Let Your Light Shine is what each of us is called to do at St. Vincent de Paul Society, in Dayton. Employee Illuminations highlights dedicated employees who take this mission to heart and embody the love of Christ in their daily work.
Today we are humbled and honored to thank and celebrate Mike Goebel, LSW, LCDC III. Mike has faithfully served at St. Vincent de Paul for more than 16 years and oversees our three supportive housing ministries and Supportive Services for Veteran Families.
Mike Goebel receiving the Homeless Solutionary Award from Montgomery County’s Homeless Solutions Policy Board.
His role has grown and evolved over the years, but his purpose has remained the same: “I believe in the work that we do. I believe in the power of change. I believe in optimism. I believe in love and kindness. And I believe that those who are guided into our programs are the ones who need that the most.”
With genuine empathy, deep trust in God, thoughtfulness, an ability to see the best in everyone, and a gift for humor, he encounters each person God puts in his path with dignity and compassion. He sees each person where they are – a neighbor in need, an employee, a colleague, a community partner – and he responds to them with love.
His deep faith has only grown through his service, and his leadership inspires the rest of us every day to become better. Hear what his team and colleagues have to say about Mike:
“Witnessing Mike’s passion for serving those most difficult to serve is inspiring.” – Christine Hampton, CFO
“He has influenced me to look more at the person rather than looking at the problem. Mike’s empathy and ability to see the good in everyone is inspiring with the work that we do. Mike can see the light in the most difficult client.” – Dana Jones, DePaul Center Program Manager
“He sees people where they are, fights for the rights of those that we serve in love, and cares deeply about those he serves and the people he works with. He always sees the best in people, but especially when they can’t see the best in themselves.” – Brett Burns, Director of HR
“His care for others is evident in all that he does. He has helped me see that we can’t solve the whole system, but we can treat the person in front of us with dignity and care. The number of people who have been impacted by his work is hard to fathom – and the volume isn’t even the most impressive part; it is how he is able to make each person feel like they’ve been walked alongside in everything he does.” – Angie Grilliot, Executive Director
Thank you, Mike, for letting your light shine at St. Vincent de Paul! Your dedication and compassionate service inspire all of us to love one another better.