She was SVdP Indy’s first employee almost nine years ago. Since then, Darlene Sweeney has been a familiar face to all who volunteer at our facilities. Now, Darlene is taking on a new role and extending her outreach into a new area.
Front Line sat down with Darlene to reminisce about joining the organization and discuss what she hopes to accomplish in her new role as Communications Coordinator.
What made you interested in working with SVdP Indy?
“I wasn’t new to St. Vincent de Paul. Before I moved to Indianapolis, I was the volunteer director at SVdP South Bend for four years. After I moved and started looking for a job, I reached out to the Indianapolis Council. They had just put together a strategic plan that outlined that to grow and sustain, they needed to hire individuals for integral positions—one of those being a volunteer director. However, they weren’t ready to hire anyone when I first contacted them.”
So what did you do in the meantime?
“I kept job searching, but I also volunteered at SVdP Indy for every volunteer job they had. I figured that I needed to know what volunteer jobs I would eventually be recruiting for, so I kept coming back, and six weeks later, they were ready, and I got the job.”
How was the role in Indianapolis different?
“Of course, Indy has larger operations and a much larger geographic area that it serves, but otherwise, it was a natural transition from South Bend, and the job was a good fit. I was at a time in my life when I wanted to be in a job that allowed me to give back. I was able to do that in South Bend and here.”
What did you learn in your role as volunteer director?
“St. Vincent de Paul Indianapolis is the best-kept secret in town—I’m carrying that knowledge with me over to my new role. I want to change that and get more people involved in our mission.”
What volunteer accomplishment are you most proud of?
“The volunteer director role did not exist before me, so I’m proud of how I established the role and built relationships with schools, parishes and companies. Once most people volunteer with us, they’re hooked on our mission. I’m particularly proud of how the volunteer base has grown—today we have more than 7,000 people who volunteer every year—it’s just amazing!”
Tell us about your new role—what interested you in communications?
“I was ready for a new challenge—and like the volunteer role at the time, this position is new to the organization. I get to lay the foundation and establish a game plan. The communications coordinator role is also part-time, which is great for me at this point in my life. I have a new grandbaby, and I’d like more time for personal pursuits. This role gives me flexibility while allowing me to still be a part of the organization.”
What is your primary focus as SVdP’s first-ever communications coordinator?
“On the internal side, I’m focused on finding ways to better communicate with our Conference presidents so we can support them as they communicate with their parishes and members. Externally, I will be in more of an outreach role, trying to build more corporate relationships—for volunteerism and sponsorships. I’ll also help with the communication for the Love Your Neighbor 5K and the Summer Soiree.”
