The Good Samaritan March 2017

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St. Vincent de Paul Louisville

March 2017

All Things Are Possible Program Rooted in the ‘Physicality of Faith’ Appeals to St. Vincent de Paul Clients Seeking Self-Improvement and Spiritual Awareness In colorful leggings, fleece jackets and bright sneakers, the participants gathered in the Family Success Center (FSC) on a recent winter weeknight. Although the sun had already set outside, and temperatures were below freezing, the St. Vincent de Paul clients and volunteers were eager for their outdoor run. RunPossible is the name of the program that brings together several dozen SVDP clients, plus about 14 volunteers, to the FSC gym each Tuesday evening. A “sharing circle,” in which participants hold hands to form a circle, opens each session on a reflective note. Many of the participants are in recovery from substance abuse. They take turns voicing gratitude for blessings received over the previous week, share small victories or big milestones, or they may ask for thoughts and prayers from the collective group.

physicality of faith,” Latimer said. Its purpose is to promote physical activity, provide nutrition education, and to foster healthy mentorship to individuals facing homelessness and addiction recovery, she added. KY Yoga Initiative and Fleet Feet Louisville provide gear and other incentives as a way to get people interested in the program and committed to increasing their physical activity. “Participants can earn t-shirts, water bottles, running shoes, sports bras, and more by walking or running at least a half a mile each week,” Latimer says. RunPossible is open to women as well as to men and youths. In addition to walking and running, Friday Zumba or yoga classes, and Bible studies are other options available to our clients. All are offered at no cost.

“I love this,” said one young woman, a recovering addict and current client in our St. Jude Women’s Recovery Center. “I look forward to it. This is my favorite thing that we do all week.” Ryan Althaus of Sweaty Sheep Ministries approached SVDP several years ago about offering a therapeutic walking/running outreach here for homeless shelter clients. Althaus’s colleague, Lacey Latimer, now oversees RunPossible at SVDP with a simple mission: “Sweaty Sheep Ministries is an inclusive community rooted in recreation and the RunPossible Coach Lacey Latimer


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