Correspondent photo / Susan Wojnar From left, Lisa Orlando and Sandra Chasko, representing the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and Marie Delpine of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, volunteered at a community outreach event Saturday at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in the Brier Hill neighborhood on Youngstown’s North Side.

YOUNGSTOWN — More than a meal was served Saturday morning as the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Mahoning District Council joined volunteers from the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel-St. Anthony of Padua Parish to welcome neighbors for a community outreach event at St. Anthony’s in Brier Hill.

The event offered guests a free continental breakfast, groceries to take home and bags of clothing, all provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The outreach reflects the organization’s ongoing mission to serve some of the Mahoning Valley’s most vulnerable residents by bringing assistance directly into local neighborhoods, organizers said.

For Sandra “Sandi” Greco, conference president at the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel-St. Anthony of Padua Parish, the event was rooted in a simple desire to help others.

“It’s a wonderful gesture to help those in need,” Greco said. “I volunteer with a wonderful team who love and care and share.”

Guests arriving at the church were welcomed with a breakfast that included cereal, Danish pastries, milk, coffee and juice. A registration table greeted attendees, and each guest received a raffle ticket for a prize drawing held later in the event. Families also had the opportunity to select clothing items and receive food bags prepared by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry.

“St. Anthony of Padua Church in Brier Hill is very suitable for our neighbors to be received with friendly and welcoming hospitality,” Greco said.

While outreach has long been part of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s work, Greco noted that the ministry was formally recognized as one of the organization’s core services following its response to community needs during and after 2020. The Brier Hill gathering was also the first outreach breakfast hosted by the Mahoning District Council.

“We have had our outreach events at St. Anthony’s in the past,” she said. “In the past, we served dinner. The turnout will determine if future breakfast events will be a success.”

Alan Ricks, executive director of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Mahoning District Council, said the need for services continues to grow throughout the Valley.

“The District Council, along with the parish conferences, receive daily calls for assistance from people needing food, housing, utility payments, clothing, furniture, transportation and general bill payments,” Ricks said.

He noted that requests for help have increased in recent years as more families struggle with financial challenges.

“With the growing population of people below the poverty level, there has been an increase in requests for services that we and other Valley agencies try to address,” he said.

Ricks said he believes one of the biggest misconceptions about those seeking assistance is that they are all homeless or completely destitute.

“Folks who need us (being perceived as) unhoused or destitute is missing the mark,” he said. “We aim to prevent systemic poverty by offering a gentle hand up before challenges become overwhelming. There are very few individuals in any community who can imagine missing very many paychecks before times become tough. We aim to prevent that toughness from creating lasting impact.”

The outreach event is one example of how the organization seeks to fulfill its mission.

“Easing the burden of those who have less in the Mahoning Valley is the mission for volunteers, staff and leadership alike,” Ricks said. “If we can help ease a burden by feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and welcoming the stranger, that’s what we’re going to do.”

A key part of that mission is bringing services into neighborhoods rather than expecting people to travel to a central location.

“It is important that we take our mission and ministry to the people where they are,” Ricks said. “It is our duty to reach out and not expect people to come to us.”

Although the organization is rooted in faith, Ricks emphasized that its services are available to everyone.

“Our action is led by love and is universal in message,” he said. “Everyone is welcome. Everyone is included.”

The partnership between the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel-St. Anthony of Padua Parish reflects the organization’s structure throughout the Mahoning Valley. Parish conferences serve as the foundation of the mission, working together to provide direct assistance and support larger district-wide programs.

Ricks said the parish has been especially generous in allowing the organization to use portions of its facilities for the food pantry and dining hall when needed.

Beyond neighborhood outreach events, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul operates several programs that serve residents year-round.

Its dining hall, located at the corner of Williamson and South avenues in Youngstown, provides hot meals six days a week. Lunch is served Monday through Friday, while breakfast is offered on Saturdays. Guests may dine in, take meals to go and connect with other service agencies that periodically visit the site.

The organization’s food pantry, located at 321 Via Mount Carmel next to the Basilica, distributes bread and groceries weekdays and supports a food voucher program through parish conferences and community agencies. The pantry also supplies food bags for outreach events like the one in Brier Hill.

Meanwhile, the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store and Donation Center on Market Street in Boardman offers affordable furniture, clothing, household goods, toys, bedding and other necessities. Opened just over two years ago, the store helps fund the organization’s broader charitable efforts, including emergency assistance provided after recent crises such as the Phoenix House and Realty Tower explosions..

Looking ahead, Ricks expects hunger and poverty to remain significant challenges in 2026 and beyond.

“The Mahoning Valley should know that we’re here for you,” he said.

For those reluctant to ask for help, his message is simple.

“Don’t be afraid,” Ricks said. “We all need help at one time or another. Today it’s our turn to help one another by being present together on this journey.”

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Mahoning District Council also welcomes volunteers and donations to support its ongoing programs. More information is available through the organization’s Mahoning Valley offices and outreach ministries.