Vincentians

Dear Sister & Brother Vincentians,

Peace be with you. To date, this year’s Lenten pilgrimage has been particularly challenging; and it appears very unlikely that we will return to normal anytime soon*. The corona virus pandemic and how it has unfolded – even to date – is both alarming and disorienting. Crisis and uncertainty have descended upon us at a dizzying speed. In a seeming heartbeat, our world has changed, at least temporarily. The changes have brought anxiety, uncertainty, and even fear to most of us. On the other hand, the changes have also brought us an increased sense of oneness. As Fr. Richard Rohr aptly observed, “There’s a sense that we’re all in this together—every continent, country, class, religion, race, age, or gender. We’re all subject to this crisis. Suffering has an ability to pull you into oneness.” In a time of extreme partisanship and an effort to find something “positive” around which to rally, that is worth at least noting.

Rather than panic, the situation reminds me of the well-known passage, “to everything, there is a season.” Ecclesaistes 3:1-8. Seasons come and they go.  Eventually, this, too, shall pass. For example, according to Dr. Tom Inglesby of Johns Hopkins, the fact that other nations have “flattened their curves” despite an initial onslaught of cases gives us hope that we can learn from what they have done and emulate it. Meanwhile, this temporary crisis does not mean that we should change or abandon our beliefs of faith, friendship, and service to those in need. Consistent with exercising reasonable precautions, we remain dedicated to our core values at St. Vincent de Paul Detroit. So far, so good!

1) What IS SVdPD Doing? 

Our Staff will be working remotely through, at least, March 28th. At that time, we will reassess the situation and determine if we need to extend this policy. The decision to implement this policy was made for two primary reasons:  (i) the health and safety of our personnel is our primary concern, and (ii) the belief that it is our civic duty to do whatever we can to try to limit the spread of this menacing virus. During this difficult time and consistent with these goals, we should continue to find innovative ways to improve our operation and to help those in need. Thanks to everyone for their hard work and patience to get our Council prepared for this contingency.

Speaking of contingencies, I am confident that, subject to the two reasons stated above, our staff will rise to the challenge and continue to serve our neighbors – anyone in need –  even under these difficult circumstances. My expressed expectations regarding service, availability, and productivity for our Leadership and staff working remotely do not differ from when we are working together in the office. Until further notice, our stores and RRC will remain closed; and we will have no truck deliveries or pick up of donations, including furniture. It would be most helpful if Vincentians kept an eye on our donation bins in their neighborhood. For example, if and when donation bins get full, please contact Debbie Jackson, who, subject to the reasons above, will try to address the situation.

This crisis calls for patience, understanding, and full cooperation – by everyone. I expect that, together, we will rise to this occasion.

2) What Else Can Be Done? 

It has been suggested that Life is 10% WHAT happens and 90% HOW we choose to respond. This is what the short-term future will come down to – HOW we CHOOSE to respond. It will consist of a series of decisions, big and small, that will determine how long this thing will shadow us. As Detroit’s own Mitch Albom said in a recent, superb article, “We need to be our best now. We need to be responsible and considerate of our society — and this doesn’t mean grabbing every roll of toilet paper off a Costco shelf and hoarding it into your truck. It doesn’t mean reporting on COVID-19 stories with political bias, when the viewers only need facts. It doesn’t mean threatening or ostracizing people who get sick, as if it’s them or you in a fight to survive.” You get the point. Through good times and bad, Mitch has been our gifted interpreter of Life’s “seasons”.

The good news is, this will eventually pass and we will get through it. We have endured worse. In some respects, this crisis offers opportunities that normal times – whatever they are these days – do not. In the spirit of friendship, let me offer just a few examples of literally countless ways that those so motivated can help and yet remain safe. These very practical suggestions, if utilized, will advance our core values of spiritual growth, friendship, and service in ways that adhere to the two reasons stated at the outset of this piece. They are merely intended to encourage Vincentians to “discuss among yourselves” – preferably by telephone – how we can continue to serve those in need.

a) Friendship

We, of course, have been encouraged to “stay home.” Particularly for those who live alone, that can cause loneliness, even fear, during stressful times like this. Television programs can exacerbate those feelings! So now is a great time to do the following:

