I can’t say enough about Mark Renick and St. Vincent de Paul’s First Day Out Program staff. They try to make it a little easier for people to reenter society and feel good about themselves. I’ve spent 16 out of the last 22 years incarcerated. Coming out of incarceration and into the real world is nerve-racking. SVDP’s Reentry Program gives out vouchers for food and clothing. I took my clothing voucher down to the St. Vincent de Paul Broadway Thrift Store and picked up a $300 dollar Bill Blass suit for ONLY $1.00!

Through Veterans Court, I got connected to the staff here, so now I can volunteer every day and give back to the community I’ve been part of for so long. And, for me, that’s a good thing. I get to be a part of helping people coming out see the resources available to them. We have the resources and the desire to help. With all my vigor, I applaud and promote the St. Vincent de Paul Reentry Program!”