Connecting Communities | July 2022
We honor Sister Kathy Overmann, D.C., who leaves Marillac St. Vincent after 10 years of service in our Senior Service programs. Sr. Kathy has worked with seniors for 40 years, and as a Daughter of Charity, moves on to her next mission to help support the homeless in New Orleans. She has been a key element in our Senior Services department and will be greatly missed among our community.
We spoke with Sr. Kathy for a virtual Q&A as she enjoys her final weeks at MSV and prepares for her new role in New Orleans.
How did you first get involved with Marillac St. Vincent? What attracted you to the organization?
As a Daughter of Charity, I came to Marillac St. Vincent after my position ended in St. Louis. My work with senior communities around the U.S. has spanned 40 years. It began with a senior group in St. Louis right out of Novitiate (Seminary). From helping with home visits, to taking them to doctors and other essential appointments, and even learning a trade in home improvement so I could help with minor fixes in their homes and apartments, the work is varied.
When I first started at MSV, Sister Mary Rita needed help with deliveries to the seniors who couldn’t come to food pantry, so I offered to help.
Tell us about your role at the Marillac St. Vincent?
My main role included deliveries of food to our senior citizens on a monthly or semi-monthly basis who couldn’t make it to our food pantry. Currently, we deliver to nearly 70 seniors, I have six routes that I do throughout the week around East Garfield Park. I facilitate with helping order food so we can get them what they want based on our available offerings.
I also help support our Take Charge Group, a senior group, that meets once a month for our more mobile, active seniors on the west side. Take Charge meetings offer socialization, sharing a meal, and educational experiences through a variety of speakers. As you can imagine, COVID has been tough for our programs, but we have adapted with our deliveries and services to fit their needs.
What are some highlights of your time with Marillac St. Vincent?
People are so grateful for the work we do and just to see the smile on their face means so much. COVID was so hard on these seniors, and they were so happy to have someone to talk to. Seeing and spending time with them would uplift me, they were so positive. It taught me the importance to slow down and pay more attention to the little things in life.
Another main highlight is the new van that was donated by the Sammons Group. Before, I used my small car that limited the food for each delivery. The new van can hold up to 30 boxes for canned goods and produce, which also supports the possible delivery services to the Lincoln Park area near our St. Vincent DePaul Center. Food delivery has helped me connect to the local community and it’s amazing how people have come to recognize me out on my routes.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I encourage people to come out and help our seniors, a little service provides so much joy to them. I have really enjoyed my time here; the organization is a big part of the history of the Daughters of Charity, and it has been fun to support a “Legend” like Marillac St. Vincent Family Services. I love my co-workers and staff members; it has been such a blessing to work with them and get to know their families.
Interested to learn about Senior Programs within the Marillac St. Vincent Community?
Learn more about ways to donate, volunteer or work at MSV.