1. Send “Thinking of You” notes to fellow Vincentians and others. It need not be a long letter. Just an assurance that someone is in your thoughts and prayers can work wonders.
2. Notes to shut-ins. We all know people who do not get out much in normal times. A note asking “how can I help?” can make someone’s entire day. These days, it might even save a life. 
3. While “staying at home”, consider doing a “spring cleaning” of your closets, basement, and garage. Then stack it until this health crisis abates. Please recall that we have temporarily suspended all truck pick-ups of donations, including furniture. Once quarantines lift, we will gladly pick up your donations. WE NEED DONATIONS FOR OUR STORES! Make Marie Kondo proud! 
4. Consider donating to local Go Fund Me sites – Economically, low-wage workers, many of whom live paycheck to paycheck, are particularly vulnerable to this virus. An army of service workers have already been laid off without pay or benefits. Moreover, medically, given the “personal contact” nature of their jobs, they are also more vulnerable to infection. Even a small donation sends a message of friendship and hope those who are temporarily back on their heels, or worse, e.g. neighbors in need.     

These are mere examples of countless ways we can continue to serve and assist via telephone, e-mail, social media. Choose to keep serving, even from home!

b) Service

Nancy Szlezyngier sent a beautiful message regarding home visits and common sense. I wholeheartedly support the views she expressed therein. Please take all reasonable precautions. That is the best way to be able to sustain our efforts to help neighbors in need. Please also remember that home visits – while a most personal, beautiful, and inspirational way to serve those in need – is only one of countless ways of doing so.

c) Spiritual growth – Prayer

Crises have an uncanny way of helping people recall what really matters. For all people of faith, this includes making time for prayer and reflection. Typically, we think of prayer an expression to God of our needs.  E.g. “Lord, please help me . . .”. Perhaps we should not pray to change our circumstances, but rather to increase our ability to help and love others, e.g. “Thy will be done.”

Pope Francis recently spoke of praying the rosary, a beautiful act of adoration and reflection. Our religion is rich with formal prayers that offer peace and hope to those in need. Especially in times of crisis, may we use these prayerful expressions to remain outwardly focused.

Last month, I spoke of the concept of a more extemporaneous type of prayer. At its core, it involves little more than pausing and sharing heartfelt expressions with God in an intimate way.

I am blessed with a loving, supportive family. Earlier this month, one of my beloved adult “children” forwarded our family a beautiful, extemporaneous prayer that he had come across.           You could say that he sent us a “thinking of you” note. It touched me deeply in its “outward focus”. In that same spirit of “thinking of each of you”, I share it herein.

Prayer for a Pandemic

May we who are merely inconvenienced
Remember those whose lives are at stake.
May we who have no risk factors
Remember those most vulnerable.
May we who have the luxury of working from home
Remember those who must choose between preserving their health and making their rent.
May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close
Remember those who have no options.
May we who have to cancel our trips
Remember those who have no safe place to go.
May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of our economic market
Remember those who have no margin at all.
May we who settle in for a quarantine at home
Remember those who have no home.
As fear grips our country,
let us choose Love.
During this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other,
Let us find ways to be the loving embrace of (our higher power) to our neighbors.
Amen

Prayer by Cameron Wiggins Bellm

Be assured, each of you is in my daily prayers. So, too, are our courageous front-line health workers.  In turn, I ask that you keep our remarkable staff and me in yours. Heartfelt thanks.

3) Conclusion

No one knows exactly what lies ahead. Indeed, by the time this column gets published, the world may have changed in ways that we could not have known even a week or so ago! So with that caveat, I conclude by sharing the following.

Each of us – Vincentians, staff, Board, donors, friends of SVdPD, everyone involved – needs to take all necessary precautions during this very unsettling time. As I have said before, let’s continue to support each other, our families, our neighbors in need, and our communities.  Please be kind to each other and be especially kind to those most in need.

The future not yet been written. But know this: We will get through this. Together, let’s commit to be able to look back proudly and say we did it consistent with our core values of spiritual growth, friendship, and service to all. IF we choose to do so, then we will embrace the eventual “return to normal” with a more clear vision of what really matters. At a minimum, this crisis will surely instill us with what author Jeffrey Meyers describes as “a deeper understanding of the precarious nature of human existence.”

Good health to all of you. God bless you, your family, and all those you love.

