A decade of service
LOREN BENOIT/Press Housing assistant Connie Jimerson, right, dicusses housing paperwork with Lillian Askin during a visit to the St. Vincent de Paul Help Center.
Shelter Manager Amberly Bunch helps Doug Wetzig with his paperwork Tuesday at the St. Vincent de Paul Help Center. (LOREN BENOIT/Press)
St. Vincent de Paul is hosting a celebration for its 10th anniversary this Thursday, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. (LOREN BENOIT/Press)
COEUR d’ALENE — Providing services that support individuals and families in need, rebuilding lives with dignity and helping people find comfort and happiness — that's what St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho does.
"We started out as a food cupboard at St. Thomas 73 years ago," executive director Larry Riley said Tuesday. "Look what it's evolved to today."
A decade ago this month, the H.E.L.P. (Helping Empower Local People) Center was established to further that mission in a region where needs continue to grow as the population booms.
"When I came to work here — and I still feel the same today — I was so happy that there is a place like this in the community for people to come," said Barb Smalley, who has worked as St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho's development director for eight years.
"We can't help everyone, and not everyone is ready to be helped, but if we can't help, we connect with so many of our partners so people have a chance," she said.
The H.E.L.P. Center, located at 201 E. Harrison Ave. in Coeur d'Alene, is the hub of the St. Vinny's campus. It's where people can start their services and it's where they find their direction. They can use computers for job searches, take parenting classes, sign up for housing help or just find a friendly face or get a cup of coffee on their way to an appointment.
"The H.E.L.P. Center is ground zero for us," Riley said. "It's where all the activities originate."
From 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, it will also be where an abundance of community appreciation will be found.
All are welcome to attend the free St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho 10 Year Anniversary Celebration to enjoy light food, drawings, music by artist Kosh and a big "thank you" to everyone who has given their support since the center opened.
"We have 200 people walk through these doors every day, and a lot of people just don't know it," Riley said. "That's why we're celebrating 10 years in the community supporting North Idaho."
From Bonners Ferry into Plummer, St. Vincent covers 14,000 square miles.
"We clock a lot of miles taking care of a lot of people," Riley said.
But this altruistic nonprofit doesn't do it alone.
"It's all about letting people know we're here," Riley said. "We are a community asset and we are only able to provide the services that we do through their generosity and support. Without them, we have nothing, whether it's individuals, businesses, established charitable organizations or the faith-based community, we're able to provide the services that we do based on the generosity of others."