At age 22, with only one more class to finish his GED, Derrick was confident about his promising future. Then he became guardian for his sister’s two children. He was not prepared for the strain the children would put on his limited budget.

Derrick contacted the St. Vincent de Paul Conference at Assumption to request help with food. Two St. Vincent de Paul members went to Derrick’s home to visit with him and found he needed so much more than food. He had no living room furniture and no kitchen table or chairs for the new family to eat at together. Derrick also could not afford to buy the children new clothes.

The St. Vincent de Paul members were able to give Derrick all he needed to provide a nurturing environment for the children. Grateful for the help, Derrick wants to volunteer to give others a helping hand like the one he received.