In Blessed Frederic Ozanam’s name,

Dan

*Note:  This article was submitted on March 23rd. Circumstances surrounding the coronavirus crisis may have changed by the time of scheduled publication. 

Dear Fellow Vincentians,

This article is written on March 23, 2020.  As information is time sensitive, please consider the date if there are more changes by date of publishing.

The World has stopped as we have known it. We are sheltering in our homes except for obtaining the basics of food, gas and medications.  We are following governmental directives.  Yes, we need to protect ourselves and our families.

Yet, we are Vincentians, volunteers that have made a commitment to serve others in need. As Council President, I had recommended that home visits be suspended until further notice for everyone’s safety and believed it was the right and compassionate call for all.  Our Governor has now directed effective March 24th at 12: a.m., that we stay safe and stay home.

For now, utilities and evictions are mostly on hold.  Food pantries have adapted, bringing food to people in their cars and outside of the pantry building.  This week while on SVdP on call, I found myself providing potential available resources in my community.  I saw no one and gave no one monetary goods in person.

How do we reconcile our Governor’s directive and family and self-best interests in this time of crisis, with the vocation we have been given to serve our neighbors in need?  I can only think of prayer, kindness, a gentle heart and strength from our God which are all part of our Vincentian mission of spirituality, friendship and service.

I have not previously asked for responses to my Connection articles, but this time I am asking for your reactions and feelings to this new way of service delivery.  Not to my reaction, but to yours.

Let us pray together, as we join together as friends.  We may be physically separate, but our hearts are joined together. We are a community of Vincentians; we are one.

My words are not meant to forget the tremendous need of our neighbors in order to focus on ourselves.  We all know how to help neighbors in time of need. This extraordinary time reflects on our capability to help ourselves in mind and heart to be able to serve.

Whenever this crisis potentially swells in numbers and then passes, the need will increase for the poor. Evictions will come, utilities will be cut off, and we will be needed a hundredfold more than now. Help as you can, protect as you can.

God bless in your thoughts, prayers and actions.

Nancy

Dear Sister & Brother Vincentians,

Peace be with you. I hope that you are successfully getting through another Michigan Winter.

Our Council serves hundreds of thousands of people a year. We run a business with an eight figure annual operating budget. A core value of our mission is service. It is a source of quiet inspiration to reflect upon what our Council does, together, for so many in need.

Our overall commitment to service as Vincentians can be very challenging. Given the incredible number of people we help in so many ways, our mission is often exhausting, thankless, and, at times, overwhelming. So many to help, so little time and resources to do so! Such a situation, as noble as it may be, can and does result in “service fatigue.” For example, even when serving others, it is quite possible to experience loneliness, depression, underappreciation, or exhaustion.

Everyone – neighbors in need, Vincentians, staff, and all those who serve SVdPD – experience bouts with Service fatigue. From a Vincentian standpoint, it can arise from: a) too much to do and not enough time or colleagues to do it; b) feelings of being underappreciated for extended hard work and efforts; c) stress that results from caring for and helping suffering people; and d) a host of other causes. It can seem as if one is being asked to keep doing more without having had the opportunity to recharge. In turn, that can cause: irritability; decreased ability to function; fatigue; and even depression. On top of that, a nagging feeling that “I am doing God’s work. I shouldn’t be feeling this way” can further compound the situation.

So what can we, as Vincentians, do to help each other – fellow Vincentians and staff alike- who find themselves fatigued?

I, of course, have no answers. But I do believe that our journey back to God is a communal one. Our Vincentian Rule expressly encourages us to journey together toward holiness. In that spirit, therefore, I share the following in hopes that some may find it helpful. As always, I encourage anyone so motivated who reads this to do the same.

I. The Power of Prayer – Spending Time With God

Each of us needs to grow spiritually. But many struggle to develop true conversations with God. I surely do. In those moments, I tend to resort to formal prayers, which are beautiful and impactful. But rote repetition can allow my mind and heart to drift. Familiarity permits me to use “auto pilot”. On occasion, therefore, I just offer to God whatever my emotions may be at that moment. The very act of expressing joy, gratitude, grief, disappointment, or even confusion begins to assist me to a new level of understanding and peace of mind.

