We want to thank everyone for their participation in the inaugural event, Home Begins Here. While we expected to be in person, we hope you took the time to watch the program virtually. Home Begins Here is an event centered around the mission of St. Vincent de Paul Louisville, partnering with individuals and families in crisis and help them navigate a path to stabilize their lives and reach their full potential.
The opening of the event shared many moments at SVDP this past year through dedicated staff, volunteers and donors serving the clients of SVDP. The introductory song, “This Holy Place” was written and performed by our very own Danny Flanigan & Littleband. He wrote the song about the Open Hand Kitchen and Ozanam Inn. With appearances by Executive Director/CEO, Ed Wnorowski, Director of Volunteers and Conference Affairs, Donna Young, and Donna Russow, Board member, the program discussed the successes and adaptations during the pandemic and what 2021 will hold for SVDP. The special guest speaker, Natalie Harris, Executive Director for The Coalition for the Homeless. Jennifer Clark, Director of Programs spoke with Natalie about the partnership between SVDP and The Coalition, the barriers people face preventing them from sustaining permanent housing, and what an individual can do to help. To wrap up the event, Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith of Metro Council District 4 graciously talked about the great Shelby Park and Smoketown neighborhoods and the importance of the SVDP community there.
Home Begins Here raised over $20,000 for this first time event. The winner of the Weller Flight was Ben Mannino. The winners of the Weller Special Reserve are Cheryl Willett and David Burianek.
We are excited to continue the event in the coming years and hopefully see all of you in person sooner than later. Watch the virtual event recording below!
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