Dennis’s Story

Driven to help others.

Dennis Ford is a very familiar face within Baltimore area St. Vincent de Paul parish conferences.  An energetic and passionate volunteer, he has served many leadership roles for the Baltimore Council, and as the conference president for his own parish conference at St. John’s Westminster.

In true Vincentian spirit, Dennis and his wife Gail never hesitate to step forward and help those in need in their local community.  But the Fords are quick to point out that they are just two of more than 73 volunteers at St. John’s SVDP conference.

The St. John’s group volunteers at a soup kitchen once a week, and they serve men and women in the Carroll County Detention Center by making weekly visits for fellowship and spiritual support.

Most of their energy and resources are devoted to their person-to-person service.  For two hours every weekday, anyone can walk in and ask for help with financial needs, food, or nearly anything.  SVDP volunteers are trained to help clients combine social services referrals with funding to help individuals and families in crisis remain stably housed with access to food and other supports.

The assistance is always generous in spirit – and is always aimed at helping people build self-sufficiency.