Our Council offers several opportunities to pray or to grow spiritually together.  Our Annual Meeting features a spiritual component. This year’s Evening of Reflection is scheduled for Wednesday, March 11th. Bishop Donald Hanchon will lead the evening.  And our Council, District, and Conference meetings feature prayer and a spiritual element.  Collectively, these group prayers and reflections help to build a sense of community within our ranks.

Jesus taught us to “be not afraid.” He will not leave us, especially in times of service fatigue. Indeed, Abraham Lincoln, during his days of unimaginable fatigue and prodigious challenges, said this: “Without the assistance of God, I cannot succeed. With that assistance, I cannot fail.” There is peace and joy in prayer. To follow Jesus is to grow continually in a deep love relationship with Him. It offers us the chance to draw near to the mind and heart of God and then to share the fruits of that relationship with the world.

Our Rule expressly contains the same concept, “Convinced of the truth of the Apostle St. Paul’s words, Vincentians seek to draw closer to Christ. They hope that someday it will be no longer they who love, but Christ who loves through them.“

II. Choosing to Love

I attended a funeral recently for an extraordinary lady who enriched the lives of so many during her remarkable, 93 year journey. The beautiful ceremony included a reference to Galatians 22. The reference reminded me that all our lives, many, many times each day, we are faced with a basic choice: to love or to hate. Choose love!

And here is the truly remarkable reality: each of us holds the capacity to increase our faith through the power of love! As an expression of love of God, whenever we choose to love our neighbor, we grow closer to God. Each time one chooses to act with love, e.g. joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, it increases our faith by living the gospels and not just paying convenient, self-serving lip service to doing so. On the other hand, choosing to do otherwise is irreconcilable with the tenets of our faith and our Society.

When our hearts are small, our understanding and compassion are limited; and we suffer. We cannot accept or tolerate others and their shortcomings. In effect, we demand that they change. But when our hearts expand, these same things do not make us suffer anymore. We have much more understanding and compassion and can embrace others. We accept others as they are.  Our Rule provides that we do not judge.  In the words of St. Louise de Marillac, “I know that we all have faults, and I more than anyone.  However, the support we owe to one another should prevent us from noticing the weaknesses of our sisters, except if we are able to help them.”

To truly follow Jesus is to grow continually in a deep love relationship with Him. Even if a fellow human being may not, in your opinion, “deserve” to be loved, choose love anyway as a sign of your commitment to Jesus. By doing so, one’s capacity to love others grows, too. How truly exhilarating!   So the big question is: how do we help our hearts to grow and thereby be better able to say “yes” to choosing love?

The disciples of Jesus asked a similar question. A gospel from Luke tells us that they requested that He: “increase their faith.” Jesus responded that it is not the amount of faith one has. Like the tiny mustard seed, even a small bit of faith can accomplish extraordinary things.

In another gospel, Jesus encourages us to “be the light” for those who are weary. When a neighbor in need, a fellow Vincentian, a staff member, or anyone else finds themselves in the darkness of fatigue, choose to be the light!  Acts of kindness are how we “increase our faith”. In still another gospel, Jesus says that the rich shall become wealthier. He is clearly speaking of the wealthy of heart. The hearts of those followers who love their neighbors grow with every act of kindness.  Actions in God’s name are a most holy kind of prayer.

III. Understanding Our Faith

We are encouraged to “live the gospel”.  Wonderful advice. But what does it really mean?

Jesus left no writings Himself. Rather, four men – at different times and locations – wrote gospels – depictions of the teachings of Jesus. They relied heavily on parables, stories meant to promote reflection and discussion. To my knowledge, they never “compared notes.” But they wrote about many of the same occurrences, albeit with a somewhat different perspective.

Obviously, the gospels themselves play a central role in what one needs to know. In order to “live the gospels”, therefore, one should familiarize oneself with them. To be sure, a gospel is read at every Mass. So there is exposure to the Word for those who choose to attend. But with the realities of listening as part of a large group, not every word can always be digested properly. For me, it helps if I can slow things down and think on things. It also helps immeasurably to discuss matters of faith with others. Our journey back to God is communal.

A. Book Clubs & Gospel Groups 

More than three years ago, our Pastor invited me to join a small group of men from our parish to discuss the gospels. At the time, the other lay participants were strangers to me and to each other. The idea was simple enough: we would read the gospel for the next Sunday and then meet bi-weekly for one hour to discuss it. In a sense, the undertaking would “increase our faith” one gospel at a time. My initial reaction was to decline respectfully.  I was busy enough!

