By Eileen Connelly, OSU

CATHEDRAL DEANERY — The Bank Street headquarters of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) of Greater Cincinnati was the scene for an educational and inspirational social action retreat for high school students on Feb. 22 and 23.

CT/E.L. Hubbard

Front to back, Meghan McLaughlin from St. Colomban Church and Loveland schools, Katie Carruthers from St. Ursula, and Kate Blatt from St. Ursula, work on posters about their experiences during the SVDP Social Action retreat Feb. 23.

According to Gary Horton of SVDP, 26 students from schools including St. Ursula, St. Xavier, Moeller, McNicholas and La Salle took part in the event, which was designed to introduce them to the agency’s ministry and expose them to the issue of poverty throughout the city.

The retreat began with the opportunity for the young people, who were divided into three groups, to visit several area homeless shelters — the City Gospel Mission, Salvation Army and Drop-Inn Center — where they served dinner and met with the clients. They then returned to Bank Street to reflect on their experiences and hear a presentation about St. Vincent de Paul himself and the work of the society.

The next day provided the students with the chance to accompany

adult volunteers from SVDP on their home visits. During these visits, which emphasize person-to-person contact, the volunteers complete a need assessment and provide emergency assistance, such as food, clothing and help with utility bills, as required.

Upon returning to SVDP headquarters, the students again shared their experiences. The expressed what they had learned by creating posters with the help of Steve Sunderland, a professor in education and peace studies at the University of Cincinnati, whose Posters 4 Peace Project helps people draw out their feelings. The students then presented their posters and they were hung on the wall during a Mass, which concluded the retreat.

Horton believes the young people benefited from the experience in a variety of ways. "They discovered that poverty doesn’t just exist in certain areas of the city," he said. "I think they also realized that even if people don’t have a lot, they’re not necessarily downtrodden. They’re positive and grateful to have family and roof over their heads. The students also realized that it doesn’t take a major program to make a difference. Each of us has the ability to impact another person’s life."