My time at St. Vincent de Paul began long before I became the Food Services manager. Almost 30 years ago, I delivered my first food box . As a Vincentian, I spent my time at a community pantry based out of Catholic church and visited families in need to bring them food and assess other needs. Then, 15 years later, I officially became an employee at our organization. Looking back, there are countless lessons I've learned and things I wish I would have known before starting my job.
1. It's not about us and them
At St. Vincent de Paul, we are one family. We are all brothers and sisters, and it doesn't make a difference whether you are an employee, a volunteer or one of the guests; at the end of the day, we are all one society.
2. Be committed
Being involved in your community can't be a temporary state. It's something you do all the time and becomes your lifestyle. When you come home after work or volunteering, you can't be a different person who forgets about the needs of those we serve and shows no empathy. In all aspects of your life, you have to show love and compassion.
3. It takes a whole community to help someone
Don't be afraid to collaborate with others in order to meet the needs of guests. Many times, someone will come up to me and ask for my help and I realize St. Vincent de Paul may not be the right agency for them, so I encourage them to try others. We meet some of their needs, and other organizations meet others. Collaboration is key when the end goal is to heal communities.
4. Encourage guests to open up
One of the hardest things to do in life is asking for help. We can't forget it when talking to our guests, because they too find it hard to come to us in their moment of need. We have to make sure they know we provide a safe space and we are here to support and lend a hand.
5. Open your ears and heart
I've always been great at finishing other people's senteces, and now, 15 years after starting my job at SVdP, I have finally learned to not just jump to conclusions, but to hear what people want to share with me. We need to remember to be patient, have an open mind and not judge those we are serving.
 | Jerry Castro is the Food Services manager at St. Vincent de Paul. Born and raised in Phoenix, Jerry is married to Yolanda and together they have two children and a granddaughter. |
