Ruben Ocampo has been a volunteer with St. Vincent de Paul for over 5 years and considers his work with SVdP to be a reflection of his own personal values.
“I want to give back to those less fortunate,” Ocampo says, “I can feel their weakness, their sorrows, and vulnerabilities. I am motivated to help them through their trials and tribulations.”
He can usually be found helping neighbors in need at the St. Joan of Arc Conference. Ruben was recruited by our dearly departed Dick Steineke, who was an active Vincentian as well as a mentor to Ruben, who considers him an inspiration.
In many ways, St. Vincent de Paul’s values have always been a part of who he is. “I’m very passionate about helping in any way I can,” Ruben says, “I want to learn how to use the resources of SVdP to meet the needs of individuals when they come to us.”
“I’ll never forget my first visit with a client,” he continued, “There I saw first hand the importance of what SVdP does- to provide food, shelter, comfort, and aid to people and help them learn to help themselves. But most importantly, there is hope. That is why I volunteer to visit with clients whenever I am available.”
Ruben is also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 9206 at St. Joan of Arc and regularly volunteers in any way he can to help raise money for the RotaCare Pittsburg Free Medical Clinic at St. Vincent de Paul, a free clinic for the uninsured, built and developed by St. Vincent de Paul, supported by local Rotary Clubs and located at the SVdP Family Resource Center in Pittsburg.
“It is a privilege to have been involved with other SVdP members visiting clients with various levels of needs as well as how important to know the resources available to help our clients. For this experience, I’m grateful to God for the added knowledge that became wisdom we can impart to those in need. So help me God.”