“I never thought this would happen. . .” is a common sentiment among women and families who come to St. Vincent de Paul shelter after losing their homes. The reasons for their homelessness may differ, but many guests share similar feelings – failure, discouragement, isolation, anxiety, stress, depression.

Julie witnessed these difficulties as a volunteer at the shelter’s front desk. She was moved to do more for the women. As an artist, she decided to share her passion by facilitating art activities at the shelter. She brought her own art supplies and held group activities.These sessions brought the guests joy and the pieces were used to add color to the dining room.

As more women wanted to participate in the activities, a guest by the name of Christina advocated for them to have more space where they could create art. Shelter staff could see that creating art was positively impacting guests’ mental health, so they cleared out an unneeded storage room and gave Julie full creative license.

With her experience as an interior designer, she used her own art supplies and resources to quickly turn the blank canvas into a peaceful oasis. “I just tried to make it happy,” she said. And she did.

“I love it,” Christina said. “It feels peaceful. It calms my anxiety.”

Tracy agreed. “It’s like you’re part of a community. You don’t feel so alone. We are suffering from our own problems, but when we come in here, we aren’t worried about tomorrow or the next day. We are here in the present moment. We are disconnecting from our phones and connecting with each other.”

Julie continues to come in most weekday mornings to be with the women as they work on their projects. “I just help them find whatever they want to work on,” she said. “But for the most part, they don’t need me. I play good music, and I help if they have a question. I love how they are becoming friends with each other. They teach each other and encourage one another. Over time, they learn each others’ stories. It is a really cool space for them to do this.

“These women are incredible. They are resilient, they are strong. They’re really positive even though they’ve been through a lot. It is really inspirational. I feel like it is an honor to be here with them. I need this as much as they do, and I love them. I love seeing them as much as they love coming in here. It is really therapeutic for me too.”

Julie (left) volunteers her time, talent, and treasure to create a peaceful space where shelter guests like Christine (right) can experience calm and creativity.

We are grateful for Julie. She is an inspiring witness to how sharing your heart and passion to uplift others through encounter and accompaniment can make a positive impact.

When you support St. Vincent de Paul Society in Dayton – as a volunteer, donor, employee, community partner, board member, prayer companion, or advocate – you make it possible for us to walk alongside women and families and provide meaningful encounters where they are seen, known, and loved. Thank you!