By then, my dear wife had been in a Book Club for many years. She had commented many times about how much she enjoyed the friendship among the group’s members. Somewhat like finding a friend to work out with, she also appreciated the discipline that being part of a group brought, e.g. encouraging one another. Although I had some doubts, I decided to give it a try.

Since then, our gospel group has discussed scores of gospels, with and without our Pastor. Candidly, there have been many nights when I have quietly rued having to go to the meetings because of other commitments, inconvenience, or sheer exhaustion. But I have never left a meeting thinking anything other than that I am so grateful that I chose to attend and how blessed I am to be part of this extraordinary group.

Let me be clear: other than our remarkable Pastor, our group has no member with particularly keen spiritual insights. But we have gathered in God’s name, prayed together, and freely shared different perspectives in good faith. By doing so, we have created mutual respect and treasured friendships.

During many of our meetings, I quietly think about the different perspectives in the four gospels. I also think about the inspirational teachings of St. Vincent de Paul and his emphasis on spiritual growth and friendship.

Be assured, my only reason for sharing these remarkable experiences I have had is to advance our Vincentian goal of journeying together toward holiness, i.e. helping one another. Participating in these gatherings has helped me immensely. Perhaps many Vincentians have already had a similar experience.  I encourage all fellow Vincentians who have not to consider doing the same.

B. The Paradox of Our Faith  

Many of us were introduced at an early age to the Baltimore Catechism.  American Bishops in the mid-1800s wanted a Catechism for Americans.  There were several “versions” to it. The version used for the education of students, utilized a straightforward, question and answer format. That hardly promoted (or even allowed for) discussions among its readers about, for example, how to reconcile the form answers with personal experiences! We were to memorize it, not discuss it. It surely served a useful purpose. But adults need more.  Many find themselves not only believing, but also questioning. This inner conflict can cause angst.

At its core, faith clearly involves the need for doctrine, e.g. what our Church believes. “Increasing one’s faith” also involves reconciling doctrine with one’s experience, i.e. adapting beliefs to the world one inhabits. That’s a paradox. Rather than cause angst, however, faith and questioning should go hand in hand. Ultimately, together, they lead to communion.

So rather than feel “conflicted” by questions about our faith, I urge you to embrace your questions and discuss them with those who may be struggling with “faith questions”, too. Doing so may relieve fatigue and “increase” or strengthen your faith.

As my friend and very distinguished author, Rick Tarnas, opined, “We must be careful not to be like those chief priests and scribes in their structured world in Jerusalem who did not bother accompanying the Magi seeking the birth of the divine child, perhaps because, being “experts” in their field, they were blinded by their presuppositions to the great reality that was happening at that very moment. We must always remain open to the unexpected birth of that miraculous divine human synthesis.”

IV. Conclusion

This time of year, Michigan weather can make even the most routine activities become chores. We all can relate to that reality. It contributes to a sense of fatigue. But we can also relate to the truly uplifting feeling we get when the brilliant sun makes an occasional appearance.   So not if, but when, fatigue, frustration, or even anger come knocking, harden not your heart. Rather, regardless of whether one “deserves it”, choose to treat others with kindness or compassion, pray, or commit to learning more about our faith. If you do, you will convert a moment of fatigue into one of spiritual growth.  Doing so can have the same uplifting effect – on YOU and others – as seeing the bright sun this time of year.

Particularly in your moments of fatigue, may you feel God’s love and support.  The song, “Deep Within” so beautifully describes God’s love for us,

“I will give you a new heart, a new spirit within, for I will be your strength.”

It is my hope that you find what I have shared herein to be practical and helpful. Like everyone, I struggle. When I do, the actions shared herein, while certainly not a panacea, help.   As Fr. Richard Yost says at the conclusion of each Mass he celebrates, “Let us love and serve the Lord by serving all who we meet.”  Amen.

Thank you for all you do on behalf of our Society, Council, and all those we serve, including each other. God bless.

Dan

Dear Fellow Vincentians,

It’s February, it’s cold, and it seems like a long way to go for the arrival of Spring and warm weather. For those of us who remain in Michigan rather than going South for warmth, we may feel warmth in our hearts as we help our Neighbors in Need.

