Conversation with a Community Leader:
SVdP Bremerton Executive Director, Joe Crain
Produced by Leadership Kitsap for BKAT Bremerton-Kitsap Access Television. Hosted by David Walters.
SVdP Bremerton Board President, Lin Krell
REFLECTION: SERVANT LEADERSHIP
September 2024
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul espouses 7 cultural Beliefs, one of which is Servant Leadership: develop ourselves and others to become Servant Leaders. This quote from St. Vincent de Paul is one of my favorites and summarizes the spirit of Servant Leadership within the Society:
Those who serve in leadership roles within the Society endeavor to be servant leaders. They provide an encouraging atmosphere in which the talents, capacities and spiritual charism of the members are identified, developed and put to the service of the poor and the organization.
Vincent was always concerned about the growth of those he served. Vincent recruited ordinary people and asked of them extraordinary service. He looked for willingness and open hearts, and he always believed in them. He did not look for stars but grew them and encouraged them. Vincent knew the goodness in people’s hearts and called it forth. That is why the followers of St. Vincent de Paul are rooted in the desire to grow spiritually, respect and friendship with others, and in person-to-person service. He also believed that nothing of substance will ever happen in society unless people inside institutions are able to and want to perform better for the public good.
Our commitment is to model Servant Leadership and practice these characteristics in our everyday encounters with neighbors in need, our staff, volunteers, and all those who work with us and support our Mission. As Vincentians, we must always be aware of the impact of what we do both on those we serve and ourselves.
We now approach a new season, Fall, which typically means new beginnings for most of us: school, sports, changing weather patterns and the like. At the end of September, I will complete my term as President of the Conference of Our Lady Star of the Sea, an incredible six-year journey. As a Conference, we have envisioned new and expanded ways that we can serve our neighbors and community, continuing to model servant leadership in all that we can and will do. It has been my honor to serve you and work with our dedicated Conference Board, leadership team, staff, volunteers and donors. Thank you for your continuing dedication and service and for placing your faith and trust in me.
We pray for smooth transitions for our Conference and for each of you. May you find comfort in these further words of St. Vincent de Paul:
"All beginnings are somewhat strange; but we must have patience, and little by little, we shall find things, which at first were obscure, becoming clearer."
In service,
Lin Krell
Conference President
SVdP Bremerton Executive Director, Joe Crain
August Reflection
I have been exposed to the concepts of leadership throughout my career. Twenty of those years serving in the U.S. Navy. In the military one gets exposed to all forms of leadership styles- the good, the bad, the ugly. Over my 4 ½ year tenure here at SVdP, Bremerton, I can attest to our Board President’s remarks in reflection this month. Having two graduate degrees and an executive certificate in strategic leadership, Servant Leadership is by far the most impactful leadership style in one’s arsenal of organizational leadership. SVdP, Bremerton creates space for employees to learn, grow and perform. Felicia Kolhage Peterson stands out as a specific example for how aspiring leaders find a place to flourish here. We originally hired her as our Volunteer Coordinator in March of 2020. I met her for the first time in the donation drive-through passing out food boxes during the height of covid. She has experienced a few significant promotions, achieved higher levels of education and certification, and is now our Director of Finance and Human Services! I think St. Vincent de Paul would be very proud of her, as I know our board and I are very much.
We are excited for what Autumn brings to our conference. We are increasingly finding ways in which we may serve our community and meet the needs of those underserved in our region. From our current shelter operations to our campus revitalization, to our super fun Super Store on Wheaton Way! Watch this space for new ways you can get involved and serve. We will be announcing something very special at the end of October!
Consider donating to SVdP, Bremerton. Visit our website (see link below) to see how you can make a difference through the dynamic charity opportunities already established here at St. Vincent de Paul, Bremerton.
Our new Assistance Office location and self-shopping model does require additional volunteers to operate! Are you interested in joining our volunteer team? Consider joining us here at St. Vincent de Paul where we can show our commitment to love our neighbors as ourselves. Please give us a call at 360-377-2929 ext. 7
Keep up with what is happening here on our website: St. Vincent de Paul Bremerton (svdpbremerton.com)
Don’t forget to “Like” us on Facebook and now on Instagram: (1) Facebook, Instagram
Facebook is one of the easiest locations for us to announce large sales and post updates concerning donations so follow us there for updates!
Respectfully,
Joseph Crain
Executive Director
