’s campus that is home to formerly homeless men, was also the site of a spring party. Members of the St. Bernadette Conference brought in a dinner of barbecued ribs, baked beans, coleslaw and pineapple upside down cake. After the meal, the group had fellowship with one another.

“They [the residents] all really enjoyed the evening and were very appreciative,” says Edward Johnson, Simon Hall’s resident manager.

“Before they left, they gave us crosses.”Thanks to Therese Allen, Dennis Schmidt, David and Rebecca Najewicz and Keith Hodge for making this evening possible.

*Excerpted from the May 2011 Good Samaritan newsletter.