By Paul Ainslie, President, SVdP Indy Council
This is my last President’s Letter, as my term ends September 30. Starting October 1, Tom Adkins will take on this role. He is an excellent Vincentian, and I know you will find him very capable. Your support for him will help him do an outstanding job.
Under my predecessor John Ryan’s leadership, SVdP Indy opened retail stores, enhanced food options at our food pantries, hired professional staff, and expanded the Changing Lives Forever program. His vision also led us to the Love Your Neighbor Center to provide supportive housing for formerly homeless neighbors. Certainly, a tough act to follow.
When I started as Council President six years ago, I had a narrow view of this position. In 2020, we were still in the depths of the pandemic, with a drive-through food pantry, no home visits, and no in-person meetings. Not at all the way of Vincentians. But we managed through that whole experience and came out a better organization, I think.
I have tried to do my best over the past six years. Sometimes we’ve succeeded together. Some things could have gone better. But with your support, and the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we’ve achieved some amazing things.
I’ve had many jobs in my career, lived in many places, and worked with hundreds of people. I’ve realized recently that—outside of family—this has been the most rewarding position I have held in all those years. I feel so blessed. What has made it so rewarding isn’t simply what we’ve accomplished together, but the people I’ve had the privilege to serve alongside—and the neighbors whose lives have touched ours along the way..
I am so thankful to have worked with you all for the last six years. Not everyone was here at the start, but your support, dedication and Vincentian heart have helped carry me in this role. So many others no longer here were instrumental in what we have accomplished.
Finally, a special thanks to my wife Karen, who joined me in service to our neighbors. Her patience (most of the time) and support have made all the difference.
May God bless you, and may He continue to bless the work of SVdP Indy.
