about us!
Early Years
- The conference in Newark was already established when Deacon Larry Wilson arrived in 2005.
- Leadership at the time included:
- Russell Robinson (President)
- Fr. Michael Reis (Spiritual Advisor)
- Fred Coe (Treasurer)
- After Fred Coe became ill and passed away, Larry Wilson stepped in as treasurer.
- Jane King is remembered for her dedication and for helping keep the conference alive.
Challenges & Faith
- Early budgets ranged from $10,000–$15,000 per year.
- Funds were raised through:
- Church door collections
- Passing the hat at meetings
- Finances were often tight, sometimes dropping to just a few hundred dollars.
- Despite this, the conference avoided debt and relied on faith—often receiving unexpected help when needed.
growth & stability
- A second collection at Sunday Mass significantly improved financial stability.
- The conference continued to grow through:
- Generosity of parishioners
- Strong faith and perseverance
- The ministry reflects a long tradition of service supported by God’s providence.
Community involVEMENT
- Participation in the Walk for the Poor in Columbus:
- Provided financial support
- Strengthened connections with other conferences
- Ongoing collaboration within the wider SVdP community.
outreach efforts
- The Giving Tree program helped provide for families in need.
- Even without a parish base today, members continue to:
- Serve the poor
- Support the local community
- Keep the mission alive
moving forward
- The conference continues to serve the Newark and Heath areas.
- It is part of a broader organization that supports:
- Thrift stores
- A homeless shelter
- The spirit of service remains strong thanks to dedicated members.