Neighbors in Need:

As Vincentians encounter poverty in the lives of our Neighbors in Need, many thoughts and questions arise, some laced with bias and some based on lack of knowledge.

“Why should we go beyond our conference guidelines when assessing need as we have limited funds?  Why do we have to make home visits as it’s too dangerous to go into some homes in our area?  Why can’t we question their motivation at times and label them if we feel such motivation takes advantage of our resources? Why is there so much anger when we are just trying to help them? Why do some families get evicted over and over?  Why should we help a family when their home has some “luxury” items in it? Why can’t they move in with relatives or ask friends and family for help before calling us for help?”

Many of these thoughts and words may have crossed your mind and lips, or other members of your conference may have uttered them at some point in time.  

A Vincentian’s interaction with a Neighbor in Need, whether at a Food pantry, home visit, rectory, or listening to a telephone request for help, may result in encountering tears, anger, defiance, desperation and isolation. Other everyday contributing factors to the trauma of our impoverished neighbors are lack of education, family support and positive role models.

So, how do we truly relate and understand those living in poverty?  You or a conference member may have experienced poverty at some point in time and can now relate that period to Vincentian work. Vincentians that have not experienced poverty in their personal life hopefully can recognize their blessings in life.  No matter what your or my experiences have been, as a Vincentian we MUST be able to relate with compassion, tolerance, and lack of bias.

As Vincentians, we have both the responsibility and the challenge to effect Systematic Change in the lives of our Neighbors in Need.   However, we must understand the dynamics of poverty before we can attempt to help a person to make changes in their life.    Let’s start with putting away the questions at the top of the page and undertake our own education.  We need to go beyond our judgmental thinking, fears and biases, to take time to understand the reasons why our Neighbor may operate in survival mode or may display aggression against institutional systems. Discussion in your conference on the elements and framework of poverty is a good beginning toward acceptance and thoughtful interaction with our Neighbors in Need.

We are all Children of God.  Please remember that in your outreach to others.

God Bless to all of you as continue in your vocation as a member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

Nancy Szlezyngier President,

SVdPD Archdiocesan Council

Dear Fellow Vincentians,

Here’s to a Blessed and Happy New Year for everyone.

The SVdPD Archdiocesan Council has great plans for the New Year, some just a dream and some in the planning stage.  I want to speak to you about what is perhaps the most important idea to date.  Historically, the Camps and the Thrift stores have been integral parts of the services provided to our Neighbors in Need. They both will continue to be a thriving part of what we offer from a Central Office stance. What each of you offer, however, is the core of who we are as a Society.  Day in and day out, you connect with those in poverty, struggling on both an emotional and physical level. We all have dealt with generational poverty, the working poor, or the unfortunate change in life status that occurs to someone.

Is there another way?  The wording “SYSTEMIC CHANGE” may seem like a dream, but I believe it can be a possibility.  Having worked for so many years with the poor and vulnerable, my initial reaction to this concept was negative, an impossibility, and without merit.  The mission of the State of Michigan was “self-sufficiency” for a very long time.  I failed to see any significant progress in achieving it for so long, for so many people.

I’ve changed my mind. I hope you can change your mind and see the possible.

Currently, there are Councils and entities that have programs that are designed to help the poor move out of poverty. A few names are “Bridges to Hope”, “Getting Ahead”, and “Changing Lives Forever”.  These programs are designed with learning tools to work on changing ideas, fostering self-sufficiency, learning how to hope, financial literacy and the ability to move beyond operating in survival mode only. Classes, stipends, books and mentoring are the major components of all the above programs.

Dose systematic change work? It’s not an easy or automatic process. No one predicts 100% success.  Change in daily thinking, managing one’s finances with limited income, and dreaming of a future require persistence, support and modeling to achieve such success.

As Central office staff and volunteers begin to develop this concept, I need each of you to initiate discussion within your Conferences and your District meetings to envision how applicable it could be to your work with Neighbors in Need.

Some of us have been at this a long time.  Some of us have become cynical and believe that we clearly understand the cycle of poverty and all the trials and tribulations that accompany it.  Don’t let yourself be blinded by your historical experience.

Remember, I believe in this concept. It may be a dream but I am hoping to see it become an integral part of our work with the poor.

Nancy Szlezyngier