St Margrets House and St Vincent De Paul
Written by Publisher, Silvia Carranza
More than Words and Surrounding of Comfort, Gathering, Friendships, and Inspiration
A brisk morning in South Bend, Indiana on my way to visit St. Margrets house upon my arrival I met a few friends right away, and leared that everyone is a Guest. Walking in through the
main enterance women gathered to meet, network, have coffee, sign up for classes, clothing, or
sanitary needs. There is a huge kitchen, and all the guests particiate in getting daily lunch prepared. I had my first visit needing some assitance myself from my disability that has put some
hinderance on my income, and it’s a beauitful thing. Why? Because, I’m not only sharing just an
article; I have really experienced the meanings of how much these orginazations really support
the community needs. So, the dishes are ready to go all washed, and ready to be put away. The
Kitchen is fully equipt, and feeling a little overwhelmed as not knowing where to put what, and
then the dish rack was pretty heavy. With the accicent I was in last year that put a damper on
that one, but still staying positive. Rose, introduces herself. She was so friendly and her smile
was like sunshine. I think she could see I was having a little anxiety, she said, “let me help you!”
She picked up the rack for me and showed me where some of the dishes belonged. She said that
she had been going to St. Margrets house for over 20 years, and they are like family. She is also
a proud parent, and shared with me how she takes her daughter to St Margrets, and now her
daughter visits with her children. I felt welcomed right away by Rose, and comforted too. You
see there is so many people that are in similair positions that may be financial, health, or family
crisis. Your not alone readers! If you are in one of these situations, becuase so am I.
Then on my way needing some help with my bills. I was told to go to St Vincent DePaul, and
going through all this hardship, well lets just say it does grab at your self esteem, and for me I
have always been able to provide for myself, children, and publication since 2013. So I arrive,
and greeted by the staff he shakes my hand and asks me, “What can we help with with?” I was
needing help with a Utility bill, and he said let me intoduce you to Mitch. He is in charge of
finance. So I enter his office, and before I have chance to say anything, he also greets me with a
warm smile and a Hello. He took the time out to talk with me like a friend, encouraged me that
everthing will get better, and faith has helped him in difficult situations. He said something that
stays with me, and to me it was worth more than the help they offered for my utility bill. He
told me “ Silvia, you define who you are and no persons define who you are!” This stays with me
because I have been through so much, and put down, and bullied. He is right, and I’m not going
to allow others to define me. I’m an excellent parent, mother, friend, publisher, artist, and community supporter who loves all people and children. I can make a differance and continue to
try, because that’s Gods Plan. He has given us talents, every single one of us. This was metioned
by a priest in Mass March 15th 2015. No matter what the situation I’m going to use my talents to
help communities grow embracing knowledge, friendships, intergrity, and guidance! Learning
that we all go through difficult times, and it’s community ѡ